Big & Modern Macedonian Wedding– Natasa & Jason

Jase & Tash

Bride’s Maiden Name: Natasa (Natasha) Lukic

Occupation: Account Manager

Groom’s Full Name: Jason Ploeg

Occupation: Carpenter

Contact Email: natasa.lukic@realestate.com.au

Wedding Date: 23rd September 2017

How many guests? 190

Wedding Budget (Optional): 80,000

The Team

Wedding feature thanks to: Giant Invitations http://giantinvitations.com.au
Dress: Enzoani with alterations https://www.enzoani.com/
Veil: Rosa & Marys Bridal
Makeup: Tanielle Jai MUA
Hair: Evalyn Parsons Hair
Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Accessories: Mimco
Bridesmaids Dresses: Jadore from White runway
Groom’s Suit: Male Manor
Groomsmen Suit: Male Manor https://malemanor.com.au/
Cake: Studio Cakes
Food: Moda Events
Flowers & Event Styling: Stylised http://stylised.com.au
Photographer: Pelizzari http://www.pelizzariphotography.com.au/
Ceremony Venue: Newstead Park & The Macedonian Orhodox Church, Newfarm
Reception Venue: Moda Events Portside https://www.modaevents.com.au/
Entertainment: GM Events & Macedonian Band
Celebrant: Michelle Anderson
Transport: Mercedes C200 & Chrysler Limos
Wedding Favours: Engraved stemless wine glasses

The Details

How did you and your partner meet?
We met through mutual friends whilst attending a music festival on the Gold Coast.

How did he propose?
Jase surprised me when I arrived home from a week long work trip. He surprised me with flowers and made the room look amazing. He prepared a will you marry me tick a box (I had told him how cute I thought it was in school when boys would pass around notes to ask a girl out and include a tick a box at the bottom) so he made sure I got to tick yes for last time!!

Length of Engagement?
1 year- together 5 years

What do you love most about your partner?
He is the most genuinely caring man- sometimes he thinks he covers this up but you can see it in his eyes every day.

What’s your most important piece of advice for creating and maintaining a strong relationship?
Talk to each other and be real. Too many people speak to everyone else but their partners about how they feel when that is the person they should go to first.

Tell us about your wedding gown and how you chose it.
I loved so many gowns but I was forever drawn to anything with a hint of colour outside the usually whites and ivory. The lace was intricate and detailed and the exposed boning and buttons perfection.

Did you do a ‘first look’ before the ceremony?
No, we had so much going on bringing together a traditional wedding with Macedonian cultural wedding. Plus, I wanted Jase to see me for the first time walking down the aisle.

What sort of style did you envision for your wedding day?
I wanted a soft romantic style with punches of glam. Charlie for Stylised made this happen combining Grey and Gold to perfection.

How did you come to choose the location and venue?
Coming from a big family I have been to so many weddings in Brisbane and Jase and I wanted ours to be different so we chose a location that not only suited our style but was one that we hadn’t been to before.

Did you have any symbolic gestures during your ceremony i.e. a hand-fasting, candle ceremony, wine ceremony or something else?
We had a many of these elements in the Macedonian ceremony including; the crowning, ring & wine and first steps as husband and wife wrapped together with a beautiful piece of chiffon.

Did you have a wedding party? Did they do anything special during the ceremony?Nothing special- My sister Branka Lukic as MOH, Cousin Katrina Bogoevski & Best friend Jessica Millman

Were any of your guests involved in the ceremony in any way?
Godparents Brad & Jacinta Ploeg

How did you enter your wedding ceremony? (Accompanied? Together? Solo?)
With my step dad for the traditional ceremony and with Jason for the church ceremony.

What made you choose the type of ceremony that you had?
We chose to do both as having a traditional ceremony was important to me and I didn’t want Jase to miss out on a wedding as he knows it.

Describe the cake (including the flavors) and cake topper
The wedding cake was a simply designed 4-tiered cake with brushed gold accents and 2 large white magnolia style flowers. We had 2 different flavours a white chocolate caramel tier and an almond & coconut mud which we served the following day at my parent’s place.

What flowers did you use in the bouquet and at the venue?
Cream blooms mixed with abundant greenery

How did you choose your table décor?
Grey and gold theme- Charlie went to great lengths to source the table cloths in a beautiful grey that matched the bridesmaids’ dresses.

What was the menu for the reception?

Entrees

Pork belly

Pork belly, seared scallop, cauliflower puree, 5 spice sauce

Moroccan, Spatchcock supreme

Moroccan, Spatchcock supreme, pumpkin puree, pepitas, petit salad

Mains

Fillet of beef

Fillet of beef, garlic mashed potato, sweet corn salsa, and red wine jus

Breast of chicken

Breast of chicken, parmesan polenta, roast onion, chorizo, salsa Verde

Dessert

Sticky date pudding

Sticky date pudding, ripple ice cream, vanilla sauce

Ice Cream Sandwich

Ice cream sandwich, marshmallow and praline.

Tea & Coffee

What were your favorite moments from the day?
The super excited feeling of getting ready with my girls and my mum in the morning, reading a letter from Jase in the morning, seeing him as I walked down the aisle and off course partying the night away.

Name your wedding soundtrack (aisle entrance & exit, reception entry, first dance songs)
Isle entrance was Angels by The XX- First dance- XO John Mayer (Beyonce cover)

Any DIY décor elements?
No

Any sentimental personal touches?
No

What was the biggest splurge of the day?
Wedding Stylist

Where did you go on honeymoon?
Europe- Barcelona, Paris, Rome, Florence & Berlin

Any tips that you can give to future brides?
Start planning early

If you could sum up your wedding in one sentence, how would you describe it?
Perfect would do it again in a heartbeat!!

Debbie + Felix’s Golden Beach Romance Wedding!

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Our love story goes a little something like this…

Over 12 years ago Felix and I met on a church altar, as he was introduced to me as my new guitar player for a group I was in. (He told me that, I don’t remember lol) We went on to being friends and meeting up occasionally because we had a lot of mutual friends.

Felix says that I stood him up one night (for what was suppose to be our first official date), lol…very true. Because of that, we didn’t speak for a while. Fast forward 5 years, we found a mutual interest, House of Cards. We set up a time to watch it and hang out (the new season was said to be released in 4 months…bummer).

Later that week, we decided to hang out before the season would air. At that time, we haven’t seen each other in 4 months!! We went out, I was on crutches and he was so proud to be with me and my broken foot. I knew it was real from then. That was the official part of the introduction of our love story.

He proposed in Puerto Rico and we got married there as well. Choosing Puerto Rico as our destination wedding location was easy! Puerto Rico is beautiful, rich in culture, rich in activities and the FOOD AMAZING! It was fun, creative, filled with love and epic! One weekend filled with three epic days of activities. From ATV’s, to street fairs, to a large catered dinner at Raices, to the Bacardi Factory tour every detail was carefully thought out. My husband and I even rented a van to keep the traveling parties together (we even tried some singalongs). We created epic pieces like our guest globe and our mad-libs for the guest to share their blessings/date tips with us. The Mr & Mrs sign was a special project that we worked on together as well. It was simple, cute and fun! This Professional DIY Wedding was one for the books!

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Jessica + Arek’s Elegant Yellow Wedding at Wadsworth Mansion

For their big day, Jessica + Arek incorporated wine corks (for their mutual love of wine) and honored Arek’s Polish heritage by including Polish traditions. Captured by the lovely Michelle Girard Photography, their summer wedding at the beautiful Wadsworth Mansion was an elegant affair with lots of white & yellow.

Although there aren’t that many big DIY projects present in this elegant modern wedding, Jessica + Arek made sure to personalized as much as they can. They personalized beer mugs for groomsmen and hoodies for bridesmaids. They incorporated Arek’s Polish heritage into the decorations by using empty Polish liquor bottles as vases as well as adding a Polish Ritual for Health and Peace into their ceremony. As mentioned, the couple’s mutual love for wine is displayed using wine corks as decoration in vases as well as on reception tables. They also put together really simple and elegant center pieces by only using wine glasses and candles.

My favorite part of Jessica + Arek’s elegant wedding was the “First Looks”. There was the “First Look” with Jessica and her father, and then the “First Look” with Jessica + Arek. Michelle Girard captured perfectly how the men were just stunned by how amazing Jessica looked.

Congratulations to Jessica + Arek!!

Photographer: Michelle Girard Photography//Wedding Date:08.17.2013//Dress Store: Bridal Heirlooms//DJ:CNT Entertainment//Floral Designer: Dandelions //Makeup Artist: Makeup Artistry by Liz//Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Modern Formals//Dress Store: Pearl Bridal Boutique//Reception Venue: Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Jessie + Ruben’s Glittery Purple Wedding Extravaganza

On this lovely Friday, we’re featuring a sparkly wedding that will sure warm your heart. Captured by Carrie Wildes Photography, the bride Jessie DIY and personalized many aspects of her and Ruben’s wedding with lots of purple rhinestones… simply because, well, she loves everything purple and sparkly! The couple’s affections for purple, sparkly things, Mets (Ruben’s!), and their kids are apparent on their wedding day.

“When Ruben proposed, one of the things he gave Jessie was a little heart with a tiny ring and their names on it. She added that to the stem on her bouquet. Jessie actually made her shoes by covering them in purple rhinestones!! She also made her favors (S’mores!), the glasses for the candles and her friend made her wedding cake”

What an amazing wedding cake! So regal and grand. I love all the little special moments, especially ones of Ruben and Jessie’s two sons. Family love is the theme here, and it is what makes this wedding oh-so-heartwarming. My favorite DIY for the wedding has got to be Jessie’s shoes. I cannot imagine the time and the meticulousness of it all for her to place individual rhinestones all over her heels!

Congratulations to Jessie + Ruben and wishing you both and your new family lots of love and happiness!

Photographer: Carrie Wildes Photography//Wedding Date:11.22.2013//Floral Designer: Flowers By Design//Hair Stylist: Lilis Weddings Makeup and Hair Styling Group//Caterer: palmetto club and puff n stuff catering//Caterer: Puff N Stuff//Dress Store: The White Closet Co.//Reception Venue: TPepin’s Hospitality Centre//Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Courtney + Will’s Pretty in Pink Sewing Wedding

Today, we are bringing you a super cutesy, melt-in-your-heart, and sweet wedding from Kate Bentley Photo. This gorgeous DIY/rustic/sewing-themed wedding came to us from Wisconsin and features origami cranes, homegrown herbs, paper hearts, and a wedding dress made by the bride. Courtney + Will are so adorable together, and with their awesome family and friends by their side, this wedding is just too pretty for you to miss!

As mentioned earlier, Courtney made her wedding dress that was short and cute and very perfect for her wedding. When she wasn’t sewing her dress, she was growing all the herbs she used to make her unique center pieces. And can I just say, how awesome were the copper cans? Instant rustic-glam effects!

Obviously, Courtney + Will could not have pulled off this dreamy wedding without help. The beer served were made by their friends, and all the beautifully folded origami cranes were by Will’s mother. I love how by using different paper patterns, the cranes were all unique. One of my favorites were the pair that were used as cake toppers! Oh, and the cake was made by a dear friend of Courtney’s.

This sweet sewing-themed DIY wedding is filled with laughter, love, and creativity. I love their use of colors (I maaaay be slightly biased towards pink!), their way of doing “here comes your bride”, and all the sewing-related items that tied everything together. Courtney + Will are a fun-loving couple, and their wedding is a perfect extension of their personalities.

Congratulations to Courtney + Will!

Photographer: kate bentley photo//Wedding Date:08.17.2013//Event Venue:Emerald Ridge Outdoor Weddings//Floral Designer:Jennifer Joyce Design//Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Debora + Kyle’s Lovely Date Night Engagement Shoot

We’re featuring a gorgeous couple’s “Lovely Date Night” engagement session on this lovely Saturday. Shot in the midst of winter this year in Maryland, Debora + Kyle’s love and natural ease with each other was showcased beautifully by Daysy Photography. Can’t wait to see how beautiful their wedding will be!

Photographer: Daysy Photography//Other Location: Frederick Historic Downtown//Shoot Date:02.02.2014//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Dawn + Dan’s Sweet Summer Wedding in Virginia

Today’s wedding is a sweet mix of traditional, rustic, and romance. Lauryn of Lauryn Galloway Photography did a wonderful job capturing all the small sweet and darling moments throughout Dawn + Dan’s summer Southern wedding in Virginia. Using a romantic palette of dark grey, yellow, and fuchsia pink, their family and friends all pitched in their time and talent to decorate their day.

My top favorite details of the day: Tissue pom-poms and paper lanterns stranded with lights and hung all over the reception area; Rustic details on the ceremonial mantle that acted as the backdrop. Every single little detail, like the fuchsia rosettes adorned on the “love always” wedding banner, tied all colors together and just added that little something extra and different.
Thank you so much to Lauryn Galloway Photography and Dawn + Dan for sharing such a lovely wedding with us. It is a perfect combination of traditional, rustic, and modern at the same time!

Congratulations Dawn + Dan!!!
Photographer: Lauryn Galloway Photography//Wedding Date: 08.24.2013//Venue: Cloverdale Barn//Caterer: Shaffer’s Catering//Floral Designer: Bluebells//Doughnuts: Marker Miller Orchards//Music: The DJ Connection//Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Sara + Nick’s Intimate Soiree at Lord Jeffery Inn

We’re kicking off the first wedding of the month by featuring a super intimate soiree at the Lord Jeffery Inn, starring Sara + Nick. Michelle of Michelle Girard Photography did an incredible job of encapsulating all the charming and romantic details. With palette of orange and pink, Sara filled the space with lots of warm colors and candles.

The Inn’s library was the perfect setting for Sara + Nick’s intimate ceremony. The fire in the fireplace and the candles filled the room and created a warm and inviting environment. Sara also continue the theme by having candles and lights all over the reception, making it super romantic. Though she had a few mini DIY touches to complete her wedding, my favorite DIY element were the center pieces that Sara created for the tables (Is she a pro?!)
How cute was the First Look? I think it’s a superb idea (and great photo opportunity!) to include family/wedding party. I totally love that for Sara + Nick, their wedding party had a “sneak peek” for one of the big moments of the day. And the look on Nick’s face when he saw Sara? SWOON. Just exactly what every woman dreams of when the love of her life looks at her. Major bonus points there, Nick!

Sara + Nick did not need to DIY every aspect of their wedding to make it romantic, warm, and literally, filled with lots of love. And did I mention I *heart* their wedding cake & the “we do” cake topper and the map of hearts “guest book”? Congratulations to you both!!!

Photographer: Michelle Girard Photography//Wedding Date: 09.01.2013//DJ:And The Beat Goes On//Floral Designer: Forget me not Florist//Bakery: Greggory’s Pastry Shop//Tuxedo and Mens Attire:Joseph A. Banks//Reception Venue: Lord Jeffery Inn//Hair Stylist: Salon Herdis //Dress Store: The Bridal Barn & Tux Shoppe//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Bianca + Rosie’s Peacock Wedding

For Bianca and Rosie’s summer wedding in Washington, DC, they handcrafted most of their items that made their day oh-so-special. The couple’s small, super intimate affair was big on capturing their love for each other, and of course, their DIY talents. Their photographer Holly Graciano did a superb job of catching all the little private moments Bianca and Rosie had throughout the day that really would make anyone smile.

Bianca and Rosie DIY most of the details: The bouquet, boutonnieres, hair pieces, programs, hand-embossed cards, gift bags, “bride” and “wifey” lettering on the robes, and the “love” box that they locked during the ceremony. The box, containing letters written to each other as well as a bottle of wine, is to be open on their first anniversary.

From the photographer:

“They had their emotional first look at The DuPont Circle Hotel, followed by an afternoon ceremony at Chelsea Gardens that was officiated by Tiffany Newman. Because their wedding was such an intimate affair without attendants, we had lots of time for photos at Meridian Hill, before meeting their guests for dinner at Lincoln restaurant.”
Wondering what the finger mustaches were about? They were temporary ‘stache tattoo that everyone wore on their fingers in honor of the real tattoo that Bianca wears on her finger. How cool!
Photographer: Holly Graciano Photography//Wedding Date: August 24, 2012//Location: Washington, DC, USA//Officiant: Tiffany Newman//Ceremony Site: Chelsea Gardens//Restaurant: Lincoln Restaurant//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Super Love- A Creative Styled Shoot

We featured a fun Real Weddings a couple of days ago where the clever bride crafted a superhero themed get-ready room for the groom and groomsmen. Today, I’m featuring a styled shoot chuck full of great ideas for any Superman lovers out there OR for anyone with red and blue as their main colors. This Superman-inspired styled shoot that the photographer Christine Picheca and wedding planner/stylist Dawn Fillion are sharing with us today called it their “Super Love” shoot. They, along with their talented team of vendors in Ontario, Canada, want to showcase that a couple can be creative, fun, and whimsical, and keep it classy and elegant all the way. They have SO much details going on, I LOVE it!

Where do I begin? SO MUCH DETAIL! The invitation suite is fun and looks like it came straight out of the comics. I absolutely adore the centerpieces of blue hydrangea and red roses. The florist did an incredible job of somehow creating these centerpieces without looking like they’re celebrating Independence Day. Hydrangea and roses are ubiquitous in weddings and these particular types wouldn’t make any budget conscious brides cringe.

The Event planner Dawn Fillion from I Do’s by Dawn was on top of all the Superman details ensuring it created the perfect blend of geek chic. The Superman/Clark Kent painted shoes, the “Super Love” sign, the “Cootie Catcher” Menus and the super-duper adorable sign on the dog were all her inspiration and were created and designed by Carla Tilt of Tilted Shoes and Olga Loeffen of Defining Moments Stationary.
This is definitely one of the best themed style-shoot I’ve seen! From the gorgeous center pieces and bouquet designed by Christine Owen of Settings Design Stylist, to the invitation suite, Dawn Fillion didn’t leave anything to chance. It’s so beautifully styled and incorporated details with so much talent that anyone can be inspired from something in here. I can’t wait to see if one of you will use it in your own engagement shoot/wedding!
Photographer: Christine Picheca Photography//Styled Date: October 12, 2013//Event Planner/Styler/DIY:Dawn Fillion of I Do’s by Dawn: Think Geek, Be Chic//Model(Groom): Damian//Model & Make-up: Ashley//Bride’s Hair: Chelsea’s Hair & Aesthetics//Bride’s Shoes: Carla Tilt of Tilted Shoes//Bride’s Dress & Necklace: She’s So Beautiful//Cake Designer: Mandy Arsenault of Baby Cakes Inc.//Stationary and All Things Paper: Olga Loeffen of Defining Moments Stationary//Museum:Dundurn Castle//Floral Designer/Candy Buffet: Christine Owen of Settings Design Stylist//Submitted via Two Bright Lights