By 
Josh and I had best friends who were siblings growing up, so we knew of each other. We properly met many years later in 2007 when my sister introduced us at George Bar in Parnell. Our instant sparks had us talking all night, and we dated that summer before ultimately heading in different directions overseas. Five years later, history repeated itself and we once again reconnected through my sister, this time at her farewell party. We haven’t been apart since!
We always knew we would have our wedding in Islington Bay where Josh’s family holds one of the historic Rangitoto Island baches. It’s a very special place to us as a couple and we feel there is a magical turn that happens on the island during the summer months.
We tried to pick a date with the highest possibility of sunshine! All the furniture/equipment for the wedding was hand-loaded onto a barge we had chartered, then it was all unloaded again and carried across the island to the venue. A lot of manual labour, so we knew good weather would make this so much easier.
I wanted my dress to reflect my style and be practical for the beach location. I saw a photo of a gown with 3D lace that looked like vines growing up the body. It was so elegant, I fell in love with it & had my dressmaker recreate it. It was a long, bell sleeve 3D lace gown, with a high-low removable train and mini skirt underneath.
Our wedding theme combined our own earthy bohemian sensibilities with the vintage 1920s feel of Rangitoto.
Our ceremony was under a long line of large trees, one of which we made into a “family tree” with black & white photos of our family & ancestors. Family is very important to both Josh & I.
We made baby’s breath & daisy boutonnieres with tiny keys attached that were pinned onto each guest when they arrived. A little part of my Bosnian culture as this is what you do at Bosnian weddings.
We were extremely lucky, there were wild storms on both sides of our wedding weekend, we had an incredible bunch of family and friends who did so much for us to set everything up and pack it down.
I wanted a natural hairstyle because my hair is naturally messy curly…. like beach hair all year long! I simply wanted to still look like myself and be comfortable as I knew we had a big day ahead in the elements.
There is no real vegetation allowed on the island so to keep my wildflower dream a reality I set off to find the most realistic wildflowers I could over a 2-year period. We wanted that natural and raw foliage kind of look found at Rangitoto, but with splashes of colour to reflect the season.
Our reception was held right on the water’s edge which was a must for us, and there was a flat grass area where we had our dining area setup too so it was perfect for what we wanted.
We had a picnic/cocktail style wedding with no seating plan. Everyone just mingled around the 10 beerfest tables and sat where they liked and so did we!
We had vegan canapés after the ceremony and a buffet selection for dinner. The food was all vegan to reflect our chosen lifestyle & it would have gone against both our personal ethics to have it any other way. I am a big cook so the food was chosen very carefully!
We had a 3 layer vegan lemon & raspberry cake with raspberry buttercream, freeze-dried raspberries and crushed pistachios made by The Caker.
Our good friend and DJ Mike Antonevich made us an amazing track of all our favourite songs that we had been collecting over 6 months before the wedding, plus some of his magic touch and a few banger Bosnian tracks in there too – it was so good!
Brides Gown: Megan at Ellisara Bridal; Hair: Kaz Elizabeth; Makeup: Kaz Elizabeth; Groom’s attire: Suits: Hallensteins, Linen shirts by Samuel Joseph, Shoes by ASOS; Groomsmen’s attire: suit by Hallensteins, Linen shirts: Samuel Joseph; Shoes by ASOS; Bridesmaid dresses: Frock & Frill; Bridesmaids’ shoes: Dayna Sandals; Bride’s accessories: Custom hair crown by Kathleen Barry; Bride’s shoes: ASOS; Bride and Groom’s rings: Bride: Vintage Emerald & Diamond Gold Ring | Groom: Stainless ring; Flowers: Silk flowers purchased in Aus & NZ & arranged by the bride; Cake: The Caker (vegan); Catering:Loaves & Fishes (vegan buffet); Stationery:Designed by the bride @SDesign | Printed by Pinc; Celebrant: Simon Reed; Music: Matt Stone (acoustic guitar) and DJ Mike Antonevich for dancefloor; Videography:Kathy Sanders Videography ; Photography:Enigma Photography:
