Simone and Nick
“I’ve always been fascinated by the glamour and fashion of the 1800s and 1900s. We wanted to bring it all to life for one night, where our guests could truly experience this dream with us.”
In a world where elegance meets whimsy, Simone and Nick crafted a wedding celebration that merged the sophistication of Bridgerton with the grandeur of The Great Gatsby. Their journey began with a blind date destined to blossom into something extraordinary. the moment Simone laid eyes on Nick, she knew he was “the one.” Their wedding day, held at The Eveleigh at The Grounds, brought to life the glamour of the 1800s and 1900s with modern, romantic flair.
The Venue: The Eveleigh at The Grounds
“The moment we walked into The Eveleigh, tears filled my eyes. We looked at each other and knew this was where we’d have our wedding.”
For Simone, the choice of venue came long before the engagement. She had her heart set on The Eveleigh, a space at The Grounds that perfectly captured the aesthetic of her dream wedding. The venue reflected the timeless beauty she envisioned with its grand arches, vintage chandeliers, and a sweeping Gatsby-inspired staircase. The Eveleigh’s stunning architecture and vintage charm required little embellishment, but the couple’s thoughtful styling complemented the space perfectly. The atmosphere on the day exuded class, romance, and playful sophistication, which perfectly matched their theme.
“I‘ve never felt more beautiful in my life. The Intricate detailing caught the light beautifully, and the dress made me feel like the best version of myself.”
Simone’s wedding dress was a work of art. Designed by Marquise Bridal, The Cameron was everything she had ever dreamed of and more. Covered in delicate pearls, beading, and sequins, the gown shimmered beautifully as she moved. The strapless silhouette and flowing sleeves perfectly framed her décolletage, her favourite feature.
Bringing a Vision to Life: Whimsy, Romance, and Personal Touches
“Words of affirmation are our love language. We wanted each guest to know how much they meant to us, and hearing their joy through the audio guest book was unforgettable“.
Simone and Nick’s wedding day embodied whimsy and romance, drawing inspiration from the worlds of Bridgerton and The Great Gatsby. From the ethereal décor to the personalised messages for each guest, the couple paid meticulous attention to every detail, ensuring their personalities shone through. Simone’s veil was embroidered with “Til death do us part”—a touching nod to their vows, while custom messages for each of their 160 guests shared personal memories and affirmations. Entertainment played a significant role in creating a magical atmosphere. A live band featuring a saxophone player added a playful touch, while vintage chandeliers imported from Egypt adorned the bridal table, casting a soft, romantic glow over the evening.
Styling the Day: Inspired by a Cake
“Inspiration can come from the most unexpected places.”
For Simone, the colour palette and styling of the wedding were based on a cake she saw on Instagram. The pastel hues of apricot, lavender, blush pink, ivory, and pale green formed the foundation of their décor. From the elegant square-necked, satin rose gold bridesmaid dresses to the groomsmen’s classic black tuxedos; every detail echoed the “Bridgerton meets Gatsby” theme.
“We wanted the décor and bridal party outfits to feel classic, romantic and ethereal. The vintage chandeliers and pastel colours brought that vision to life.”
Simone’s Bridal Party in an array of romantic and ethereal attire.
Moments to Remember: From a whimsical Entrance to a Magical First Dance
“The musicians truly set the scene. Walking down the aisle to ‘It’s you, it’s you, it’s all for you’ pulled at everyone’s heartstrings.”
The day was filled with emotional and unforgettable moments, starting with Simone’s entrance down the aisle. She chose “Video Games” by Lana Del Rey, played by a strings ensemble with a harpist, creating a romantic atmosphere setting the entire day’s tone. Their first dance, a moment they were nervous about, became one of the most magical parts of the evening. The couple was surrounded by a haze-like smoke created by their pyrotechnics team, with delicate bubbles falling from the ceiling, allowing them to feel like they were in their little world.
“We were in our bubble. The pyrotechnics made it intimate, just him and I, while our guests watched from afar”.
The Journey: 18 Months of Planning
“It’s important to stay grounded and realistic and have fun with it. You’re planning a day that reflects your relationship, and that makes the process so special.”
Planning their wedding over 18 months allowed Simone and Nick to bring their vision to life without the pressure of time. Despite the inevitable challenges, such as budgeting and the overwhelming number of emails, the experience was filled with joy and creativity. The menu also reflected their Italian heritage, allowing them to enjoy their favourite dishes and cocktails with their guests. The Grounds team accommodated all of their requests, helping to create a day that was uniquely theirs.
Advice for Future Couples: Research, Passion, and Budgeting
“It’s important to stay open-minded.”
Simone’s advice for couples planning a grand and unique wedding is simple: research and be passionate. She emphasises the importance of visiting venues in person and balancing creativity with practicality, especially regarding budget.
“We emphasised three key areas – the bridal table, the grand staircase, and the king’s tables – so we could stay within budget without sacrificing the day’s magic.”
SOUND Advice from bride simone.
