Karen Willis Holmes Blog: Real Weddings... Jeannie and John

Jeannie and John’s meeting is that of fate – being at the right place and the right time! Jeannie says, “I really believe our meeting was meant to be. I attended the last ever desperate and dateless ball in Melbourne some six years ago. I have never been to any such event and on my way out I met John.” Since then they have been inseparable and after asking Jeannie’s parents for their blessing - which meant so much to her parents, they were married on October 9^th, 2010.

Their wedding ceremony was held at St Eufthasios Greek Orthodox Church in South Melbourne with the reception at The Mansion Hotel and Spa at Werribee.

The Orthodox wedding ceremony was full or meaningful rituals and was performs in English and Greek. “Outside we were greeted with cheers and rose petals being thrown in the air. For me, seeing the smiles on the faces of family and friends made this part truly unforgettable.” For the day, Jeannie drew inspiration from look of old Hollywood glamour with the soft romance of pastel colours.

Like many of our brides, Jeannie’s friend had previously purchased her wedding dress from Karen Willis Holmes and it was when she was helping her friend Basia, that she first fell in love with the Melbourne store and the dresses. Jeannie looks stunning in the ‘Roberta’ gown featuring a ruched strapless corset bodice with a bias skirt with three ruffles on the hem.

“If it had not been for one very helpful staff remember at the Melbourne store I would not have tried on the Roberta gown. Ruffles weren’t my thing. Boy was I wrong. Ruffles were definitely me.”, says Jeannie.

She completed her look with the ‘Natalie’ Belt, which added some jewelled detailing reminiscent of the old Hollywood theme, as well as accented her silhouette. Accessories from Stephanie Browne, headpiece from Sassy Millinery, cathedral veil from Australian Wedding Veils and shoes by Alan Pinkus finished Jeannie’s gorgeous look.

Jeannie’s bridesmaids were dressed in gowns by Stellini’s while Godwin Charlie of Chapel Street made the groom’s suits.

It was a family affair with Jeannie’s best friends, brother-in-law, Jun Sawa capturing the day in these stunning pictures, while Basia created the beautiful bouquets and centerpieces for the wedding. The couple used stationery by Chic Creative and their wedding cake featuring three layers – chocolate, caramel, and white chocolate macadamia was made by Jenny Brown of JBees.

The couple used the band - Hollywood Zoo for their entertainment and ‘Dream a Little Dream’ by Doris Day was played for the couple’s first dance.