CHENAE+ELIAS
#&FLREALBRIDE FEATURE
THE PERNILLE
We are so in love with a whimsical wedding, and Chenae and Elias’s celebration epitomizes that laid back, romantic aesthetic we adore. The couple chose Merribee house in NSW, a perfect blend of farmhouse and botanical gardens, and decorated the venue with the most incredible flowers that made for a magical and ethereal vibe.
Chenae chose our modern off-the-shoulder PERNILLE gown, purchased from her long time friend Amy, owner of our Sydney boutique LOVE MARIE BRIDAL. Paired with a cathedral length veil and statement headband, this wedding is a lesson in modern romance.
The Deets:
Bride: Chenae
Groom: Elias
Photographer: Scott Surplice
Location + venue: Merribee (NSW Australia)
Bridal boutique: Love Marie Bridal
Accessories: Headband and Earrings (Lovisa)
Hair/makeup: Hair - Chelsea Taylor/ Makeup - Samantha Lee
Shoes: Billini
Cake: Ivory & Belle (this is my personal business)
Flowers: Bohemian Blooms
Describe you and your guy? How did you meet? Tell us your love story!
We met at work 7 years ago! We hit it off right from the start - he is the happiest person and everyone just gravitated towards him for his positive and kind soul. He just always had the biggest smile on his face and just oozed this happiness I've never seen before. I thought we were just great friends and didn't think anything of it ! Until one day he made his move while helping a friend move, and that's when I realised this was something more. We moved into together one month after dating and it was honestly the best decision I've ever made! We balance each other out - Elias is very calm and go with the flow nature and I love to be organised and plan ahead but it just works so perfectly. We love to spend most of our weekends outside, whether that's going for a walk, going to the beach or having a picnic in the park.
How did you know he was The One?
I think it was about 6 months after we moved in together. I remember speaking with my best friend about how it was going and I remember smiling and thinking about how happy he made me. Everything from the very beginning was very easy and felt so natural. Nothing was ever forced, not even the decision to move in together, we got the first and only place we applied for to rent! (What are the chances!!?) We always wanted to explore more together and experience new things that neither of us had done before and I think when you want to do so life together that's when I knew.
Describe yourself. What do you do? What is your regular street style?
I'm a visual merchandiser for a retail brand, I love being creative that's my happy place.
What is your regular street style?
It's hard to pin point as I dress depending on my mood ! I would say my main one would be bohemian comfort. The more oversized the better! And we LOVE a matching set.
What was bridal style vision?
I knew I wanted something with a sleeve from the very beginning, whether that be long sleeve or short sleeve, that I was most certain of. I envisioned having more simple dress but with subtle details, a dress in a lace fabric with a looser/ A-line skirt.
What made you fall in love with your &FL dress and where did you find it?
I saw the Pernille gown launch on your instagram page and I fell IN LOVE! I love the simplicity of the dress, the small subtle detail on the sleeves with the pearl buttons and the sleeves..... OH the sleeves! I couldn't get passed the sleeves. I got my dress from Amy at Love Marie Bridal. It was even more special as we have known each other for most of our lives so having her be there during this experience was amazing.
Describe your wedding - any inspiration or themes you were drawn to when planning? What was the vibe?
The two words we described to our florist/stylist was romantic and whimsical. We wanted our wedding to be intimate with our closest friends and family. We wanted the day to be filled with love, lots of laughter and for people to feel relaxed. We envisioned the candle scene in the Romeo and Juliet movie (with Leonardo Di Caprio). Jerin from Bohemian Blooms did not disappoint! She honestly took our breath away
Fave thing about your day? Any surprises?!
I have to say hands down, the moment the doors opened to the ceremony and I saw Elias for the first time. It was truly something so special that I will keep with me forever. It was special as I couldn't see any of the guests (There were green hedges that were like a fence almost) and they couldn't see me at that very first moment so we truly just had, what felt like a private moment looking at each other. I surprised Elias just before we cut our cake and had our first dance by changing into another dress - he was definitely surprised!
What does marriage mean to you?
Marriage is having that commitment to each other. Showing each other the love and support you having for one another. Committing that no matter what you will be there for each other, through the good and the bad.
What's the one piece of advice you could give to brides?
On the day - take it all in! Be in the moment with your family and friends, and just let everything be (don't sweat the small things that may not have gone to plan). I would also say to eat before the ceremony because trust me when I say you will barely have time to eat throughout the night!
Life post wedding means....
Getting used to calling each other hubby and wifey and to start planning our 2 month honeymoon to Europe next year!
Words by Chenae