Friends’ weddings are always uniquely special to me. Designing flowers for people I know well adds an extra layer of emotion, and working on Lauren and Olly’s Harbour Room wedding was a true honour.
Because I knew them personally, I was lucky to have an innate sense of their taste and vision. They wanted their flowers to feel fresh, fun, romantic and sophisticated with a subtle beachside influence that reflected their beachside Melbourne lifestyle. The Harbour Room in St Kilda, overlooking the bay and the city skyline, became the perfect setting to bring it all to life.
A Buttonhole to Begin
The morning began with quiet anticipation as the finishing touches were added. I carefully pinned a buttonhole on Olly, a detail that symbolised the start of the celebration. Small yet significant, it connected him to the floral story that would unfold throughout the day.
The Bridal Bouquet
Lauren’s bouquet captured the essence of their chosen colour palette of silvers, charcoals and ivory whites softened with fragrant roses and dahlias, and accented with playful pops of yellow billy buttons. Silver suede foliage added a modern texture, grounding the design in the season. The bouquet was fresh, joyful and contemporary, much like Lauren herself.
A Joyful Entrance Sets the Scene
When Lauren stepped out of the wedding car, bouquet in hand, her laughter said it all. Surrounded by family and friends, her happiness radiated in that moment and the flowers seemed to glow against the autumn light.
Anticipation at the Ceremony
Outside on the 'Rooftop', the bridal party lined up in anticipation, awaiting Lauren’s arrival. The soft tones and yellow pops of their bouquets complemented the day’s palette, while the atmosphere in the room built toward the moment everyone had been waiting for.
Exchanging Vows
Lauren and Olly exchanged their vows surrounded by floral arrangements designed to enhance the intimacy of the moment. Sumptuous layers of roses, garden blooms and seasonal foliage framed the couple, adding beauty and softness to their heartfelt words.
A Reception in Bloom
The Harbour Room reception continued the floral story with settings that carried the same fresh palette. Tables were styled with elegant arrangements of roses, hydrangeas and dahlias, accented again with vibrant yellow details. The florals gave the room an uplifting yet refined atmosphere, perfectly matching the couple’s brief of fun, romance and sophistication.
A Wedding to Treasure
Designing Lauren and Olly’s Harbour Room wedding flowers was both a personal and professional joy. Their trust allowed me to create freely, and their colour palette brought new energy to the room. For me, it was an unforgettable celebration of love, laughter and friendship.
Kate x
