Lauren and Hass’s Melbourne wedding

A Special Connection

It was extra special for me to be part of Lauren and Hass’s big day—not just because it was such a spectacular Melbourne wedding, but because I’ve known Lauren’s family for years. Her mum, Josephine, is the creative force behind Romeo Bastone Couture, and someone I’ve had the pleasure of working with many times in the wedding world. Seeing Josephine beam with pride as her daughter walked down the aisle in a custom gown she helped create? Pure magic.

Lauren’s wedding dress was a gorgeous nod to tradition with a modern twist—combining elements of her mum’s classic bridal look with a fresh, contemporary edge. And she didn’t stop there. Josephine also designed the entire bridal party’s outfits: rich satin burnt orange dresses for the bridesmaids, and dreamy white gowns for the flower girls. The colour palette was perfection—elegant, warm, and beautifully complemented by the lush floral styling from  Las Flores Melbourne which tied everything together with texture and tone in all the right ways. Amanda Audrey Hair and Lenada Make Up completed their look.

For the guys, Opal Formalwear nailed the classic styling brief in black and white.

The Wedding Ceremony

After arriving at the ceremony location, Kooyong, in limousines from the best in the business, Enrik Limousines, the live music from the Wedding Singer set the tone from the get-go; warm, joyful, and full of heart. It created the most gorgeous atmosphere for these two lovebirds to soak up every second.

Emotions and laughs encapsulated the ceremonial moments as we involved many family members and friends, experienced all the feels and the children received their certificates at the conclusion, to celebrate their involvement.

Their Love Story

Lauren and Hass met through work. Lauren got to know Hass through a few phone calls. They hadn’t met in person, but they got along really well over the phone, which led to Hass asking Lauren out for a drink back in August 2017.

Lauren’s first impression of Hass was his personality. When she met him in person, his smile and personality gave her butterflies. Lauren’s disposition and the flow of their conversation impressed Hass. They hit it off and have never looked back.

For their first date, Lauren and Hass went for a drink at Howler in Fitzroy, where they got to know each other better. In these early stages of dating, Hass was very respectful towards Lauren, and he appreciated Lauren’s independence. It made a great impression.

It was a trip to Lorne when they knew it was love. Hass took Lauren out of her comfort zone on a camping trip and made her realise how much she loved the great outdoors and camping, especially with him. It was also when Hass gazed into Lauren’s beautiful big, brown eyes and knew he was smitten.

In Launceston, Tasmania, Hass proposed to Lauren in June 2023.

Lauren describes Hass as respectful, loving and handsome. She loves his smile, personality, and his always knowing when to make her laugh.

Hass describes Lauren as attractive, cute and funny. He loves their similar interests, her kindness and ‘travelust’. Hass has taught Lauren what it means to love someone and start a future with them, and Lauren has taught Hass to be patient and enjoy the little things in life.

Together, they love travelling and going on adventures, as well as watching the TV show Friends. Communication, respect, and compromise will feature in their marriage.

Lauren looks forward to calling Hass her husband and creating memories with each other. For Hass, it’s a time to start a new chapter in their lives as a married couple. They can’t wait to start a family and share a lifetime of experiences together and, as of today, that will be as husband and wife.

Readings

A wonderful way to include family or guests in your ceremony is to ask them to deliver a reading, and Lauren and Hass choose two, including this one. But remember, ensure your readers have the confidence to speak engagingly in public!

The Bridge Across Forever, Damian

A soul mate is someone who has locks that fit our keys, and keys to fit our locks. When we feel safe enough to open the locks, our truest selves step out and we can be completely and honestly who we are; we can be loved for who we are and not for who we’re pretending to be. Each unveils the best part of the other. No matter what else goes wrong around us, with that one person we’re safe in our own paradise. Our soul mate is someone who shares our deepest longings, our sense of direction. When we’re two balloons, and together our direction is up, chances are we’ve found the right person. Our soul mate is the one who makes life come to life.

Post Ceremony

After the ceremony, Lauren and Hass were all smiles as they celebrated with their crew with hugs, cheers and that just-married glow. The incredible team from APL Photography snapped every magic moment with their signature flair, capturing the couple, their families and wedding party in all their glory. Then it was off to The Trust Melbourne for one seriously stylish reception, where the party kicked on well into the night.

If you’re planning your own Melbourne wedding and want a fun and freakin’ fabulous celebrant who’ll help you create a ceremony that feels like you—I’d love to hear from you.

Get in touch with me HERE and let’s make some magic!

Suppliers

Photographer:APL Photography

Florals: Las Flores Melbourne

Dresses: Romeo Bastone Couture

Hair & Makeup:Amanda Audrey Hair and Lenada Make Up

Suits: Opal Formalwear

Entertainment: Wedding Singer

Venue: Kooyong

Reception: The Trust Melbourne