Olivia and Parris reunite with family at laidback Carlton Gardens + Harlow Bar wedding

“Anybody who knows us knows we are ‘big picture’ people rather than focusing on the finer details, and I feel like that translated to our wedding.”

Olivia and Parris’s Carlton Gardens and Harlow Bar wedding felt more like a family reunion with vows — and that’s just the way they liked it.

The Melbourne high school sweethearts traded Byron for Melbourne so they could get hitched in a hurry once covid restrictions eased. Within four months, their once-postponed November 26, 2021 wedding was planned for a pared-down guest list of 50, including Olivia’s parents who flew out from England.

“After two years of lockdowns and being separated from everybody, I realised that our guests wouldn’t notice if our table runners were the right shade of blush or what quality of paper the invitations were printed on,” says Olivia. “They cared about being together again, dancing and eating good food, and being able to hug their loved ones. So it became more important to us that the wedding felt fun and cosy and simple, rather than perfecting the small things.”

Still, Olivia and Parris’ simple, laidback wedding was not without style. Thrive Flowers & Events created the most romantic circular arch, filled with a bevvy of fresh pink blooms. Once the Carlton Gardens outdoor ceremony concluded, the team from Thrive escorted the masterpiece to nearby Harlow Bar where it was adorned with a bright neon sign to make one statement photo prop.

Parris’ navy blue Institchu custom suit balanced out the feminine hues beautifully and Olivia’s understated satin slimline gown from Fairytales Bridal Boutique was the epitome of ‘less is more.’

Olivia even designed a rocking bridal jumpsuit to change into for the roaming reception, complementing the edgy aesthetic of Harlow Bar’s exposed brick walls and plaid carpet.

We booked the Carlton Gardens’ lawn which is bracketed by gorgeous trees and has the Exhibition Building as a backdrop. We had a beautiful circular arbour decorated in pink and white flowers with greenery, and a gorgeous pink Persian-style rug for Parris and I to stand on. We used the private function room at Harlow Bar; it had its own private bar, a lovely charcuterie table, canapes being served throughout, as well as a delicious donut bar. There was a great space for dancing, as well as cocktail tables and couches scattered about. If we could do it over again the exact same way, we would!

Olivia & Parris

This simple laidback wedding was captured beautifully by Bec Conroy Photography.

Olivia’s simple satin slimline wedding gown from Fairytales Bridal Boutique was a Jack Sullivan design.

“Our main floral piece was the circular arbour, it was stunning. Thrive Flowers transported it for us to Harlow Bar after the ceremony so guests could use it as a backdrop and we hung an incredible neon sign from it.”

Parris’ custom navy Institchu suit was paired with a burgundy tie and pocket square and tan leather shoes.

Photos courtesy of Bec Conroy Photography.

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