Cherie and Sharif’s modern romantic cocktail wedding at Guildhall Fremantle

A secret workplace attraction grew into something undeniable for this West Australian couple ahead of a gorgeous industrial cocktail wedding in Fremantle.

Cherie and Sharif’s trip down the aisle was the second within a year after they’d celebrated an intimate Islamic wedding at their engagement party 11 months earlier.

The former Perth colleagues kept their work relationship on the down-low for 18 months, but their connection was soon plainly obvious. Sharif proposed at Cherie’s family home, all her family were in on it, except for her; the surprise unfolded perfectly.

From a proposal at home to a wedding all about home — the couple sought a venue with a special connection to the place they’ve made a life for themselves — Fremantle. They chose as many local vendors as possible, which now, whenever they pass by, is cause for a smile.

Guildhall is an eclectic heritage event space in North Fremantle that ticked many boxes for the couple. The mix of distinct spaces, including a charming white-washed courtyard, meant both an indoor and outdoor experience and their ceremony and reception conveniently located all in one spot. The couple’s navy and rust mood board brought an earthy yet substantial quality to their rustic romantic vision.

Two months prior to the October 10, 2021 wedding with just under 80 guests, Cherie and Sharif held separate hen’s and buck’s parties on the same weekend, which they said gave them plenty of time to recover. On their wedding night, this camaraderie with their friends continued back at the hotel, which for them, was the ideal, albeit unconventional, way to end the night.

Our wedding flowed really well throughout the whole day. Our ceremony was out in the courtyard at Guildhall, we framed the window with our flowers to create a unique backdrop. We had a cocktail reception which worked so well for the space, allowed guests to mingle, chat, and dance; and make everything less formal. It also meant we didn’t have to do seating plans.

While we went to have photos after the ceremony, the drinks started flowing and a grazing board was available for guests to snack on until we got back. The courtyard transformed from the wedding ceremony to part of the reception space for speeches, the cake and then the dancefloor. Everything was so perfect, the food was amazing, and we honestly wouldn’t change a thing!

Cherie & Sharif

This modern romantic wedding was captured beautifully by Locksmith Photography.

“The flowers were stunning and so much more beautiful than I could have imagined or designed myself.”

Our florist Mel, from Vintage Milly, was incredible – very well priced, professional, creative and communicated very well. She created my bridal bouquet, the bridesmaids’ bouquets, boutonnieres, welcome sign foliage, welcome table arrangement, cake floral sprays, apothecary jar bouquets, ceremony window arch flowers, mum’s corsage, the bar floral installation and flower petal cones for the ceremony!

Cherie

“On the hanger, my dress didn’t jump out, but once I put it on, I was overwhelmed.”

My dress was the Adley by Madi Lane purchased from Luv Bridal. My bridesmaids were in tears but I still wasn’t sure if it was “the one”, I didn’t expect to choose this style. But once I finally received my custom made fit, it was perfect, and all of those doubts disappeared.

Cherie

“My bridesmaids and I changed into sneakers after our photos.”

Thank god we did! They came up great in the photos and allowed us to run around and have an absolute blast (and not worry about tripping over accidentally or after one too many margaritas).

Cherie

“We are so happy we decided to have a videographer.”

Our videographer was John from EJ Creative. He was so great to work with — he fit in seamlessly and was great value for money. He provided a 1-minute teaser within a couple of days and then a 5-minute highlight a few weeks later. We are so happy we decided to have a videographer as it was a last-minute decision.

Cherie

Photos courtesy of Locksmith Photography. 

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