Kirri and Joel switch sit-down for stand-up at cocktail wedding

With wedding plans threatening to spiral out of control, Kirri Veijalainen and Joel Crombie made a brave decision.

“Joel and I were planning a big, traditional wedding for September,” says the 26-year-old bride from Mount Cotton, Queensland. “I started to find the whole planning and cost of everything was getting out of control, so we changed our plans – moved our date and location.”

The couple brought their date forward giving them just three months to find new suppliers for their pared-back cocktail wedding held at rustic brewery, The Charming Squire, on June 11, 2016.

“It was the best thing we ever did, smiles Kirri. “Our wedding was still traditional with all the formalities, but we kept it casual with no fancy sit-down meal.”

Kirri and Joel, 29, had a first-look by the pool of their hotel, and photographs along Southbank, before exchanging vows in a private room of the South Brisbane brewery. Then they headed straight into the reception, where 90 guests were served canapes and small meals they could eat standing up.

“Once everyone was fed we were up on the dance floor,” says Kirri.

“A lot of people have said it was so ‘us’ and it was one of the best weddings they have ever been to. We had a fantastic night!”

Photos courtesy of Life in Bloom Photography.

Erin of EJR Designs created dreamy invitations featuring watercolour floral print. “She did a fantastic job,” praises the bride.

Joel’s casual attire was perfect for the brewery setting, teaming taupe chinos with a navy blazer and – blue suede shoes!

The simplified cocktail wedding called for a simplified gown. “My first one was from a [traditional] bridal store but we changed everything so I wanted a new dress,” Kirri says.

“I wanted a white and green ‘organic’ freshly-picked bouquet,” describes Kirri, “and for the bridesmaids, stunning corsages.”

“We made our own backdrop for the ceremony, three hoops wrapped in green vines with hanging glass spheres with candles,” says Kirri of their DIY efforts.

Kirri and Joel  honeymooned in Melbourne, staying at Crown Melbourne before taking a road trip down the Great Ocean Road.