"Love is beyond either condition: without spring, without autumn, it is always fresh." Rumi
To all our newly engaged couples. Congratulations! Be yourselves and create a wedding that truly reflects who you are together. We hope we inspire you and introduce you to the wonderful world of weddings.
Fleur pictured in her Armadale studio | fleurs.com.au photo by Country Road instagram.com/countryroad Country Road journal
When I left school I worked on a solo exhibition (painting) at 101 Collins St, and successfully had a sell out! This was 24 years ago, my art folio for HSC was in the top 6 of the state. After painting for a number of years, I started working on the Christmas decorations for the Como centre in South Yarra. This led to also doing the Como Gaslight Gardens for 4 years.
Steve Bennett saw what I was doing and approached me to open the flower shop in the entrance of the new Georges Department Store in Collins St (that he opened with Terrence Conran). I was here that I launched into flowers and was famously remembered for only stocking white flowers!
After Georges many opportunities followed. I launched my own shop in Toorak Rd, South Yarra. This closed when I met my husband and had the children. While they were young I continued with floristry and designing for private clients (while my husband and I designed and built 3 houses).
When my children started school I reopened a retail florist where my studio is now, that was 5 years ago and the rest is history.
I'm starting to do more interior designing, so that is definitely on the horizon, as well as getting the family farm up and running. It’s a blank canvas at the moment, we are so excited about it! – ‘The Gums’ in country Victoria and it is going to be the next big wedding venue!
I find out about their style and look. I always get my ideas as soon as I meet them and start chatting about the venue. I gauge it on their personality also.
Don’t go with trends! Go with what suits you and the venue.
How would you describe your aesthetic? Simple, classic and cosy
Do you collect anything? Jugs, I’m such a jug person
Do you have artists or designers that inspire you? Toni Maticevski, such a talented designer. Other Creative’s such as Bill Tikos, Virginia Dowzer, Earl Carter, Sam Bisso, Mindy Rice, Emily Ward and Jose Villa are not only great friends of mine, but great inspirations!
What are you reading now? 'All We Know' by Lisa Cohen
It describes these womens' glamorous choices, complicated failures, and controversial personal lives with lyricism and empathy. At once a series of intimate portraits and a startling investigation into style, celebrity, sexuality, and the genre of biography itself, it explores a hidden history of modernism and pays tribute to three compelling lives.
I've taken great interest in this book as Madge Garland is my Great aunt!
Favourite flower/s? Daphne
Favourite season? Winter
Music you are listening to right now?
Christine and the Queens
Fragrance? Fleurs d’oranger, Serge Lutens
Fashion must have for you? Gumboots in winter and bensimons in summer….comfort all the way with shoes!
When there is down time where’s your favourite place? Our sheep station in South Australia
Don’t leave home without? My Phone
Favourite drink? A good Pinot Noir
Travel - your favourite haunt and what is a must do? America, I love going there and visiting my friends in Santa Yenez Valley, California
On your wish list right now? Spending quality time with my family
Shops or online stores you frequent? Mecca Cosmetica
What can a wedding day look when you venture the inner depths of Melbourne and discover a setting that offers a historic, spiritual and dramatic backdrop. Photographer Vanessa Rochelle captures the unique and charming venue Chapel 1885.
Hints of romance, delicacy and undeniable class. Dreaming of Tuscany was created for the lovers who are fantasising of that gorgeous European Wedding.
Heidi, creative director for Quill shares her love of stationery, and shares her advice on creating the perfect invitation. Including those personal touches. She illustrates elements from your day into designs which could be your venue or favourite flower.
Be inspired by the romance of blush palettes, delicate gowns and charm. Captured on the grounds of Potters in Victoria by Collections Photography.
As a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic, couples all over the world are having to make a very difficult, and often heartbreaking, decision to cancel, postpone, or adjust their best-laid wedding plans. We are sharing “Change of Plans" stories and some of those include eloping now with the celebrations to come later.
Ruffles & Bells was born out of love and beauty. We catch up with Founder and Creative Director, Eliska Lam and learn how her passion for art, design and travel became her full time obsession and asked her to share planning advice with couples to be.
Darker tones and the warmth of candle lighting create intimate settings of love at the table. Be inspired by the hauntingly gorgeous shoot capture by Story of Eve.
For lovers of textural minimal style, your natural wedding palette starts here. A setting at Hampton Estate that showcases just what you can do with white on white. Layers of dramatic foliage complimented with glassware, Wedgwood porcelain plates and stoneware. Be inspired naturally!
Capturing the beauty within the surroundings of a greenhouse against the cliffs, this romantic setting slows down time. Inspired by natures own; earthy tones and minimalist styling with a floral palette of burnt blooms inspired by the silhouette of the cliffs, every detail curated to uphold the rich understated beauty which stands in position for a lifetime.
Natural elements and the beauty of yesteryear that inspires a modern classic bride. A slower paced life where things were simpler, and heirlooms were passed down and treasured. ‘Prairie’ encapsulates history not forgotten with sustainable styling. Step back in time with old-world treasures of natural textures and hand picked floral. It's romance set in dust, warm golden tones with hauntingly beautiful shadows.
