The 2013 Ultimate Wedding Planning Party lights up the Opera Point Marquee!

A glittering crowd of 250 brides and their entourage including mothers, bridesmaids and grooms enjoyed the fifth annual Ultimate Wedding Planning Party on May 8th at the Opera Point Marquee, Sydney Opera House. The marquee adorned with chandeliers to die for and inspirational florals, styled by renowned Sydney wedding planner, Anthony Del Col in this year’s theme, ‘Vintage and classic bride’. Guests where treated like stars as they walked down the red carpet to enjoy Jansz Sparkling rose and scrumptious canapés by ARIA Catering under the Opera House on a beautiful night whilst meeting an array of Sydney’s finest, leading wedding planning experts at their exhibit stands.

At 7pm guests were seated to enjoy a stage show featuring an opening song 'Fly me to the moon' by Alli Rayal and two bridal fashion shows with the likes of: Steven Khalil, Karen Willis Holmes, Henry Roth, Michelle Roth, Rachael Gilbert, Maria Chiodo and Zegna to name a few. Hair and make up was completed by Eternal Elegance, shoes by Peep Toe and accessories by Kristi Bonnici.The next generation of new designers also graced the catwalk, Georgia Osborne and Eden Rose. 

Speakers from the industry shared their top tips and tricks to brides to be for their upcoming nuptials including Elizabeth Trevan talking all things ceremony, a Q and A with Polly and Waz from ‘The Block’ with Rachael Bentick from photography company, Inlighten. Plus, recently married bride Marisa Laria featured on stage with planner, Anthony Del Col as he ran through a real life example on how to plan a beautiful wedding. Simon Sandall, ARIA Catering chef was interviewed on stage by Sophie Hull from Complete Wedding Magazine. The show was MC-ed by Lynette Bolton who looked stunning in a rose coloured Steven Khalil gown.

On lucky bride won a fabulous door prize being a 5 night stay at 6 star resort: The Long Beach in Mauritius. All guests went home feeling inspired after an enjoyable evening, plus took home a gift bag featuring Jo Malone, Bobbi Brown cosmetics a Sparkle cupcakery macaroon, the most exclusive chocolates by local dream destination, Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa and many special offers from the event partners. We loved that bridal designer, Maria Chiodo gave each bride a hand made garter as well ;-)

Attached highlighted images where taken by Inlighten Photography, for additional images (we have 500) or more information, email Kim Veverka-Bray kim@magnetpr.com.au or visit www.ultimateweddingplanningparty.com

Q and A with Real Bride, Kate Hickson, married January, 2013 in Sydney

Hi Kate, Where and when did you get married?

Anthony and I were married on Friday the 4th January 2013 in Wendy Whiteley's 'Secret Garden' at Lavender Bay. We had champagne and photos in the garden with our guests before a cocktail style reception and dancing at Aqua Dining, a short 10 minutes walk away. 

Tell us about your dress?

I chose a silk, Georgette low cut back gown with a high wasted sash that tied at the back from Helen English in Paddington. It was comfortable on the day and easy to dance in! Helen was fantastic to work with, she was no fuss, fitted around my busy work schedule and all her dresses are elegant and made with beautiful French fabrics.

Any special moments on your day?

So many to choose from. The ceremony in the garden would have to be the highlight. Anthony and I walked down the aisle together and walking down into the garden and seeing all our friends and family was unforgettable. We spent a lot of time with our celebrant Elizabeth, pulling our ceremony together and writing bits and pieces. It was worth it. It was so special and meant so much to us. 

Do you have any advice to give future bride to be's?

Don't stress out, family and friends are there to help so give people little jobs to do. Everything will come together on the day and if anything does go wrong, the bride will be the last to find out. 

I'd also recommend asking a bridesmaid to grab you and your husband half way through the evening so you can spend 10 minutes alone (on a balcony or somewhere nice away from guests). The day flies by so taking that time together to briefly reflect was really special for us. 

Thank you Kate for sharing! xx