Ascending to Level 7 or “Seventh Heaven” as I recall it being referred to back then was one of the most exhilirating and fondest memories of my childhood and possibly here lies the very same reason I have this overwhelming sense of nostalgia every time I return.

This week. White Rabbit Projects was so very fortunate to attend Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel Bridal Showcase  – ‘ The Best in David Jones ‘ Australian and International Bridal Designers.

Level 7 was literally transported to one of our favourite harbour side venues for the lunchtime soiree at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel. Being and Event Planner and Stylist White Rabbit Projects can appreciate the hours spent and masterminds that made this event possible. Kate Waterhouse and Terry Biviano played fabulous MC’s and walked guests through the 18 looks from David Jones Bridal Salon. Oscar De La Renta, Carolina Herrera, Monique Lhuillier, Steven Khalil, Temperley, Rachel Gilbert, Lisa Gowing, Mariana Hardwick and Karen Willis Holmes. Each look stylishly put together as the next. Of course it would be difficult to expect anything less from Sydney’s most talked about venue and and department store. A match made in, well heaven really!

On Sunday 12th October, Brides-to-Be can view the collection at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel’s Bridal Showcase. We hear Brides-to-Be will be treated to a flute of Moët  & Chandon champagne and get to meet with the best brands and suppliers in the industry. Oh my.

To find out more regarding the Bridal Boutique at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, visit http://watsonsbayboutiquehotel.com.au

Enter Katie and Chris. Making their ‘Happy Day’ one giant surprise was all part of the thrill and we were super excited to say that we have now accomplished our very first surprise wedding. Tick! 

Here’s how it all unfolded. Guests received their invitations in the mail in the traditional format. Not a hint of doubt was looming. All dutifully RSVP’d prompt and were left none the wiser. 

Now, there was a small but intimate ceremony held for Katie and Chris’s nearest and dearest earlier on in the day. All whom played a roll in formatting their grand plan. It was later that evening when in an orderly fashion the ‘Engagement’ party guests started to descend upon the Cell Block Theatre in Darlinghurst. True to this quintessential story, the uncanniest thing of all is that Chris’s Grandparents were married in this same venue many years prior. A complete coincidence which made this event even more special. 

With the giant letters spelling out “Just Married” at the Cell Block Theatre entrance; guests were a tad bit puzzled. With no site of the Bride nor Groom, guests one by one started to catch on that this was no ordinary engagement party.

It came time to welcome the guests inside the venue and to announce the newly coined Mr and Mrs into the venue. Waiting backstage with Katie and Chris in between brief encounters of rain and all that excitement was possibly the most memorable moments of the entire event. Of course they were eager to see their guests and vice versa. You can just imagine the excitement and elation once their surprise was officially announced and they could finally share their news with the entire room.

But the surprises weren’t over yet. Their was to be even more excitement and intrigue surrounding the day. A secret that both bride and the team at White Rabbit Projects kept from the groom (yes, you read that correct) for the months prior. The anxiety surrounding this monumental SKY high surprise was possibly quite more than we could of handled but boy were we up for the challenge. 

Chris aka our dear Groom is/was and has always been a huge fan of You Am I Frontman Tim Rogers. Those brides who ponder painfully on what to gift their soon to be husband with on their wedding day – you simply can’t ever compete with what Katie did next. 

Once Chris had concluded his speech he was about to embark on his first dance with his wife. Not before Katie quickly took over the mic and announced a Mr Tim Rogers himself onto the stage. Chris was positively blown away when Tim proceeded to sing his favourite ballads and topping it off by serenading their first dance song. 

The day was quite unconventional from beginning to end which of course thrilled us to no end. We were so lucky to be part of Katie and Chris’s day. 

Our advice to anyone planning their ‘Happy Day’. Make it just that. One big ball of happiness. Your way!

WRPxx 

[Photography Elise Hassey]

Thanks to Bride to Be Magazine WHITE RABBIT PROJECTS alongside our favourite suppliers featured within the pages of Sally and Mark aka Mr and Mrs Greenwood’s recent wedding. Held at Merribee, Numbaa in a marquee and we were their to witness the entire event from the engagement to the i-do!

Okay, so it’s time to share some home truths. Not unlike all our couples, this was indeed a special project for the team at WRP. Why? Because Mr Greenwood just so happened to be Mr Rabbit’s best mate from school.

The day finally arrived and we were ready to put on the show of their lives. Ahem, those goosebumps appearing yet darling? Well, hold tight. This here is just a brief insight into their happy day. We can’t wait to receive the priceless images from THE ultimate memory makers aka SugarLove.

Sally, Mark and the Team at White Rabbit Projects had a ball in the process. We want to do it every year! Although we think Mark might have something to say about that…oui?

WRPxx

Have you ever wondered what every woman’s fantasy and every man’s best friend looks like? Introducing you to Mr Baxter!

Together with Australian Jewellery Designer and Founder of self-titled label Kate McCoy and yours truly, Mr Baxter is set to takeover this town. Through a series of intimate events in Sydney’s most exclusive private dining rooms. The aim? To educate the Men of Sydney on the dutiful art of proposing like a gentleman

“There is an over-supply of information for Brides-to-be to assist them in planning their wedding day. When it comes to the Groom our industry is very limited on resources. Mr Baxter provides that space where guys can inform themselves on the subject.” Taylor says.

McCoy and Taylor believe unanimously that the entire proposal planning process needs to be personal above all. Men also deserve to feel special. By special that means on top of his game. Confident, knowledgeable and genuine.

The concept of Mr Baxter is just this. Mr Baxter is the gentlemen that every man aspires to. He is respected, intelligent, stylish and killing it. When it comes to dealing, he’s informed, creative and diligent. Mr Baxter is every woman’s dream. He is unafraid of romance or expressing his feelings. He is a stylish lover who knows how to and is not afraid of showing how much he loves and values his partner in crime.

The events allow Grooms-to-be the perfect platform to ask Mr Baxter all the questions that inevitably arise when preparing to propose. How much should I spend? How big does it have to be? How should I propose? Its an opportunity to speak candidly with two experts in a non confronting environment.

“Mr Baxter is about educating and demystifying the common myths that are associated with purchasing the engagement ring. Topics such as the Four C’s, price, buying online, certifications is all part of that process. No questions are off limits”. says McCoy.

Taylor knows first hand how daunting the actual proposal can be. She has been privy to some fantastic and some not-so fantastic stories as a Wedding Planner. “There are two things a Women is asked when she announces she is engaged. They are 1. Show us the ring and 2. How did he propose”. The engagement is his moment to shine. Mr Baxter provides the tools so Groom’s to be can carry out the deed.

Mr Baxter is strictly limited to 12 Gentleman at each event and will take place in some of Sydney’s most exclusive and private locations. In true Mr Baxter style, expect the best service this side of town. Dinner, wine, spirits and beers as well as a round of poker (if you’re lucky). Gents will be treated to first class service that is both interactive, light-hearted but educational.

Welcome to Mr Baxter  – This is just the beginning…

About Kate McCoyKate McCoy is the one stop shop for engagement rings. A gemologist, diamond grader, diamond dealer and jewellery designer, McCoy offers a service like no other. Personable and experienced she acquires her stones direct from the source, allowing her to provide a high quality, unique product at the right price. Her aim is to take the worry out of budgets, time frames and designing. www.katemccoy.com

About Bree TaylorBree Taylor is the Founder of WHITE RABBIT PROJECTS; a the number one destination for those wanting to plan the perfect Wedding or Event. WHITE RABBIT PROJECTS is a team of forward thinking, unconventionally minded and driven creatives. There is no off-switch at WHITE RABBIT PROJECTS HQ, the team are always thinking and perfecting their craft. From Planning, Styling to Production, WHITE RABBIT PROJECTS prides itself on its ability to project manage the entire event from beginning right through to the end. www.whiterabbitprojects.com.au

Date: Wednesday 27 August 2014

Venue: The Roosevelt 32 Orwell St, Potts Point NSW 2011

Time: 630 pm, sharp

Tickets: $100 per gentlemen

Includes: The Art of Proposing by Mr Baxter with Kate McCoy and Bree Taylor;  a sit-down dinner, beer, wine, spirits

Bookings: [email protected] or 02 9698 5832

RSVP: Friday 22^nd August 2014

Head to www.mrbaxter.com.au for details on future events

***Events are strictly limited to 12 Gentlemen only***

[Image by Nerida McMurray Photography]

Upon starting out on the wedding planning journey and prior to uncovering the budget, venue, ceremony location – the American Bride wastes no time sourcing out the one person who will ensure hers is an experience that is; within budget, logistically problem-free, perfectly  timed,  delegated, fun and above all stress-free.

For those Australian Brides thinking that a Wedding Planner is reserved for celebrities like Kimye and Kate Middleton – darling you couldn’t be more farther from the truth. Fact!

The idea of a Wedding Planner in Australia is to most – quite bizarre. What do you do with us? What do we do?

The reality of hiring a Wedding Planner means that you have engaged a person who quite frankly can sweat the small, medium and big ‘stuff’ leaving you to oversee the the stuff that really matters. It’s that simple. A silent bridesmaid? A shoulder to go “Help” on, that voice of reason when everyone else seems to be applying the pressure? A wedding planner ticks many boxes.

I am the kind of Planner who edges on the side of caution when it comes to advising others on how they go about planning their wedding day and where their money is best spent. I was bought up with my Mother saying “less is always more”. This mantra has served me and my clients well and ensures a happy outcome every time.

On the flip side there are some incredible and talented planners where more is MORE. This is great for Bride as there is so much choice out there when selecting the planner that understands you and can bring your vision to fruition. The possibilities are endless.

By no means is finding the perfect planner and easy exercise. If you are finding it hard to uncover your planners aesthetic and whether it resonates with you and your partner. It’s as simple as heading to their Website, Instagram or Facebook page. Very quickly you can sum up the kind of weddings they like to create for their clients and what their strengths are. No one is better and no one is worse – just different.

Here’s a check-list you must arm yourself with when shopping around for your incredible and oh-so important Wedding Planner. We are a dime a dozen and if you are wondering, yes I had a wedding planner and boy was it worth all the money in the world. 

1. To whom it may concern – The initial point of contact

You’ve seen their website,  you like their work or have been recommended via a supplier or friend. You set about making that initial enquiry. Whether it’s an email or a phone call. What was their response-rate like? Fast, slow, filled with loads of copy or non-existent (until prompted)? Based on this you can quickly sum up how they will respond to you throughout the wedding planning process.

The idea is that you want someone that will be there to answer your queries within 24 hours. Maximum! Time is precocious, you have a busy schedule which permits you to focus on your wedding day out of hours, therefore you want someone who is working round the clock to ensure you have all the tools necessary to attack and tick every box you need completed. 

2. Tea, coffee, champagne? – instant connection? 

The next step – You’ve organised a time to meet face-to-face. If you don’t get offered champagne and lots of it – forget it!!

Jokes aside. A sense of hospitality is important. Did they make you feel comfortable, did you leave bamboozled or comforted? A candid and well articulated Wedding Planner and one whom is interested in YOUR DAY is key. You need to feel as though there is that level of honesty and transparency from the minute you meet. Remember you will be working with this person for many months (sometimes years) to come – choose your Planner wisely.

Don’t be afraid to ask for a period of ‘grace’. Upon you engaging your Wedding Planner, is there a time in which you can retract the relationship? If they aren’t performing or exceeding your expectations this is a fair request. Within reason. Remember you too need to have achievable expectations. Keep emails concise. One-liners don’t cut-it. Aim for maximum outcome with minimal work. Preparing one email per week with all your queries/ concerns is understandable. This is your first time as a bride and therefore your Wedding Planner is well equipped to understanding your somewhat irrational behaviour to get things done quickly and exact. 

3. It’s you and me – The roles are clearly defined

Every bride requires a certain level of assistance. Some a lot and some not so much. There are times when both parties will overstep the mark and it’s important to know from the initial consultation what you expect from your wedding planner and he/she you. Here’s an example

The Styling – most planners will assist with the sourcing and quoting for each of those individual hire items that make yours unique. Flowers, table decorations, tables, chairs, linen, stationary, candles and more. The question is do you wish to source these items yourself and have access to your planners black-book of contacts or do you want your planner to manage this entire element with your final approval? The benefits with having your planner doing most of the leg work is that he/she has done this a million times and will ensure that costs are kept to a minimum and minimise the unnecessary back and forth. Read – more emails = more opportunity for mistakes! 

Suppliers – Wedding Planners have ongoing relationships that are prescious. They have a team of preferred suppliers from each category that provide them with a level of comfort and that they can rely on to make them look good. This insiders knowledge and of the market is invaluable and ensures that you are presented with a team of people that fit according to your brief and budget. From entertainment, photographer, videographers, cake artists, caterers, hair and makeup artists and more. Your planner is across their fees and their inclusions ensuring you don’t have to reach out and obtain a multitude of quotes that you may or may not entirely comprehend. In one quick phone call your planner can present you with the top line information and cut out countless question marks surrounding the many inclusions, added value that suppliers present to clients upon first point of contact.

Set-up / Pack-down – whilst 90% of weddings are planned well before the actual event, the key attribute for having someone oversee the run sheet, supplier set-up/down times and ensure that your day runs accordingly is to ensure that you do not have to lift a finger on the day. It really is that simple. There is nothing worse than a bride trying to ‘micro-manage’ the running of their wedding day on the actual day. It’s one additional stress that no one should endure. It also doesn’t do anything for those wrinkles!! 

At the end of the day – Wedding Planners are not reserved for Celebrities. They are reserved for those who wish to be a enjoy the fun and above everything be married!

All the very best with finding your perfect Wedding Planner. It’s not easy but once you find the right one – you’ll have the time of your life!

WRPxx

y

The pressure of course is completely self inflicted but as I approached my own wedding day I felt a deep need to ditch the burden and shock my friends and family with producing a wedding that was far from the heights in which I am known to produce for my clients.

With a two week extravaganza wedding in Bali; Jim and I said our vows but as their rules and regulations made it somewhat hard to be wed in a legal surround we opted to get legally ‘hitched’ upon our return to Sydney following the two week festival which I will share with you in due course on this blog.

The brief for our legal wedding was unofficially; Disorganised, off-the-cuff, small and relaxed. Not a run sheet was there in sight – those who know me were indeed shocked! My beautiful friend and photographer was engaged the day prior with a call that went a bit like this. “Hey Elise, what are you up to tomorrow? Are you free for an hour to shoot my wedding?”. She replied YES and boy was I relieved. I was beyond grateful for her presence. The images explain why.

My dress and shoes were purchased the day prior – the girls at Country Road were floored and to be honest it was refreshing and without the normal bridal “pomp”. My best friend and bridesmaid landed in Sydney the day prior by chance and she just so happened to rock up in the same dress as my other bridesmaid! – all completely unplanned but perfect of course. I drove myself with my best friend Tessa to the wedding ceremony at the Rotunda in Balmoral and I picked up my bouquet en-route and unannounced. Thanks to Matt Bisaro the floral craftsman the team (in record time) did a fantastic job preparing my bouquet as always.

I was late. I had to park illegally, I even had these terrible acupuncture cupping marks on my back from a few days prior which no amount of makeup from my terrific makeup artist Miss Molly Oakfield could not be hidden. It was chaotic but to me it was perfect beyond my wildest dreams.

What made this day exponentially special to me was that I managed to pay homage to my late Father Howard Taylor moments prior. With my hilarious and funny celebrant Elizabeth Trevan (I adored you!), my Mother and I, the three of us trekked beyond Rocky Point Island, Balmoral and in an intimate surround I bid adieu to my Father’s ashes and signed off with the release of a single yellow balloon which flew off into the distance never to be seen again. It was five years in the making but I needed the perfect setting in which to do so. This was it.

Balmoral held a special significance to me as a young child as he and I spent many a school holiday splashing around at the beach and many a long lunch at Bathers’ Pavilion. He made me feel like a princess always and I know that he would be looking down at me and proud that I had met my prince-charming in Jim. Here’s to you Howie.

I hope you enjoy this moment captured. So many laughs. Ten people and many tears shed. There is something to be said about being a relaxed and unprepared bride and I prompt many to take on this approach. It’s the best!!!!

WRPxx

Images Elise Hassey http://www.lisseblog.com

Dress / Shoes Country Road http://www.countryroad.com.au

Flowers Matt Bisaro http://www.floralcraftsman.com.au

Celebrant Elizabeth Trevan http://www.etrevan.com.au

Reception Bathers’ Pavilion http://www.batherspavilion.com.au

Hair and Makeup Molly Oakfield http://mollyoakfield.com

Setting off to Orange at 6am from our Headquarters in Alexandria, the WHITE RABBIT PROJECTS truck was filled to the roof with flowers, a mini kids table and chairs, buckets of chalk, 300 pieces of crystal glassware, mix-matched timber ‘big-people’ chairs, the finest of linen and more spirit than a Carnivale festival! 

With rain imminent our spirits were not dampened. Not for a second. Upon our arrival to Mayfield Vineyard, we were welcomed by one beautiful aspect; lush greenery surrounds and rolling hills with a giant marquee positioned patiently nearby – a setting that would see guests party well into the wee hours. Despite the rain making a brief guest appearance, guests weren’t fussed and were quickly ushered to the marquee where the festivities continued. 

Something about this wedding made us feel very humbled indeed. The surround was picturesque – as the sun went down and the moon shone above with the string quartet entertaining guests there was a sense of genuine magic in the air. Perhaps it was the laid back nature of the Bride and Groom or was it the country charm where the hustle and bustle of Sydney was just a distant memory?

WRPxx 

Venue Mayfield Vineyard
Photography Justin Stent 
Flowers Wilder 
Vintage Crystal The Vintage Kitchen
Cake Red Chilli Deli
Entertainment Orange Conservatorium of Music
Catering Michael Manners
Furniture Adors, A little Character and Vintage Patina
Styling and Event Planning WHITE RABBIT PROJECTS
Alcohol Mayfield and All In Brewing Co.
Transport Blue Ribbon Cars 

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Since our inception we have co-ordinated more than our fair share of weddings where our clients have been based all over the world – thanks to Skype, email and phones – Planning a wedding has never been easier. Fact.

To say that Zoe and Josh were one relaxed couple, and quite possibly the most we’ve worked with EVER would be an understatement. What made them even more special was that they trusted the team at WHITE RABBIT PROJECTS to both plan and style their wedding; From the styling, florist, photographer, cake, celebrant to the entertainment. Zoe and Josh took on-board all our suggestions with the kind of confidence that gave us sheer appreciation for what we do.

We were of course thrilled to see Zoe and Josh’s special day featured in Bride to Be Magazine recently and a heartfelt thanks goes to the talented team at SugarLove Weddings for capturing this relaxed and fun affair that will be remembered forever.

WRPxx

Venue Bathers’ Pavilion Balmoral Beach
Photography SugarLove Weddings
Flowers Wilder
Cake Athena Cake Shop
Styling / Planning WHITE RABBIT PROJECTS
Celebrant Elizabeth Trevan
Entertainment Lonely Swingers / Above and Beyond DJs

The team proceeded to unveil its usual box of tricks - on display an opulent table-scape, terrarium place settings, floral garland headpieces modelled on waitresses, flower gifting station and even a french market basket filled with The Grounds of Alexandria jams and coffee beans – no detail was amiss.

The guest of honour and reason for said occasion was to launch none other than the Holden SUV range – and what a setting for the revved up beauties it was. With Sydney’s mediaratti in attendance the setting was superb.

Capturing the hearts of the ‘almost all female guest list’, Melissa Doyle was fabulous as MC and presented a candid recant to guests of her childhood adventures in her Father’s SUV. Holden presented the pros of their new SUV range and even those childless attendees were sold on its safety benefits!

The peace de resistance – a beautiful feast-style brunch presented on a bevy of quaint props and vessels included rhubarb porridge in terracotta pots, smashed avocado and chilli on rustic chopping blocks and Jack Hanna aka famed Grounds Barrista and Co-Director was busy brewing behind-the-scenes producing guests with a caffeine fix that would see the remainder of their day seem like a walk in the park.

Images by Esteban La Tessa

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