The idea of a quaint, rustic wedding far from the city isn’t a novel idea, but real-life couple Pearl and Paul Rigas prove that the concept is a new classic. True, a barn-style theme sounds straight off a Pinterest board, but it’s tried and tested for good reason. The wooden elements feel homey and perfect for an intimate gathering, while the delicate decor provides a subtle touch of romance.
It’s difficult to pull off such minimalism but Pearl and Paul made it happen – congratulations to the newly wedded couple! Here are all the lovely details:
The Rigas couple’s love story came about unexpectedly, almost like a movie. “I met Paul when I was 14. He lived in the same street as my best friend, but seeing as he was 18 and I was 14, it was nothing but a big crush,” Pearl tells Wedded Wonderland.
Even 10 years later, the two had still not developed any relationship, save for some encounters at Pearl’s workplace where he would stop by for a haircut. A few hellos and run-ins during family gatherings were the extent of their friendliness.
However, all that changed five years later with a single message on Instagram: “We were both newly single and that’s when our paths aligned,” Pearl continues. “We started chatting on Instagram. Then, a few dates and one year later, we got engaged!”
Like many low-key couples who prefer privately popping the question, Paul proposed by organizing a garden picnic during the autumn where the warm foliage added to the ambiance. “He even had our dogs dressed with matching bandanas–that said, my mummy said yes!” Pearl quips.
While the rustic theme was something Pearl had in mind early on, it was the dress that inspired the rest of the wedding details. She had selected a full lace gown from Alin Le’ Kal with a sweetheart neckline and off-shoulder detail for a decidedly feminine look. The lace hugs her curves and flows into a serpentine skirt, creating a long sweeping train in the back for a dramatic effect.
Letting her vivacious gown steal the show, Pearl went with a clean makeup look by keeping her hair down and donning neutral eyes and lips.
With its delicate, spidery design, her lace frock definitely added a whimsical touch to the festivities, almost serving as the centerpiece that set the tone of the romantic affair. To complete the look, Pearl held a large bouquet of white roses that elevated her outfit’s elegance.
Matching his wife’s gown, Paul wore a white tuxedo from Zacmens bearing a floral boutonniere.
Speaking of roses, the couple made the fabulous decision of using nothing but this flower as the main decor. Pearl and Paul tied the knot at a venue called Churchill, just an hour away from Melbourne, where white roses adorned the main altar. This venue is one of the three spaces managed by Prunella Events, the couple’s appointed wedding organizer.
Churchill is a deconsecrated church that boasts of European and rural charm with a grandiose feel thanks to the patinated walls and stained glass windows. Pearl and Paul said “I do” to one another amid this chapel’s magical aura surrounded by their family and friends.
“The most special moment was seeing Paul brought to tears when I walked down the aisle,” shares Pearl. “In all the three years we have been together, I have never seen Paul cry.”
Cadella Park served as the venue for the couple’s reception, also a Prunella space located in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges. Much like the ceremony, their reception was minimally decorated with flowers by the podium, wooden chandeliers, and candles lighting the banquet-style dinner tables. The effect was a warm, intimate setup that invited conversations and heartfelt moments.
Looking back at this event, Pearl shares, “My first dance with my father was extremely emotional. It was just an emotional day with so many people crying happy tears in a room filled with our loved ones.”
True to their clean and classy aesthetic, Pearl and Paul marked the festivities with a three-tiered, floral white cake by Seed & Coat.
With all the beauty evoked by the rose-filled chapels and farms, it’s safe to say that the Rigas nuptials were nothing short of solemn, spectacular, and stylish. The best way to honor their surprising love story. Congratulations once again to Pearl and Paul!
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