From the family

Story BRIDGET CULL

Rita and Gary Flockhart’s wedding proved a real family affair with siblings, parents and friends looking after most of the details.

How it all began
Rita met Gary at a party more than 11 years ago when she was 16. Gary, 19, was the DJ. Years later he proposed after picking Rita up from work and taking her out for dinner on Lygon Street.

The gown
Rita enjoyed organising her wedding and says it helped her relate to the brides who come to her business, Bliss Design, for their wedding accessories.

Rita and her father made her gown in white Italian silk and her mother sewed beads on to it. Rita designed her necklace and restored the tiara her mother wore on her wedding day.

The groom
Gary’s black suit was from Hugo Boss and he wore shoes from Williams.

Bridesmaids
A workmate of Rita’s made her bridesmaids two-piece outfits  in a rich dark aqua blue fabric. Rita says the team from Elite hair and make-up did a wonderful job making the bridal party look beautiful.

Details
Rita and Gary were lucky to have a lot of talented friends and family members who took care of most of their wedding day details. Rita’s sister Marie made the invitations; Gary’s mother made bouquets of yellow and white roses with green foliage for the bridal party, and Rita’s other sister Linda made the wedding cake.

Ceremony
The couple were married at Studley Park Boathouse in Kew, which sits on the banks of the Yarra River.

Let the party begin
The reception was also at Studley Park Boathouse and Rita says it was a glamorous cocktail party with everyone mingling and dancing all night. The music was a mix of old and new favourites and a friend took the couple’s photos.

Honeymoon
Gary and Rita had a wonderful time relaxing in the heat on Daydream Island. Rita says a helicopter trip to Whitehaven Island was a highlight.

DETAILS
Groom’s suit: Hugo Boss
www.hugo.com
Bride’s accessories: Bliss Design
www.blissdesign.com.au
Venue: Studley Park Boathouse
www.studleyparkboathouse.com.au