‘Built it from scratch’: Bride and groom’s impressive DIY wedding
A wedding for 168 guests at the Greek Club was one huge party, with the bride and groom and their family pitching in to help.
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A choreographed group dance, endless food and drink and non-stop party made for the perfect wedding day for Toula Georges and Kiernan Tait.
The East Brisbane couple, who have been together for eight years, married in front of 168 guests at the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George in South Brisbane before continuing on to an afternoon tea at Nostimo Restaurant and Bar and the reception in the Grand Ballroom at The Greek Club on October 12.
The pair made it a family affair to create their dream decor with everyone chipping in to help bring their vision to life.
How did you meet? Toula: We first crossed paths in 2015 when Kiernan was on my sister Maria’s social touch football team at QUT and I was invited to fill in.
The proposal? It was my birthday on May 15, 2021, and Kiernan had planned a walk around the Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha. As we walked along the main area near a large pond, Kiernan turned to me and began to express how he loved and appreciated me. He knelt down and asked me to marry him. Without hesitation, I said, “Of course, yes!”
How did you choose your wedding venue? We chose the Greek Club because they offered an all-inclusive and affordable package. Additionally, I’ve always envisioned my wedding taking place there, with the stunning location and breathtaking views of the city.
What was the budget for your wedding?
We reduced costs by taking on tasks ourselves. Kiernan’s grandmother, Kay de Weger, arranged the boutonnieres for the men. My bridesmaids helped make our bouquets from flowers. My mother helped create all the bonbonnières with bottles that Kiernan’s mum provided, and Kiernan and I crafted the place cards for our guests, prepared newspaper handouts for the ceremony, and decorated our wedding candles. My aunts, Maria and Toula, assisted with catering for the afternoon tea. We also built our phone booth and seating chart.
What would you spend more or less on? We probably would’ve spent more money on our photographer and videographer so they could have been involved for more of the lead-up to the wedding while we were all getting ready.
How did you choose your wedding dress?
My experience trying on dresses was incredibly time-pressured and stressful. I have endometriosis, which earlier this year left me with debilitating pain that kept me in bed for two weeks each month, affecting my ability to shop for dresses. However, on a good day in June, I went with my Maid of Honour, Amy, to look at dresses, and that’s when I discovered a stunning gown by Martina Liana.
What did you think when you first saw Toula at the wedding? Kiernan:I was definitely overwhelmed and emotional waiting up at the altar as it felt like our entire relationship up until then had led to this one special moment. It was honestly so incredible to turn around to Toula walking down the aisle with her father, Harry. I started crying the moment I saw her, as did practically everyone else in the church. She was absolutely beautiful, and I would love to be able to relive that moment again. It was one of the best memories of my life to date.
Most stressful part of wedding planning? Probably building our phone booth. We built it from scratch from plans that Kiernan created on the computer. We finished building it a week before our wedding and, while it was stressful, it was so worth it. We put a phone in there so people could leave an audio message for us.
Any unique details about your wedding? We did a group dance with our bridal party and our mums. Also, our place cards included a photo of our favourite memory with each guest.
What was the standout moment?
Seeing each other.
What was a wedding non-negotiable for you? For sure it is having enough food and drink for everybody. In a Greek family we bond over our love for food.
Best wedding gift you received?I was surprised by my bridesmaids making a booklet for me on my wedding morning with their favourite photos of me and a letter from them all and including my mother, mother-in-law and Kiernan. My mother also surprised us with voice messages from family in Greece.
Top wedding hack? Do your own flowers! Also plan in advance so you stay on top of all your tasks, that way it doesn’t get too stressful.
Best advice for other couples planning a wedding? There was a period where we weren’t getting plans finalised because we worried about other people. But then once we discovered what we wanted our wedding to look like we went with that. You will never please everyone but it’s important to have the things that matter to you, and the people there who truly want to be there for you.
The Bride
Toula Georges, 26
Profession Project officer
Parents Harry and Kristina Georges
Bridesmaids Amy Leaver, Maegan Tait, Grace McLay, Phoebe Hafner
Dress Martina Liana
Hair Natural styled by AL 4 Beauty
Make-up AL 4 Beauty
Flowers Flower Lovers at Rocklea Markets
Engagement ring The Diamond Jewellery Studio Brisbane (Nick Ireland)
Wedding stylist Celebrating in Style
Celebrant Fr Stavros Karvelas
Caterer The Greek Club
The Groom
Kiernan Tait, 27
Profession Electrical engineer
Parents Katherine de Weger, Philippe Vial (Step-Father)
Groomsmen James Rankin, Peter Georges, Lewis Westblade, Clifford Beckman, Kevin Nguyen
Suit Patrick Mackenzie
Transport John Crowley (Toula’s cousin)
Videographer Ivan Stepanov Videography
Cake Angela from Beautiful Luxury Cakes
Entertainment James Becka and Anastasia Passaris.
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