An Over The Top, Colorful Retro Queer Wedding

Jen (she/her) and Jo (she/her) had both been previously married, had very little family accepting of this marriage and so had the biggest ‘fuck it’ celebration with all their chosen family and just did exactly what they wanted. Their Perth wedding day was so colorful, so over-the-top, so full of joy.

How did you both meet, and how did the proposal happen?

We met in the most unexpected way during the pandemic—Jo accidentally stepped on Jen’s dog, which turned into the start of something beautiful! Fast forward, and exactly one year before the wedding, Jen popped the question. The proposal felt just right, with Jo saying yes without hesitation, and we both knew we wanted a fun, vibrant wedding to celebrate our love.

A close-up of two white suit jackets with various fun enamel pins, including hearts, a beer can, a bottle, and a 'Just Peachy' pin.

The bride’s pink, ruffled gown with puffed sleeves and a large bow is displayed hanging on a wooden hanger against a plain wall.

A flat-lay image displays the couple’s pink Crocs, light pink lace-up shoes, blue sheer gloves, and pink jewelry boxes on a wooden table, along with a bouquet of colorful flowers.

A close-up of the bride's bouquet shows a colorful assortment of pink, peach, and yellow flowers arranged in a clear vase on a windowsill.

The couple sits on a hotel bed, wearing matching striped pajamas and holding champagne glasses, laughing and enjoying a lighthearted moment together.

The bride, wearing a pink ruffled gown, adjusts her sheer blue gloves, preparing for the wedding day.

The couple exchanges what appears to be a celebratory cake or small wedding gift during a party. The bride wears her pink gown and veil, and the partner is dressed in a white jacket and pink pants.

The partner lifts the bride, who is wearing platform pink Crocs and a pink gown, while they stand on a confetti-covered street.

The couple stands in front of a sparkling, metallic backdrop framed by pink neon lights. The bride wears her pink gown and veil, and the partner is in a white jacket and pink pants, both smiling at each other.

A close-up of a neon sign that reads "CABALLITOS," hanging above a display of golden disco balls and skulls. Green foliage frames the bottom of the archway.

A couple standing by their wedding cake, which is adorned with a topper that says "'Til Death." One person is cutting the cake while the other watches.

A wedding couple feeding each other cake. The person on the left is offering a bite of cake to their partner, standing in front of a colorful multi-tiered cake.

A bride in a pink dress and veil strikes a pose indoors, wearing sunglasses and gloves while raising her hands, standing in a room with a bed and wardrobe.

A black-and-white image of a couple in an elevator. The person on the left is wiping the other's face, with the person on the right holding a bouquet of flowers.

A couple walking down the stairs in their wedding outfits. The person on the left wears a white blazer with pink pants, while the person on the right holds flowers.

A couple poses for a formal portrait indoors, with the person on the left standing in a white suit and the person on the right gently embracing them from behind.

The couple sits by a window, the bride on the left in a voluminous pink gown with a veil, and the person on the right wearing a white blazer with a floral boutonniere.

A black-and-white photo of the couple walking hand in hand outside along a brick building, both in their wedding outfits.

A couple kisses in front of a brightly colored brick wall. The ground is covered in confetti, and both are dressed in wedding attire.

A close-up of two pink hexagonal boxes on a wooden table, alongside a note that reads, "To Mum and Jo for wedding." Blue gloves and pink lace details are laid out nearby.

Why did you choose Long Chim, Perth as your wedding venue?

The venue was chosen for its fantastic vibe, particularly its unique staircases and the fact that it was open and inviting. We were also sold on the fact that the bar opened 30 minutes before the ceremony started, nothing like a little pre-celebration to set the tone! We loved the intimacy of the space, and it really fit our non-traditional style. Plus, it made for great photo opportunities on those stairs!

Tell us about your outfits – how did you decide on what to wear?

Jo wanted something completely personalized, so she went all out with a customized jacket, carefully decorated with badges. Each sleeve was dedicated to one of us, which was such a sweet personal touch. Jen, on the other hand, wanted something fun and bright and finally landed on a pink Selkie dress that was everything she imagined; a mix of whimsy and boldness, which suited her perfectly.

What was the vibe you were going for during your wedding?

We wanted the day to feel relaxed and fun, definitely no stiff formalities. From our guests enjoying the open bar to the music and relaxed seating arrangements, it was all about celebrating in a comfortable, joyous way.

We also added in personal touches, like random guest participation, selecting our witnesses on the spot! It kept everyone involved and connected to the moment.

What were some of your favorite moments of the day?

There were so many! The ceremony itself was amazing. We wrote our own vows, which was a really special moment, sharing those words with each other and our guests. After the ceremony, we did a cake cutting followed by speeches, and to top it off, we surprised Jo’s aunt and our celebrant with birthday cakes! That little surprise definitely added to the fun and made the day extra memorable for us and everyone there.

What advice do you have for other couples planning their wedding?

Get organized! We cannot stress enough how helpful a detailed budget spreadsheet was. Jo was the mastermind behind it and made sure everything was paid off in the year leading up to the wedding. This way, we didn’t end up in any debt afterward, which was a huge relief.

Also, don’t be afraid to do things your way, whether that’s choosing a bold dress or planning a less traditional day, it’s all about what feels right for you!