Bride & Groom: Chloe & Lachlan Moo
Planning & Styling: Chloe Moo with help from mum, Jo Moo (@stylingbyjomoo)
Event Management: Agentur
Gown: Monique Lhuillier
Jewellery including wedding rings: Paspaley
Shoes: Chanel, Aquazurra
Bridesmaids dresses: Carla Zampatti
Venue: Friend’s home
Photography: Bayleigh Verdelho
Videography: Josue Films
Floral: Grandiflora supported by Darwin Community
Napery: Kieren Kurritpul
Lighting/AV: TES NT
Stationary: Samuel Pauletto
Celebrant: Anniella Batten
How did you and your husband meet?
I’d escaped from Sydney lockdowns to Darwin at the beginning of COVID and Lachlan had moved back from Melbourne a few years prior. Our maid of honour and best man had independently noticed our paths had led us both back to our hometown and hinted we should meet each other. One day I threw caution to the wind and added him on Facebook and later the same day we bumped into each other at the Darwin Races (literally!). It was both of our turns to buy our friends a round of drinks and I don’t think we’ve stopped talking since.
How did he propose?
He recreated our first date. It was at the beach I grew up on and we were walking the dog. Simple and perfect.
What was your vision for your wedding day?
My vision intersected two of our favourite things; Darwin, and our love story. We wanted to pay tribute to the town and celebrate its unique charms. From its relaxed culture and deep connection to the tropical coast, to its mesmerising botanical beauty and our Chinese heritage in the area; I wanted to create an atmosphere and aesthetic which transported our guests to a fantasy scape, where all our favourite details came together in symphony.
What drew you to your gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal?
I was instantly drawn to Helen’s range and eye for designers who were fashion first, bridal second. I have long admired Monique Lhuillier; the queen of lace, and Helen’s relationship with her was the ultimate calling. Helen and the team worked with me to capture a contemporary take on a classic lace gown, with ties to cheongsam form. The bespoke design combined elements from three ML gowns, in lace, with the flexibility to become two different dresses.
What was your wedding planning journey like for you? How far out did you start planning?
The planning journey was an ongoing balance of creativity and practicality. Following our engagement, I created a decision and task timeline to guide us and methodically worked through those. We started with the non-negotiables; Darwin’s climate, wedding date and our favourite vendors, and worked our way back from there.
What was the biggest decision you had to make?
Every decision feels relatively big in the moment. Collaborating with all the innovative and passionate people we did to bring the day together was the best decision we made and such a pleasure.
What was the highlight of your wedding day for you?
Besides marrying Lachlan (!!) it was intensely moving to see all the people we love; friends and family, come together for those magical few days. As two who have lived abroad, with family and friendships spread across states and continents, we felt so lucky and so loved, sharing the day with everyone and seeing our guests’ forming friendships which have outlived the day.
Is there any advice you would give other #HRBride’s?
Trust your intuition with the people you want to work with. Once you have those people, trust them and their craft; there’s a reason you chose them!
Helen is the ultimate specialist in bridal. Not only does she have an incomparable eye to bring to the table the most beautiful bridal offerings from around the world, but she has a well-honed perspective on what a bride needs to make the all-important dress decision. She is calming, tailored in her approach, effortlessly helpful and anticipates your needs. Her and the team are passionate about you finding your dress, offer impeccable guidance and service. Finding my dress and being on the journey from start to finish with Helen was one of the greatest joys of the wedding process. They made me feel like a bride, amongst the hecticness of planning and preparation.