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Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel’s classic white wedding

May 23, 2022

If you’re a fan of Melbourne-based entrepreneur Gretta van Riel (whose wildly successful startups like SkinnyMe and The 5th Watches earned her a spot on Forbes’ 30 under 30 list), you might know that she and her guy Lucas got engaged back in 2020. With two years of changing plans and even having to cancel last minute, they weren’t quite sure when the big day would actually come.

So when the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria became available with six weeks notice, they jumped at the chance to snag their favorite venue. Design and planning team The Nuptial Collective helped them pull it off in time, and Bianca Virtue Weddings was available to capture every moment of their beautiful day!

Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding

Would you believe Gretta found this gorgeous gown in under six weeks, too?! She wore Elie Saab from Helen Rodrigues Bridal for their classic wedding ceremony lined with greenery and white flowers.

Bride Gretta van Riel on planning a wedding in 6 weeks:

“I wouldn’t do it unless you have a planner (we thought we knew what we were doing, we didn’t) and have confirmed availability with your key suppliers (e.g. if you want a specific photographer or floral stylist etc). I didn’t even have a dress when we locked it in and they can take months so I had to be okay whatever outcome but honestly everything worked out perfectly. I kept reassuring myself “if I can launch a brand in 6 weeks, I can launch a wedding in 6 weeks.”

Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding

“I cannot take credit for styling by any means as that was all The Nuptial Collective and Wild Flos, but my main brief was classic and timeless – I wanted to be able to look back on the photos in so years and not have the style date too much. Then touches of your personalities to make it your own, a touch of cowboy for Lucas and my obsession with bows and pearls shone through.”

Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding

Bridesmaids wore white Rachel Gilbert dresses.

Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding

This Sheridan Tjhung bag! Just, wow.

Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding

Their original wedding date actually ended up stormy, and the new date had perfect weather!

Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding Wild Flos sprinkled white blooms throughout the venue to keep the look timeless.

Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding

The flower girl Claudia told Gretta she left her rings at home so as not to upstage the bride! So cute.

Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding Champagne tower for Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding Champagne tower for wedding

You know we love a champagne tower!

Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding

Isn’t this reception place so lovely? Gretta enlisted The Nuptial Collective to style the space in a way that felt classic and timeless, while infusing a bit of her love of bows throughout.

Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding

The reception dress Liz Martinez Bridal from Bluebell Bridal was another find she secured just a couple weeks before. When you know, you know.

Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding Australian entrepreneur Gretta van Riel's classic wedding

Congratulations to the happy couple on a lifetime of love!

Wedding Planning, Styling & Coordination: The Nuptial Collective | Photography: Bianca Virtue Weddings | Videography: Josue Films | Floral: Wild Flos | Venue: Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria & Dann Event Hire | Ceremony Dress: Elie Saab from Helen Rodrigues Bridal | Alterations: Emily Turner Couture | Reception Dress: Liz Martinez Bridal from Bluebell Bridal | Skin: Chakra Intelligent Skin | Hair & Makeup: Tonic Agency, Heidi Wilson Makeup, Shara Ferguson | Celebrant: Married by Mil | Catering: Blake’s Feast | Entertainment: Tobi Tobi, jarradlees sax, The White Tree | Cake: Get Caked by Lisa | Calligraphy & Illustrations: Ineffable Lettering | Wedding Ring: Arman’s Jewellery | First Dance: The Next Step Co | Stationery & Signage: The Nuptial Collective