MUSE - Dara Tippapart

MUSE - Dara Tippapart
Photography by Scott Surplice
How did you and Richy meet?
Richy and I met at a party on Australia day eight years ago. He threw bits of baguette at me to get my attention and now the rest is history...


Your wedding location was so enchanting and magical. Did you always know this was where you wanted to have your wedding and celebration?
I always knew I wanted to get married in the countryside. I dreamt of having it in Chianti, Italy on a property we had once stayed at, but sadly I knew it would be a massive stretch for our friends and family to get there. Funnily enough I found our wedding location on Instagram. I booked in an appointment with the manager and immediately fell in love with the property as soon as we pulled into the driveway.
Merribee is a charming property filled with herbaceous plants, an abundant edible garden, gorgeous roses the size of your hand and a lavender paddock. The other thing that won me over was the outdoor dance floor that was dimly lit at night, very romantic. The caterer and florist were locals and the loveliest people to work with. It took alot of stress away knowing they understood my mood board. I loved that the property did not require any styling, the gardens were in full bloom. HAHA I cried when it was all over!



It’s so lovely you had your three sisters as your bridesmaids. What is the ritual or importance of having bridesmaids?
Weddings are stressful and can be overwhelming especially if you are planning a wedding from overseas like I did. It was so important having my sisters as my bridesmaids who know me inside and out and that I can also be upfront with. It was really nice getting to spend time with them, we are all busy living apart doing our own thing so it was special to have them be my support crew and also hear their speeches on the day. I was in tears laughing and crying!



Being a photographer yourself what was your brief for the photography of your own wedding?
I found it a difficult task trying to find the right photographer who's style I personally felt connected with. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of talented photographers out there but it was important to have a photographer who was was chilled and unobtrusive in their approach. That's my approach to any shoots I do so I wanted someone who knew how to work that way too. To be honest, I don't think I gave him much of a brief except that I requested that we not be away from the party for too long doing 'couple shots'. I wanted more photos of us and our guests mingling. That felt far more natural, I get so bloody awkward in front of the camera!


If you could write a note to yourself on the day of your wedding. What would it be?
Hmm well it would probably be something like this
The day is finally here, all those late nights planning, losing sleep, getting upset and overjoyed about.
Don't be nervous or sad because you haven't practised your 'first dance' and its not 'perfect'. You're dancing to your special song that means something to you, that's all that matters.
Take some selfies with mum and dad, have a gin and tonic with mum and you'll be right!
Enjoy every second of today, slow down and take a moment away on your own and as a couple to soak in everything that you have created. Most importantly, remember to find a quiet spot when the party is over and all the guests are gone and look up at the stars in the sky.
