Style-ish Podcast Summary: "The Wedding Series: 7 Rules for Your Wedding Day"
Hosted by Shameless Media, "Style-ish" delves into the intricate world of fashion, branding, business, and beauty. In the episode titled "The Wedding Series: 7 Rules for Your Wedding Day," released on May 29, 2025, hosts Rhiannon Joyce and Jo Fleming are joined by special guest Annika Joshi Smith. Together, they explore essential tips and personal insights to help brides navigate their wedding day with style and authenticity.
1. Annika Joshi Smith's Unique Wedding Journey
Location and Theme
Annika Joshi Smith shared her wedding experience, highlighting the beautiful blend of Melbourne's essence with personal touches. The ceremony took place at Riponlee Estate, a venue steeped in nostalgia, especially meaningful since Annika's parents were originally married there outdoors many years ago.
"We went from super femme, really pretty, girly kind of vibes to urban and a city party." [02:08]
The reception transitioned to Hazel on Flinders Lane, encapsulating Melbourne's urban charm and creating a juxtaposition between the romantic ceremony and the lively city celebration.
Planning in Eight Weeks
Contrary to the often lengthy wedding planning processes, Annika and her partner James orchestrated their wedding in an intense eight-week timeframe due to unforeseen family health issues. This condensed schedule required swift decision-making and adaptability.
"I was the most stressed bride you've probably ever met, but we planned in eight weeks." [02:32]
Despite the challenges, Annika emphasized the importance of prioritizing meaningful moments over meticulous planning.
2. Intimate Guest List and Personal Connections
With approximately 75-80 guests, Annika's wedding fostered an intimate atmosphere, allowing her and James to engage personally with each attendee.
"It was super intimate, which I actually really loved because James and I both felt like we could engage with every single one of our guests." [04:08]
The decision to invite a close-knit circle ensured that despite some loved ones being unable to attend, the event remained heartfelt and memorable.
3. Wedding Attire: Staying True to Oneself
Annika's Dress Selection
Annika recounted her journey to finding the perfect wedding dress, which culminated in a serendipitous last-minute fitting at a Melbourne designer bridal store. The chosen gown was a simple, minimalistic corset with a surprising thigh-high split, blending elegance with a touch of allure.
"I just wanted to feel like me. And I feel like when you do that as well, you can kind of look back and still love the pictures." [18:53]
Jo and Rhiannon on Dress and Beauty
Jo Fleming and Rhiannon Joyce echoed the sentiment of authenticity, advising brides to avoid experimenting with new trends on their wedding day to ensure their look remains true to themselves and photo-worthy.
4. Curating the Guest Dress Code
Opting for a "garden soiree" theme, Annika and James encouraged guests to embrace florals and pastels, resulting in a vibrant and cohesive aesthetic without strict dress constraints.
"We let the guests kind of run with it. And it was honestly beautiful." [07:30]
This approach allowed attendees to express their personal styles within an elevated and cohesive framework.
5. Memorable and Cultural Moments
Honoring Heritage with the Haka
A standout moment was the spontaneous haka performed by Annika's father and brother, honoring their Māori heritage. This unplanned yet deeply emotional performance added a unique cultural dimension to the ceremony.
"It was the most beautiful moment for us to have, honouring our Maori heritage." [09:15]
Live Streaming for Absent Loved Ones
To include guests unable to attend in person, Annika opted to live stream the wedding, fostering a sense of inclusivity and shared celebration.
6. Music Selection: Finding the Perfect Match
Annika shared the story of discovering their ceremony's cello performer—a talented busker whose impromptu street performance led to his pivotal role in the wedding. His elegant black-tie appearance and heartfelt performance significantly enhanced the ceremony's ambiance.
"He was so talented and he actually... made the ceremony." [10:09]
7. Seven Essential Rules for Your Wedding Day
Rule 1: Spend the Night Before with Your Partner
Zara, co-founder of Shameless Media, advocates for spending the pre-wedding night with your partner to alleviate nerves and strengthen the bond before the big day.
"Spend the night before with your partner is the easiest way to ease your nerves." [13:46]
While Annika chose to share the evening with her mother and bridesmaids, she reflected that more time with her partner might have further eased her stress.
Rule 2: Let Guests "Ghost" Your Wedding
Inspired by a suggestion from Cassie, the hosts recommend allowing guests to discreetly leave the event without formal farewells, enabling the newlyweds to enjoy uninterrupted moments.
"Guests were more than welcome to ghost in the. Instead of saying goodbye." [16:35]
Annika supported this idea, emphasizing the desire to fully immerse in the celebration without external interruptions.
Rule 3: Don't Try New Trends on Your Wedding Day
Annika stressed the importance of sticking to familiar styles for attire, hair, and makeup to ensure comfort and satisfaction in the wedding photos.
"Don't try new trends when it comes to your wedding looks." [17:55]
Jo Fleming added practical advice on beauty preparations, cautioning against introducing new products that might cause adverse reactions.
Rule 4: Be a Guest at Your Own Wedding
Michelle from Shameless Media advised brides to embrace their role as participants in their wedding, relying on professionals and loved ones to handle hosting duties.
"You're there to enjoy the day you've put so much energy and thought into." [21:25]
Jo Fleming shared her strategy to take moments away with her partner to recharge and fully enjoy the festivities.
Rule 5: Know What You're Doing with Your Bodily Comfort
Mish from Shameless Media highlighted the significance of practicing dress fittings and understanding how your attire interacts with your body to avoid last-minute discomforts.
"If you don't know exactly what's happening with your boobs on the day, do a dress practice." [23:05]
Annika echoed this by sharing her experience of adjusting her dress fittings to ensure a perfect fit.
Rule 6: Stay at Home if Marrying Locally
Zara suggested that couples getting married in their hometown consider staying at home, reallocating hotel expenses towards their honeymoon for added value.
"Consider sleeping at home and throwing that money you'd spend on a hotel on your honeymoon." [26:00]
Annika reflected on her choice to stay at a hotel for logistical reasons but recognized the benefits of Zara's advice.
Rule 7: Let Go of Minor Details
Annika emphasized the futility of obsessing over insignificant aspects, advocating for trust in professionals and focusing on the day's true essence.
"Small details won't actually matter on the wedding day." [29:18]
She highlighted the importance of grounding oneself by remembering the core reasons for the celebration amidst planning stress.
Bonus Tip: Wear Loose Clothing When Getting Ready
Cassie from Shameless Media added a practical tip to wear comfortable, loose-fitting attire while preparing for the wedding to prevent marks or damage to the dress.
"Wear loose clothing when getting ready." [32:13]
The hosts shared personal strategies to implement this advice, ensuring their dresses remain pristine throughout the day.
Conclusion
The episode of "Style-ish" offered a heartfelt and practical guide for brides navigating their wedding day. Through Annika Joshi Smith's personal narrative and the hosts' collective wisdom, listeners gained valuable insights into creating a meaningful and authentic celebration. Emphasizing emotional connections, authenticity in style, and strategic planning, the discussion underscored that the essence of a perfect wedding lies in cherishing the moment and prioritizing what truly matters.