Hey all, It was Jin’s and my Wedding Anniversary at the end of July and we completely forgot. It wasn’t till about 8pm when a friend sent a 7 year congratulations text that we realized. No biggie, we don’t really celebrate major events, preferring to celebrate every day as a heartily endorsed continued commitment. Not every day, sometimes it’s less than perfect. Rarely, but it happens. Anyway, that got me thinking about our wedding and that most important of selections. Our wedding perfume choices.
Wedding Perfume Choices
Here we are cutting our wedding cake, made lovingly by a friend Sue. Could Jin be any more adorable? What a spunk he is.
So, though I’ve shared this before, these are the fragrances we wore for our wedding day. We are both very close with Neela Vermeire and her husband Tony. It all started because her perfumes were so unbelievably amazing. I had to know this amazing creative director. From that small kernel a friendship was born. We both wanted to smell gorgeous, but also distinctive. It had to be something we loved but also would stand he test of time as a memory scent.
Jin
At the time Jin had three seriously signature scents up for the role. Bottega Veneta EdP, CHANEL Anteaus, and Neela Vermeire Creations Bombay Bling. Yeah, he has really excellent taste. They all smell killer on him. I’m pretty sure we didn’t discuss our wedding perfume choices beyond top three contenders. In the week leadup Jin was in our apartment with his family. Apparently it was happy bedlam. So final fragrant choices were a surprise. I was pretty sure he was going to choose Bottega Veneta EdP because on our first international holiday in 2013 Seoul Airport had a stand selling it for US$35/75ml. I was going to buy myself a couple of bottles but Jin decided it was his perfect scent and grabbed himself some. To be fair it smelled unbelievably gorgeous on him.
On the day as we arrived at the venue (separately) I knew he’d gone in another direction. Bombay Bling got the gong. He had obviously spritzed over an hour beforehand because most of the pine/mango fruitiness had descended to a tobacco rich floral patchouli. HEAVEN! He wanted something bright and springlike, a fragrance that would smell like a new beginning, robust and hefty but fun.
Portia
My wedding perfume choices were a bit more fraught, with such a large inventory and so many of them already memory scents. One of the first decisions I made was that all previously important memory scents were immediately disqualified. That took a slew of the designers like Guerlain Shalimar and Mitsouko, CHANEL No 5 and Coco, DIOR Granville, Mitzah and Miss Dior, JPG Le Male, Aramis, Ralph Lauren Safari and Gucci Envy Men out of contention. It also made Neela Vermeire Creations Ashoka and mohair, Miller et Bertaux A Quiet Morning, Teo Cabanel Alahine, Divine EdP and both Parfum d’Empire Ambre Russe and Cuir Ottoman ineligible.
In my final three were DIOR Patchouli Imperial (released earlier 2018, so new acquisition), Neela Vermeire Creations Rahele and Parfumerie Generale Ambre Ceruleen.
Even though it was a rainy winter day I wanted to at least have a whisper of the traditional white floral that is so often the choice for weddings but I also wanted my wedding perfume choice to have quiet interest and a story. It needed to be a bit player, not the star. Something quietly beautiful that wouldn’t interfere with our day or take any of my attention during it. So the gong went to Rahele. A superbly crafted beauty with a spicy green opening that travels through osmanthus-heavy floral bouquet to leathery chypre dry down.
Rahele also translates in English to “one who travels”. Fairly apt description of me. While Rahele is present, it doesn’t overwhelm or intrude. Lasting power is fabulous and it gives me a little jolt of low key happiness whenever I get a huff. It is now my most worn NVC by far and every time I spritz the happy memory of our wedding returns.
What was your wedding perfume choice, or what do you hope it to be? What would you choose now if you had the choice over?
Portia xx
Ooops! Late to the comments. Rainbow sister MzCrz sends lots of love and heartfelt wishes for many decades of joy, happiness, lots of exciting travel, positive adventures, unlimited new and good vintage scents and delightful food experiences to both you and Jin for many decades to come! <3
MzCrz,
Thank you.
What a lovely wish.
Im keeping some and passing it along to all our Posse. We could all do with some rainbow sister magic.
HUG
Portia xx
Happy Anniversary to two of the loveliest people on this planet!!!
I wasn’t that interested in perfume back then – I mean, I was… but not perfumista-level. I think I wore Oscar de la Renta… but I always wore Oscar de la Renta.
Were I to marry now? Amouage Lyric. Or CBIHP 7 Billion Hearts.
Wishing you sooo many more years in health, happiness and contentment – I love you both!
We love you too Musette.
You can do a LOT worse than beautiful Oscar de la Renta. Still good.
Portia xx
Congratulations! I love the picture of you and Jin and the guy in the chair. Everyone looks very happy. I am pleased for both of you.
I have been to a lot of weddings and enjoyed them, but never wanted one of my own or to even be married. Yet, I have (embarrassingly) done it more than once. Don’t ask. So when I did it – it was going to the justice of the peace in whatever I happened to be wearing at the time and probably not wearing perfume.
Thanks Maya,
The guy in the chair is Wayne, one of our dearest buddies. He is really annoyed that he is in our favourite wedding photo. We love him being there too.
HA! A wedding was not on my radar either. Until 2017 it wasn’t even legal in Australia. I’d happily decided at 40 that it was just going to be me, the pooch and my besties. There’d been a lovely string of very unsuitable partners and I wanted to grow old peacefully. Then Jin came along.
Who can stick with plans when the universe gives such a gift?
We did a Registry Wedding two weeks before the big fun wedding party, just 5 of us and lunch after.
Portia xx
Your wedding photo is perfect as it is. You and Jin are the main part of the picture. I am trying to find the right words to describe Wayne being there. The best I can do is that he doesn’t take anything away from you two, he adds a wonderful je ne sais quoi.
Yeah, he looks so happy and comfortable. We love that he’s there too.
Happy Anniversary!
I’ve never really thought of getting married, But if I did I think I would wear something like FM French Lover. Sort of old school country club but with a touch of perversion. Of maybe I’d break out the Guerlain Derby with that bit of 80’s shoulder pads and “Manly, yes, but I like it too” attitude. Maybe Sous le Vent. Heck since we’re talking something that will happen right after Bigfoot gets on “Dancing With the Stars” why not Djedi? I’ve never smelled it, so why not on my putative nuptials.
More important, what kind of cake? Alternate tiers of coconut and triple berry from Sweet Lady Jane?
Thanks Tom,
Can you believe that 2025 marks 11 years since we hung out together? I miss your stupid face buster.
HA! Of course the cake. Me? I’m a traditionalist, dark fruit cake. One of my favourites, especially with marzipan. MMMMMMM
Portia xx
Oh I love a fruitcake with marzipan. Covered in fondant so it’s pretty. Nobody does that anymore. Pity.
When my mom made them they had enough dark rum in them they could have been used as a Dura-flame log.
HA! That’s hilarious. YUM
I don’t even know what fondant is Tom, is it particularly USA?
Fondant is that clay-like stuff they roll out and cover cakes with. Especially wedding cakes. It gives them that perfect look and seals up the cake so it doesn’t dry out while it’s waiting to be served. I think I told the story of making a wedding cake with my friend Sue on here. Maybe I’ll do it in a post.
I thought that was marzipan? No?
Nope. Fondant is just sugar. Marzipan is almond paste.
Right, so two separate layers. I just thought the cake made it go different on the inside.
Learn something every day.
Thanks Tom.
Congrats on your anniversary! Never been married but the last wedding I went to, I wore Gris Charnel and the one before that was no 19 edt. If I would ever get married, I would probably wear Lyric or maybe Shalimar.
Hey Eldarwen22,
YUM to Gris Charnel, so rich. CHANEL No 19 is an old beloved favourite of mine too. If we ever do a Vow Renewal I’ll probably wear an old chypre. So elegant and ceremonial.
Portia xx
My wedding was in 2009 – not my first, but definitely my last. It took me longer to pick my wedding scent than my dress, and the early perfume blogosphere helped. It was Diorissimo, as I’ve always associated lilies with celebrations.
For a reboot – today I’d probably go with one of the scents I discovered on last year’s trip: Plumetis (Galimard in Grasse) or Prelude d’Amour (Aquaflor Perfume in Florence). Both were pleasant surprises, kind of like my falling in love and getting married again!
Hey MaggieCat,
HA! We perfumistas are funny. I bet Diorissimo was a spectacular fragrant backdrop to the day. Do you get a low key, happy thrill whenever you wear it now?
OOOH! New information. Thanks. I’ve not known either brand.
Portia xx
I wore White Shoulders by Evyan with a gigantic white off-the-shoulders Cinderella dress 🙂
How freaking fabulous VerbenaLuvvr,
Did you feel full CinderElla? Hair up or down?
I have a small bottle of White shoulders. So pretty and luscious. Perfect for your triumphant ball gown ensemble.
Portia x
We only got married in January 2008 after being together for what seems like forever. We did the deed on the beach in Coolangatta and went on a cruise boat afterwards for dinner and party. I wore Michael Kors Island, and I still love it.
Cassieflowerr! You’re in Australia?!? How did I not clock this?
It sounds like a beautiful day/evening.
Michael Kors Island? What’s it like?
Portia xx
Ha, no, I was on holiday there for Christmas and January. MK Island is a gentle white floral with a sandalwood base. Ever so slightly aquatic.
AHA! What a lovely idea, love destination weddings.
MK Islands sounds GOOD!
Portia xx
Such a happy photo of you both looking both shy ??? Yet proud!
We will have been married 40 years this coming April. We both forgot our 7th anniversary too. To be fair we were both working different shifts, juggling kids, school & child care. Though we aren’t big celebration people whatever.
I suspect DH wore Quorum, that was what he always wore.
I wore Nicky Verfailles Grain de Sable from 1977 (Fragrantica) or 1980 (Bois de Jasmin). It’s somewhere between Le Parfum de Therese, Diorella & OG Calyx. It was so finely balanced & yes it has my nemesis calone in it but imperceptibly. I was gifted a mini bottle from a kind but anonymous perfume fairy godmother via a swap & gift thread on FB years ago.
What would I wear today? Chanel Cristalle EdT feels the most “me” fragrance ever
HA! We were both.
FORTY YEARS! Amazing. To be fair we have not remembered properly, like most TV couples, yet.
Quorum! So manly but still quite interesting. I had a bottle many years ago and loved it.
I have a huge bottle of Chanel Cristalle EdT and hope it gets some wear this year. I’ll think of you when spritzing Alityke.
Portia xx
Beautiful scents for both of you. My wedding was in 1997 and I’m pretty sure I didn’t wear any perfume. This was long before I had interest – I know I had a couple of bottles back then – Chanel No 5 edc for sure, but I can’t imagine I would have chosen that. I just wasn’t that into perfume. Hard to imagine now; if we did a vow renewal I think it would be in the evening, in a private garden with fairy lights, and I would wear Alahine or Ormonde Woman.
I’m LOVING your fairy lit garden idea MMKinPA, so beautiful. Alanine! I’m nearly ready for a new bottle.
What would you wear for a Vow Renewal clothes wise?
Portia xx
Love these stories Portia! What great choices, and your line ups were killer. Such great taste you each had. Mr. C and I had a January evening wedding in 1991. I wore Arpege which was my favorite at the time, and it’s still beloved. I don’t think he wore any scent. But now time has come full circle, and our daughter’s wedding is at the end of October. The question arises: what scents shall we wear? He can choose between Guerlain Vetiver, Bulgari Black, Gucci Pour Homme, and Paloma Picasso Minotaure’. I want to wear a jasmine scent.
Thanks DinaC,
Arpege! So beautiful. I love it too.
Your dude has a lovely collection. Did he amass it or did you get to curate?
Portia xx
I curated his collection. He doesn’t have a strong sense of smell, so he leaves it up to me.
YAY! I’ve also heavily involved myself in Jin’s collection. He has a REALLY good nose though, much better than mine
Gorgeous post, as always Portia. My wedding was in 1978 and I wore a traditional gown and Casaque. I’ve been widowed since 1998 so it’s been a lifetime on my own, exploring all kinds of perfume. Yesterday was my 70th birthday, and my daughter took me to a place called Scents ‘n Sips where you BYOB (we brought champagne) and create your own fragrance product. I brought along Theorema (only a few drops left) and we created something similar. It’s still missing the fizzy top, but I have a layering idea. It was a wonderful day! I left with the perfume, body lotion and 2 candles.
WOW! I went looking for Casaque but there are a few perfumes by that name JillS. Which one was it?
Sorry to read you lost your spouse. Was it 20 good years?
Your day out making perfume and drinking champagne sounds so fun, and you left with a frag that almost hits the spot of your Theorema. So cool.
Portia xx
Hi, Portia. The Casaque fragrance I wore was by Jean D’Albret. ??
Aha! I thought it might be. There have been a few other perfumes called by the same name.
Gone forever, I can’t seem to find a single drop on the internet.
What a lovely post. Is the outdoor pic from the wedding? I feel like my wedding was a lifetime ago. I expect I wore l’Artisan Mure et Muse because that’s what I wore at the time. My wedding dress was a knee length red cotton Betsey Johnson (it was the 1980s…) with a scoop neck and two-tiered skirt. I still have it somewhere.
Wedding pic from Pixels Cinnamon. Our day was very low key. About 110 friends and family at our favourite local Italian restaurant. We get everyone fed, did a little ceremony and had a beautiful couple of hours with a string quartet playing. Then we sent them all home.
OOOHHHHH! I bet you looked Ah May Zing! What a fab dress, and I bet you were redolent of sweet fruit and white flowers in your Mure et Musc. Beautiful.
Portia xx
What a lovely read. I remember your weddingday from the AJP days, but 7 years ago is much longer than I thought it would be. NVC may be my favourite house and so fitting you both chose to wear perfume from her creations. I married quite a while ago, 26 years now (I always forget the date it is no biggie for us either) long before falling in the rabbit hole. I did wear perfume as an afterthought in those days, so I may have worn Ralph Lauren Romance. If I were to marry today I would wear Eshal or Mohur Extrait.
WOW! You like the idea of the big, buxom beauties nowadays Hamamelis. It’s really good to read that someone else loves the NVC oeuvre as much as we do.
Romance! What a perfect wedding scent and congratulations on 26 years. That’s amazing.
Portia xx
My first wedding on August 22, 1981 I wore White Shoulders by Evyan. Sadly, my first husband passed away in March 2013. I married my second husband who I knew from school on August 18, 2018. I wore Chanel Gardenia. All the bouquets and arrangements were filled with gardenia’s the main player. Happy seven year anniversary to us both!
Hey Sylvia,
Sorry you lost your first husband but yes, HAPPY 7.
I bet your second wedding smelled so ethereal and just a little skanky. Gardenia is all the good with just a hint of the naughty to me. So cool.
Portia xx