In Conversation With Melbourne Wedding Planner Angela of Cene Studio
For Angela of Melbourne’s Cene Studio, a wedding is far more than a beautiful event, it’s an artistic narrative shaped by light, space, and deeply personal stories. Known for her refined, minimalist aesthetic and thoughtful approach, she transforms fleeting moments into timeless experiences that linger in memory long after the last dance.
Cene Studio is known for its refined and intentional approach to weddings. How would you define your signature style?
The Cene aesthetic is understated, minimal and refined – however it’s shaped, at the heart of it is always a timeless and classic beauty that will transcend through years to come, beyond the hype and the trends of the time. We like to think of our events as an evolving piece of art that weaves elements of movement, scent, sound and light to create a sensory and interactive affair that elevates the guest experience.
What inspired you to launch Cene Studio? And how has your vision for the brand evolved over time?
Cene was born out of the love and appreciation of architecture and design. Focusing on the harmony of light and space and the way we experience this outside of our day-to-day life, in a setting where emotions and time are temporary but impactful. Over time, that vision has evolved into something more layered and purposeful. While aesthetics remain at the core of great design, Cene has grown to embrace storytelling through atmosphere. I wanted to create a studio that does more than style events – and I think we’ve achieved that.
When working with couples, how do you guide them in curating a wedding that feels truly personal and considered?
Most couples I meet will come to me with a Pinterest board they’ve been collating for months. I can see over time how their taste has changed and developed, and essentially, where it’s going. After years of experience, we’ve become pretty good at sieving through the elements and coming up with something that encompasses the trends they love in a considered way. Putting the aesthetics aside, I encourage each one of my couples to wipe the slate clean, and start from the beginning. What’s their story? How do we define their guest experience? How do we put a value on the things we don’t physically see? This becomes the backbone; the aesthetics flow easily once the core values are set.
Design and aesthetics play a major role in your work. How do you balance visual storytelling with the logistical aspects of planning?
For me, the design extends beyond the way things appear – it’s about the feel and flow. I begin with the couple’s story, values and vision, using that narrative to shape a cohesive aesthetic that runs through every touchpoint: from the ceremony, to the table settings, through to the finer details, such as stationery. However, design can only come to life through solid logistics. Behind every beautiful moment is a detailed plan that ensures each element is executed flawlessly. I work closely with trusted suppliers, build clear timelines and create comprehensive production schedules so that nothing is left to chance. It’s a constant dialogue between creativity and practicality. If a design isn’t achievable within certain constraints, we search for innovative ways to make it happen.
What’s one wedding you’ve planned that stands out as a defining moment of Cene Studio?
A few years back, we planned and styled a beautiful winter soiree for ex Miss Hong Kong and her husband, who were residing overseas. They were the first client we had who put 100% of their trust in us to deliver something that was timeless and classic – and we did just that. To this day, this particular event is still roaming around the internet, getting pinned, shared and strangely enough, coming back to us on people’s inspo boards. It’s a true testament to timelessness, which is at the core of what we do.
With the wedding industry constantly evolving, how do you stay inspired and push creative boundaries in your work?
The key has always been to remember why we started. Back when I first started the studio, styled weddings in Victoria were unheard of. The spread of social media was giving us a huge insight into what the rest of the world was doing and how we could expect the industry here to follow. I was drawing most of my inspiration from architecture and design to create something new – pieces that didn’t exist anywhere else. It was truly a defining moment of the brand. Seeing people enjoy my creations continued to fuel my passion. It’s very easy to lose this with the speed at which everything is moving. To mute the noise and be able to come back to the core of it all is truly a skill I’ve had to master, but is necessary in pushing the creative boundary.
What’s one piece of advice you always give to couples at the start of their planning journey?
Never underestimate the value of a highly experienced planner or coordinator. It’s completely normal for people to try and save on their budget wherever they can – most often done by pulling back on various elements that can quickly become a logistical nightmare. Because our wedding industry is not as regulated as others, there’s a lack of awareness in how much work actually goes into planning and executing a monster event such as a wedding. What most are unaware of is how much improper planning and lack of experience will cost them in the end. Sadly, this isn’t something that can be exemplified at the start of a journey when there are figures flying around everywhere – it’s only in retrospect that it becomes apparent.
Looking ahead, what’s next for Cene Studio? Are there any exciting projects or directions you’re exploring?
Absolutely! Cene Studio is evolving in directions we’ve not been before. We’re launching our hire subsidiary in May – an archive of our beautiful pieces we’ve curated over the years, as well as celebrating our 10 years in business with some exciting projects both within and outside of the event sphere. A very exciting time ahead.
Visit cenestudio.com.au
Instagram @cene.studio
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