According to Georgie Karloci of After The Rock
AFTER THE ROCK
When it comes to planning the perfect wedding, there’s no quantifiable formula. Unless, of course, you speak to Georgie Karloci. Leading with her heart, Georgie directs the premium wedding planning destination, After The Rock, Australia’s most sought-after creator of unforgettable, wildly romantic love stories.
Below, the Aje Report sits with the master wedding planner to explore her key tips, expert advice for the modern bride, and her personal edit of Aje silhouettes – curated for effortless style.
What led you to become Australia’s most in-demand wedding planner?
I had a corporate event management company for 10 years, and I found myself wanting more. I sold my business at the same time that my brother was getting married in the South of France, and he asked me to plan his wedding as a gift. This was so different to planning corporate events, and I just loved it. It all unfolded from there. At the time, the wedding industry was very rigid; there were a few options to choose from, with very little personalisation. I saw a better way to do it, to create a true reflection of the couple and make it feel more like a party, rather than a wedding. And that is how After The Rock was born.
How amazing it is to see what can unfold when you follow those sparks of inspiration and joy. A huge differentiator of After The Rock is your signature method. Can you unpack how you distilled that initial inspiration into the unique approach you’re so coveted for now?
When it comes down to it, event planning in general is a test of your template. There is this underlying flow, a timeline, with a deadline of your wedding. There is a very logistics-based side to planning. We like the client to follow along the process as we explore who they are, and let that shine in each element. It is all about discovery, finding what their brand is, and distilling that into every decision. I think that is the difference. We work with a foundation and build upon it, so that each moment of their wedding is infused with their personal style.
Begin with the method, and then create magic. How inspiring. And can you tell us if you have any key advice for couples looking to create the perfect wedding day?
Write down five or six keywords that represent you, and what you want to feel on your wedding day. It is so easy to get caught up in so many different ideas, and there is no flow. It is so important to tap into what you aspire to feel; is it romantic, chic, elements of pleasure and delight? What are those words? Then every time you make a decision, look back at those words and think about whether they are connected to those feelings.
Is this approach something that guides you in your personal style journey?
I am a chameleon when it comes to clothing; I find myself morphing into my work. Today, for example, I am wearing a suit because I have a lot of professional appointments and I want to feel sharp, confident and powerful. Whereas tomorrow I have meetings with a seamstress, a florist and a calligrapher; so I will choose something more romantic and dreamy. It’s all subconscious. I love to follow my schedule and my mood. I wake up in the morning and think: What am I trying to represent today? What do I need from my outfit today?
“I like to follow my emotions when I am styling myself.”
And where do you find inspiration for your work?
Inspiration is everywhere. I am not drawn to typical reference points, like wedding fairs or events. I prefer art galleries, architecture, fashion and restaurants. Tonight I am purely going to a restaurant because I am interested in how the waitstaff dress. I like to look at the textures and layers of any experience that I admire, to go beneath the surface and delve into all of the details. These special, experiential moments all inspire me. You lean into the zeitgeist, open your eyes, and you find so much inspiration everywhere.
“I like to look at the textures and layers of any experience that I admire, to go beneath the surface and delve into all of the details.”
It is easy to see how what you create is just so immersive and unique. It is fascinating to listen to.
Everything we do is so personal. Each element is so considered. For example, we selected a cluster of chandeliers to coordinate with the florals that are the same kind that grew in a bride’s grandmother’s garden. There are so many little elements that mean such big things. And that energy is palpable; it is felt by every guest. People tell us that they knew they were at an After The Rock event, not because of how it looked, but because of how it felt. And that is so special.
“People tell us that they knew they were at an After The Rock event, not because of how it looked, but because of how it felt.”
Incredible. Shall we speak about The Look? How does a bride’s curation of looks play into your process?
We ask brides to think about their day and what it looks like; some will fit their choice to the location or the season, and that can help to guide them on their search.
We are focusing on how they want to feel throughout every moment, from the welcome drinks and the hens to the reception, the dance floor, and the recovery. The wedding and the mood dictate so much, and each look is an opportunity to enhance that romance – the gorgeous, dreamy quality that is so unique to every bride.
You might start with your main ensemble and then match your additional looks to the silhouette, or use each piece to incorporate those five or six guiding words, every change a new opportunity to let little parts of your personality shine.
What does your perfect moment of romance look like, and what are you wearing?
As cliché as it is, I do think your wedding day is the most romantic day ever. And you are sharing it with everyone you love. That second when you are moments away from someone becoming your husband or wife. That is the pinnacle of romance. For attire, it is a beautiful silhouette that makes you feel amazing. For me, outside of the wedding day, this is often a white piece. White makes me soft, feminine and radiant. I love it.
Georgie’s top wedding planning tips:
Find your five key, guiding words, and follow them as you plan.
In the discovery, it is just as essential to understand what you do like as what you don’t like.
Delve deep into who you are and understand what is most important to you.
Set your timeline and follow it.
Let your personality shine through every detail that is important to you.
Select your most essential elements and lean into them.
Remember that this day only comes once, so invest in special silhouettes that make you feel amazing throughout every moment of your wedding day.
What an inspiration you are, thank you, Georgie.
Discover Georgie’s curated edit – a selection of everyday essentials, date-night icons, and event-ready silhouettes. From effortless cool denim to timeless staples, each piece is elevated in signature Aje style.
