Photography
Josh from White Pearl Photography captured my sister’s wedding in July, and we were so impressed with their professionalism and the quality of the photos they we chose them without a second thought. We are so glad we did! As you can see, the photos are stunning. Josh has a great manner and really knows what he is doing – both of which made us more photogenic!
How you met
My sister and her ‘then-boyfriend-now-husband’ met Matt at a New Year’s Eve party. They hit it off and set us up on a coffee date…which turned into hot chocolate, dinner and a movie! We knew we’d found a kindred spirit in each other: a match made in heaven!
The proposal
Six months later we were holidaying in South Australia so that Matt could meet my grandparents. Travelling through the Clare Valley to our dinner reservation in Adelaide, he waited for the right combination of timing, place and nerves…and he found it at the Chianti Classico restaurant where he asked me to be his wife. I said, “Oh, yes!” vehemently, and he produced the most perfect ring, which he had purchased without any inkling on my part! The restauranteur was suitably excited and produced two glasses of Pol Roget to celebrate the occasion.
Ceremony
Our ceremony was held at C3 Church in Robina, my church home shared by my family and friends. It was natural to exchange our vows in such a special place, and the setting with views of the Coast and outdoor café area was ideal!
Reception Venue
We wanted something different for our reception, so we chose the Barrel Hall at Sirromet, Mount Cotton. Our coordinator Sharyn Stein did a wonderful job. It was a fantastic reception venue, with amazing food, great ambience, excellent staff and lots of great photo locations in the private dining room, in the hall, and in the vineyard with the storms rolling in.
Decorations
We made crystal chandeliers for our table centrepieces out of white-washed branches set in tall glass vases, dripping with chains of Swarovski crystals and glass tealight holders. It was fun to see guests’ reactions as they entered the ethereal, candlelit hall. The day before as we were setting up we even had a tour snapping photos of the tables!
Flowers
My florist friend Sumana Ortons did a lovely job of our flowers: lots of roses in soft hues to match the bridesmaids.
Cake
We had two wedding cakes lovingly constructed by my sister and mother – one for the afternoon tea following the ceremony, and one for the reception. We had the cake served as bonbonniere with cake boxes that contained a note asking guests to take some as a sign of partaking in our hospitality.
Dress
I loved loved loved my dress! A custom design by Auburnlight of palest-peachy-cream duchesse silk satin with French lace, Swarovski buttons, Swarovski pearls and star diamanté, ruching like you’ve never seen before and a BIG hoop skirt. I am just a little bit biased – Auburnlight is my own label!
Honeymoon
We splurged on two wonderful nights at Ruffles Retreat behind Upper Coomera, where the food, views, staff, spa and rooms were divine. We then managed to avoid the January floods as we drove to The Narrows Escape at Montville. We had a cute little cottage with a breakfast hamper, spa bath, fireplace and each other. What more could we want?!