The Proposal

Around nine years ago, our paths crossed thanks to a mutual friend. Friendship paved the way for a year before romance bloomed between us. The unforgettable proposal unfolded on a cozy Christmas Day, with just the two of us at home. Amidst unwrapping presents, a surprise awaited our beloved pup, Charlie, who bounded in wearing a brand-new pink collar. Engraved on its tag were the words that changed our lives forever:'Will you marry me?'

The Planning

Organising our wedding was an absolute blast! There was an exhilarating joy in exploring different vendors and envisioning the styling. I managed to secure most of our vendors within the initial couple of months, allowing us to enjoy a more relaxed pace until the final months, when things ramped up. I assembled my bridal party quite early on, but Kieran, being the typical male, waited until about six months before the big day to finalise his choices!

Theme

Our theme revolved around classic black and white tones, reflecting the formal and black-tie ambiance I envisioned for our wedding. We aimed for a modern, sleek style in every aspect of the event's styling and décor.

Wedding Dress & Suits

The quest for the perfect wedding dress led me on an unforgettable expedition that traversed the distances to Melbourne, the thriving heart of artistic ingenuity. There, nestled amid the city's vibrant lanes and creative aura, lay the atelier of Marquise Bridal—a haven where dreams were meticulously woven into reality.  It was a stunning strapless, form-fitted dress adorned entirely with pearls, featuring a V-shaped back and a chic high leg split. Keeping it a secret until the big day made it a thrilling surprise for everyone! Completing the ensemble was a two-tier veil, and I strutted in white point-toe leather slingbacks from Morimoto.

For my bridesmaids, they rocked matching one-shoulder black dresses from Bec and Bridge, exuding that classic elegance. We tied the look together with pearl earrings, with me sporting big pearls and the girls wearing matching smaller ones.

Kieran looked dashing in his custom three-piece suit from InStitchu, accompanied by his groomsmen who sported tuxedos sans vests. Bow ties and sleek black shoes completed their sharp look.

 I made sure my two sisters and the junior bridesmaids/flower girls matched impeccably in their custom-made high-necked floor-length black dresses, paired with black ballet flats. Everyone looked incredibly polished and coordinated!

Wedding Day Highlights

What a whirlwind of a day it was! Every moment seemed like a highlight! The morning preparations were a mix of rain and sunshine, which definitely kept my stress levels in check. However, amidst the changing weather, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and good vibes while the hair and makeup team worked their magic. I've never felt more stunning and confident than I did on that day, thanks to the incredible HMUA team!

The first looks, both with Kieran and my bridesmaids before the ceremony, hold a special place in my heart. Emotions ran high during the first look with Kieran, but it dispelled all nerves, leaving room for pure excitement.

The ceremony itself feels like a beautiful blur, standing there and feeling the warmth of having all my favorite people gathered in the chapel with us.

Just as we were signing and our guests were lining up for a petal toss, the rain made an appearance, prompting umbrellas. But magically, as we walked out, the skies cleared, revealing a breathtaking rainbow. The photos capturing that moment are among my favorites from the day!

The bridal party photoshoot was an absolute blast! We had a fantastic time with cocktails flowing, champagne spraying everywhere, and an abundance of love and laughter.

Entering the reception with "Empire State of Mind" and celebrating with a champagne tower before the speeches was an unforgettable moment. Our first dance to "Falling Like the Stars" by James Arthur, which I choreographed, was a success! We also had a touching father-daughter and mother-son dance, where I shared a part of it with my dad and part with my grandad, who played a significant role in raising me.

The reception turned into a lively party with non-stop dancing! I even swapped into slippers for ultimate comfort! The DJ surprised us with a CO2 gun, and Kieran had a blast spraying it all over the dance floor and guests. That moment was undoubtedly the highlight of his day!

After the reception, we continued the celebration at the Nineteen at The Star for an unforgettable afterparty.

The Venue

I had my heart set on this venue long before the proposal! I'd been following them since their opening and was absolutely certain that I wanted to tie the knot there. While I entertained Kieran with a few other venue options, once we walked through that space, nothing else even came close. Its elegance and sophistication perfectly aligned with our style. However, what truly sealed the deal for me was the glass house—it was an absolute must for our wedding photos!

Flowers

We opted for an all-white floral arrangement. My bridesmaids carried roses while I had a combination of roses and cascading orchids. The ceremony featured two white plinths adorned with the same white roses and hanging orchids. I wanted to keep the styling minimal since the venue itself was breathtaking; simple single-stemmed white roses in vases adorned the main tables, complemented by a special centerpiece on our bridal table.

Readings 

We opted out of readings during the ceremony to keep it short and sweet, eager to dive into the celebration! However, we had quite a lineup of speeches planned for the reception. My father and Kieran's father delivered heartfelt speeches, alongside our best man and maid of honor. Kieran's siblings combined forces for a speech, and two of my close friends also teamed up to share their words and wishes for us. The speeches truly added a special touch to our celebrations!

Funny, Touching and Stressful Moment

The speeches were a riot! Everyone delivered their best material, and we thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of them.

The first look was incredibly emotional. Meeting each other all dressed up for the first time with only our camera crew around was truly special. It helped us shake off some pre-wedding jitters.

The most stressful moment came just three weeks before the wedding when I received an email stating that my videographer had gone into voluntary administration. It sent me into a panic, but thankfully, my photographer came to the rescue. They managed to find the most perfect replacement videographer who was available and willing to step in, saving the day!

Advice for Others Couples

Take pleasure in the journey! If there's no urgency, take your time. You might notice your ideas evolving between booking vendors and the actual day. For instance, when I initially booked vendors, I was leaning towards a dusty rose theme, but about six months later, my preferences took a complete turn.

Always remember, this day is about your desires, not fulfilling everyone else's expectations. Stay true to what you envision and what truly resonates with you!

Venue: The Valley Estate Currumbin | Photographer: Danielle Webster | Videographer: Dylan Dirks | Celebrant: Hitched by Fabs- Fabbian Lizza | Floral Stylist : Ivy and Bleu Events | Hair: Leigh Mccoy | Make Up: Phoebe Lowenna | Wedding Dress : Marquise Bridal | Bride's Maid Dresses: Bec and Bridge | Groom's Suit: Institchu | Groomsmen's Suit: Black Jacket Suiting |  Shoes: Morimoto | Jewelry: Tiffany Duliege | Engagement Ring: Argyle Jewellers | Invitations: State of Elliott | Music & DJ: Cut A Rug