A brilliant opportunity for Kate to move to Dubai in 2005 left her with a mix of excitement and apprehension. But it was the suggestion of her father that unknowingly changed her life forever, as Kate explained. “My father had met a friend of Harry’s Dubai based family and suggested I get in touch. Harry and I quickly became friends, but it wasn’t until two years later that we realised our feelings for each other!

In January 2010 whilst on holiday in the Victorian beach town of Anglesea, Harry proposed to Kate whilst enjoying fish and chips on the beach. “It was chilly, but we rugged up and got a bottle of wine and had a picnic in the wind!” In a very special and sentimental surprise, Harry arranged for Kate’s father, a renowned gemmologist, to design her beautiful diamond engagement ring and handcraft it in his workshop! 

When it came to her gown, Kate revealed that despite Dubai’s reputation for high fashion, she hadn’t been able to find ‘the one’, “The gowns in Dubai were all very elaborate with every bit of tulle, lace, crystals, beading and embellishments you can imagine! So I knew I would have to look elsewhere. One of the first gowns I tried on in Melbourne was the one I fell in love with. It was simple with two pockets on the sides and a beautiful low back.” 

Closer to the day, Kate revealed some anxiety about the weather, but as it turned out, the rain clouds cleared about an hour before the ceremony and the jet-setting couple married under a sunny blue sky. 

After the ceremony, guests were welcomed into the light flooded marquee. With a customised menu and styling by Ed Dixon Food Design to reflect elegance and simplicity, decorations included French linen tablecloths, raffia and hessian wrapped flowerpots and olive trees. “We served canapés and champagne, followed by a long lunch with shared platters of beautiful food. We also set up a ‘cafe area’ outside with a cheese table and ice cream toadstools,” explained Kate. 

Gown & Accessories: Jane Hill | Photographer: Narelle Sheean | Ceremony & Reception Location: Private Residence | Reception Caterer: Ed Dixon Food Design | Flowers & Floral Decorations: Bronwyn Swan Flowers | Engagement & Wedding Rings: August Dalheimer & Co. | Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Attire: Trevor West | Bridesmaids’ Outfits: Anu | Flower Girl’s Outfit: Big by Fiona Scanlan | Hair & Make-Up: Anaka | Music: Top Dog Entertainment | Gift Registry: The Melbourne Wedding Registry