Let’s start at the beginning, when and how did you and your partner meet?
Lewis and I met at met through mutual friends in high school. We had admired each other from a far for awhile, but only after meeting up for the first time at a friends 18th birthday party at a local town hall, did we actually start dating.
Tell us about the proposal ..
When we first started dating Lewis drove around in a bright yellow 1980s Ford Escort that he and his dad had done up together for his first car. This car held lots of special memories for the two of us, but was retired to the shed quite a few years ago. In early July 2015 he had told me that he had decided to get the Escort out of the shed and back on the road so he could sell it. On the 19th of July 2015 the Car was finally road worthy so he asked me to go for a cruise in the car like old times. It was a beautiful sunny winters day, we cruised around the Barossa Valley (where we are from), ate lunch at a winery and on our way home he told me he had to quickly help his mate pick up some boxes from the same town hall we first met up in (also the same place we shared our first kiss). Little did I know he had actually hired out the town hall for the day to propose to me. He had set up fairy lights on a table with a beautiful note. Once I had finished reading and turned around he was on one knee with my gorgeous diamond and rose gold engagement ring he had designed himself. He had then organised a surprise little get away to Melbourne for the two of us – even organising with my boss to write up a fake roster so I would have no idea.
The dress! Describe your experience finding the dress .. How did you decide on the one?
I originally thought I would just find an off the rack dress, however after visiting a several bridal boutiques I could not find anything I loved. I had a pretty clear idea what I wanted at the time (2015/2016), lace was everywhere and I knew that wasn’t the styleI was after. As soon as I walked into Caleche I knew that is where I would purchase my dress, the staff were amazing and so helpful! I worked with the amazing Liz to create my dream dress, I absolutely loved how my custom designed dress and silk jersey wrap turned out – Its exactly what I had envisioned. The whole experience was fabulous!!
Can you give us some details on your wedding location?
Lewis and I both grown up in the country, surrounded by vineyards and beautiful scenery so it only made sense that we would have our wedding in the same sort of setting. Our Ceremony was held at The Clare Uniting Church in Clare. I walked down an aisle lined with candles, which with the sunlight shinning through the church stained glass windows made for a really relaxed, romantic feel. We decided to go for a cocktail style reception at the beautiful Hills View Estate in Auburn. We absolutely fell in love with the property that looked over canola fields and had a gorgeous old Chaff mill barn. We began the evening on the lawns looking out onto the canola and beautiful gardens, then after the speeches Lewis, I and all the guests moved into the old mill where the band began and Lewis and I shared our first dance. From this point on the dance floor as officially open and the party really started.
What was your favourite moment of the day?
Our fathers, Bridesmaids and Groomsmen absolutely smashed the speeches. Lewis and I had cheek cramps from laughing so hard. Everyone delivered extremely funny yet heart felt speeches that truly reflected us as a couple. We absolutely loved them!
Hens Day! If you had one, please tell us all about it!
I had a really low key hens day organised by my gorgeous bridesmaids. The girls organised catering and drinks to be provided in my backyard. I had a lovely relaxing afternoon celebrating with my dearest girlfriends.
Lastly, is there any advice or words of wisdom you have for future brides?
As everyone says the day goes SO fast. Unfortunately I feel there were quite a few guests I didn’t get a chance to say hi to. I wish I had made more effort to greet all our guests.
Details
Photographer: Mike Hemus; Videographer: David Resce; Wedding stylist: The Beautiful Life; Bridal shoes: Jo Mercer; Rings: Engagement Ring – Wishart Jewellers; Wedding Bands – Diamond Design Studios; Bridesmaid dresses designer: ASOS; Groom’s/Groomsmen suits: Peter Jackson; Cake designer: Make It Yours – Cakes and Cupcakes; Florist: Bouquets and Button Holes done by a friend; All other flowers – She Runs Wild flowers; Hairdresser: Carly Roberts; Makeup artist: Kristina Persichini.
