Lets start at the beginning, when and how did you and your partner meet?
I actually have my beautiful maid of honour, Georgia, to thank for this! Zak and I met at The Crab Shack in August 2015. We were out celebrating Georgia’s birthday, and her partner Pat invited his group of friends along, including Zak, to join us all. Zak was a good friend of Pat’s as they went to school together. Despite having numerous mutual friends, we had never met before and had never heard of one another. Zak arrived at the bar, locked eyes with me, and the rest is history…
Tell us about the proposal ..
Zak proposed to me in Ubud, Bali. It was our 4 year anniversary and we were dining at the most beautiful clifftop restaurant. As we were taking a photo together with the mountains in the background, Zak dropped to one knee and whipped out a ring. I was in such shock that I didn’t even realize the whole restaurant was cheering and taking photos of the proposal. Just as I said “yes,” complete strangers who were also dining at the restaurant came running down and started hugging and congratulating us. We ended up embracing all these random people and we were all just crying and celebrating together, it really was so special and one of my most treasured memories.
The Dress! Tell us about your experience finding the dress .. How did you decide on the one?
Calèche was one of the first boutiques I visited when I started looking for wedding dresses, and after my first appointment with Liz it was impossible to consider going elsewhere. I had always imaged myself in a long sleeve dress, but I ended up deciding on something completely different! I didn’t actually pick out the dress, Liz suggested I try it on and it was probably the 4th or 5th dress I tried on. I didn’t necessarily fall in love with the style, but the fabric (a beautiful Spanish silk) was absolutely incredible and I knew I couldn’t look past it. I put all my trust in Liz as she was confident she could create something I would love with that particular fabric, and I’m so glad I allowed her guide me and push me outside of my comfort zone. She sketched the most beautiful design and as soon as I saw her idea, I knew that was “the one.” It was such an incredible journey seeing the dress come to life over the year, there were definitely moments I struggled to see the vision but by the final fitting it all came together and I was blown away by what they had created. I was lucky enough to work closely with Wendy, who was so patient, kind and supportive, and I felt in such safe hands throughout the entire process. My experience at Calèche was second to none, they are such a professional, classy and unique bridal store and I cannot speak highly enough of them.
Can you give us some details on your wedding location?
We got married at Golding Wines in the Adelaide Hills. It’s the most stunning venue and I’m so glad we decided to have our wedding there. It was the most awful weather (probably the worst weather in the history of Februaries!) so we needed to organize a marquee for the ceremony but could still be out on the lawn for the ceremony and cocktail hour. Luckily Goldings is the most stunning venue so it still looked absolutely beautiful. We had the reception in their gorgeous barn and were able to escape the crazy weather conditions and dance the night away.
What was your favourite moment of the day?
Walking into the marquee and seeing Zak smiling at the alter waiting for me. Unfortunately we had to postpone our original wedding due to Covid, and it was still touch and go whether we would make it to our new date with the worry of Covid resurfacing that week and triggering old anxieties! The feeling of finally making it to the alter and knowing we were actually going to get married was indescribable. The weather also posed serious challenges and added to the underlying worry that it may actually not go ahead. Just as I arrived at Goldings, it started to pour down and me and the bridesmaids needed to wait to see if the weather would ease before entering the ceremony. After a while we realized we just had to go for it and make a quick dash for the marquee, but the conditions were so severe that our umbrellas covering us almost blew away. It was such a relief to actually make it into the marquee without getting windswept and blown away, and I was overwhelmingly happy to finally be walking towards him knowing we had made it to that moment. I will never forget that feeling of euphoria when I knew it was actually going happen and we had finally made it.
Hens Day! If you had one, please tell us all about it!
My hens day was definitely up there with one of the best days of my life. My bridesmaids organized the most perfect event, it was everything I could have wished for and more. It was an afternoon event at my mum’s home, including a gorgeous gin bar, grazing board, pallet picnics, pizza and dancing… and of course a topless waiter who was the star of the night. I am forever grateful to my girls for creating and pulling off the best Hens day I could have ever imaged.
Lastly, is there any advice or words of wisdom you have for future brides?
Try to enjoy the lead up and not stress the small stuff (easier said than done!). It will be over before you know it so take it all in and treasure every moment.
Details
Photographer: Melissa Boulden; Location: Golding Wines; Groom: Joseph Uzumcu; Bridesmaids outfits: Shona Joy; Flowers: Stemhaus; Makeup: Frankie Makeup; Hair: The Vine Hair; Videographer: Fragment Films; Linen: Found Collective Events; Signage: That Collective Co; Cars: Kombis 4 u and Classic Jags; Celebrant: Toni Turci; Rings: G W Cox; Music: Ash Gale
