Tell us about the proposal: Ryan proposed in the middle of Central Park in New York City with a ring from Tiffany and Co. He knew I loved everything about New York and went out of his way to create a dream proposal. During this trip to New York, we had been taking daily morning walks in the park, exploring different areas and on one of those days Ryan proposed.
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Ryan’s family home was that place for us, he grew up there, its familiar and welcoming, many of our guests already knew it well. It was a venue that was unique to us. Ryan’s mum’s garden is also quite famous (in the family) as you will often find quirky creations there, like the built in chess board and framed succulents hanging from the back fence.
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Your most favourite moment/s of the day: At our reception we played the ‘shoe game’. (Place two chairs back to back in the middle of the dance floor. Sit in one chair and have your partner sits in the other. Then take off your shoes and switch one shoe with your partner. You should each have two different shoes in your hands. Your MC asks a series of questions and after each question, you hold up the shoe of the person you think is the best answer to the question.)
It was all in good fun with questions like ‘Who is the better driver’, ‘Who is more likely to burn the house down when they’re cooking’ etc. Then we used the last question to announce to our guests that we were expecting baby Hadley. ‘Whose due date is in January 2019?’
What was your favourite detail/s about the day? Our arbour – This was a pinterest find, I was looking for an arbour for the ceremony that was different to anything I had seen before. My dad made it from scratch. Given all the angles, I think it became quite complicated in the end but he pulled it off and once it was set up with all the flowers on it, it was one of my favourite details of the day.
Reserved signs/seats for grandparents - We reserved three seats at the ceremony in the second row with corsage/ boutonniere’s for my grandparents who had passed away.
Cake – I’ve always thought the cake cutting part of Weddings was weird, so we didn’t do a ‘cake cutting’. But we couldn’t go without cake so we chose to have a very non traditional cake (vanilla with caramel cream, dripping with chocolate and popcorn). It was a hit.
Reserved signs/seats for grandparents - We reserved three seats at the ceremony in the second row with corsage/ boutonniere’s for my grandparents who had passed away.
Cake – I’ve always thought the cake cutting part of Weddings was weird, so we didn’t do a ‘cake cutting’. But we couldn’t go without cake so we chose to have a very non traditional cake (vanilla with caramel cream, dripping with chocolate and popcorn). It was a hit.
I took my mother and mother in-law on a weekend trip to the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria to try it on and place the order! I tried on two other dresses in the same store just for the hell of it, but the Chantel Lauren Mae hand-painted gown was always going to be the one.
What does marriage mean to you? We asked Ryan’s grandparents to be our witnesses, they have been married 56 years and their strong and lasting partnership is an example of patience and love. It is a testament to the way in which they have spent a lifetime growing and changing together, making their family’s love and happiness a priority. It is something we aspire to in our marriage and life together.
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What advice would you offer to other couples planning a Wedding? Don’t do things just because ‘that’s what you do at Weddings’. Chop and change, cut and paste and create a day that’s perfect for the two of you. Hire someone to run things for you on the day – that way friends and family (and you) don’t have to worry about a thing. Also, hit up your photographers for ideas and suggestions - they are an untapped source of information, they’ve seen it all!
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Wedding songs:
Aisle – Over the Rainbow
Recessional – Home – Edward Shark and the Magnetic Zeros
First dance – Acoustic version of Call Me Maybe – Boyce Avenue
Makeup Artist - Kristin Martin Makeup Artist
Hair Stylist - Moon Salon
Florist - Townsville Flower Market
Wedding Dress - Chantel Lauren Designs
Suits - YD Australia
Ceremony location - Private Residence
Reception Venue - Private Residence
Wedding Rings - Tiffany and Co
Photographer - Tella Photography
Wedding Stylist - Elsie and Audrey VintageHire
Wedding Coordinator – Maid of Honour Weddings
Caterers - Otto's Fresh Food Market
Cake Artist - Otto's Parlour Patisserie
DJ - Pooles of Music