Stu proposed to me on the 22 of October 2002 and we got married on the 22nd of October 2004, two years later. Stu designed the ring himself which made it even more special.

It took us around 12 months to arrange our wedding day, which was enough as I'm a person who likes to have things done today. Having said that, I wanted everything to be perfect for everyone. We had many guests coming from New Zealand and also other parts of the country so we wanted it to be the best day to remember. In the end, it was lot of fun in planing our whole wedding day and I wouldn't have changed a thing.

Stuart stayed with his best man Aaron and groomsman the night before the wedding, they had a few beers with a few laughs. My bridesmaids and I stayed at our house, with some lovely friends who came over from NZ to have a drink or two with me the night before the wedding which was really special. We talked and laughed most of the night.

We woke to a beautiful sunny day, what more could we ask for! I had been a little worried the night before in case it did rain, with having an outdoor sitting, but everything turned out beautiful.

It was so romantic, we got married in the Brisbane botanical gardens, on the wedding lawn, overlooking a little lake, it was just perfect. Our theme was, semi formal with a purple & white colour scheme. We had "Elegant Settings" do all the chairs, covers and red carpet, we felt like royalty. We had Naomi Brett (Harpist) playing the Harp for back ground music who was just fantastic and her music was so beautiful. I walked down the aisle with my mum and dad who had both travelled in the car with me and our dear little daughter Abby, with my bridesmaids in the other car. I felt so special, when I saw Stu standing there waiting for me at the end of the aisle with a big smile on his face.

The most memorable part of the day was having everyone we loved there to share our day with us, and to witness our vows to each other as we chose our own and said everything that came from our hearts. Stuart and I have been through so much throughout our lives we have grown up together and now growing old together he will always be my best friend.

Our reception followed, on the Kookaburra river Queen which was just the best. The staff, food, music and the settings on the boat were just fantastic. To see the city at night with all the beautiful lights, going up the Brisbane river was just something out of this world. I still have people who attended our wedding say what a night to remember and it was the best wedding they had ever been too. Any bride and groom that wants to have a blast, have your reception on the Kookaburra river Queen.

Overall, everything went to plan I wouldn't change a thing, it was the best day of my life. Our invites and maps were the most difficult to organise as we made our own and they took so long to make, but it was well worth the time as they did look beautiful and we saved so much money. We even had guests saying they were the nicest invites they have ever seen and again they kept in with our theme and colours.

The jewellery for the Bridesmaids was the simplest thing I had to arrange. I made their earrings and necklaces which did look stunning. I got all the things I needed from Spotlight and again it saved us money.

We didn't have a honeymoon, as we had many guests come from NZ and other parts of Australia so we wanted to make the most of our time with them. We hope to go to Fiji next year all going well.

I would like to say thanks to all our wedding suppliers who helped with our wonderful day. Eileen Riley our marriage celebrant who made our day special, Naomi Brett our harpist, who made our day so romantic, The Kookaburra Queen who made our reception a night to remember, and Annette from Antonietta?s photographs who has made our memories live on, (great value for money.) And thanks to True Bride for giving me the chance to enter the bride of the year 2004, competition. And last of all our dear little daughter Abby who was our flower girl you are the best sweetie.