The Romance
We first met at my cousin Jessica's 19th Birthday. She was still getting ready when there was a knock on the door. I decided to answer the door. Given I didn't know these people I thought I would make a funny joke to ease any awkwardness. When I answered the door I said "Sorry wrong house" and then proceeded to slam the door in their faces. Jason and his friend stood there scratching their head thinking "what just happened?! I am certain this is the right house."We just clicked from there. We would spend our time as friends and getting to know each other. That friendship then blossomed into love.
The Proposal
I knew he was the one when we would start to share our dreams and goals with each other and they were very much the same. We wanted to do and see the same things in the world.
Jason and I built our first home together. As our backyard was mainly dirt for a long time Jason would always joke that I had an engagement ring out the back but I would never find it as I never go out in the backyard. One day I came home from doing the groceries and Jason said "quick Shell come outside there is a surprise for you!"
I went outside and found a shovel in the dirt. Jason standing there with a big grin says "considering we are getting our yard turfed tomorrow and you have never dug in our yard before I thought what better time to do it." I thought "oh wow lucky me! what a great surprise!" So like a good girlfriend I started to dig. Jason then says "what is in the ground?" Confused I reply "uhh dirt?". Jason said "keep digging", so I kept digging. In the ground I found one of my brand new Tupperware containers. I said "what is my Tupperware doing in the ground Jason?" He replies "I don't know open it." So I open the container. Inside I found a ring I thought I had lost a few months prior. I said "what is my ring doing in the ground?" to which Jason replied "because I couldn't bury this one now could I?" I turned around to find him on one knee holding the most beautiful emerald ring I had ever seen. That is when he asked me to marry him. Of course I reply "are you sure?" then a beaming YES!!!
The Planning
Planning our wedding was quite fun. We both had the same vision, we wanted to be married in Mudgee in a beautiful garden setting. Casual yet still glamourous and elegant. We were very lucky to have a lot of support from both of our parents. We had quite a while to plan. Thankfully this gave us plenty of time to research and know exactly what we want. We did have a few clashes. I come from a very passionate and very loving family. My parents only want me to have everything I dream of. We are also very alike. We are very passionate and very stubborn. I think clashes are to be expected when planning a wedding. When people are planning one the biggest days of their lives they all have opinions.
The Wedding Day
Our day was the most gorgeous blue sky day! It was lovely and warm in the day and cooled off in the evening that it was perfectly comfortable. We got ready separately in two cottages at Evenslea. We were at opposite sides of the property. We saw each other at dinner the night before and then not again until we met at the end of the aisle. I felt very calm and relaxed as I knew I was marrying my best friend. I knew that we had planned as much as we possibly could have and well if we had forgotten anything well then it was too late to stress. I was excited and yet calm. I got ready with my 3 amazing bridesmaids, Jessica, Cass and Samantha, along with my Mum Jenny and Jason's Mum, Denyse. Jason got ready with his groomsmen, Daniel, Robert and Daniel along with his Dad Steven and my Dad David. , The ceremony was outdoors in the gardens of Evanlea.
The Ceremony
It was the most incredible loving, and fun filled ceremony created by our wonderful celebrant (Honorary Aunty Misha). My bridesmaids walked in to "here comes the sun " by the Beetles. I walked into "over the rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.
Our flowers were by the incredibly talented Shiralee Archer. I spoke a few times with Shiralee over the phone and said I would love to use mainly Australian natives and mainly red green and white. She absolutely nailed our florals. In the reception Shiralee worked with my cousin who owns Robert Stein Winery and Vineyard to create a gorgeous hanging piece that incorporated vines from the winery.
The mood/atmosphere was light, happy, and just sheer bliss.
The Reception
We had our reception on the ground of Evanslea. Stacey and Phil have the most gorgeous marquee. We had three long tables for our guests and then the bridal table. Our reception was perfection Everything about it was magic. The music, the food, the wine, the dessert, the dancing, the speeches, but most of all being all together in place place with the people who mean the most to us in the world. We had all of our catering done by Mudgee Made. Originally picking a share style meal had me a little worried. But the girls at Mudgee Made assured me that no one would go hungry. No one left our wedding hungry. THERE WAS SO MUCH FOOD!!!!
The Honeymoon
Due to Covid-19 we were unable to have our dream honeymoon. However we did take a few days to get away together. We found a quiet little cottage in Blackheath. We were able to escape the world for a few days. We went on few walks exploring lookouts around the Blue Mountains. It was perfect. The dream honeymoon will happen one day, just when the world has settled down.
Wedding Advice
Don't be afraid to stand up for what you want, It's yours and your spouse-to-be's day! The best advise I can give though would be to ENJOY THE DAY, it goes by so quickly. savor every moment.
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