The Romance
At age 17 I met Josh and we spent an amazing 18 months doing the 'long distance thing'. I split my time between the family farm at Kalbar and studying Nursing in Brisbane. Josh lived in Sydney studying to be a primary school teacher. We learnt so much about each other in that time. It was not easy being so far away from each other; nevertheless we have so many great memories.
Upon graduation from university in Queensland I packed up my life and began the road trip to call Sydney my new home. It was a new adventure which didn't require either of us getting on a plane to see eachother. It was the next step in our journey.
The Proposal
As time flew by, the clock stopped in December 2009. I had arrived home from work to find a note on my bed surrounded by rose petals. 'Meet me down at the wharf, I love you'. Nervous and excited I quickly changed and wandered down to the water where Josh was waiting. In an intimate setting on Yowie Bay Josh got down on one knee and proposed! We spent some time, just the two of us eating heart-shaped raspberry cheesecake, summer fruits & tasty cheeses to soak up the fact we were engaged. We happily went back to my house and phoned my family in Queensland to share our precious news. They were thrilled for us! We then went to Josh's house and celebrated with delicious food surrounded by our close family and friends. It was a beautiful way to end a memorable afternoon.
The Planning
I enjoyed every part of planning our special day. Straight away we decided the perfect venue would be where I grew up in Queensland. Surrounded by spectacular mountains and perfect views is Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm. With Josh's family and friends all coming from Sydney, most guests were able to make it a long weekend away.
Josh's family and I put together all the invitations using the Christina Re do it yourself CD. We ordered the most gorgeous antique designed gift tags. Josh's Mum & Aunty kindly made the most delicious homemade gingerbread hearts. They were a hit!
Josh had his brother Matt as bestman and three mates as groomsman. I had my lovely sister as my maid of honour and Josh's sister, my cousin and my best friend as bridesmaids. They all mean so much to us.
Our Wedding Day
I spent the morning getting ready at my house as it sprinkled rain outside. Our hairdresser, Josh's Aunty who was the make-up artist and the photographer all turned up bright and early to begin the day. We had such a lovely time chatting and getting ready. Josh was with the boys and his family close to Kooroomba at a small country cottage still sleeping away early in the morning. I wore a Maggie Sottero one shouldered gown which I fell in love with the first time I saw.
As the girls helped me into my dress I was overwhelmed with excitement. I couldn't believe it was our wedding day! The girls wore platinum coloured full length dresses. We held bouquets filled with flowers, hues of white and green made by a talented family friend. My something borrowed was an antique brooch my grandmother wore on her wedding day and this was incorporated into my bouquet.
It stopped raining just as I stepped out to get into the bridal car with my Dad. Perfect timing! Our ceremony was held outside overlooking the beautiful purple fields of lavender. It had rained that morning but looking back we think it actually added to the beauty of the mountains that day. I walked down the aisle to 'The Book of Love' by Peter Gabriel, gripping my Dad's hand as tight as I could. It was an intimate ceremony that was made particularly special as Josh's father is a Minister and was able to marry us that day. It was a really precious moment. My brother wrote a beautiful song which played while we signed the registry. It was called 'I Will Love You Till My Dying Day'. We felt that all this made the day just right.
During our bridal party photos guests enjoyed yummy canapés as the sun quickly escaped over the mountains. Our photographer was clever enough to catch the last thirty seconds and deliver us an amazing sunset shot with our entire bridal party. Our reception was held in the vineyard restaurant. It was a night of scrumptious food and even better company. Our family and friends made our day one we will never forget.
The Honeymoon
We arrived in Rarotonga, Cook Islands at about 6am a day or so after the wedding. We were greeted with traditional music, leis and a smile. We were upgraded to an amazing beachfront resort which had a gorgeous private beach. Our honeymoon was spent snorkelling in crystal clear blue waters, relaxing on hammocks and eating delicious food. Josh was able to get his Cook Islands licence and we rode around by scooter to take in the sites. The Cook Islands were truly beautiful and our honeymoon was the ideal way to end an incredible few days.
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