The Romance
I was heading out of Australia going to the Cook Islands to work 12 months. The night before I left, I was out with friends. We were introduced by a mutual friend in passing and that was that. The weekend I returned to Australia I was out again with some girlfriends and we were sitting at a bar and Joe just happened to walk past! Destiny!! We started chatting and at the end of the night decided to go out again and we were hooked!
The ProposalWe had been together for over 5 years when Joe suggested a holiday to America, I had always loved New York city. On our last night there Joe had organised a dinner for us at a rooftop restaurant down near the Flat Iron Building. We went out to dinner and afterwards ventured up to Central Park. We were walking through and sitting on a rock overlooking the city. Just as we started to head home he popped the question. I was speechless (first time in my life!).
The Planning
As soon as we got home from America we started the planning process. By the time we found a venue that suited us we had about 10 months to plan the wedding. I absolutely loved planning our wedding. I had a few moments where things were a little hard, but I think that happens to everyone. I kept it simple and just focused on what we wanted from the day. And seeing it all come together on the day was amazing. If I could do it over again I would in a heart beat. We both had 3 friends which we have had since school in our Bridal Party, to have friends we have had for over 20 years by our side was very special to us both.
The Wedding DayOur day was absolutely perfect, there was not a cloud in the sky.
I remember waking up with a huge smile on my face, our day was finally here. As soon as I woke up I sneaked out to see what the weather was like first. I was very calm, I was lucky to have 2 friends doing our hair and makeup so everything was very relaxed and comfortable.
Joe was nervous, the boys did their best to keep the nerves at bay. Once the ceremony was over he was able to relax and enjoy the day.
The CeremonyOur venue had an outdoor chapel which didn't require much decorating. The view was incredible. Our guests sat on bench seats looking towards us with a view of the ocean behind us. There were even whales jumping during our ceremony!
We had a stone bench that we got a floral arrangement for and some lace bunting to tie in with our reception. It was all very simple.
The ReceptionWe had our reception at our wedding venue, we had a buffet dinner followed by some speeches and a live band. We also had a photobooth for guests, and there were tables outside under some festoon lighting for guests who weren't on the dance floor.
The HoneymoonThe week after our wedding we ventured up to One & Only Hayman Island for a few nights as we had a 5 week European getaway booked over Christmas/ New Year. Both were incredible holidays, hayman island we got to relax and unwind by the pool and Europe was a little different, it was action packed trying to fit in seeing as much as we possible could.
If we had our time again, I would make our ceremony earlier, we got married at 3 and I should of made it 2. Would of allowed a little bit more time. And I would have gotten dressed a little earlier so I could get more photo's with my mum and my bridesmaids. I didn't realise how late it was and missed a photo of just mum and I together and those individual ones with my bridesmaids.
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