The Romance
Darren and I both attended the local coffee shop in town called "Toast Espresso Bar". I would always see Darren come into the cafe most days (we would smile at each other) however we never exchanged a conversation until one day I got up the courage to send Darren a message on Facebook introducing myself. I wasn't looking for a boyfriend at the time and we become great friends for over a year. Deep down, I knew that there was something special about Darren. He and I both clicked in a way that I have never done with anyone before. One day Darren asked me over to his property to meet his new puppy (Jet) and to have a home cooked meal of course! I took the chance that night and went to Darren's property, from that night onwards Darren and I have spent every day together. Darren knew I couldn't resist a adorable puppy. To this day, we still attend the same coffee shop for a coffee before work every day.
The Proposal
There was always something special about Darren. After our first date I knew I was going to marry him. The way he looked at me, adored me was just amazing. He treated me like a Princess. Darren is the most caring, thoughtful man you will ever meet. We even joked about getting married after a few dates. I remember the day like it was yesterday when Darren proposed. He proposed to me one night after finishing a project we had been working on for months. We both love working in the garden and the yard together. For months, we had been working on a "wishing well". Once it was finished, he asked me to close my eyes and make a wish. With that, he said open your eyes, as i turned around to face him, Darren was kneeling down on one knee holding a beautiful "Princess Cut Engagement Ring". Darren really made my wish come true that night. The Wishing well symbolizes all the wishes and dreams we have in life.
The Groom
Before meeting me Darren met a lovely blonde, caring, intelligent lady named Diane. Diane and Darren met when Di was 19 years old, Darren took in her two children and looked after them like his own. The next 15 years they built their own home, Darren got in full time with the Qld Fire Brigade as a Senior Firefighter. Life was good for them however a routine check to the doctors for Di, she was diagnosed with Melanoma Cancer which was terminal. Darren supported Di up until she passed away about 6 years ago.
Darren was supported from his family and got the courage to continue with life. I don't know how he did, but he is amazing. It takes a special person to be able to do that. "I feel extra special that Darren has come into my life, he has given me so many opportunities, goals, and dreams. He opened his heart to me and that means the world to me. Darren deserves everything in the world. He is a hero in the eye of the community as well as in my eyes. He is my world and deserves everything in life and we are both grateful to have both found love.
The Planning
I loved every moment of the planning of our big day. I bought a Wedding Planning Book which I carried around with me every day, this book would come to work with me. I started researching ideas and costings. The planning took roughly six month to plan everything. I even had a list for my brother on the day of the Wedding to call and make sure that all wedding suppliers (eg, limo, cake, flowers & reception) were all on track. I had loads of help especially from my beautiful mother. I would always be calling my mum for advice or thoughts. I am glad I got to share this special time with my mum as she has always been there for me. My bridesmaids were always there for me as well. Teanne & Ellysha were always there giving their thoughts and ideas which I definitely took on board. Teanne and I would always meet up for coffee dates or dinner dates to go over every point of detail.
The Wedding Day
It was a stunning summers day. I got ready at my parents property with my parents and bridesmaids. We all had a lovely champagne breakfast together before we started to get ready. I arranged my make up artist and hair stylist to come to the house so we didn't have to drive any where. We took this time to relax and enjoy the morning. Darren got ready at his mothers property along with his groomsmen. They enjoyed some beers. Like tradition, we spent the night apart. We were so excited we called each other in the morning. I didn't sleep that night as I was so excited. I had dreamt of this day my whole life. The day ran smoothly with the help of family and friends.
The Ceremony
Our ceremony was held at the Anglican Church Maryborough. It was great to get married in the same Church where my Mum and Dad got married. We had soft romantic music playing while guests arrived, greeting Darren and Brady. The Church was decorated with white and blush pink flowers as well as tule on the pews. As we left the ceremony we had all the Church Bells playing as we got photos out side the Church with family and friends. The Firetruck even attended and made a great photo prop.
The Reception
We had our reception in Hervey Bay at the Kondari Resort. Our reception was beautiful, we had large white tables with a large white helium balloon hovering over a glass vase with a single pink rose. We had a massive LOVE sign over looking the pool. We had our wedding favours on the tables, a match box symbolising the "perfect match". My mum made over 100 bags of lollies. We had a DJ which played all night, everyone was up dancing. For our first dance Darren's Nephew Josh (from House Rules) sung "Perfect" whilst Darren and I danced with "Dancing on the clouds".
The Honeymoon
A few days after the wedding, Darren surprised me with tickets to Hawaii. It was amazing, we stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. We got to relax on the beach, watched the sunset whilst drinking cocktails (it was very romantic). The fire works show for the Honolulu Festival was spectacular we got to enjoy this from our balcony as we overlooked the Waikiki Beach. We enjoyed different foods. Darren and I got the opportunity to visit the local Fire Station where we got a tour of their station. Darren even got given some patches and a T-shirt. We visited Pearl Habour and met one of the last survivors which we will remember for the rest of our lives. It was a very enlightening experience. Our visit gave us tremendous respect for the sacrifices made by so many in order to keep our country safe.
Wedding Advice ...
I would recommend to people not worry about the small problems, everything will work out in the end. Budget and make sure you shop around for prices. Don't be afraid to ask for a better deal. Just remember at the end of the day - you are marrying the man of your dreams; nothing is better than that.
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