Our wedding - May 8th 2011 - was everything we always dreamed of. Our 'toffee and turquoise' colour theme reflected our unifying choice to mesh our favourite colours of gold and blue. Despite it being Winter the sun was shining and the weather was warm. We had written our own vows and were helped along on the day by our Wedding Party - I had my sister as Maid of Honour with three bridesmaids and Andrew had his best mate as Best Man with three grooms men. My five-year-old nephew was a highlight as ring bearer with his little tuxedo and pillow! We were married at Albert Street Uniting Church with the reception just across King George Square to the Sebel and Citigate's Presidential Suites. Because it was also Mother's Day, we made sure to honour all the mum's attending with a photo and music slideshow, and they all received single-stem rose chocolates! Due to the 'musical' theme of our relationship history, Andrew and I each sang and performed for our guests. Andrew's band performed also, with a friend we made on the cruise last year singing lead vocals! Our guests each received a CD Soundtrack of the Wedding Day, including a song written and performed by my best friend. There was even a little guitarist on our Wedding Cake! We flew out to Hawaii the next night and honeymooned for two weeks, which included another cruise. This time it was just my husband and I, reflecting on our romantic tale and giving thanks for all of our loved ones that helped to make it all happen for us.

We slept in on our wedding day until 9am! It was bliss! My bridesmaids and I rode in a maxi taxi to the wedding so we could all be together. The Taxi driver put on my friends CD and we sang all the way there! It really helped my nerves. The Ceremony: It was a very personal ceremony in New Farm Park. Both my parents walked me down the Eisle. It was the perfect sunny afternoon. We had a christian service that was performed be a family friend. We added our own personal touches. Our friends all bought a piece of ribbon that they had personalised and they were all tied together. During the service my sister in law tied our hands together with the ribbons to signify that our friends and family were helping to tie our lives together! The Photos: We only spent about 20 mins taking photos. Most of the photos we love the most are the candid shots not the set up shots. We preferred to be with our guests not off taking photos. Reception: Was held at Watt Modern dining. It was wonderful food and such a beautiful setting. We were looked after by the staff. We had finger foods and drinks. We danced as the sun went down looking over the Brisbane river. After the Reception: My new hubby and I went with our family to the restaurant were Stefan and I had our first date. We all ate together as a family. It was nice because we all sat together to eat and we were panicking about seeing our other guests.

We had a winter wedding and it was always the intention to really play on the wintery theme while being in natural surroundings. WHERE: We chose the Colebee Centre at Doonside because their packages included everything! The ceremony, the venue, decorations, cake, food & beverages, DJ & MC, helpful wedding planners, the lot! It was so easy and stress free, and the beautiful leafy setting of the reserve was a wonderful place to escape the urban jungle. THE DRESS: I chose a mermaid style dress. It made my mum cry when I put it on, so I knew it was the one! It had beautiful floral beading and lace along the top and bottom of the dress. Keeping in with the wintery theme the official wedding colours were white and tiffany blue. The bridesmaids chose their dress and they were purchased online (As 2 of the 3 bridemaids were out of state). For bridal accessories we chose faux fur stoles and hand muffs, but we felt it was too much... fluff. At the last minute we ordered small but vibrant Singapore orchid bouquets which worked beautifully. THE RECEPTION: for months I thought up crazy elaborate schemes to make the day extra special. But found keeping it simple was best, not only for your sanities sake, but over complicating things would just confuse guests. We did put personal touches to it however! The choice of music, quirky speeches, a photo booth, and just subtle additions that people knew Jon and I had in common. But most importantly we wanted everyone to have fun and be involved, celebrate the day WITH us, not just watch it unfold. Even during our vows we asked everyone to participate THE RESULT? A beautiful relaxed friendly day enjoyed by all!