Category: Real Weddings

We got married on the 2nd of July 2011. I always wanted a winter wedding as it's my favourite season. The ceremony was held at our church, where we first met. And the reception at Sky High in Mt Dandenong, where we had our first date, so both locations were close to our hearts. Even though it was the middle of winter, we had beautiful weather and sunshine all day. The service started at 2pm and it was very special to have my dad marry us and involve my mum and Awities' parents in the service too. We had a dinner reception at 6pm overlooking the night lights of Victoria. As Awities is originally from West Papua, we had some friends do a traditional West Papuan dance for us. At the reception we had 150 guests and it felt very intimate and cosy with an open fire and all our family and friends their. We couldn't decide on a single cake, so we actually had 13 big cafe style cheesecakes and cakes, and everyone got to choose which cake they wanted. That was really popular! After the reception we spent the night at Mantra hotel near the airport so first thing in the morning we were able to take a plane to Bali and have the most wonderful honeymoon.

We were set to get married on the Rooftop of St Kilda sea baths, only to wake up to the wettest day in march, Venue had to be changed at 11am the day of the wedding!!! My Maid of honor went into labour early, 2 days before wedding ,I was so worried that she would miss it, was a stressful lead up, But shes made it from start to finish to be by my side..along with her 2 day old baby boy.. Truly amazing. Ceromony and reception was held at Red Scooter St kilda Cleabrant was Greg Evans from perfect match, which caused some laughs Guests dined on an assiette platter of Chicken, salmon and steak all on one plate to save meal swaps and desert was roming pink fairy floss served in martini glasses..and candy bar. I wore a self designed White tafetta ball gown dress,with a Diamond and pearl headpeice and lace cathedrel veil. Bridesmaids were on Black, with draping pearls down the back, carrying Orange prasoles and orange rose wrist corsages. Boys all wore personalised Nikes. Grooms had our names and best man and Groomsman were etched on the back , In our colour scheme of black and orange. Even with the stessfull lead up with babies born and heavy rain, our day was truly beautiful and glamorous filled with Love, laughs and tears. Love it when people say its the BEST wedding they have been too.

The day started with lots of nervous excitement, everyone buzzing around having showers, eating breakfast, waiting for the hair and make up ladies to arrive. Once they arrived it was all just a whirlwind, everything happened so fast, we were made to look stunning, with gorgeous hair, gorgeous make up, beautiful dresses. We had photos done at the house and then went to a garden nearby for some more. By the time we arrived at the ceremony those butterflies were going crazy in my stomach! Marco had forgotten the music so luckily the venue (All Smiles Sorrento) had some back up Brian Adams on hand so I walked down the aisle to I Finally Found Someone. I hardly heard it though because as I walked down the aisle everyone clapped, it was so lovely! The ceremony was so lovely, our celebrant Nicki was truly wonderful, the words she used were so thoughtful and caring and loving and just perfect. We had Marco's two boys read out a poem they had written about us, there was not a dry eye anywhere! Once the ceremony was over we had photos and our guests had cocktails by the beach and nibbled on some canapes. We entered our reception to Beyonce's Crazy In Love and from that moment on it was a total party. We had the best night chatting, dancing, eating, drinking with all of our family and friends. The night went SO fast so for all of those yet to be married my advice would be to ENJOY every single moment! It was a day we will remember and cherish forever!

10 months before we were married, Sergio was deported from Australia. I flew to Europe to be with him while we sorted out a visa for him. He asked me to marry him whilst I was there and when we got back to Australia we started the plans for dream wedding. We were married in the same spot as my parents were. The ceremony was conducted at a small clearing on the edge on the Gippsland lakes in Metung. To get to the ceremony all the guests had to be transported over on boats. I was brought across by my dad on his yacht with my two sisters. I walked down the 'isle" (the jetty) to marry you which was mine and Sergio's song. It was the most beautiful and happy day I could have imagined. I had told everyone for 4 months that it was going to be 24 degrees and sunny. The week before the photographer called to say that she had just checked the weather forecast and that was exact forecast! Our reception was held at the Metung Yacht Club like my parents. It was such a special day and I could not have asked anything better.

As much as we hoped against it, it was a typical Melbourne winters day, meaning we had little sunshine and LOT of rain, but it didn't matter, I was marrying my best friend. There were many tears of joy and our love could be felt amongst our guests. I wore a dress made of french lace and Ben wore a black dinner suit, I had french white roses and my bridesmaids had a posy of pink, ivory and white roses to match their blush pink dresses. Our ceremony was held at an old church in Armadale and the atmosphere and emotion in the church really captured everything our love was about. The music played just as we had practiced and the ceremony went perfectly! We even had 2 kisses! It was pouring down with rain when we were getting our photos in the city, but with the confidence in our photographer, I dropped my dress and let it get wet (surprisingly it dried quickly and had NO stains!). The city lit up for us in a way no other season could offer and our photos looked like they were from a 1920's movie! Our reception was so much fun - we had it at Fenix in Richmond (Gary Mehigan's restaurant) and to our luck, he was back for a week from filming masterchef and was at Fenix on the day! When we got there he got us warmed up, made us coffees and organised hot chips for the bridal party! He came into our reception and toasted us, and got photos with us! It was the best day of our lives, one we will treasure for a lifetime.

Since the day I got engaged I began picturing what my wedding day would look & feel like. I pictured the dress, shoes, food, decorations, flowers, drinks, suits, jewellery and many other special little things that would make ‘the day’ perfect. But on reflection I have realised that what makes ‘the day’ perfect is actually the time you get to spend with family & friends before, during & after the wedding that make this day a wonderful celebration. It’s more than just that one day, it’s a festival!! Below are words & statements that will paint for you a picture of a few things that made our festival wonderful. BBQ’s & beers the week before, Flicking through magazines and choosing hair do’s with my beautiful bridesmaids a few nights before, Practising the waltz with my maid of honour a few nights before, Hugs, kisses & laughs from friends & family on arrival at the resort the day before, Ironing the dress the night before with your most trusted mate, Beach Bocce in the morning, Grandma’s jewellery, Champagne, Cloudless, Pearls, Crystals, Peach Roses, Black & white bridal party, Gold flower girls, Champagne, First Look, Beach breeze, Song for Guy to walk down the aisle with Mum & Dad, Sand dunes ceremony, "You have all been important parts of Travis and Wendy’s lives...", "I promise to respect you, support you and promise to always love you", Big Bro - smooth MC, Champagne, Roof top canapés & cocktails, Beach sunset, Mai Tai's & Mojhito's, Peking duck filled crepes & Moroccan meat balls, Pork Belly & Caesar salad, 4 x speeches, Jason Mraz - "I’m yours", Party, Penguin cake toppers, After party, The big clean up with your family & most reliable mates the next day, BBQ’s & beers the week after

There was a lot of planning and stress leading up to the day, tensions between family members, my dress needing alterations three days before, you name it, it ended up consuming my whole world! And you swear that won't happen to you :) On the day, Grant and I didn't communicate directly and sent encouraging messages through friends. My two younger sisters were bridesmaids and we were all stressed when the limo drive was late. Then he went on to take a wrong turn, needed to refuel, and almost caused an accident! Simultaneously the weather was gathering scarily grey thunderclouds over our heads as we sped toward the winery. We later heard that the power had gone out in the chapel for about 20 seconds and that Grant was seen literally wiping his brow afterward :) When I stood at the foot of the chapel the nerves were still strong but seeing Grant made me feel I could get down that aisle and his expression turning from terrified to relieved was pretty reassuring. When we were pronounced man and wife a huge thunderclap broke at that very moment which broke any tension and got a huge laugh. Our fantastic photographer worked around the weather and had us laughing with comments like "quick, run up that hill toward the light!" [not easy when you have to hitch your skirts up, because yes he was serious]. We entered the reception to Elvis' 'Burning Love' for some fun and everything went well. Grant's speech almost made me cry and he did it well. The food at the winery was amazing and after dieting I was very ready to get straight into it. Looking back, this day was so special and worth all the pre-event tension.

Our wedding was on Saturday the 14th of May 2011, precisely in the middle between Keith's and my 26th birthdays; 11th and 17th respectively. We had our ceremony at Old Government House at QUT in the main hall. The bridal party walked down the grand staircase to our closest friends and family eagerly awaiting our vows. Photos were taken at Old Government House, Parliament House and by the Brisbane River. Our reception was held at the Fix Restaurant and Bar at the Port Office Hotel. The reception was beautiful and just one great big party thanks to our fantastic MC/DJ. It was personal and fun, just what we wanted.

Our wonderful beautiful weather - winter wedding on the 13th August 2011 day, was so RELAXED, it was a day wedding, so the ceremony started at 11am, and lunch at 1pm. Photography was just for that short time in between. Our ceremony was simple, my sister read a reading for me, and the celebrant was easy to get along with! I had no time to drink - the people we had invited for the day, where exactly who we wanted to share it with, the day went as planned with no problems at all (apart from Stephen's suit not turning up until the night before), The people I had hired for the day, in every aspect, where all I could have asked for ! I was so impressed with them all! (they say I was easy to please) how could it be different with awesome suppliers in a small town! . People were so kind with their speeches, and their generosity was overwhelming, it just made us truly appreciate the people in our lives! We are honeslty blessed and felt it every minute of the day! We also had breakfast the next day - for people who wanted to come along and this was our way of showing the appreciation in the smallest way! The country is awesome! So pretty - made the perfect day for us! The entertainment was fantastic!

Our day (and week) was so special! We organised our big day in Vanuatu, where neither of us had ever been before - a bit risky! We had 30 of our closest friends and family join us in Port Vila and we had the most amazing and fun time in the week leading up to our wedding with all of them, eating, drinking, partying, exploring and shopping. On the day, rain threatened on and off all morning, with the sun shining through in between. We got married on a beautiful island (Erakor Island Resort) where the staff were so helpful in organising everything for us before we arrived, and also once we got there and met them. The wind was crazy during the ceremony (not great with a floor length veil!), but no rain. We got married on a palm tree covered beach, followed by drinks and canapes and a local dance performance on the sand where they got the guests involved. The reception was held in the restaurant set over the lagoon and everyone danced all night long to the local band who were brilliant! Food was delicious and all the local suppliers did a great job. It was everything we could have wished for, and Vanuatu will forever have a very special place in our hearts.