Rebecca & Chris, 18th August 2018

Tell us about your proposal..

8th October 2016, Chris and I went away for the weekend to our family Tootgarook beach house, Chris sneakily made out that it wasn’t his idea and that he didn’t want to go just to keep it a surprise. We decided to go for a bike ride along the back beach of Diamond Bay, Mornington Peninsula. Stopped in our tracks we walked through the sand and climbed a cliff with the most amazing scenic view of the ocean. We sat here and had a picnic. I decided to start trying to carve out our names and date in the rocks maybe because I knew this was a moment to remember and as I tried this he snuck the ring out from his back pack, sitting right next to me. Chris says he was about to pop the question but I then told him the rocks were no good because it wasn’t flat enough and moved to another spot. So I moved and began carving our names as he crept up behind me and starting saying “I’ve been thinking about our future and how we’re looking for a house…” I casually said Yeah and he then followed with “You know how much I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” I knew at that moment to turn around and there he was on one knee with the ring in hand. Just like every girl imagines it to be. I went on my knees with him said yes, I got teary and we kissed. Chris claims he knew he was going to do it on our little weekend getaway but wasn’t sure when or where and that he was just waiting for the right moment. It all worked pretty perfect in the end and is a moment that we will cherish forever. We revisit this spot at least once a year now to relive the moment.

 

What’s one thing you wish you knew before you started planning?

Not to stress too much about the little things. I love planning and preparing events but what amazed me was that I had spent over a year planning this one day. During this time, you’re dealing with so many different people and organising so many things such as invitations, flowers, cakes, the photographer, musicians, table décor and the list goes on. Working with flowers myself I was super excited to see what they would look like on the day but when it all came down to it and I walked down the aisle all my eyes were locked on, was Chris. It was almost as though it was only him and I in the room, even though it wasn’t. You imagine this moment for so long and it was not at all what I had expected. But it was perfect. I remember half way through the ceremony I thought: I haven’t even noticed the giant flower stands behind me that I was so looking forward to seeing! I couldn’t believe I didn’t even notice them or the live musicians we had singing. I guess what I’m trying to say is it’s ok to take pride in all that you prepare and plan. It’s ok to enjoy this because I did. But when it comes to the day, don’t worry about what is and isn’t perfect because all that really matters is that you and your partner are there for each other.

Was there a particular vibe or theme you were aiming for on your wedding day?

I wouldn’t say we stuck to one particular theme. We wanted a romantic and whimsical feeling but also a little vintage so maybe alternative. Who says you have to have just one?

What was it about Stones of the Yarra Valley that made you choose us?

Chris and I had a friends wedding in our early years of being together. We were not at all ready to get married but we knew one day we would be getting married. So at our friends wedding we both agreed we wanted to come back and get married here and that we did.

Are there any funny stories or near disasters that surrounded your wedding?

Yes, funny and near disaster! During our ceremony we had little candle tea lights on the floor at the ceremony around the flowers. These are super cute but maybe not such a great idea when you have a long veil or dress! While we were standing up at the alter facing all our guests Chris and I started to smell a burning smell. At the corner of his eye he could see my veil in one of the tea light candles burning. My sister who was my maid of honour also noticed this at the same time as the great maid of honour she was she yanked it out quickly. It all happened so fast that I’m pretty sure nobody really noticed but us. It only left a small hole in my veil. We laugh about it still and it definitely could have turned into something worse.

What was the best thing you did at your wedding?

Opening the dance floor as soon as we could! We love to dance and have a good time and we believe this created a great atmosphere and vibe straight away!

What were some of your favourite moments/details on the day?

There were so many and it’s hard to narrow it down so here are a few:

• The moments with your family in morning

• The moment when you’re Dad sees you in your dress for the first time

• The moment your niece and nephews come down the aisle in a little cart and melt everyone’s hearts

• The moment you walk down the aisle and it’s just you and him even though it’s not

• The moment you say I do and you can finally have that kiss

• The moment you walk down the aisle hand in hand

• The moment you have that first dance

• The moment he says his speech and calls you his wife for the first time

• The moment you dance with your father

• The moment you have with your besties

• The moment you sneak outside with the videography with a flare to get some cool shots

• The moment you leave your wedding in a Toyota Hilux

I could go on...

• The moment it’s just you two

Did you scrap any wedding traditions? If so, why?

Not really, our parents may have preferred a Priest marry us but we had Mike Larkin and in the end they really like him and were just happy for us.

Do you have any advice for couples who are currently planning their weddings?

The best advice I could give you is do what makes you both happy and when I say both I mean the bride! Haha!! No really in all seriousness, I would truly recommend meeting with all your vendors. We hadn’t met some of them in person purely due to a lack of time but our videography who was amazing and made sure that we met before and after have met and had our wedding day we understood why. He told us it’s your wedding day and you don’t really want to be meeting new people especially ones like photographers and videographers that you have to work so closely with throughout the day. We didn’t really want ‘stagey’ or ‘posy’ photos but I would recommend writing a list of photos you want for your photographer and be specific: Like a photo with your parents/bridesmaids in the morning, a full shot of the bride in the wedding dress, or photos with certain family members so that there is no miscommunication and your expectations are clearly communicated. We got some beautiful photos but some moments can get missed and because it’s only one day you want to make sure it’s captured as best as possible. So that’s the technical advice. The real advice is just have fun with each other! It’s both your wedding day and usually there is so many people there for you both but what was important to Chris and I is that we both make sure we spend time with each other on our day and dance the night away and that we did.

Where are you now? Living, career, family? 

Happily married and now a family of 3!  We have our sweet baby girl Grace who is about to turn one in a month. She has brought us so much joy and we adore her so much. She is our world!  As new parents Chris and I have become even closer together and learnt new things about each other. She has made us work together in ways we have never before and it’s been a great feeling. We are also in the process of renovating our home and both have career changes. My online florist business The Posy Story has continued to grow and is blossoming. This has led to hiring more staff and establishing new roles whilst managing a good work life balance. Chris too has just recently decided to start his own electrical business after being with the same employer for almost 8 years. So, since getting married some things have changed but what hasn’t changed is our love and support for each other. We feel pretty lucky in love, truly.

Vendors

Celebrant: Mike Larkin

Photographer: I Got You Babe Photography - Lilli Waters

Florist: Feldflowers

DJ: Mercury DJ Hire

MC: Sam Muscat

Dress: Paolo Sebastian

Shoes: Sophia Webster 

Bridesmaids: Viktoria and Woods

Make-up: Monica Gingold

Cake: Boutique Cake Art

Invitations: The Little Press