Almost two years of planning led to Georgia Stamoulis and Kon Sakkidis having the glamourous, fairytale wedding they had dreamed of.

After meeting through a mutual friend at a party Georgia, 26, and Kon, 27, have “been inseparable ever since.” The Melbourne couple got engaged at Sky High in the Dandenong Ranges, the romantic view of the city was the perfect place to celebrate – and not just with each other!

“After dinner Kon took me on a little walk to a cliff edge that overlooked the whole city,” says Georgia. “There he got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife… that’s when I turned around and he had orgainised for all our friends to be there to celebrate with us.”

The glamorous wedding took place at Burwood’s Vogue Ballroom on November 14, 2015 in front of 190 guests. Every little detail was essential for this couple, the bride planning everything herself from styling at both houses and the church to the reception decorations and even personalising the boys’ underwear!

“The wedding was all glam and sparkle the more bling the better,” recalls Georgia. Highlights included a “spectacular wedding entrance” that involved drummers, Greek instruments and dancing on chairs.

According to the guests, “they had never been to a wedding like it,” Georgia smiles.

Photos courtesy of Dezine by Mauro.

The classy groomsmen were transported to the wedding by Hummer Limousines.

The bride’s beautiful corset-style gown was a Pronovias design from  Be a Star Bridal.

Lunchtime nap on your wedding day, anyone?

That’s exactly what Carol Ratcliff enjoyed during her Vanuatu wedding to Tom Hepe – the relaxed day they had always planned for. “We wanted an intimate wedding, with only our closest family and friends present so as not to get caught up in the whole wedding planning craziness,” explains Carol. “I can’t begin to explain how peaceful the day was, from breakfast with our friends and family in the morning, to a nap at lunchtime and getting ready only two hours before the ceremony.”

They Sydneysiders, aged 36 and 29 respectively, met through work and quickly fell in love. “We travelled overseas together three months after meeting and starting living together around the same time,” explains the bride. “When it’s right, it progresses quickly and we welcomed our son soon after.”

They chose Vanuatu as their destination wedding on November 14, 2015, for its beautiful culture and island time. Guests arrived during the week leading up to the wedding – a process Carol says made for the perfect wedding. “It was a casual, laid back day where shorts were welcome,” she says. “It was one of those days where you wish it never ended and there was nothing you would change.”

Photos courtesy of Groovy Banana Photography.

Guests received invites to the island wedding from Lovestruck Invitations.

Warwick Le Lagon Resort & Spa had plenty of cool props for photos.

The couple’s son was their best man.

They may differ on the story of how they got together, but Elyse Doolan and Marc Howlett agree their wedding day was perfect.

“We met at our previous workplace in 2010 and started dating in 2012,” explains Elyse, 31. “Marc jokingly likes to advise people that I ‘chased him and trapped him’, however I believe it just took him two years to realise what is good for him.”

The couple from Shellharbour, NSW married on October 24, 2015 with a beach wedding at Shell Cove. “We had a coastal ceremony over the headland overlooking ‘The Farm’ — one of the beaches my [late] dad used to surf at,” says Elyse. “We had personalised vows and Marc’s were three pages long! There were lots of happy tears and laughs.”

Due to their first-booked venue’s financial troubles, Elyse and Marc were forced to find a new one just three months out before the day – but as Elyse says it was meant to be. “We were so lucky Gabby’s at Berry was free. Richard and Carolyn are amazing people and our confidence in them was proven on the night and everything ran smoothly.”

“Our wedding day brought everyone together and we got to reconnect with people we haven’t seen in a really long time, so it was quite emotional,” reflects Elyse. The couple chose to take the bus back with their 70 guests at the end of the night so they could savour the final moments with them.

“Seeing everyone so happy made me feel happy.”

Photos courtesy of Holly Prins Photography.

Pepe’s Garden created the flowers for the day, including the groom’s buttonhole.

“My bouquet had a picture of my dad, so he got to walk with me too,” says Elyse of walking down the aisle.

 

“The morning of the wedding Marc left me a gift of pearl earrings and also a jar titled ‘365 days of Elyse’ which has songs that remind him of me,” smiles Elyse.

A lolly buffet kept the guests’ sugar levels high!

Whether it’s the backyard at home or a stretch of stunning coastline, a beautiful setting is a great foundation for the perfect wedding day.

Johanna Kerr, 26, and Neil Bengowski, 34, headed for the mountains for their vintage wedding. Based in Ipswich, west of Brisbane, Mt Tamborine’s Cedar Creek Lodges was just a stone’s throw away for the couple and their 42 guests.

The vet nurse and sheet-metal worker met several years earlier in Johanna’s hometown of Casino, NSW. “We were introduced by a mutual friend at the local pub,” explains the bride. “We exchanged details and it went from there.” Neil later proposed during Brisbane’s annual Riverfire event, ring loose in pocket, fireworks in the sky.

Johanna says their intimate guest list and “beautiful surroundings” made for the perfect wedding day. “Everybody enjoyed themselves, it was a relaxed environment,” she smiles. The day ran mostly smoothly but there was a little hiccup with the bridesmaid dress to which the celebrant came to the rescue! “Let’s just say it’s lucky our celebrant lived next door to a seamstress.”

The couple honeymooned in Vanuatu.

Photos courtesy of Kathy McMillan Photography.

Johanna found her lace and chiffon gown at Wedding Dress Wonderland.

“It was a great day to catch up with beautiful family and friends,” recalls the bride.

The beautiful cake mixed with a topper and cupcakes was created by Ann’s Unique Cakes.

Samantha Tracey and Patrick Martin’s classic wedding proves that sometimes all you need is a lil’ help from your friends.

“After months of careful planning selecting the music, the iPod stopped working for the walk down the aisle,” Samantha, 27, explains. “The celebrant asked if I wanted them to fix it, I said I didn’t want anything to stop me from marrying Pat then.”

Instead, the guests chimed in to sing a range of songs to fill the silence, including Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.” Samantha says they wouldn’t have had it any other way. “Mistakes will happen, things will be forgotten, people might be late, but all that mattered was that my love was at the end of that aisle waiting for me.”

The NSW Central Coast couple, who have known each other since they were eight, wed on March 7, 2015 at Erina’s The Fragrant Gardens in front of 115 friends and family.

Samantha and Patrick, 28, held their reception at Ettalong Diggers, a dream venue of the bride’s for many years. “I always wanted my reception there. It exceeded my expectations,” Samantha says.

The couple says their classic wedding mirrored who they were as a couple. “Our wedding was simple and relaxed,” Samantha says. “All guests had a great time, the vibe was fantastic and everyone mixed well.”

Photos courtesy of Wild at Heart Photography.

Samantha and Patrick dated in high school, before reconnecting in their mid 20s.

Patrick and his groomsmen suited up in outfits from Roger David.

Samantha’s gorgeous lace wedding gown was a strapless design featuring an embellished belt.

The bridesmaids wore champagne-coloured strapless dresses teamed with modern chunky pearl necklaces.

The Stubby Cooler Company created unique keepsakes for the couple’s guests.

Sitting in her lounge room with fiancé Ryan Morrow, watching Ellie Drennan audition for The Voice 2015, Suzanne Call made a wish out loud: “I want her to sing at our wedding.”

But never in a thousand years would the NSW Central Coast bride believe that contacting the young singer on social media would result in a little star-power at their rustic wedding.

“When Ellie first appeared on the show, I said to Ryan, ‘I want her to sing at our wedding,'” explains Suzanne, 40. “So I sent her a Facebook message, not really expecting anything but hoping all the same.”

Incredibly, that hoping turned into reality when Ellie and her mum wandered into the Bonds store where Suzanne works! “I suddenly felt like a 12-year-old girl, a little shy and star-struck – smiling at them saying, ‘I’m the one who would like you to sing for us at our wedding.'”

Numbers were exchanged and then the wait was on – how far would Ellie make it and would she be available on their November 14, 2015 wedding date?

“Our wedding date was looming and we still didn’t have our music finalised,” says Suzanne who remained unusually calm during that time. “Then we received the YES we had been waiting for. Ellie had won The Voice, AND she was free to sing on the date we needed –  we were beyond EXCITED!”

The then 16-year-old Gosford singer learned and performed her rendition of Christina Perry’s ‘A Thousand Years’ for the couple and their 66 guests during the ceremony at Greenfield Farm Estate, Martinsville – a surprise  Suzanne and Ryan, 38, kept up their sleeves until that moment.

“Knowing she learnt the song for us was very touching,” says Suzanne who describes the moment as a real highlight. “She was down to earth, incredibly talented and even kind enough to have photos with guests who had watched her through her journey to winning The Voice.”

Photos courtesy of La Bella Vita Photography.

“On my 40th birthday Ryan handed me a jar of 40 notes, handwritten by himself, each note sharing something different that he loved about me and our relationship,” Suzanne says of his thoughtful proposal.

The then 16-year-old Ellie Drennan, coached by Jessie J to win The Voice 2015, entertained guests on the lawn during the ceremony and while photographs were being taken.

“We were so incredibly lucky to have Ellie as part of the day,” smiles Suzanne. “A very special young lady.”

“Plan your wedding with the essence of it being ‘your day’,” Suzanne advises future brides.

 

“We wanted something made with love and authentic to our rustic farm setting as a gift for our guests,” Suzanne says of the selection of jams, chutney and vinegar given to guests.

Suzanne made a beautiful bride with help from Kimidoll Makeup Artistry and Ryan was dressed smartly by Roger David.

Lucy Gibbs and Henry Graetz stayed true to their country-Australia roots with their trucker wedding at one of South Australia’s most picturesque historic farms.

Prime movers are a big part of the couple’s life (with Henry, 23, a truck driver and truck mechanic) so it made sense trucks would play an important role in their big day. “Since our lives revolve around my husband’s passion for mechanics and trucks, we couldn’t have a wedding without one – or four – in it,” Lucy, 21, says.

The young couple first met at their local ute muster! “I was always told by my brothers that their mates were a no-go zone, but I just couldn’t resist Henry,” recalls Lucy. “The next night – you could call it a first date – consisted of beers, a party and circle work in the paddock. From there the rest is history.”

Lucy and her three bridesmaids arrived at the ceremony, held at Bordertown’s historic Clayton Farm, on the back of an old red International truck, setting the scene for a relaxed day brimming with Australian country charm.

After exchanging vows and rings, the wedding party left for photos in style, heading off onboard three white Western Star prime movers, with Henry proudly at the helm of one, his gorgeous bride by his side. “Henry really loves how he can live his dreams and get away to chase work all over Australia, says Lucy. “I just love hearing the sound the truck coming up the drive.”

Guests continued on to the reception at Mundulla Community Hall that the couple had decorated themselves with hessian and brown paper, and there was plenty of country hospitality on offer with a roast dinner provided by the Bordertown Lutheran Ladies.

“Our wedding was an easygoing wedding that was truly us and if we were to get married again there would be nothing that I would change,” Lucy says.

Photos courtesy of Emily Geary Photography.

Lucy carried a unique wedding bouquet, made by her and her mother from brooches that belonged to Lucy’s grandmother and family and friends.

Lucy’s gorgeous gown, from For Her & For Him, was custom-made to cater for her needs. “I wanted a dress that was long for the ceremony and short for the reception, so I went with a short dress with a skirt.”

The couple’s fantastic cake said it all!

“I couldn’t resist that bloke with the blonde mullet,” smiles Lucy. “We were meant to be together and the most important thing was my four brothers approved.”

A wedding date setback and change of venue couldn’t stop lovebirds Kirra Officer and Aaron Budd having the romantic rustic wedding of their dreams.

After Aaron was in a motorbike accident, the wedding was pushed back five months and the venue they had their heart set on had closed down. But the Noosa Golf Club in Tewantin Queensland was a replacement that superseded expectations.

“We were beyond happy with our decision to get married at the Noosa Golf Club,” explains Kirra, 28 of her decision with Aaron, also 28. “The ceremony location was simply beautiful on the 11th tee overlooking a lake shaded by trees overhead.”

The physiotherapist and builder relied on family and friends to help create the personalised wedding they hoped for. “The majority of decorations were created and set up by my mother, our dear close friends or myself, from mum hand-sewing my veil to me making our chocolate coconut-flavoured wedding cake,” says Laura.

The bridesmaids also pitched in, creating a hanging garland and vases of flowers for the reception. “All of their loving input helped create our personal, rustic romantic wedding.”

Photos courtesy of Kylie Williams Photography.

“We chose our bridal party dresses to be ivory lace to complement our wedding theme,” says Kirra. “The girls received so many compliments on the night.”

 

Jay Flood of Noosa Style Ceremonies wed the couple at the golf club. “He was beyond amazing,” praises the bride.

“Kirra is the most kindhearted, beautiful person I could have ever hoped for,” says Aaron, dressed in navy by Roger David.

Kirra stunned in a slimline gown by Grace Loves Lace.

She dreams of representing Australia at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, but there was a bigger dream to fulfill beforehand, marrying her beau.

Alexandra Green, 28, met Ian Lisney, 32, through her best friend – whose husband happened to have a cute single brother! Just one bike-riding date later – fit for a girl who is a Paralympic cyclist – and they were a couple. “We said ‘I love you’ to each other a month later and secretly both knew that we would spend the rest of our lives together,” smiles Alex.

Proposing to a girl who is a ‘real winner’, including becoming world champion and gold medallist from the 2012 Para-cycling Track World Championships, Ian, a builder, sought an appropriate engagement ring for Alex. “He knew I loved platinum, straight lines (no circles) and made it aerodynamic because I am an elite cyclist and he wanted me to wear it while I raced my bike,” explains Alex, who has mild cerebral palsy. “It is so beautiful and catches the light, especially with my wedding band of diamonds.”

After Ian’s Christmas Day proposal, 2014, the pair wed at their romantic Sydney wedding on September 12 the following year. Public Dining Room at Balmoral Beach hosted the nuptials, attended by just over 100 guests. “The theme of the day was a classic secret garden, lots of flowers, sunshine, water and friends,” says Alex. “It was made all the more special because our celebrant was one of our best friends, Eliza McAllister.”

Speeches were a highlight, including the father-of-the-bride’s who got the crowd laughing with ‘Alex and Ian’ stories, and afterward the newlyweds danced to Etta James’ “At Last.”

“We are no Patrick Swayze and Baby,” jokes Alex, “but we enjoyed our first dance together as husband and wife.”

Photos courtesy of Society Photography.

Alex found her glamorous Pronovias gown and bolero at Brides of Beecroft.

“After we had [first-look] photos together we jumped on a water taxi at Taronga Zoo and shot across Sydney Harbour to Balmoral Beach,” says Alex.

“The highlight of the day was marrying the love of my life under the most amazing floral arch in front of Sydney Harbour,” beams Alex.

 

Concludes Alex, “Our love is stronger than ever since we said ‘I do’ together down by the beach at Balmoral.”

Patience paid off for Paul Ranieri who knew Alana McRae was the one for him from the get-go.

But as it happens sometimes, Alana was a little slow on the uptake. “Paul and I met at work and whilst he knew straight away I was the one for him, it took me a little bit longer to realise,” laughs Alana, 30. But Paul, 33, persisted and for their first date he whisked Alana off her feet, but not literally – because she was on crutches!

“He is such an amazing person and very giving,” says the bride of her truck-driver groom. “Paul has to work away sometimes and the messages he sends me are just beautiful. One of them made me realize how much I actually loved him and that’s when I finally knew he was the one for me.”

The pair married with their Sydney wedding on October 24, 2015. The two confessed “big kids” chose All Saints Anglican Church in North Parramatta for the ceremony, with 150 guests, and a reception at Le Montage. “Our wedding was just perfect,” says Alana. “From the look of my dad when I came down the stairs, to the look in Paul’s eyes when I was walking towards him in the church.”

Guests were treated to handmade gifts including candles made by the mother-of-the-groom and jelly bean boxes created by bride.

Photos courtesy of One Million Moments.

Alana’s breathtaking beaded, strapless gown with ruffles was purchased from Luv Bridal & Formal.

Alana’s up-do was created by hair wizards Julie’s Bridal Hair & Pirinola Makeup.

“Together we are two really big kids and you are more likely to find us on the jumping castle at parties than hanging out with the adults,” smiles Alana.

Alana says the wedding day was full of “so much love”.

Rhian Mold and Ben Harris were just teenagers when they first met and distance kept them apart.

“I am from Gawler and Ben is from Glenelg and, as we didn’t have licences then, we didn’t see each other, we just spoke on MSN for a very long time,” Rhian, 23, explains. But despite the distance they made it work and now Rhian and Ben, 24, happily call Adelaide home.

Five years after their first ‘real’ date – at the Adelaide Zoo – Ben proposed on a romantic surprise trip to Sydney. “I was very excited as I had never been to Sydney before,” recalls animal lover Rhian. “Ben had organised to go to Taronga Zoo. Heading back to the ferry, he saw this little path down to a beach that had no one there. Just us and the Sydney Opera House and the bridge in the background. He got down on one knee and asked “Will you marry me?”

The customer service representative and builder then began planning their gorgeous golf club wedding.

The couple married on October 3, 2015 in front of 110 guests at Gawler Uniting Church, where Rhian’s parents had wed 33 years before. “Ever since I can remember I have wanted my wedding there as well,” Rhian says.

The reception was held at Glenelg Golf Club, which was decked out in fairy lights and cream and pink blooms for the celebrations.

“Our wedding day was everything and more that I had ever dreamed of,” smiles Rhian. “I had the puffy dress and the sparkly bridesmaids. Amazing lush flowers that where brilliant. Everything was just the way we wanted it. The day went so quickly, it’s all a big beautiful blur.

Photos courtesy of Gpix Photo.

The bride looked gorgeous in a strapless full-skirt gown and Rhian chose sparkling gowns for her bridesmaids’ dresses.  “When I was growing up I hated sparkles but when I saw the dresses I just fell in love,” she comments.

“Ben is such a genuine person and makes me laugh every single day,” Rhian says of her husband.

“Rhian is a loving, kind person that is always happy! She always has a smile on her face and is the best thing to happen to me,” Ben says of his beautiful bride.

In choosing his wedding suit, Ben went for a timeless look with bow tie and braces.

Fun loving Gold Coast pair Stacey Clark and Chris Raward wanted their wedding to be about more than just walking down the aisle – they wanted a party their guests would remember forever.

The bride says their fun festival wedding was a celebration of their love with a laid-back, festival vibe. “We tried to make it one big party,” Stacey, 30, says. “We didn’t want our day to be traditional, we wanted it to be a celebration of our love and relaxed.”

She and Chris, 33, wed and held their reception at Kirra Hill Community Centre on April 11, 2015 in front of 120 guests. The heritage-listed site was once a school, attended by Chris father and grandfather, and its unique buildings and sprawling lawn area made it the perfect choice.

“We wanted it to feel like a festival where the guests always had something fun to be doing,” Stacey says.

With that in mind, there were lawn games such as bocce and giant Jenga and a photo booth. The food also had a festival feel with wood-fired pizzas and salads, a vintage caravan serving as the bar and an drool-worthy array of handmade desserts.

“Once the sun went down we moved inside for the speeches and first dance. Then we had a DJ where we all danced for hours,” Stacey says.

“The night ended with Chris and I on people’s shoulders dancing and singing. It was the party of the year!”

Photos courtesy of Ben Whitmore Photography.

When it came to choosing the wedding car it was an easy choice for Stacey. “It was my brother’s car, he does weddings and formals,” the bride explains.

 

Stacey and Chris went to school together and later met up again at a Broadbeach bar. “We have been inseparable since that night,” Stacey says. “We had been together for six years when Chris proposed.”

“I always wanted a love and a marriage like my parents, I feel so lucky to have found that with Chris,” Stacey says.

In choosing the wedding food, Stacey and Chris went with low-key options that suited the festival vibe.

Video by Ben Whitmore Photography.

A textile designer and furniture maker fell in love in New Zealand, married in Byron and then went on to win our December Wedding of the Year competition!

Congratulations to Katie and Adam, with their photographer Simon J Coulson for taking out the twelfth and final spot in our 2015 Wedding of the Year competition.

Their “eclectic” wedding was a true reflection of their left-of-centre style and creative influence. Exchanging vows under an incredible bamboo arch on the sprawling property of Graciosa overlooking the Bryon Bay hinterland, Adam spent weeks building an altar and bench seating for their 70 guests, whilst Katie glowed in a unique lace gown by LOVER the Label and tousled up-do.

“The style of our wedding was all us, a bit eclectic, romantic and thrown together,” says Katie. “We loved everything about it.”

And so did we!

The couple are now in the running for a pampered second honeymoon to Fiji courtesy of InterContinental Fiji and Fiji Airways and will shortly receive a whopping $1000 gift card to Michael Hill as our monthly winners.

Thanks to the other eight nominees whose weddings amazed us and no doubt made voting a tough job.

Here’s a look at some of our fave pics from Katie and Adam’s day.

Voting for the overall 2015 Wedding of the Year competition commences Monday February 8!

Time and time again you’ll hear the same songs at wedding ceremonies – but Metallica probably isn’t one of them.

Chelsey Ryan, 29, and Scott Williams, 31, married at their classic wedding on October 2, 2015 with 80 guests. “Music is a huge part in our lives with us loving an array of music genres,” explains Chelsey. “I walked down the aisle to Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters,” the acoustics in the chapel – which features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Coomera River – was out of this world.”

Rewind three years to when Scott proposed, which Chelsey said was “breathtakingly beautiful,” because he involved their then three-month-old daughter Eva. “He turned Eva to face me and as I read the words ‘Mummy will you marry Daddy?’ [written on her singlet] he asked me if I would marry him.”

The couple chose the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort for both the ceremony and reception, I choice they don’t regret. “The venue was spectacular, we wanted our wedding to reflect a classic yet simplicity feel,” smiles Chelsey. “We were able to achieve this by keeping decorations to a minimum and allowing the stunning venue to be the statement piece.”

Photos courtesy of Evoke Studios.

Chelsey’s stunning strapless gown is a Wendy Makin Bridal piece.

United Limousines provided the day’s impressive transport.

“We have three beautiful daughters and even though marriage is a union between two people, for us it was all about us as a family,” says Chelsey.

Contiki tours – good for many things, sometimes finding love that lasts more than 10 days.

“Once upon a time in a land far away — also known as France — a girl named Erin sat next to a boy named Paul on a magical Contiki bus,” laugh Erin, 25. The pair completed their travels together but when they returned to Australia they faced a three-hour driving back and forth to continue the relationship.

In 12 months though, Erin had moved in and the same time later, Paul, 25, popped the question. “We spent the next year and a half planning the most incredible wedding,” says Erin.

The couple married at their rustic garden wedding on December 5, 2015 with 85 guests present. The bride says the day was laid back, relaxed and fun.

The ceremony at Mindaribba House in New South Wales was made extra special by a childhood friend singing the music. The reception kicked off at the same venue, which Erin describes as a gut-instinct choice she doesn’t regret.

The couple’s honeymoon is yet to come.

Photos courtesy of Curly Tree Photography.

Erin’s beautiful makeup was done by beauty wizard Kylie Edwards.

“Our day was filled with love, laughter, friends and family and was beautiful and memorable in every way,” beams Erin.

Guests danced the night away to reception entertainment from by Brown Bear and Hooves

Slavica Otovic and Novac Djirlic needed no-one but each other for their tropical elopement to sunny North Queensland.

The Melbourne couple, Slavica, 48, and Novak, 44, first met at work and sparks flew. “I recall my first day at work and looking at Novak I thought ‘Mmm, that’s nice,'” laughs Slavica.

“All these thoughts were running through  my head like ‘Is he single, does he have kids and has he noticed me?'” she adds. “I just could not keep my eyes off him and every time he approached me I couldn’t stop laughing and was very nervous around him.”

Novak invited his future bride to a social gathering of work colleagues and showed up at Slavica’s door with a huge bunch of roses. “The rest is history now!” she says.

The couple eloped to Queensland’s Trinity Beach and wed on December 5, 2015. “It was just the two of us, the weather was perfect, the photography amazing, the celebrant funny, the wedding arbour stunning… and the location to die for,” Slavica says.

“What more could a girl ask for?”

Photos courtesy of Me Foto Photography.

The bride showed off her figure in a gorgeous gown and contrast belt from Sunset Bridal, while Novak was dapper in a summery suit from Men’s Suit Warehouse.

Slavica’s hair was expertly styled by Bella Hair by Monica.

The couple’s stylish silver rings were supplied my Michael Hill.

 

The couple’s elopement rolled into their honeymoon, with the pair staying at Peppers Beach Club & Spa in Cairns.

Praying for a perfect sunny day may not always deliver the best wedding photos.

Aleisha Clark and Marcus Walsh’s photographer was lucky to capture some amazing images with storm clouds for their vineyard wedding on October 31, 2015. “It made for the perfect backdrop over looking the Tamar Valley,” says Aleisha, aged 28 of her wedding to Marcus, 27. “The sky was dark but the rain stayed afar.”

The nurse and banker married at Elmslie Estate in Launceston, Tasmania, with 84 guests who travelled from the mainland, Canada and Japan. Live entertainment from the Baker Boys Band provided the music at the ceremony, where Aleisha walked down the aisle to Christina Perry’s “A Thousand Years.”

The bride handled her own venue decorations, preparing for a year beforehand. “I put together the reception décor such as small medicine jars wrapped in pearls which had an array of native flowers, DIY menu wraps, family wedding photos and bunting,” smiles Aleisha.

The couple honeymooned in Malaysia – the same location where Marcus proposed.

Photos courtesy of Lucid Photography & Design.

Aleisha’s Alfred Angelo vintage-style gown featured lace with delicate pearl beading.

Dee Potter married the Tasmanian couple with storm clouds overhead.

Native blooms formed part of Aleisha’s pretty bouquet, selected from Outside Wholesale Flowers.

The couple opted for a simple DIY cheese wheel for their wedding cake.

Despite being warned by his mother: “Don’t you dare fall in love with an Australian girl and marry her,” Englishman Richard Williams met the love of his life, Australian Alexandra Anderson.

The pair met while working as chartered accountants at the same Sydney firm. It was a slow-moving romance to begin with, with some subtle – and then not-so-subtle! – hints dropped by Alex gone unnoticed by Rich. But eventually, he worked up the courage to ask her on a date. “Within weeks, we were inseparable, finding in each other a true companion,” says Alex, 30, of her Rich, 32.

As Alex explains, Richard was soon put to the test by her parents, in what she describes as “all the requisite tests of a modern day suitor.” “Rich, who is typically a very big eater, struggled to get a bite in while he was grilled by mother and siblings — did he have a title? Did he have a castle back in England?” laughs Alex.

The couple married on February 28, 2015 on the foreshores of Sydney Harbour surrounded by 115 guests. Alex says their elegant wedding “beautifully intertwined elements of Australia and England,” which included ‘Henry,’ a black London cab and his English driver as the wedding car and Benjamin Adams British-designed wedding shoes.

The ceremony at Blues Point Reserve was a weather risk, but Alex said it paid off. “I understand it is rare people have such a large wedding there but it was stunning,” she smiles. Their reception at Catalina in Rose Bay was equally as beautiful.

Photos courtesy of Inlighten Photography.

 

Alex’s bridesmaids were allowed to choose their own gown, as long as it was navy and accommodated for a friend that was possibly going to be pregnant on the day!

 

Linda Marsden The Celebrant married the couple in a position known best for watching NYE fireworks.

Alex praises photographers, Inlighten: “Even now, months after the wedding, I have had the groomsmen telling me how much fun they had on the photo shoot. When do groomsmen ever say that?!”

 

Alex and Rich are now living in London for two years for work.

Video by Soda FIlms.

Rachel Huggins met Reza Manji at a difficult time in her life and credits her long-time partner with helping her through it.

“My mum was very sick and unfortunately passed away later that year. Reza was a constant support,” Rachel, 29, says of their first year together. “What may have broken up other couples only made us stronger.”

Reza, also 29, proposed after more than a decade together while the Sydney pair were holidaying in Kingscliff.

“We wanted a natural yet elegant feel to the day,” Rachel says of planning their big day.

There were a couple of bumps in the road, however, including having to change the date. “We ended up pulling most of the wedding together in seven weeks and we still ended up with a wedding that we loved.”

In searching for a unique venue, the couple found the State Library of NSW. “The Gallery room at the State Library was perfect as we were the first couple to be married in this room,” Rachel says. “The library also provided a perfect backdrop for the timeless and elegant photos we had in mind.”

The couple held their beautiful state library wedding on August 29, 2015 in front of 115 friends and family. The reception was held at The Pavillion on the edge of the city’s botanic gardens where guests were treated to an elaborate dinner and live music well into the night.

Photos courtesy of Images by Kevin.

Beautiful bride Rachel had her make-up done by Makeup Mode and her hair styled by Upstyle Girl.

“I fell in love with this room and its stained-glass windows as soon as I saw it,” Rachel says of their ceremony in the Gallery Room.

Rachel’s gorgeous gown was sourced from Jean Fox & Fox Bridal Group.

Rachel and Reza have known each other since they were 15. “We got together 12 years ago after we finished high school,” the bride says. “We come from very different backgrounds… but somehow manage to complete each other.

 

Casa Dell created the couple’s two-tier cake.

The tropics were calling for Newcastle’s Mel Thomin and Brendan Cook, who held their rainforest wedding at Boat Harbour on the New South Wales coast.

Mel, 29, and Brendan, 31, planned their picture-perfect day to make sure it reflected their own style. “We are a relaxed couple who love fantastic food, drinks, music and the outdoors,” Mel says.

“We wanted our wedding to represent all that we are and all that we love.”

The laid-back couple wed at The Oasis, a property set on five acres of melaleuca rainforest, on October 10, 2015 in front of 100 friends and family.

“Our celebrant, who is also a muso, sang as I walked down the aisle,” Mel recalls. “We exchanged vows that we had written ourselves and had a friend read a poem that she had written for us.”

While the bridal party headed off in a stretch Kombi, courtesy of Kruisin Kombis, guests enjoyed a feasting table, drinks served from a vintage caravan and live music.

“Once we got to the reception the party was in full swing with great music, cocktails and lawn games,” Mel says.

The bride says there is nothing they would change about their special day.

“I have no regrets,” Mel says. “Everyone says the day goes so quickly, but for me it didn’t. I relaxed, enjoyed and soaked up every moment.”

Photos courtesy of Sail Me to the Moon.

A rustic arbour set the scene for the couple’s rainforest wedding and was festooned with fresh flowers.

Mel was a picture-perfect bride in her embellished wedding gown.

 

 

Brendan opted for navy suit pants, braces and an eclectic tie, all from Roger David.

“The theme was natural, industrial with a touch of vintage,” Mel says.

“The day went smoothly, the weather was amazing and the vibe was cruisy,” Mel says.

Video by Wetherill Media.