A smile from the groom is all it took to calm the nerves of bride Emilija Krcoski on her wedding day.

Emilija, a 31-year-old OHS Manager from Perth, met her match in Elliott Bradford, 32, on a work site. Co-workers had always said they would make a great item, and after their first meeting it wasn’t long until they realised they were destined to be together. “I had found myself in the path of one of the most amazing people I have ever met,” beams Emilija.

And it was a surprise, with both parties describing one another as outside their usual taste. “Elliott had long dreadlocks and was far from what I had imagined myself settling down with,” Emilija laughs. “I was very much not Elliott’s type either. In so many words you could say that Elliott’s and my story is about two completely different worlds colliding.”

Elliott proposed on Christmas Day in 2012 and not long after they were married in front of 160 guests in Swan Valley on April 20, 2013. The vintage wedding theme was beautifully marked by Emilija’s choice of a neutral palette in the Caversham House garden ceremony and the reception’s elegant styling at the Underground Cellar, Sandalford Wines.

Emilija says Elliott’s smile was responsible for settling her nerves on their wedding day. “I looked at his face and thought, this is it – this is what I was searching for all my life.”

The votes are counted and we have a winner! The couple whose wedding you deemed most inspiring in our October Wedding of the Year competition is Gemma Foy and Jak Cann of Perth.

Congratulations to them both, they will shortly receive $500 from Aussie Unsecured Personal Loans and two nights’ accommodation at Rydges Hotels and Resorts.

Plus: they are now one of 12 couples nominated for the grand prize – courtesy of My Holiday Centre – a second honeymoon to Hawaii!

Smile at Gemma & Jak’s cocktail wedding day here, courtesy of Digitally Enhanced Photography.

Special thanks to all our October nominees for sharing their gorgeous unions with us.

Love turns up in unexpected places and for Melbourne bride Ereney Takla that was in a hospital with friend Youssef Francis.

The pair had known one another for years and after Ereney, 26, suffered a terrible misfortune, it was Youssef, 31, she found by her side. “Youssef is a private person and I was never able to proceed beyond his surface (when we were friends),” says Ereney. “In hospital I saw a side I couldn’t have imagined could lie behind that gorgeous exterior.”

Ereney credits her blossoming relationship for her recovery. “Our friendship became a relationship in the roughest time of my life,” she recalls. “Looking back, I recognise that sharing that time with him made it an experience that I was able to grow from and heal mentally and physically.”

Such a grand relationship called for a grand black tie wedding and consequently the couple’s celebrations included a pre-wedding event, ceremony and reception at Eureka Towers. One hundred guests joined the bride-and-groom-to-be at Zinc Melbourne on the Yarra on Australia Day 2013 to enjoy the fireworks. Two days later, January 28, they were married at St Mina and St Marina Coptic Orthodox Church in Hallam in the presence of 500 family and friends.

The day was complete with an intimate celebration of 40 people at Eureka Towers where the views of Melbourne could be absorbed.

Here’s a new bunch of Wedding of the Year nominees to ooh and aah over.

Which one do you love the most? The glamorous garden wedding of Perth’s Emilija & Elliott? Sydney’s Carly & Lee and their romantic winter nuptials? The modern country affair of Lauren & Leigh of Victoria? Gold Coast couple Claire & Paul and their vintage beach celebration? Sarah & David’s Noosa River wedding? Or the story of Mildura’s Kirbi & Nick and their 4000 paper cranes?

Cast your vote in two clicks and help decide our 11th monthly winner in our inaugural Wedding of the Year competition.

Not all grooms have much to do with wedding planning – but Tom Grove made sure his admiration for Batman got a look-in when he wed girlfriend of 10 years, Kerry-Ann O’Connor.

Tom, 30, and nurse Kerry-Ann, 31, were married at St Thomas’ Catholic Church in Greensborough and celebrated with 104 guests at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, St Kilda on May 3, 2013.

With Kerry-Ann’s sister by her side and Tom’s closest friend by his, the couple celebrated their love ensuring every element reflected their relationship.

The Batman-infused modern wedding boasted a Batmobile-inspired Chrysler limousine and a cake dedicated to the superhero. “The grey linen, candlelight ambience and blue lights created an almost Batcave atmosphere,” laughs Kerry-Ann about the reception space.

And it wasn’t just the comic book character that made its way into the reception, as the couple elegantly marked their Irish/Brazilian backgrounds. “I chose to have orange, white and green bouquets to represent the colours of the Irish flag,” says the bride.

To top off the evening the newlyweds performed a rumba/hip-hop routine which they had practised for eight weeks prior. “The dance was complete with a 360-degree flip that completely wowed our guests,” smiles Kerry-Ann.

I’ve been waiting to get my hands on these adorable wedding photos and am now thrilled to share with you the rustic country wedding of Nikki McGar and Justin Farmer.

Set at the charming Gum Gully Farm an hour east of Melbourne (you may recall Melinda & Matt’s wedding), outdoor ed teacher Nikki and British marketing manager Justin exchanged vows on a steamy summer day. Eighty guests perched on hay bales beneath shady vines to witness the union of a couple that “both loved the punk rock music that everyone else wanted to turn off.”

Dressed in a stunning ivory gown with twisted strap detailing and rose hemline, 33-year-old Nikki had no qualms about getting dirty during a playful photo shoot with the farm’s resident furry friends.

“The deer were keen not be upstaged… with one cheeky baby trying to untie my dress,” smiles Nikki, “a candid moment beautifully captured by our photographer Kerryn Lee.”

Considered to be “a good omen” by the bride, two baby goats were born during the ceremony and were named in the couple’s honour (and if you look closely you can see the little birthday surprise one left for Justin on his shirt!)

Guests celebrated with a traditional Aussie barbecue – 39-year-old Justin’s choice in “embracing a new way of life away from the UK,” says Nikki, and concluded with ice creams from an old school Mr Whippy van.

“The perfect option to cool down after the long, hot day,” smiles Nikki.

They say love is in the details and this is especially true for Sunshine Coast bride and groom, Richelle Kelly, 34 and Steve Reeves, 35.

Personalised vows, engraved chopsticks, and lanterns with special messages were just a handful of elements designed particularly for the couple at their Asian-inspired wedding, May 5, 2013.

Richelle, a Travel agency owner/operator, swears by a well-planned wedding. “There was a lot of pre-planning, but being organised made the day run like clock-work,” she says.

The pair opted for a garden ceremony at Spicers Tamarind Retreat, Maleny, shared by 58 guests and an intimate reception of 17 at the retreat’s restaurant. “We all sat at one table so it felt like a family dinner party,” recalls Richelle. “It was so relaxed and intimate.”

Before saying goodbye to guests at the ceremony, Chinese wish lanterns were released. “Each of our guests had written their prayers and best wishes on them for us. It was a spectacular sight and the perfect way to wish our friends farewell before walking to dinner with our family,” beams Richelle.

Photographer on the day, Leoni Bolt commented “the wedding was a small lavish affair with no detail forgotten.”

Here’s story of a Serbian/Italian fusion wedding that brought a huge smile to my face. At 21, Melbourne girl Danijela Medojevic met Italian beau Marco Quadara – “I had a huge crush on him, he was hot, funny and loved his mum,” – and after a painstaking year in the “embarrassing friend zone” they finally started dating.

Fast forward five years and Danijela, now 28, recounts: “In 2011 I went on a family holiday to Serbia with my sister and parents to visit the rest of the extended family. Given that he didn’t know the language, Marco [29] didn’t come. It was two weeks into the trip and I was at my grandparents’ house in a bit of a grumpy mood; mum and dad called me to come outside, and in a huff I stormed out asking them what they wanted.

“Suddenly all I hear from behind me was Marco’s voice saying, ‘Now, now, settle down’! I was in hysterics! I was shocked that he was there and honestly couldn’t believe my eyes! I was so excited and so happy to be able to show him where I come from and introduce him to my family overseas.

“We went into the house and I was still in shock, pacing like a headless chook. Eventually, overwhelmed, I sat down, saying, ‘Wow this has just been the biggest/best day!’ to which Marco replied, ‘Well it’s about to get bigger’. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him!

“We celebrated with an engagement party in Serbia, then extended the trip to Italy so I could see where he his family come from. We have always respected each other’s values and heritage and it was so amazing for us both to share these amazing memories together.

“In January this year we topped it off with an amazing wedding day! A culturally-infused, summer-loving, fun celebration which was all about us and joining our families.”

Simple elegance sums up the beachside wedding of Dani and Colby, married on August 14, 2013.

“Colby [25] is one of the most relaxed, laid back and selfless people I know,” praises bride Dani, 24. “When it came time to wedding planning his only wish was for it to be simple and something that suited us.”

The pair were wed at Angsana Chapel, Palm Cove in Queensland’s Port Douglas. Although Dani originally wanted a beach wedding, she honoured her late grandparents’ wishes for a chapel ceremony, while still having her piece of the ocean. “The chapel opens up, surrounded by a beautiful deck right on the beach front,” explains Dani. “The view of this place is amazing with 180 degree panoramic views along Palm Cove Beach.”

“People fish off there” was the reaction Dani received when she announced their reception venue of The Old Sugar Wharf in Port Douglas. “But it was exactly what I wanted. The guests were there to watch the sunset as they sat on the deck waiting for our arrival,” she says.

Dani opted for minimal styling and decoration, and her DIY talents had the perfect relaxed impact. “It blew me away when we first walked in as husband and wife.”

Their first chance meeting wasn’t enough to bring them together, but a second was.

After blowing off a group of keen boys at the beach a few months prior, according to Elena Philippou, 23, fate brought her to David Giraldo, 30, a second time. “Since then we have been inseparable,” smiles Elena.

What Elena describes as the 2013 version of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, was a ceremony at St Euphemia Greek Orthodox Church and reception at the Grand Paradiso in Sydney with 370 guests on March 9, 2013. “Not many weddings feature breaking plates and a stage-diving bride and groom,” she laughs.

Although Elena’s late father could not be there to walk her down the aisle, she says her day was a fairytale come true. “I felt like a princess going to meet my prince on the way to the church,” she says. “The only emotion I felt on our wedding day was sheer happiness and excitement to start this new chapter in our lives together.”

However, Elena says the best part of their wedding day came three months later when they bumped into an older family friend of David. “He had tears in his eyes when talking about our wedding,” recalls Elena. “He mentioned he had never seen a bride and groom so happy and enjoy themselves so much on their wedding day.”

From sand in their toes to water under their feet, Charlotte Wade and Benjamin Ferriggi took their big day from beach to boat on November 1, 2012.

Charlie, 29, and Ben, 38, immigrated to Australia last year from the South Coast of England. After experiencing a long three-year application process, they were keen to be wed. “After this time in limbo we wanted to get married and move forward with the rest of our lives as soon as possible,” says bride Charlie.

For the water-loving duo it was only natural the ocean would be incorporated into their special day, held at Sorrento Beach in WA. “We both windsurf and surf, and spend as much time as possible on the water. We even went windsurfing on our second date,” laughs Charlie.

A small party of 26 guests attended the boutique beach wedding. Ben’s daughter and Charlie’s step-daughter Chloe, who was 14 at the time, was a very important part of the day. “We adapted traditional vows to include Ben’s daughter,” says Charlie. “We started by reminding the guests that our relationship was always between three people and that our marriage is confirmation of the bond we already share.”

Chloe, who was also a bridesmaid, received an engraved bracelet during the ring exchange ceremony. “It was a very special moment and even the celebrant ended up in tears,” recalls Charlie.

After the beach ceremony, guests boarded the Aussie Warrior for a sunset cruise along the coast and up the river to Perth. 

It’s not often young love finds its way to marriage, especially when the lovers begin dating at 15.

But Amy Millar and Ryan Frisina, both 26, would beg to differ, having celebrated their black tie wedding in Perth on December 1, 2012 after a decade together.

Amy’s vision for a timeless and elegant affair could be seen at every corner of the couple’s big day. “I stuck to a classic look for myself,” says bride Amy. “I wanted only lace and pearls!”

The dress by Katie Colgan of Loui Col Designs was transformed by the designer on the day, taking Amy from a traditional to modern look. “Katie went above and beyond. Who else would meet you at the church to fluff your gown out, then meet you halfway through your photos to recreate the look of your gown?” praises Amy.

One-hundred-and-thirty guests were treated to a church ceremony at St Mary’s Cathedral in East Perth followed by a black, white and silver themed reception at The Breakwater overlooking Hillarys Boat Harbour.

Amy says marrying her best friend is something she hopes anyone would have the chance to do. “Always be friends before anything. Passion comes and goes, that’s normal, but a friendship always helps to keep that spark alive.”

At an early 1900s estate in Terrara, NSW, Natasha McKay and Christian Van Langevelde wed in vintage glamour style.

The modern wedding on February 11, 2011, was a long-time coming for the hairdresser and construction manager.

Natasha (who goes by Tarsh), 33, and Christian, 32, were dating for nine years before taking a 14-month separation in 2009. As fate would have it however, a break turned out to be just what they needed and they were engaged shortly thereafter. “While we had both thought we were too opposite for it to ever work, we realised just the opposite,” smiles Natasha.

Their special day attended by 70 guests was filled with gorgeous detail including antique bird cages, a magnolia tree table and chandeliers.

Natasha walked down the aisle to Kate-Miller Heidke’s “Last Day on Earth” – a tribute to the couple’s special and hard times experienced together. ”The ceremony was the best part of the day,” recalls Natasha. “I had tears in my eyes as soon as I took my first steps because I saw the tears in Christian’s eyes. The whole place was in tears including the celebrant.” Happy tears of course.

After the sneak-peak of Pia McElroy and George Dunn’s AMAZING ‘dirty’ wedding dance back in September – courtesy of Milque Photography & Films – I now have the full story of how a professional singer and an architect with two left feet came to wow 120 guests at their romantic Brisbane wedding.

Thirty-one-year-old Brisbane girl Pia McElroy was born to perform. Coming from a family of entertainers, “we grew up singing, dancing and performing most of our lives,” she says. “It’s in my blood and I have been blessed to do it for a living.”

Architect George Dunn on the other hand, also 31, was born with two left feet. And although he’d never really had a reason or opportunity, he’d always wanted to learn to dance. So when Pia decided she’d rather not sing at her own wedding – “it didn’t feel special to me,” she says – the couple began a dancing journey that would have them falling in love all over again.

“My favourite wedding song of all time is “I’ve Had the Time of My Life” from the movie Dirty Dancing,” explains Pia. “Their epic love story and how he taught her to dance reminded me of George… and my quest to teach him how to dance.”

She adds, “When I told George the dance I wanted to learn he freaked out… but accepted the challenge on the agreement that we hire a choreographer to teach us the steps.”

It turned out that few choreographers knew the exact steps to the iconic closing dance, much to the bride’s frustration. But after three teachers and 18 lessons, just two days before the wedding, they were ready.

“All those hours practicing the dance and the lift in our bedroom finally paid off!” beams Pia.

“To top things off, our guests had no clue. They were in for a surprise!”

“I feel I belong to someone now. I have married my best friend and taken his name.”

These are the heartfelt words of Cairns bride Lauren Mead who married soul mate Adam Homer, 27, in an emotional beach wedding on August 24, 2013.

The three-day celebration was attended by 140 guests yet the atmosphere felt far more intimate as friends and loved ones spent the extended weekend “laughing and shedding happy tears together,” says 31-year-old Lauren.

The lucky couple, with the newly refurbished Fitzroy Island Resort at their doorstep, didn’t travel very far for the idyllic setting where Lauren’s “love for shabby chic style furnishings met our mutual love of the outdoors and ocean,” she says.

In a reversed colour palette to the norm, Lauren wore dazzling pink – a figure-hugging mermaid design by Maggie Sottero – and her bridesmaids were the cherubs in white – in short frocks of their choice.

After a two-course seafood dinner, and a dessert buffet of cupcakes and macarons, guests continued the festivities at a beach bar-shack, the relaxed vibe just what this laid-back couple had envisaged for their special day.

Was it the vivid rainbow colour palette, the 4000 paper cranes or that the talented Ky Luu – 2013′s Wedding Photographer of the Year – produced the outstanding wedding photos? Whatever the reason, we are excited to announce the winners from our November Wedding of the Year competition – Mildura couple Kirbi Kennewell and Nicholas Stamp.

Congratulations to them both! They will shortly receive $500 from Aussie Unsecured Personal Loans and two nights’ accommodation at Rydges Hotels and Resorts.

Plus: they are now one of 12 couples nominated for the grand prize – courtesy of My Holiday Centre – a second honeymoon to Hawaii!

Special thanks to all our November nominees for sharing their wonderful weddings with us.

There’s varying statistics floating around, but the bottom line is many marriages begin in the workplace. This was the case for Elli Altinsoy and John Cassar who were friends at first, but after a few years as colleagues, fell in love.

“Although work discussions could get quite fiery, we developed a strong friendship and mutual respect for each other,” remembers Elli. “One rainy night we had take-out at his house with a few beers and that’s when I seized the opportunity for our first tipsy pash!”

Elli, 30, and John, 29, now work together in their company’s Brisbane office, but returned to their home town to marry in Melbourne in the presence of 75 family and friends at The Melbourne Zoo.

Their rustic zoo wedding on September 7, 2013 was filled with an earthy and relaxed vibe. “John grew up in a zoo and we both adore animals so felt at ease surrounded by the entire earthiness,” says Elli. “The best compliment we received on the day was how relaxed everyone felt and that it was exactly John and I.”

Elli says her relationship with John had been worth the wait. “We took a while to find each other, but we’re so lucky to have finally met our soul mate and marry them knowing this relationship was going to be like nothing we had ever experienced.”

Well, it’s our final month in our first ever Wedding of the Year competition and on 1st February we’ll know exactly which 12 couples will be up for the second honeymoon courtesy of My Holiday Centre. I’m so excited!

In the meantime, relive the magic that was these six couples’ beautiful wedding days – who gets your vote?

It was a match made in marine heaven when a beach-loving bride and a shipmaster from Cairns were married by the former commander of The Love Boat.

No, not Captain Stubing (Greg MacLeod) from the 1980s TV show, but the lesser-known Captain Terry Russell – the North Queensland celebrant who once commanded the very cruise liner from which the romantic comedy series was filmed.

“We found Terry by accident,” says bride Kate Doyle of the celebrant to her vintage nautical wedding. “We got talking to him and discovered he was a Master Mariner and a celebrant – so both working in the marine industry he and [groom Rowan Lamason] hit it off the moment they met.”

On September 21, 2013, to a friend’s acoustic version of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” Kate, now 27, walked down the aisle.

“No words can express the excitement I felt on that day,” she recalls, “and the moment I could see my groom-to-be, that feeling was amplified – his face was lit up with so much happiness and excitement.”

The elated couple were attended at the Novotel Palm Cove by three either side, including 28-year-old Rowan’s three brothers and his sister, and Kate’s sister and best friend.

Later, at boutique restaurant Sarayi, 87 guests were delighted to choose their own meal from a fine-dining menu, the bride commenting, “The full sit-down service was something a little bit different and absolutely perfect.”