Rachelle Garcia and Justin DiCecco’s relationship began with an awkward New Year’s Eve kiss before quickly growing into something special.
Justin, 33, was a helicopter pilot when the couple first met and not long after was offered a job in Brisbane. The Melbourne pair made the long distance relationship work and Rachelle, 28, followed her love to Queensland and they lived together for about a year before her own job opportunity drew her back down south.
“Justin stayed in Brisbane, in the hope that he will eventually follow me in the months to come. Then months turned into years. Eventually, I had to move up to Brisbane again after our honeymoon,” Rachelle explains. “Whilst the distance was an obstacle, our love for each other was always strong.”
Rewind to a romantic New Year’s Eve proposal on the beach and the couple began planning their classic wedding. Kew mansion, Butleigh Wootton, provided the classic style the couple was after and the garden ceremony was held in a marquee on January 31, 2016 in front of 87 guests.
The reception was held within the stately venue and provided plenty of emotional moments from friends and family. “There were five beautiful, touching speeches that even our MC couldn’t hold his tears back,” Rachelle says. “My maid of honour performed a mini a capella at the end of her speech. She managed to include a group of our friends… the other bridesmaid had a mini speech that included a video of Justin and I, both successfully catching the garter and bouquet at her wedding – suggesting that it was all meant to be!”
Other family friends performed personalised songs for the pair and Rachelle’s brother also took to the microphone, bringing the bride to tears with his rendition of John Mayer’s Daughters.
Rachelle describes the day as “absolute perfection.” “We could not be happier,” she says.
Photos courtesy of Mighty Vision.
Justin’s tailor made midnight blue tuxedo was matched with groomsmen suits from Black Tie Classic.
The classic white rose and carnation bouquets were arranged by Wedding Flowers Etc.
Under the twinkling fairy lights of the venue’s marquee, celebrant Alex Faulkner took care of the couple’s ‘I dos’.
Rachelle’s elegant rings were supplied by Michael Hill Jeweller.
Rachelle made for a gorgeous bride in her detailed lace wedding gown with mermaid silhouette.
Video by Artistic Films.