Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
I’m from Finland, I came here 10 years ago and fell in love with the country and Wade. We both love surfing and making adventures around it.
Wade grew up on the central coast and now is working as a health and safety business partner for NBN. I have had a long time passion in design and am now working as a senior designer for a local company.
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
We met in Sydney at a friend’s Christmas house party nearly 10 years ago now. Wade was friends with the boys that lived at the house when I was invited with my Finnish friend who was dating one of the boys at the time. I thought Wade was tall, handsome and seemed like a nice caring guy (which turned out to be true).
Wade: My first impression… Wow to say the least! Anna was quiet, but stood out in the room. As the night went on we hit it off dancing and enjoying the time with friends. I managed to snag her number and we hung out a few more times over the coming weeks whilst she was still in Sydney.
When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?
For me probably about a year after I visited home and after that I was super home sick but soon realised that my future and my home could be here too with this person I’m falling in love with.
Wade: As we got to know each other, I saw that our relationship was something very different to the norm. We both wanted to say yes to the opportunities fate put in front of us and this has meant we’ve been able to to move around, experience much of Australia that we might not otherwise have seen and made connections with people that we wouldn’t have if we both didn’t have that “lets do it” mindset.
Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…
We went to watch a sunset at Tallows beach on top of the hill near the Byron Lighthouse as the surf wasn’t great that afternoon. The sunset was beautiful and I turned around to take a video, when I turned back Wade was on one knee.
Tell us about the vision you had for the mood or style of your wedding…
I wanted it to be a relaxed laid back party with our friends and loved ones. A bit of boho style with a garden/farm kind of vibe. It turned out to be more than perfect for what I imagined.
Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the me)?
Our best man’s speech was so embarrassing for the both of us but at the same time so funny that we couldn’t stop laughing.
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?
I’d had my eye on the Grace Loves Lace gown that I picked for a while – I always wanted to have an elegant vintage, boho look on my wedding day. I’m super happy with my choice as I felt amazing on the day. Wade wanted to have something different and we straight away thought of a corduroy jacket. He ended up pairing it with a stripe shirt to have a point of difference even when taking his jacket off.
Ceremony and Reception location: Gracious Byron Bay / Photographer: Tropical Romance and Co / Celebrant: Sarah May Alexander / Entertainment: Bronte Eve Music / Flora: Lolas Wildflowers / Catering: Caribbeanie / Cake: Peace Of Cake Bakeries / Bride’s gown: Grace Loves Lace / Groom’s attire: Mj Bale / Rings: Le Gassick (designed my Wade) / Makeup: Calleja Artistry / Earrings: Temple of The Sun Jewellery