Brooklyn + Andrew by Jon Gazzignato - Together Journal

Andrew and I saw one another during the months after this initial meeting, we would always find ourselves in the same place at the same time, exchanging looks across the room. There was something there, a magnetism of sorts, a genuine sense of familiarity.

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
We are two lovers based in Hobart, Tasmania. I am a Postdoctoral Research Fellow working in Medical Research and Andrew works as a Senior Revenue Operations Officer. We love our slow Sunday mornings, mid-week coffee dates, Sunday family dinners, long walks where we talk about everything and nothing, dolling ourselves up and enjoying good food and wine, and hopping into bed each night telling one another what we are most grateful for. The following Atticus quote best reflects the love we share: “I want to be with someone who dreams of doing everything in life, and nothing on a rainy Sunday afternoon.”

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
We met on my eighteenth birthday weekend in 2011. It was a standard Hobart night out, full of cheap tequila shots and tragic dancing! There was something about Andrew that caught my attention. Although, that is a bit of an understatement – I fell head over heels for Andrew that night. It was his cheeky endearing grin, his blue eyes and curly hair that got me! When my mum picked me up later that evening, I told her that I had found the love of my life. Mum rolled her eyes and said “For goodness sake, Brooklyn. It was your first night out and you are drunk. Let’s see how you feel in the morning…” The morning came (so too did the headache!) but the feeling of Andrew being someone quite special, aka the love of my life, did not waiver. Andrew and I saw one another during the months after this initial meeting, we would always find ourselves in the same place at the same time, exchanging looks across the room. There was something there, a magnetism of sorts, a genuine sense of familiarity. Later in 2012, things fell into place. Andrew and I both found ourselves single and out dancing. It was then we exchanged our first kiss; we held hands and have never let go.

Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…
In 2018, we went to the US for a work conference of mine. Having spent a week doing work-related things in Minneapolis, we jumped on a plane to New York City! On the 5th of June, we woke up and made our way to the Statue of Liberty, we then walked the Brooklyn Bridge (a bucket list item for both of us!), we spent the afternoon eating pizza in Dumbo, and then met up with some friends for some chocolate and wine on a rooftop bar. It was an incredible day. People teased me with the idea that Andrew might propose on this magical holiday, but if he were to pop the question, surely, he would do this in Brooklyn! Right?! But alas, Andrew did not and in that moment, I realised today was not the day. That night, Andrew decided it would be a wonderful idea to go up to the Top of the Rockefeller Centre to look out over the night sky. It was there where Andrew dropped his knee and made me the happiest girl, not only in New York City, but in the world. We spent that night staring at one another, in a love bubble that we find hard to describe in words. It was magical.

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood or style of your wedding…
The overall theme of our intimate wedding day was refined elegance and timeless romance. The styling consisted of green and white florals with black and silver accents. Gee at Dear Leone brought our wedding vision to life in a way we never thought possible. Our wedding ceremony and reception was styled to perfection. The styling was elegant and timeless. The room was so full of romance and love and radiated an energy that we fed off all night. Dear Leone absolutely nailed it!

When we met with Gee for the first time, we knew that our main goal was to have a reception that felt like a big family dinner, ensuring everyone could relax and lean into the celebrations. A long single table, bentwood chairs, and festoon lighting were key elements of the design. We also introduced a little bit more of “us” by having the wait staff bring out tequila shots for all guests at different moments throughout the night, as a nod to the times we spent falling for each other and refusing to leave the bar until the ‘ugly lights’ were turned on! I don’t think our guests want to hear Tequila by The Champs again anytime soon…

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?
I had always wanted a very simple and structured dress – no frills or lace! For as long as I can remember, I knew my wedding look would be centred around a bold red lip and a sleek modern bun – I wanted to add a contemporary edge to a classic ballgown look. Maria at The Makeup Ambulance and Ben O’Brien absolutely nailed my vision – I have never felt more beautiful than I did on our wedding day. All my dreams had come true (in more ways than one!). Andrew looked so bloody handsome! He went with a black wool tuxedo with a notch lapel and finished his look with a pair of gorgeous patent leather dress shoes. Perfection! The dress code for our guests was “dress fabulously in black”. People were a little hesitant at first, but my heart nearly burst when I walked out and saw everyone dressed exactly how I imagined. Everyone looked so beautiful in black, and everyone’s outfits fit perfectly to the style of the day.