Tom is a boring old accountant (far from it) who spends most of his time thinking about money or in the gym. Primary school teacher Emilly likes drinking wine, socialising and watching The Bachelor.
Emilly: We met in 2014 at the gym in Albury, NSW. The debate is still live on who was checking out who first.
After failed attempts to stalk each other on Facebook, we were introduced by mutual friends and continued to try to impress each other in the gym.
Emilly: We shared our first drunken kiss at the famous Winery Walkabout in Albury. Tom moved to Melbourne, which resulted in four-hour trips to see each other every weekend. Three months later, I moved to Melbourne.
We don’t get sick of each other. We understand each other. We love the same things. We have fun. And our morals are aligned.
Tom faced the challenge of educating Emilly about money. She has made huge improvements but still leaves it to ‘The Money Man’. Emilly was challenged by Tom telling her what to do in the gym and always looking at himself in the mirrors. Problem solved when she joined a different gym!
Emilly: We were at home one night back in 2017 and I was writing reports when Tom casually suggested watching the sunset at the beach, before going for dinner. It was freezing, so once we got to the beach, I insisted on watching the sunset from the car. Wrapped in a Kathmandu jacket, Tom convinced me to get out of the car. Begrudgingly, I watched the sunset while Tom inconspicuously set up a GoPro to “film the sunset”. Eventually, he said “Emilly, I’ve got a question to ask you” and dropped to one knee.
Emilly: The wedding was perfect. We wanted the day to represent who we are as a couple, but be about all the people we love, too. We threw together all the things we love – donuts, beer, our favourite people, incredible food, greenery and florals, tunes, and neon signs.
I found my dress by chance in Prahran, Victoria, in a bridal boutique called Wishbone & Ivy. As soon as I walked in, I knew I would buy a dress from there. I came back the next day and got a three-piece outfit. Tom wears suits every day and wanted to wear something he wouldn’t normally wear.
Hot tip: don’t skimp on a photographer and videographer and find people that get your vibe. Our fabulous photographer and videographer got along with everyone, had a laugh and made us feel comfortable in front of the camera.
One of the best moments was at the ceremony, standing and looking around at all our incredible family and friends who made the effort to be there.
Also, our friends have a wedding tradition where ‘You’re the Voice’ plays and the bride and groom are lifted onto their friends’ shoulders. This happened and it was great!
Photographer: Sarah Godenzi Photography | Bride’s outfit: Wishbone & Ivy (since closed) | Groom and groomsmen’s attire: Bell and Barnett | Hair: Hair by Karla | Makeup: Laura Baldwin | Bride’s earrings: Amélie George Bridal | Venue (ceremony): Glasshaus Outside | Bride’s shoes: Wittner Shoes | Flora: Sally from The Paperdoll Factory | Bridesmaids’ dresses and shoes + Groom’s and Groomsmen’s shoes: ASOS | Celebrant: Damon Hughes | Rings: Siren Fine Jewellery | Bridesmaids’ Jewellery: Lovisa | Hire: Good Day Club | Venue (reception) + Beverages: Moondog Brewing Abbotsford | Neon sign: Yeah Neon | Grazing table: The Grazing | Cake: Daniel’s Donuts, Springvale | Chef: Jake Furst | Entertainment: Tom Barnett
