Emma + Brad by Caitlin Amy Photography

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

Emma (EK), Brad is a boiler maker and I am a Music teacher. We both love travelling, good coffee and our two beautiful huskies, Zeus and Marlo. Brad and I have been together for 10 years. After a rough couple of years trying to plan a wedding between two countries, we are finally married. And it was so much fun!  We finally did it on our fifth attempt.

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

Brad and I met at a party during our time at university. I was covered in glitter and tule, and Brad had a broken arm. We soon discovered that we were quite different but somehow we just clicked. We compliment each other perfectly. 

When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?

On our first official date, I actually forgot Brad’s name when introducing him to another couple I knew (how embarrassing!)  He was not offended at all and we had a great night.  It was then I knew that he was a keeper.

Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…

Brad took me to Darley’s Restaurant in the Blue Mountains for a seven-course meal.  It was just beautiful.  After we strolled back to our accommodation, he popped the question. Of course I said yes!

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood or style of your wedding…

I always envisioned getting married in a garden.  I love plant life and Brad loves being outdoors, so a garden setting was very fitting for the occasion.  We originally planned to get married in the Azalea Garden in the Christchurch Botanical Gardens; however, due to the Covid 19 Pandemic, we were unable to follow through with this venue.  After 3 failed attempts at a New Zealand wedding, we made the decision to get married in Australia.  And what better place than my mum’s garden.  My mum and I both share a love for flowers and all things colourful so mum and dad combined forces and together, created the most beautiful space for the day on their property in Gunnedah, NSW.

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story? 

Given that our original plan was to have a winter wedding in Christchurch, I decided on a long sleeve, sequined gown from Zavanna Bridal.  The staff at Newcastle Bridal House were so helpful, especially when I gave them the style brief “I don’t want anything too bridely”.  I knew all along that I wanted pink shoes and managed to get a pair of fabulous SJP stilettos delivered from New York (this was especially hard during the pandemic but so worth the challenge).  To further add to this theme, I simply had to have a tinsel jacket.  Nocturnal Wonderland provided me with a custom-made jacket with hues of pink, gold, silver and blue.  Brad looked so handsome in a classic black suit from Hugo Boss, complete with a black tie, waist coat and crisp white shirt.  

What was one element you were happy to splurge on? 

I was happy to splurge on our photography, live music and cocktails for our guests.

Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?

Just before the ceremony, as we were getting some photos, everybody had a lift into town but me.  We panicked for a moment, and then my dad swooped in and saved the day.

Ceremony location: The Grounds Gunnedah | Reception location: Private Property | Photographer: Caitlin Amy Photography | Celebrant: Celebrations by Christie | Entertainment Ceremony:Scott Gelzinnis + Adele Weekes  Friends of Couple | Entertainment Reception: Cassidy Watts + James Carraro | Flora: Stockholm Florist Gunnedah | Catering + Beverages: Bazaar Catering | Brides Attire: Zavanna Gown – Newcastle Bridal House | Grooms Attire:Hugo Boss – Gentlemen’s Outfitters | Shoes: Sarah Jessica Parker Heels | Brides Jewellery: Kirsten Ash Jewellery | Brides Jacket : Nocturnal Wonderland | Makeup: Skye Louise Beauty + Glo Body Co | Hair: Addicted to Hair | Fragrance: Forever and Ever – Dior | Bridemaids Attire: Esther & Co