Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
Laura: I grew up in the small town of Skipton, Victoria. I joined Victoria Police in 2014 which meant I moved to Horsham not long after graduating.
I moved with the plan to get country experience and eventually move to the city of Melbourne after two years. I have now been in Horsham nearly seven years, as I decided to stay after meeting Mitch. I am currently a Detective in Family Violence. Mitchell also grew up in a small town in the Mallee, Hopetoun in Victoria. Mitch moved to Horsham to begin his apprenticeship as an electrician, which he has been for almost 14 years now.
We both love traveling but for very different reasons. Mitch travelled around Australia to go hunting or fishing. Whereas I travelled to Thailand, Vietnam, Europe, New Zealand, Bali and Australia. I threw Mitch in the deep end with his first overseas trip after booking a South African holiday for three weeks. We went on a four day safari at Kruger National Park and it was one of the most amazing experiences we’ve ever had together.
Mitch and I love to spend weekends away camping and fishing, it’s our chance to relax! We’re now planning to build our forever home and it’s handy having my dad, who’s a builder, to help out.
When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?
I think Mitch knew straight away, he introduced me to his family very quickly! I knew Mitch was going to be my forever quite quickly though, as he is the most loveable man – you can ask anyone! Throughout my mum’s illness, he was my absolute rock and I couldn’t imagine life without him by my side.
Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…
Taken from the couple’s wedding ceremony notes: On November 16 2018, Mitch was ready to propose. He planned to get Laura up early and for them to take Carbon, their Kelpie Cross, for a swim at their favourite spot where he planned to propose.
Unfortunately, Laura, unaware of what Mitch was up to, was feeling particularly tired and grumpy that day and refused to get out of bed. Plans were postponed. Poor old Carbon missed out on a swim and a disappointed Mitch missed out on proposing but of course Laura was oblivious to all this, she was just happy to have been able to catch up on some sleep!
Thankfully, the next day she woke up keen for an outing to the river. While Carbon was happily splashing around in the water, Mitch dropped to one knee and popped the question. Laura was so surprised she asked Mitch: “Are you sure?”. But she accepted the ring before he even had a chance to answer.
Tell us about the vision you had for the mood or style of your wedding…
I lost my mum to Motor Neuron Disease in 2018. We were very close and I never imagined getting married without my mum by my side. She loved white roses so that was what we decided to have. I wanted the presence of my mum there on my special day in every possible way I could. I had a relaxed day with food, drink, dancing and the best people we know celebrating our love.
What was one element you were happy to splurge on?
The reception! I wanted the day to be celebrated with family and friends we love so dearly and who are going to be in our forever.
Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?
Our second attempt at getting married was all good! I couldn’t have faulted our day. We originally planned to get married in March 2020 when we didn’t even know Covid-19 was a thing. But the pandemic hit Australia just as we were getting ready for our big day. We found out on the Wednesday before our date that it was no longer going to happen. Mitch and I discussed that if Covid-19 ruined our second attempt, then we were just going to sign the papers and party later on. We just wanted to be married to one another.
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?
Laura: To be honest, I purchased two dresses. First of all, I went shopping with my sister and mother-in-law in Geelong. I must have tried on over 30 dresses but I just didn’t have the moment that you dream about. So I organised another trip to Melbourne with my bridesmaid where I tried on a few dresses but again, didn’t love any. Then, the girls made me try on a dress which I hated on the hanger. I walked out and it felt like it was meant to be with the girls’ reactions! Truth be told, I bought that very dress but couldn’t stop thinking about one from my first shopping trip.
So I went back and bought it and I am so glad I did. It made me feel like the princess you dream of being. I loved everything about it! I had already had alterations to this dress before the March 2020 date so I was a bit nervous trying it on! I would not have changed a thing about our day. It was perfect in every way!
Photography: @essieandelsie | Ceremony and Reception location: @willowandivie | Flora: @blumebycolinstraub | Celebrant: @debchandlersavethedate| Bride’s attire: @missstellayork from @andtheveil | Groom’s shirt: BLACK Brand from @myer | Groom’s pants: @countryroad | Groom’s shoes and belt @r.m.williams_official | Bride’s jewellery: Mother-in-law’s earrings, mother’s engagement ring and wedding band | Bride’s engagement ring: @mackaysfamilyjewellers | Bride’s wedding ring: @etheringtonsjewellers | Groom’s ring: @hammertonsjewellers | Bride’s shoes: @solsanashoes | Fragrance: Flowerbomb by @viktorandrolf_fragrances | Makeup: @staceymcclure_mua | Hair: Friend of the bride | Bridesmaids’ shoes: @solsanashoes | Bridesmaids’ jewellery: @izoaaustralia | Groomsmen’s attire: Same as groom | Entertainment: @tinyfeetduo | Hire: @shapeeventsandhire | Neon light @neonjungle_co | Stationary, signage and bonbonniere @wimdesignprint | Catering and beverages: @willowandivie | Cake: @pinksugar2017
