MANON + GEORGE by Kate Roberge Photography

Manon: George and I are two unique souls that we’re lucky enough to cross paths. I am French-Australian and work in marketing and George is Greek-Australian and is a 3D artist.

George and I have been together for eight years. We met while studying, in the first week; went on our first date on the third week, and have been inseparable ever since. 

George and I are both drawn to mountains and grand landscapes. With George having proposed in Scotland (surrounded by mountains), we wanted to commemorate that on our wedding day, which is why we picked New Zealand. Both countries have a lot in common (scenery, the kindness of their people, and love of good food and drink), but what we loved the most is that New Zealand is on the exact opposite end of the earth to Scotland. 

George and I celebrated our seventh anniversary with a holiday in Scotland and an anniversay photo shoot. When I headed to the bathroom before the shoot, George informed the photographer, Dylan, of his plans to propose later that day. Close to sunset, Dylan took us to the most beautiful valley with tall grass and purple flowers. After climbing a small hill to better see the view, Dylan asked us to close our eyes and embrace to get a great shot. George then started whispering beautiful words in my ear before letting go and showing me a rock he was holding. He then dropped to one knee and asked me to open it. That’s when I realised what the box symbolised, and couldn’t help but break down in tears. 

Since the start of our relationship, whenever it was time for a present, such as Christmas, George would always joke I would get coal. But George would always have the most thoughtful gifts waiting for me. Over time, coal became a lovely metaphor for his gifts. With that in mind, he thought that, for this ultimate gift, a piece of coal would be the perfect way to present it to me. A 3D sculptor, he proceeded to sculpt a ring box to look like a piece of coal and 3D printed it with a prop maker in Sydney. 

For a long time, I knew that I would marry George in Rue de Seine’s Dakota dress, but when it came time to finding it for our elopement, Rue de Seine didn’t make it anymore. I discovered a girl in Newcastle who had gotten married mere months before in this exact same dress, and was selling hers. It was the perfect fit. As for George, being an artist, there aren’t many occasions for him to wear suits, so when he does, he loves to have fun with it. Since we had chosen a very warm autumnal colour scheme for our day, he opted for a beautiful rust suit. 

Photography: Kate Roberge Photography |  Groom’s suit: Express |  Bride’s dress: Rue de Seine |  Groom’s ring: Natalie Marie Jewellery |  Bride’s engagement/wedding rings: Vale Jewellery |  Bride’s other rings: Melissa Harris |  Flora & styling: Gypsy at The Vase Queenstown |  Bride’s fragrance: ‘Miss Dior Cherie’ Eau de Parfum by Dior | Celebrant: Mitch Bell | Catering: Samara at Lavish Grazing Co. | Bride’s earrings: Bo & Luca | Vow booklets: The Line Letterpress | Groom’s shoes: Windsor Smith | Groom’s hair & beard: Henry at Gents Barbour Shop | Makeup: Juliet at JET Makeup | Bride’s hair: Claire at Beautiful Bridal Hair