Nicole: Zak and I met in 2011 at a nightclub in Brisbane and it was basically love at first sight. We’ve been together ever since, with not a single doubt in our minds about our relationship.
Zak works in construction and I work in hospitality management and run a social media marketing business. We’re go-getters who are always keeping busy and working towards our goals. We enjoy having a routine and the simple things in life, like going to the beach, surfing, going out for dinner and drinks, and working on our new home in Bilinga.
Our love is unconditional. We’re best friends. We hardly ever fight and we count our blessings that the universe brought us together. Zak’s proposal was better than I could ever have imagined. We’d been travelling in a van in Tasmania for a little over a week and had arrived at an Airbnb for our last three nights. Zak cooked us some beautiful pasta, poured red wine and we had music playing and candles everywhere. Halfway through eating, he asked me to dance with him and about a minute later, he stopped and gave me a little smirk. His eyes spoke a million words. I thought, ‘Oh my gosh…’, then he dropped to one knee and asked me to be his wife. He wasn’t even going to propose that night but said he couldn’t not do it. He didn’t have a ring, so he gave me his to wear, which was huge on me, but so cute. I got down on my knees too, and hugged and kissed him. It felt surreal.
Our day was very us — simple, classy and elegant, with only our parents, photographer and celebrant in attendance. We checked into the Calile Hotel, then Zak, his mum and my dad headed out for some drinks and lunch while I had my makeup done with my mum. Zak and I got ready together, but he didn’t see my dress until our ceremony. My dad walked me down the aisle, then Zak and I said our vows, with a few tears but mainly laughs and genuine love.
We signed our papers, popped the bottle of champagne we’d brought with us and revelled in the moment of finally being husband and wife on our eight-year anniversary. It rained on and off all day, so we had our ‘reception’ downstairs at the hotel restaurant, Hellenika, and ended the day with a spa bath at 10pm. It was honestly the best day of our lives. Not much has changed for us since we got married.
If anything, it’s made us more in love, which we didn’t think was possible. Being married is the greatest thing, so lap it all up and enjoy every part of life together. Love isn’t just rainbows and butterflies. It can also be tough, but no matter what, you have each other.
Photography: Janneke Storm | Bride’s gown: French Lace Brides | Groom’s suit & shoes—Urbbana | Ceremony & reception venue: The Calile Hotel |Bride’s shoes: Tony Bianco | Hair & makeup: Beauty By Bliss | Flora: Yukari Botanicals | Celebrant: Erin Woodhall | Bride’s ring: Masons Studio Jewellers | Bride’s earrings: Stevie Jean | Bride’s fragrance: Byredo Bal D’Afrique | Groom’s fragrance: Zegna
