Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship…
Matt and I started dating 16 years ago, I met him out the front of my college during high school. 13 years later he proposed on my 30th birthday.
Over the years we have both worked away & travelled but now we have settled down in a coastal town, Point Lonsdale in Victoria where we both have our own businesses.
We are the complete opposite, but somehow we make it work. Matt is an Electrician who loves the ocean and an active lifestyle, I have always been in the fashion industry and own a women’s high end Boutique.
Tell us about your special day, was there a specific theme or style? Tell us a little about the setting, the styling and some of your favourite details…
When we decided to get married, we both knew we didn’t want a big wedding and were quite happy to elope. All I was sure I wanted was one of my favourite photographers Bek Smith to capture our special day, So I locked in Bek before we had a day or a venue, I asked Bek where she was planning on travelling to for 2018 and when she said New York I knew that was it, we would be married in a city we had never travelled to, New York.
We had a celebrant booked for 28th September and all we had to do was find a perfect location once we arrived in New York, unfortunately it was predicted to rain on our wedding day so I asked Matt if he wanted to get married at city hall instead of finding a backup location in case it did rain, our celebrant was completely fine with our decision.
The day was perfect, it didn’t rain as predicted. We had a relaxing morning, I booked hair and make up close to Public Hotels where we were staying so I could walk to my appointments. Bek arrived around midday and the excitement begun, it was finally happening, I was about to marry my best friend. We had a lot of shots taken at Public and around the area, then we jumped in a cab to City Hall.
It was such an experience and Bek really captured it well, we laughed a lot. I had in my mind that we would be married in a room with a celebrant, Matt and I would stand behind the pews until we were called to come forward just like the movies… instead we got married in a blush coloured room with a bright blue flower back drop and by a man in a polo shirt, we couldn’t believe it, but it was still enjoyable.
After the formalities were over we took a few more pictures around the city with Bek and we all headed back to Public where we celebrated on the roo top looking over the city that captured our hearts. The day was so relaxed, it summed up us a couple.
Tell us about your main outfits:
Unlike a traditional bride, I didn’t look in any brial shops or try on any wedding dresses. I knew I wanted to wear something that was unique, so I worked with one of my favourite Australian dress makers and designed something that represented me and my personal style. I wore a bespoke silk chiffon halter dress with pleated detail on the front & frill detail around the neck. Layers of tulle underneath with a 2.5m train at the back, it was so so comfortable.
Matt wore a Hugo Boss white shirt and black suit, black bow tie and a pocket square gifted by his parents.
What were some of the most memorable/unique moments from the day?
My mum flew to New York to surprise us, she came with me to get my make up and hair done, it made our day even more special.
Any advice for other couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together?
As much as we love and appreciate spending time together, I believe Matt and I have lasted all these years because we are both still very independent. Just do what works for you and enjoy the journey.
Photography: Bek Smith | Ceremony Location: New York City Marriage Bureau | Reception Location: Public Hotels, New York City | Bride’s gown: Bespoke gown designed and made in Australia | Groom’s outfit: Hugo Boss white shirt and black suit | Rings: Designed by Australian Jeweller Duffs | Bride’s Shoes: Heels by Casadei and Jimmy Choo flats | Jewellery: Cartier earrings | Makeup: Space NK, New York City | Hair: Alibi NYC Salon | Fragrance: Chloe Nomade | Food/beverages/catering: Public Hotels | Flora: Three pink long stem roses (from local markets) | Celebrant: Mr Angel Lopez
