Morgan: Steve and I became friends in high school but didn’t start to date until we graduated.
We’ve now been together for 12 years and I think what’s unique about us is that we’ve grown up together, both as partners and as individuals. We live in Sydney where I’m an art director for a fashion label and Steve’s in the Royal Australian Navy.
We’ve had to spend a lot of time apart due to his job, which has taught us patience, the art of communication, and to cherish the moments when we are together. We love our independence and believe it’s our strength.
The story of our proposal is a long one, involving a picnic in the Botanic Garden near the Opera House, lightning, heavy rain, some swearing, a very annoying security guard, and loads of awkwardness, but we got there in the end! Not much went to Steve’s plan, and we love that it didn’t.
For our wedding day, we went ‘modern minimal’, with a palette of white, black, green and Perspex. Some of my favourite details were the Perspex chairs at our ceremony and our custom-made napkins for cocktail hour. We kept our table settings simple so as not to distract from our beautiful venue, Ataahua. I was lucky enough to work with the team at Pallas Couture to create my dress. The girls placed me in the shape that best suited my figure and attached a cape for the ceremony and cocktail hour, which was a special touch, as my mum also wore a cape on her wedding day.
The most memorable moments happened right before I walked down the aisle with my dad — there’s something about standing there, just the two of you — and when we arrived at our reception to see all of our family and friends gathered together. We organised McDonald’s for everyone at the end of the night, and it was so fun to dance in my dress eating a cheeseburger with no regrets!
To other couples, I’d say take the time to plan. There isn’t anything in a rule book that says you need to get married within a year and that engagement period is so fun. Plus, if you make spreadsheets your friend, you’ll be able to stick to your budget more easily.
To us, marriage is about being able to do this thing called life with someone we truly trust and adore. It’s a sense of calm and complete comfort, and knowing you’re officially in this together and have each other’s back, 100 percent.
Photography: Bek Smith | Videography: Joseph Willis | Bride’s gown: Pallas Couture | Groom’s and groomsmen’s suits: MJ Bale | Venue: Ataahua Garden Venue | Hair: Mary Estelle | Makeup: Olivia Wild | Engagement ring: Natalie Marie | Bride’s shoes: Tony Bianco | Groom’s shoes: Prada | Invitations: Mickey Loves Jacqui | Stationery: Paper Darling | Bride’s reception earrings: The Undone | Flora: Blush | Catering & beverages: Devour Catering | Entertainment: Kyle Lionhart
