CTCW Wedding Suppliers:
Photographer: Blakeney Photography
Flowers: Stemtation
Hair: Lorna Marie Wedding Hair
How long have you and John been together?
Since 2001.
Where did John propose to you?
On a road trip to Kangaroo Island in South Australia. He proposed on Snelling Beach.
How long did you give yourself to plan your wedding day?
Well we got engaged Jan 5th 2010, so I had a while. I was in no rush, but I did plan things quite a while in advance. I just booked things as I came across what I liked.
What was the theme and colour scheme for your wedding?
No real theme or colour. We just wanted the natural surroundings of the beautiful Southwest to speak for itself. Wise Winery doesn't need decorating. I just had a couple of umbrellas and some flowers on the bench seats.
Where did you get inspiration for ideas for your wedding?
I joined CTCW and just looked online in general. In the end I didn't want to be caught up in what colour scheme, or bomboninere,or too much decorating etc, I didn't want it to be about all of that.
What was the hardest part to plan for your wedding?
Nothing was hard - I made it as simple as possible.
How did you pay for your wedding yourselves or family input?
We paid for it ourselves.
Best buy for your wedding?
My $30 butterfly head piece. It was exactly what I was looking for.
What was the one thing you weren't going to compromise on for your wedding?
It being SMALL and the Photographer.
Number of guests at your wedding?
17 adults and 3 children.
Details about your dress and attire:
Not really sure of the specifics! All I knew I wanted was STRAPS!
When did you start looking for your wedding dress and how many did you try on before you found it?
I started looking in about Jan 2011. I tried on some at Collette Dinnigan dresses in Perth. Then I went on holiday to Adelaide to visit my mum and that’s when we came across Liza Emanuele. Her and her team made it in just over a week, I think her staff pretty much worked around the clock to have it ready on time – I picked it up about 2 hours before I hopped on the plane back to Perth. It was the first one I tried on in her store. I didn't try on any others.
Was your dress comfortable for the whole day?
It was very comfortable, yes.
What flowers did you carry?
Not really sure, I think just white roses- I just rang Stemtation and said I just need one bouquet please! I just wanted honky nuts in it.
Bridal party did you have one?
We just had two witnesses, my best friend and John’s best friend. (my witness wore a Henry Roth navy blue gown)
Running of the day what time did you start preparing etc?
Hair and make-up arrived about 11:30am. Blakeney photography arrived at 3pm.
Describe what happened at your ceremony and what time was your ceremony?
I walked with my mum and brother to the song “The Luckiest” by Ben Folds. My best friend (witness) said a speech during the Ceremony as we have known each other since grade 3. And she introduced John and I. Also I had my step dad say a speech. We wanted the speeches included in the ceremony- it really made it about US. The ceremony was at 4:30pm. I was 5 minutes early.
Vows: where they traditional or your own words?
Traditional.
What did your guests do after your ceremony while you and John went off and had wedding photos?
They were served Canape’s and drinks by the lovely Wise Winery Staff.
Where did you go for wedding photos?
To Meelup Beach and Wise vineyards.
What made you choose the place you did as your wedding venue?
We knew we wanted it to be in the Margaret River region - we spend a lot of time down that way as John’s Mum lives in the area. When we came across WISE we knew it was the place. Over looking the ocean was a big winner for us.
Details of what happened at wedding reception?
We didn't have any speeches or dances. We wanted it to be as if we were out to dinner with friends and family.
What food was served at the reception?
We ordered from the A La Carte Menu as it was such a small wedding.
What made you choose Blakeney's as your wedding photographers?
I had seen Blakeney's website and loved the photos. Then we went down to Margaret River for a weekend away and by chance past by their studio, we didn't have an appointment, but Ros was just opening up for another meeting with another couple and she said for us to come in quickly if we wanted before the other couple got there. She and Steve were great and I was blown away by the shots in the studio. We got home from our weekend away, the feeling was just right, I think we booked them the next day, it was about a year before the wedding and we were not even thinking of even looking for a photographer, it just worked out that way. The photo's were beyond what we ever could have imagined. We knew Steve was good, by reputation and his photos speak for themselves, but I actually shed a tear when I saw ours. I know they hear it all the time, but honestly they are amazing- a great team!
Best moment of your wedding day?
The actual ceremony. It was sweet and intimate both John and I were really calm, we really just had the best time. Also, I have to say we had so much fun on the photo shoot. I didn't want it to end.
Describe the look and flavor of your cake, plus any other desserts that were served?
It was Chocolate Mud Cake – Plain white icing all over decorated with candied white roses.
Did you make anything for your wedding?
The invites.
What were the bonbonnieres for your guests?
None.
Where did you spend your wedding night?
Whalers Cove.
How do you feel now that your wedding is over?
It’s so much fun to plan, but it’s also a really nice feeling once it’s all over. We had the best day of our lives- and now we get to get on with the rest of it...
Were did you honeymoon?
Cook Islands (Rarotonga and Aitutaki) Catriona Rountree from the show ‘Getaway’ went there for her honeymoon, I figured since she’s been everywhere- it had to be an awesome place. And it was! We snorkeled, ate lots of great food, did a Culture night, Lagoon cruise and a safari tour.
Advice for other planning bride:
Try not to get caught up in all that goes with a wedding, think about why you are doing it- it’s not about a wedding- it’s about a marriage.
When you look back what would you have done differently on your wedding day?
Got married in the Cook Islands with just John and Me! Ha ha.... no- it was just as we wanted it- and maybe we can have our 5th wedding anniversary back in the Cooks. That would be nice. | 
Melanie & John's Wise Winery Wedding 
