Number of Guests -
120
Photography Locations -
Belvoir Homestead & nearby river in the Swan Valley
How did you meet?
We met at high school 8 years ago and have been together ever since. Duane shared with our wedding guests my response when he first asked me out' at the bike racks at school...apparently I said Ï suppose I could give it a go"! He proposed to me on at a look out in Kings Park 27th June 2009, it was just beautiful. We went to see our beloved Eagles beat Hawthorn at Subiaco that night which made the day even more perfect.
What were your Wedding Theme & Colours?
The wedding was theme was inspired by a country garden. I love hydrangeas too, so we had plenty of them and the colour theme was mint green and deep pink.
What was your overall vision for the day?
Exactly as it happened! I had noticed Belvoir years ago and imagined it as a place I might get married one day; it's so beautiful and classic. The decorations, as well as stationery and bombonieres, were all handmade by my family, bridesmaids and myself so it was wonderful to walk in to the wedding and see it looking as perfect as I'd imagined.
What were some of the words that you used in your vows to one another?
Some of the words we used in our vows were; share with you everything I have honour and respect you, be faithful to you, grow with you, care for you, comfort you and confide in you, I make this promise to you. Commit my heart & everything I have to you, I will be a loyal and trustworthy partner.
Tell me about your dress was it what you envisaged?
I had an idea of my dress from the moment we were engaged and I actually drew this design on paper, it turned out that my wedding dress was very close to this. I particularly wanted the skirt dropped to the hips rather than coming from my waste and I wanted straps that tucked in under my arms. I had found a dress very close to my imagining on the internet and there was a stockist in Perth but when I visited their store I found that the dress had been discontinued. I also looked into some grecian style dresses and almost decided on this style instead but I just didn't feel 'bridey' enough wearing them. After going through almost every bridal store in Perth I visited Chantilly Lace in Busselton and Zenia was so helpful. I found a dress in her store that I could alter slightly and it would be exactly what I was looking for, she passed my requests onto the dress makers and they redesigned it perfectly.
My dress was pure white, the bodice was covered in crystal beading and the raw edge tulle skirt fell from just below my hips. I had a small train that was able to be bustled beautifully for the reception. The dress had thick stain straps and a satin sash and bow around the top of the skirt. My tulle veil was very simple, it mid length and had a raw edge. I purchased my white satin peep toe shoes from Georgie's Bridal Shoes in West Leederville and my jewellery was from the Glitter Co.
What was your Bridal Waltz song?
'Perfect' by Vanessa Amorosi.
Were there any dance floor antics?
The struts and stacks on the dance floor; you can always count on our family for a bit of action.
Did you play any garter or bouquet games and if so what were they?
Our garter game was an absolute crack up. We had all the unmarried men start on the dance floor; they were then given their instructions. On the MC's command they all had to run to some ladies in the room and borrow a handbag, some sunglasses and put some lipstick/gloss on their lips; then return to the dance floor. This was funny enough but when they got back they had to strut their stuff and the guy with the best moves won. The worrying thing was that my cousins seemed to put on the best performance, but Duane's cousin ended up winning the game.
We had the traditional bouquet toss for the ladies. Belvoir has a beautiful mezzanine floor above the reception area so I was able to stand up on this and throw the bouquet down to the girls on the dance floor.
What was your wedding bomboniers for your guests?
Our wedding bombonieres were white organza bags containing an Earth Products' rose scented bath bomb and cake of soap for the ladies and an assortment of Duane's favourite lollies for the men. The organza bags were tied with ribbon and beads matching the ribbon on the bridesmaid's bouquets.
Did you save the top tier of your wedding cake for your one year anniversary?
No, we didn't save the top tier of our cake for our first anniversary. We kept it 'til when we arrived home from our honeymoon but it was too delicious we couldn't wait any longer!
What was the best moment of your wedding day?
The whole day was really a dream but the most beautiful moment was our final dance when all our guests formed a circle around us and sang as we danced in the middle to our favourite song.
Where did you both honeymoon?
We honeymooned in the Whitsundays, staying on Long Island for 5 nights, and then we flew to Cairns for 7 nights. The scenery in North Queensland is just beautiful and we especially enjoyed scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef.
Words of Wisdom for other couples...
Although there are so many people telling you so many different things, remember above all that your wedding is about you as a couple and the commitment you are making to each other. It all boils down to this and nothing else should really matter. | 
