I won his heart through food: Dan tried some of my baking at an event and demanded to know who had made the cupcakes! After an awkward introduction, some hesitation on my end and persistence on Dan’s, we finally went on our first date.
The proposal took place the day after my 22nd birthday. He told me to clear my calendar because we were going on a birthday date. I had a feeling that a proposal was coming. My sister wasn’t convinced, but wanted to paint my nails, just in case. We went to the Hamilton Gardens — Dan said he was location scouting for an upcoming wedding he was shooting. After a long, silent walk down to the river, Dan’s backpack of “camera gear” turned out to be a picnic blanket, homemade brownie and hot coffee. He started to read a letter he had written about our journey together over the past three years, and amidst tears, he got down on one knee and pulled out a ring. It was so intimate and so us — eating brownie and drinking coffee, as we entered the most exciting season of our lives. On the day of the wedding, everything was going to plan until we realised it was midday and I hadn’t even started my hair or makeup! I still don’t know how it happened, but I must have been too excited. I drove to the church with my dad, just the two of us. We held hands the entire way and didn’t speak about anything wedding-related. I could see how nervous and teary-eyed he was and was surprised that I didn’t cry too, but I was just so excited to see everyone. Even Dan, who isn’t a fan of public displays of affection, was crying throughout the ceremony. We styled our wedding in a minimal, simple and glamorous way, with a neutral colour palette. We had the amazing Penny and JoJo from Narrows Landing arrange the greenery for us. My brother-in-law organised the festoon lights and my friend gave us napkins she had made for her own wedding. Everything tied together perfectly. I am constantly learning and finding new ways to love Dan. I will spend the rest of my life trying to better myself for our marriage. Dan always gives people the benefit of the doubt and I love that about him.
Photography – Kristy Peta Stone | Bride’s Dress – Styled by Cousin, Heather Hale | Bride’s Shoes – Chaos & Harmony | Suits, Groom’s Shoes, Cufflinks & Gold Bar Tie – Hallensteins | Ceremony Venue – St Peter’s Cathedral, Hamilton | Reception Venue – Cambridge Town Hall | Styling – JoJo & Penny at The Narrows Landing | Bridesmaids Dresses and Shoes – The Iconic | Flora – Miss Daisy | Bride’s Makeup – Kate Solley Makeup (Bride’s Sister) | Groomsmen Suspenders – ASOS | Hair – Sophie Esselbrugge at Little Hair Co | Bride’s Earrings – Witchery | Bridesmaids Makeup – Kim & Blair at MAC |
