Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship…
Neil works in media and entertainment as a presenter, writer and producer and Danni is an Executive Assistant and Operations Manager for Australia’s largest community for women, Business Chicks.
We met at high school and got married on our 12 year anniversary, to the day. Every relationship is unique but I think we take the cliché ‘We grew up with each other’ quite literally in every sense. Together we’ve shared so many firsts – high school formals, graduations, first jobs, living together, travelling together, and we’ve recently just become Aunty and Uncle.
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…
We didn’t really start planning the wedding with a theme in mind other than it needed to match our personalities and our story and have great food, wine and music. A reception venue with the white walls/table cloth look wasn’t we had in mind and we knew we wanted something a little more industrial. We searched for event spaces all around Sydney but we didn’t love the idea of having to then organise external catering, furniture hire and all that comes with having a blank canvas. We then came across Three Blue Ducks in Roseberry which had the exact vibe we were after & was also a full service restaurant. We jumped online and found that they also did weddings, booked a site inspection and put the deposit down within the week.
What made our wedding that little extra special to us was that we were lucky enough to not only have our favourite humans in our bridal party but also some of our best friends as the Celebrant, Planner, MC and DJ. This absolutely changed the entire dynamic of our day as they knew exactly what we would like and put 100% more love into it. One of the first things I had saved to my inspiration board was some of the lyrics from our favourite band Blink-182. One of their songs repeats the lyrics ‘Forever & After’. I somehow wanted to incorporate this in the wedding but wasn’t sure where. We have been signing off our cards for many years with this and they are a band we both grew up together obsessing over and what ultimately started our reason to spark up a relationship. We ended up choosing it as our focal point for our backdrop behind our table at the reception by creating a bespoke Neon Sign with the legends at Electric Confetti. There would of only been a few people in the room who knew the connection of the sign but to us it was really special as a symbolic part of our story.
Tell us about your main outfits:
Danni wore the Sienna gown from Mira Mandic` in Double Bay, designed by Morgan. It was an elegant and modern gown with a high neckline and a contrasting open back. The sheer bodice and soft bell sleeves featured fine Chantilly 3D lace and the skirt finished with a short train. She wore a one tier veil at the ceremony. Neil went with a classic black tuxedo from MJ Bale paired his favourite Batman socks.
What were some of the most memorable/unique moments from the day?
Gosh, so many. One of the first moments though has to be one of the most unique and memorable ones for us and everyone there. Although we rehearsed, the timing of our song didn’t exactly go the plan. As Danni was about halfway down the aisle the song abruptly stopped and it was awkward for a split second. Of course we had been imagining that moment for a very long time (& also chose that song together 5 years ago) so you would think there could have been some tears or tantrums but instead, she broke the silence with a “Hi!” to everyone making all our family and friends burst into laughter. What could have been a disaster moment turned out to be one of the most perfect moments of the day. The speeches were absolutely the highlight of the night. We were fortunate to have Danni’s sister as maid of honour and Neil’s brother as best man. Both they, as well as Danni’s father and Neil had such great speeches. They were personal, but also wildly funny and very special moments in the night for us. Oh, and some Pampas Grass on our reception tables caught fire mid reception!
Any advice for other couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together?
Committing to be with someone for the rest of your life means you need to be their best supporter and their most honest critic. Challenge your partner, set goals. As well as wanting to make your partner happy, aim to encourage them to be the best version of themselves they can be. Love and support them through it all and no matter what.
Photography: Jason Corroto | Videographer: Morelife Films | Ceremony location: McKell Park, Darling Point | Reception location: Three Blue Ducks, Roseberry | Celebrant: Maddy Wilson | Bride’s gown: Mira Mandic` | Groom’s suits: MJ Bale | Rings: Grew & Co | Bride’s ceremony shoes: Senso | Bride’s reception shoes: Converse | Earrings and Clutch: Amber Sceats | Makeup: India Verena Dwyer | Hair: Sarah Johnson | Fragrance: Chanel No.5 | Bridesmaid’s dress: Sheike | Groomsmen’s suits: MJ Bale | Entertainment: DJ Thieves | Planner: Bride + Maggie Benjamin | Hire: Love Sick Weddings | Flora: Gypsy Carmen | Catering and beverages: Three Blue Ducks | Electric Confetti Custom LED
