I was on a round-the-world trip in 2010 and found myself working in a small hospital in Harlow, Essex, England. Stacey also happened to working at the same small hospital. Luck would have it that we became neighbours, and then housemates, and then roommates. I convinced Stacey to return to Australia with me. The rest is history!
We had a very small and intimate wedding with only 48 guests – our nearest and dearest. The weather reports right up to the final week predicted it would rain on the day. There were showers the day before, but on our day it turned out absolutely perfect! The boys spent the morning on the beach while the girls got ready in Byron Bay, then the Big Red Bus collected our guests before doubling back to collect the girls.
Estelle from The French Petal did a fantastic job with the flora and The Fig Tree where we held both the ceremony and reception was looking stunning. We were so happy with the flowers, particularly the arbour and the hanging boxes in the restaurant – it was simply beautiful. Stacey loved the flowers so much we purchased a flower press from Gumtree on the way home to Brisbane, as she couldn’t bear the thought of parting with them! Another special detail was a dresser with our grandparent’s wedding pictures on it. My nan and pop were the only grandparents still alive and they were our witnesses when signing the marriage certificate.
After the epic dinner and speeches, we did the rumba to Randy Newman by the pool for our first dance. By that time I’d had a few too many red wines and may have misled Stacey with a few stray steps, but the audience were none the wiser. The dance floor went off, but one of the highlights of the wedding was the bus ride back to Byron Bay at the end of the night. Both floors of the bus were absolutely rocking, with guests were belting out ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and a few other classic power ballads.
Our advice on getting married would be to keep it simple and keep perspective. The important thing is you’re lucky enough to be marrying the one you love. Enjoy the party.
Marriage is great, but to be honest not a lot has changed, we’re just significantly poorer…
Photography by: Todd Hunter McGaw / Location: Byron Bay
See more of this wedding inside issue three available to purchase here: issue three
Venue, The Fig Tree Restaurant | Floral, The French Petal, Brides Dress, Bo & Luca | Brides Hair, Luciana Rose, Bridesmaids, Witchery | Groom & Groomsmen Attire, Stuart Suits | Coordination: Byron Bay Weddings | Styling & Hire: The Wedding Shed
