High school sweethearts tie the knot after 12 years! After being through various major life milestones, they hit a huge one – getting married!
#RCRealBride Kelly wore the stunning Pronovias Orsola bridal gown. Radiant and jewel-like wedding dress in crepe and tulle embellished with gemstone decorations on the back. An exquisite style fitted to the hips, with a bateau neckline and floaty skirt. A real show-stopper!
Photography by Katherine Wilson Photography
THE FIRST SIGHT
I was 18 at the time and working as a receptionist at the gym Luke went to. All the girls behind the desk nicknamed him ‘Hot Red’ as we thought he was really good looking and had red hair (he is still in my phone contacts as hot red)! I thought he was super cute with a great smile. We got chatting and worked out we were both going to the same Killers concert that week. He came around my parents house to ‘burn the CD’ yep, shows our age and we spent the night chatting and laughing, no awkward silences and non stop banter. We kissed the next night after the concert and the rest is history- we have been together ever since.
It really is the best day/s of your life- all our favourite people in one room is just the most special thing in the world.
THE PROPOSAL
The proposal was a HUGE surprise for me- at the time we had been dating for 9.5 years and had just moved to London for Luke’s work. He had planned a long run and winery day to explore more of the UK (we are both runners so this was an ideal day). I didn’t realise the run involved a 3km hill at the end so I was non stop complaining the whole way. We got to the top and Luke insisted we go to the lookout and get a picture. He was very adamant that we get a picture together and called some guys over to take a photo. While he was giving the man the phone he let him know he was about to propose. After we got a picture Luke got down on one knee and asked the big question. I was too busy squealing and crying I didn’t listen to a word he said. The lovely man taking the photo videoed the whole thing which was extra special so we could show our family back home.
THE VENUE
I love the beach and Luke loves the countryside. We are both from Melbourne and didn’t want to get married at any of the Melbourne beaches as we live so close to them so we wanted to make it a bit more special. We researched best beach in Australia and came across Jervis Bay. We had no ties to it but it looked amazing. We looked at several places online and came across Worrowing Estate. It was the perfect combination of countryside but so close to the beach. We locked it in before we even went to visit it (as we were still living in London)- we were lucky it is such an amazing property!
FAVOURITE MOMENTS
Oh my gosh there are so many favourite parts. I firstly loved Luke’s vows – we wrote our own and his were funny and so loving. His speech was also a highlight for me. I had both my parents walk me down the aisle, my sister as my maid of honour and our nephew as our pageboy. We also had Lukes sister conduct the ceremony for us which was so special and personal.
Family is so important to us so it was special having our families so involved. I also loved the party after the speeches were finished. We all danced the night away and had an absolute blast- we were both so sad when the night finished. As it was a destination wedding everyone made such an effort and we had the best days on the beach, having bbqs and at the pub. It really is the best day/s of your life- all our favourite people in one room is just the most special thing in the world. Luke and I could not stop smiling the whole day and night (and for the rest of the week).
THE DRESS
Choosing a dress is so hard – especially when you are so indecisive like me! I had a day of trying on dresses and RC was our last stop. My sister, Mum and Bridesmaid Ash were all with me helping to decide. When I tried on the Pronovias dress I absolutely loved the simple yet stunning design. I loved that it was so classy at the front with a really fun back and loved the long train. I loved it and paid for the dress that afternoon.
FINDING THE ONE
It was such a fun shopping experience. The lady helping us was so friendly and suggested so many different styles that she thought would suit my body shape. Her experience and knowledge of bridal dresses was so great and she made me feel so comfortable when trying to decide.
ADVICE FOR OTHER BRIDES
Do not stress about the small things- only you will notice if things aren’t exactly perfect- I can promise you none of your guest will even notice. Do not get carried away with making your wedding ‘instagram perfect’, it is your special day so make sure you tailor it to suit you and your partner.
Try to write your own vows- it really was so special having personalised vows and promises to read to each other. Most importantly ENJOY!!! It is the best day of your lives and you have spent so long planing it. Relax and enjoy every second of the day/night.
My tip on keeping a happy relationship is to keep it fun and always make time for each other. I know life can get busy and stressful but remember to take some time out go out for date night, go away for the weekend or just have some couch time watching your favourite TV series with no phones to get in the way.
VENDORS
Photographer – Katherine Wilson Photography
Venue – Worrowing Estate, Jervis Bay, NSW
Church/Celebrant – Amy Peel (sister in Law) and Ebony Millard
Flowers – Ivy Lane Collective
Cake – Rose and Co
Hair – Maiden Hair
Makeup – Makeup by Megan
Shoes – Country Road
Invites – Pocadot Invitations
Suits – M.J Bale
Band/DJ – DJ Nana
Bridesmaid Dresses – Shonya Joy
Bonbonerie – Personalise Cider and Pale Ale
Table Centrepieces – The Event and Wedding Creators
Rings: The Factory Showroom – rings custom made.