White Magazine |Wedding and Marriage | Issue 36 by White Wedding Magazine

A MARRIAGE AS BEAUTIFUL A S Y O U R W E D D I N G D AY

9 771834 358001

AUS $15 / NZ $16 ISSUE #36 : 2017 ISSN 1834-3589

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Photography by The Robertsons

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Hello again lovely folk! The time has once again rolled around, and the team and I are over-the-moon to be bringing you another sweet issue … number 36 (and nearly catching up to me in issues as my age!). Maybe this calls for a celebration! Each issue has so much love poured into it, and we really take the time to think about the message we want to share with you. This time around our energy has gone into creating a ‘conscious’ edition. You’ve probably heard this word bandied around quite a bit of recent days and wondered why everyone is jumping on the bandwagon. For us, it’s about creating an awareness of one’s self in this big old world! Our decisions make an impact, whether it’s environmentally, financially or in our relationships. So ask questions, don’t be afraid to do things differently and allow the process to bring you closer together as a couple. I’ve actually been thinking about that phrase “let love bloom”. We use it a lot when talking about new relationships, but I think it’s important for us to realise that we continue to blossom and grow throughout our marriage. It’s not just something for engaged couples and newlyweds—couples who have been married for 20, 30 or even 60 years are always still learning about each other and growing together. I have this real picture in my head of a David Austin rose slowly unravelling … it’s not something that happens overnight. It’s a slow process that over time presents a sweet and most fragrant bloom. You just can’t rush these things and in the same way, kindness and patience are key in your marriage. If you are interested in words and their meanings like me, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see ‘develop’, ‘grow’, ‘progress’, ‘unfold’ and ‘evolve’ alongside ‘bloom’, and this is exactly what I want for my marriage with Luke; always growing and evolving together, not pushing or rushing things—just embracing and enjoying where we are at now. During your journey of planning, learning and decision-making, take each step thoughtfully—no need to rush! Don’t do things because they are easy, cheap or convenient! Take a minute to stop and reflect together; communication is key to seeing you both grow closer together on this most beautiful journey. And don’t forget to stop and smell the roses on the way …

timeless wedding photography www.jamesbennett.com.au

0457 281 487 | info@adrianawatson.com.au www.adrianawatson.com.au

ISSUE THIRTY SIX JUNE 2017 publishers luke + carla burrell editor carla burrell

3 12 14

EDITOR’S LETTER CONTRIBUTORS WHITE LOVES

carla@whitemag.com

deputy editor cassandra holland cassie@whitemag.com

part one

AWAKE + AWARE SETTI NG

CHOOSE WISELY PLANNI NG

interns anita pickstone, ashley steele, jess smith, nicola blatchford

CONSCIOUS CREATORS GET

WHAT LIES WITHIN R EVEALI NG

RAW BEAUTY BEI NG

RELAXED ALLURE THE

IN THE MOMENT SHE LAUGHS WI THOUT FEAR OF THE FUTURE

marketing + pr + partnerships renee mantle renee@whitemag.com

cover photo lara hotz editorial contributors amanda viviers, kate gumbrell, liv lundelius, rich peterson, skie peterson, sharon luecke, vanisha mishra-vakaoti photographic contributors beck rocchi, benjamin patch, branch & cole, brown paper parcel, chantel marie, heart & colour, james bennett photography, lara hotz photography, lauren scotti, marnie hawson, matt & tish photography, ryder evans photography, sam riles photography, samueljacob photography, sandra henri photography creative contributors annie’s cakes, blooms on darby, chic artistry, inkling design, makeup by sophie knox, nomad styling, raven and the rose, soil and stem, stay co

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THE COUR SE FOR YOUR MAR R I AGE AN

ECO/ETHI CAL WEDDI NG

TO KNOW THESE TRUE TALENTS

YOUR AUTHENTI C SELF

AT PEACE

I N YOUR OWN SKI N BEAUTY

OF SI MPLI CI TY

part two

72 80 88 96 104

EDEN + JAMES JESS + CONNOR GABI + GREG KARA + KEVIN SAM + TOM

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established by mezzanine.co ABN 31 725 316 171 ~ ISSN 1834-3589. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, no responsibility can be accepted by the publisher for inaccuracy or for submissions by organisations or individuals and/ or printers’ errors. © 2017 white Magazine (Aust). All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is strictly prohibited.

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part three

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A YEAR ON … EMMA + LACHY SHARE NEWLYWED LI FE

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LIVING IN THE PRESENT STAYI NG

122

THE RELATIONSHIP TALK TAKE

124

A LIFE OF INTENTION CHOOSI NG LOVE B EYOND THE WEDDI NG

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BEST FOOT FORWARD SEEKI NG GR OWTH TOGETHER

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STILL THE ONE I LOVE

CONNECTED DAY- TO- DAY

STOCK OF YOUR MAR R I AGE

INGA CAMPBELL ILLUSTRATOR

BECK ROCCHI PHOTOGRAPHER

AMANDA VIVIERS WRITER

JAMES BENNETT PHOTOGRAPHER

VANISHA MISHRAVAKAOTI—WRITER

Inga is the talented creative behind Inkling Design, a company that offers art direction, branding, styling, custom illustrations and invitations. Her illustrations have graced the pages of some of the country’s best known magazines, including Elle, Dolly, Inside Out, Girlfriend and Cosmopolitan (Australia and worldwide).

Beck’s profile contains travel, fashion and lifestyle pieces, but her greatest indulgence is capturing love. Talented at making her subjects feel at ease, she snaps relaxed and natural photos in a truly spectacular way. She is the epitome of loving what you do. “Right here is where I most want to be: rocking my dream job, looking out at the world with love.”

Passionate about helping people find their own voice, Amanda is a writer, speaker and creative coach. Along with managing her own business and a CMA award-winning daily blog, she is an expert at juggling a full work schedule while still making time for family, friends, social justice and her love of writing.

Based in the Hunter region of New South Wales, James left a career in graphic design to pursue his true passion— photography—and he hasn’t looked back! He has shot weddings in Bali, New Zealand, Georgia, Hawaii and also lots of interstate weddings in Australia. He also has a particular flair for film photography.

Originally from Fiji, Vanisha floats between her home country and New Zealand and Australia, managing her research consultancy firm, Making Connections Fiji, with her husband, and writing about her life in print and online. Her blog, A Life Un-Styled, gives a realistic look into the world of poverty, motherhood and everyday life.

LIV LUNDELIUS MAKEUP ARTIST

SHARON LUECKE WRITER

NICOLE LAND FLORIST

SANDRA HENRI PHOTOGRAPHER

SKIE + RICH PETERSON—WRITERS

Born in Germany, Liv is not limited by current trends when creating a personal look for her clients; she finds inspiration in their everyday life and personal stories. She worked in Berlin, London and New York before settling in Sydney, and her organic makeup kit is the perfect companion for her flawless work.

Sharon Luecke is a writer and the founder and creative director of The Bare Bride. As the creative brains, she helps everyday women redefine what it means to be a bride and shifts the focus to what matters most: the heart. Sharon lives the writer’s dream in Maine, lending her talents to white so we can change the wedding culture.

Finding beauty in natural imperfections is Nicole’s specialty. Based in Utah, she is the founder of floral design company Soil and Stem. Along with her own flower arrangements, Nicole teaches private and group floristry workshops around the world. She uses indigenous, seasonal flowers to create a sense of belonging and authenticity.

Dedicated to capturing more than still images, Sandra seeks to create photos that transport you back to a previous time in life; how you felt and how you looked. She also has a passion for helping couples create eco/ethical weddings through her company, Less Stuff – More Meaning. “We believe in the power of business for good.”

Skie and Rich share an honest approach to marriage, harmonising their individual goals with relationship goals and supporting one another when these goals don’t work out. The pair inspire and challenge couples to remain curious and look deeply into what it is they appreciate about their significant other.

SEARCH OUR VENDOR DIRECTORY

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WHITE LOVES

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free spirit Be beautifully bohemian on your wedding day with a gown from the Spell Bride 2017 collection. The range is made up of customdesigned lace, hand embellishments and flowing, long hemlines. Enhance the experience with a divine slip for getting ready with your gals or to take on your honeymoon. shop.spelldesigns.com.au

true colours Keep cool year-round with these unisex shades by Carla Colour. These sunglasses are made from renewable resources such as wood pulp and cotton fibres. See more at carlacolour.com or head to whitemag.com/win for your chance to win a pair.

natural aroma The ‘nose’ behind Orto Parisi, Alessandro Gualtieri, believes a person’s scent mirrors their soul. This Viride fragrance boasts herbal, earthy scents of mint and wood to create a natural partner to your own aroma. Check out more of Alessandro’s fragrances at mensbiz.com.au

raw goodness Not much is better than indulging in a delicious Pana Chocolate, handmade with raw cacao and a hint of vanilla. It’s the sweet treat that loves you back, with the motto “Love your insides. Love the earth.” panachocolate.com

in good shape Style and protect your hair with Triumph & Disaster’s Ponsonby Pomade. ‘Dragon’s Blood’ (tree resin) combines with Harakeke (New Zealand flax oil) to balance the scalp while keeping your hair flawlessly shaped. Head to triumphanddisaster.com.au

with thanks Thankyou Botanical Geranium & Rosewood Hand Cream contains amazing essential oils together with cocoa and shea butter to nourish and hydrate your hands. But perhaps the best part is that 100 percent of the profits fund lifesaving water, sanitation, and hygiene projects in the developing world. Find out more at thankyou.co

all things good Ilia Beauty’s products are designed so your skin only absorbs all-thingsnatural. Complete with recycled packaging, treat your skin without compromising that flawless finish. Check out these nourishing lip balms, and other natural beauties at iliabeauty.com

bare necessities Literally homegrown, the Herbivore brand offers safe and non-toxic skincare without compromising its effectiveness. Herbivore’s range covers everything from care for a bedraggled beard to fragrant body oils. See more at herbivorebotanicals.com

pretty in pink For anyone with deep-seated wanderlust, the Boat Hobe will cushion your feet wherever you go. Made from the highest quality soft leather, these cute rose shoes add a feminine touch to any outfit. Head to hobes.co to see more.

the finer things Abby Seymour’s pieces carry a sustainable ethos and a distinctive style that focuses on the fine details. Win one of these delicate rings for yourself at whitemag.com/ win or see more of the range at abbyseymour.com

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double agent Clear your pores with these double-sided beauty wipes from Milk & Co. One side has exfoliating micro beads to lift stubborn dirt while the other side provides a cleansing tool to wipe the grime away! milkandco.com.au

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lingerie love Lonely is “for women who wear lingerie as a love letter to themselves.” Their top priorities are comfort and individuality with custom prints and fabrics that suit women from all walks of life. lonelylabel.com

sweet creations Caroline Khoo of Nectar and Stone showcases her boundary-pushing creations in her new book, I’m Just Here for Dessert, (Murdoch Books, $39.99). Win a copy for yourself at whitemag.com/win or see more of Caroline’s desserts at nectarandstone.com

pure + simple Lather up to the sweet smell of jasmine and sandalwood with this Dr Bronner’s Bar Soap. Its Oxfam partnership means you help end poverty while pampering your skin with fair-trade ingredients. oxfam.org.au

smooth shave This Musgo Real Shave Cream is manually stirred for three days to create an ultracreamy texture. Using only natural ingredients, it softens your beard to allow a closer, smoother shave. Check out mensbiz.com.au to see more of the range.

blaze a trail Boden goes above their ethical duty, employing suppliers worldwide to produce unmatched quality and unique styles. This blazer is tailored in shape using cotton pique jersey fabric, giving a casual but stylish finish. Find your inspiration at boden.clothing.com.au

crystal clear Feel like a goddess with a made-toorder Crystal Eclipse Crown. Created with passion, each crown is handcrafted using quartz to complement your character flawlessly. Find yours at etsy. com/au/shop/CrystalEclipseCrowns

finishing touch ethical luxury Bringing vegan to a handbag is the essence of Angela Roi. Exquisitely designed by artisans, these ethical luxury handbags are made from durable vegan leather for practicality and purpose. Choose your fave colour at angelaroi.com

Having the phrases ‘vegan’ and ‘crueltyfree’ describing a nail polish will have you wanting to buy it in every colour. Kester Black’s packaging also utilises recycled materials, maintaining its sustainable cycle. kesterblack.com

walk on Leather ankle boots, like these Colorines men’s shoes, are Mamahuhu’s specialty. Their range is created by local Colombian artisans who, through Mamahuhu’s work, have been able to return to their craft. See more at mamahuhu.online

sleep tight

let your hair down Discover the wildness of New Zealand with this all natural sea salt spray, sourced from local Karekare beach. This Triumph & Disaster tonic is designed to transform hair into vibrant locks. triumphanddisaster.com.au

Love Tea provides a welcomed alternative to medication when you’re struggling to unwind with their loose leaf Sleep tea. Carefully selected by a naturopath, lavender, passionflower and valerian work together to support a rejuvenating sleep cycle. It’s a gentle, comforting blend of earthy botanicals, with a refined mint finish. lovetea.com.au

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walking on sunshine These cute mustard shoes from Infancy take us all back to when we used to play under the sun. Made from leather with a rubber outsole, this pair is ready for a little oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adventure! Check out more delightful colours and styles at infancy.com.au

dust off Lushâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fair-trade range contains everything from lotions to hair treatments that will leave you feeling divine and smelling delicious! This Calm Down Calamine Dusting Powder is the perfect skin solution for a beautifully matte, shimmering tone. See what else Lush has to offer at lush.com.au

graceful beauty Truvelle creates whimsical wedding gowns made-to-order for a desirable fit. The icing on the wedding cake is pairing a gown with a graceful veil. And you could win a veil for yourself at whitemag.com/win or check out more of their range at truvelle.com

nailed it! Butter London allows you to rock your DIY manicure for up to 10 days while its bamboo extract helps to promote stronger nails. And the dense curved brush does not discriminate against the clumsy! butterlondon.com

romp around Yoli & Otis are dressing children in adorable outfits while protecting their delicate, young skin. This peach Emmy Romper is created using organic material free from pesticides and coloured using herbal dyes to protect your littlie. yoliandotis.com

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salt of the earth Revitalise your soul with relaxing Salt by Hendrix bath salts. Infused with bergamot and vanilla essential oils, the salt-filled French clay draws out toxins, removes dead skin and tightens pores. saltbyhendrix.com

soulful ceramics Up and coming The Potter x The Clay produces soulful, small batches of unique and original ceramics, and you could win some for yourself at whitemag. com/win. See more of their range at thepotterxtheclay.com

beauty basics Grown Alchemist allows you to achieve real beauty results without the harmful chemicals! They work with organic ingredients to produce a natural way of treating skin. Find out more at grownalchemist.com

luxe laces From the most intricate details of lace to the flawless flow of a train, Made With Love Bridalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Luxe collection caters to every bride, with its desirable silhouettes and necklines. madewithlovebridal.com

meaningful life

inventive accessory The best of the environmentally friendly revolution brings us Pelcor, fashion accessories made from cork skin. These biodegradable and recyclable products are available at pelcor.pt

Less Stuff â&#x20AC;&#x201C; More Meaning makes it easy to plan your new life while considering your impact on others. Find a charitable gift registry, responsible travel agent, ethical mortgage broker or even how-to inspiration at lessstuffmoremeaning.org

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AWA K E + AWA RE “WHY ARE WE MARRIED? WHY DO WE SPEND THE HOURS WE SPEND DOING THE THINGS WE DO? WHY ARE WE AFRAID TO LOVE WITH ABANDON?” Words: Rich Peterson (and Skie Peterson) | Photography: Lauren Scotti

e sat in her car with the filtered streetlight pouring in. It was a moment that I didn’t expect when she said

she loved me. I’d read about love and experienced glimpses of love but I’d packed away love into a container labelled “To sort through later” in the back of my mental wardrobe. I wasn’t afraid of commitment, I was afraid of dropping something so precious. That may explain why my answer of “I’ve got feelings for you too” was a stretch for me but was as confusing as hell for her. The confusion lifted as we explored our friendship, skipped through our engagement, walked the short aisle and drove our old car towards the marriage we hoped for. Looking back at the year-long whirlwind of our relationship, I see a few things that were anchors in the turmoil of two oceans meeting: time, fascination, an interesting perspective on dreams and goals and the purifying nature of pain. For some glorious reason, I have a wife that loves spending time together. For her, it’s the fuel she needs to help move our relationship forward. She talks to know herself more and asks questions to work out whether we’re heading in

awake + aware

the same direction. To get time together has always been a battle but we’ve settled on a few faithful settings that work

for us: walking our dog on the beach, lunch in a gorgeous

“YOUR MARRIAGE WILL LOVE YOU IF YOU EACH

local cafe, connecting in the peaceful rhythms of nature. It’s

RESET TO YOUR LIFE-GIVING RELATIONSHIP

all about finding the harmony, kindness and consideration

RHYTHMS CONSISTENTLY AND FREQUENTLY.”

amongst the boisterous demands of life. Where do you unwind together, feel listened to, breathe deeply, catch each other’s eyes? Your marriage will love you if you each reset to your life-giving relationship rhythms consistently and frequently. One of my hopes in marriage was to have an interesting wife. I didn’t want to become bored or complacent. I know, it’s

meaningful questions, she offers strength when I am weary

subjective and selfish but I wanted someone who fascinated

and hope when I am disheartened. What holds your attention

me and kept me wanting to know more. After twenty years

about your partner? Are there areas where you can shift

of marriage, I’ve come to see that it takes someone being

the focus of your fascination to better shine on areas that

interested for someone else to be interesting. Every soul is

encourage them? Feed your wonder.

encased in magic, all human beings have bright glories to

Goals and dreams. You had them when you were potty-

share with the world, should we have eyes to see. I want

training and you have them in marriage. While you will have

to know this glorious human who loves me at my worst. I

personal dreams and goals, it is also key to have shared

want to know how she ticks, why she loves kale, what her

hopes and purposes. My wife and I dreamed up our children

wise words were to a grieving friend (so I can learn) and

before they ever took a breath. At present we dream of a

where she’s focusing her strength for the week ahead. She’s

future tiny house on some rambling land. A place where

a unique combination of everything I love with everything

work and play merge and we create alongside each other.

that stretches me and a touch of everything that makes my

We share an appetite for simplicity. We’ve also had dreams

soul smile. Likewise, she desires to know me. She reaches

and goals individually and together that have come to a

beyond the surface to the deepest parts of me. She asks

dead end. Not all dreams come true. There’s suffering and

sacrifice that is tangled up in the romance of true love.

of your life and slurs something about throwing away a key.

There are seasons where one person in the partnership has

As humans, we’ve learnt some amazing ways to mask pain

the opportunity to lay down their own ambitions in order

and appear “normal”. It’s only in the turbulent traumas or

to support the other. Marriage is humbling in that sense.

extended pressures of life that the hurts of the past rise to

It is a constant call to generosity, to forgiveness, to grace

the surface … and they come up like the teenager woken too

… to abandon oneself to love. We enter into a beautiful

early. If we’re feeling secure in our relationship, they’re raw,

dance, we give and and we take. We resist and we flow.

unfiltered and entirely at the wrong time. If we’re insecure in

We empty ourselves to fill the other and open our hearts

our relationship, they come up as daily nitpicking, sarcasm

so that they can do the same for us. I lean into my curiosity

and living at a safe distance.

and fascination to find out what is the underlying motivation behind why my wife does what she does, says what she says, thinks what she thinks, believes what she believes. I don’t presume to know her, rather I long to know her. Stay curious.

One of the greatest gifts we have to offer one another in the marriage relationship is our vulnerability. Our truth. It is entirely possible to spend a lifetime with another soul without ever truly revealing your own heart. People do it all the time,

The purifying nature of pain. They don’t really mention this

their fear of being seen and known, down to the darkest

at the marriage ceremony … well apart from your drunk

depths is entirely too much for some to face. My experience

uncle who tells you that you’re making the worst decision

though, in the love affair I am having with my wife is that 23

awake + aware

the struggle that we become the overcomer. It’s in the battle

“VULNERABILITY LEADS TO DEPTH OF FRIENDSHIP

growth. Without challenge there is no resilience built. Brene

AND OPENS DOORS FOR COMPASSION AND TRUST

Brown calls it wholehearted and daring greatly. What can you

THAT MAY WELL HAVE REMAINED CLOSED.”

risk to live more wholehearted and unfiltered? How can you

that we claim the title of victor. Without adversity there is no

create the space to invite honest, daring conversations that feel like they’ll make or break your relationship? Be a light, reveal your splendour. These anchors are the conscious reminder that our sacred

vulnerability leads to depth of friendship and opens doors for compassion and trust that may well have remained closed. When was the last time your pains from the past surfaced? Are you the type of person who would prefer to deal with your past yourself and then bring your “perfect” edited self to your partner? Be brave, be true.

relationship has some depth and lives on more than tea and sympathy. What will be your anchors? Where can you go to breathe again and reconnect in a way that makes sense for you? You’ve read a thousand articles that say your attention is under attack but you’re the one with time on your hands. We all have the very same hours to play with each and every day. We must explore our priorities, our motivations and, at

The hard part with trying to edit yourself or add another filter

risk of sounding glib and inane, our ‘why’. Why are we married?

is that we’re hiding our humanity. The imperfections that

Why do we spend the hours we spend doing the things we

show our partner and the world that we’re gloriously human,

do? Why are we afraid to love with abandon? The answers to

frail and don’t live from an unending well of enthusiasm and

such questions have the potential to determine your course

giddy luck. Ironically, it’s the bumps and scruffs that make

and give you purpose. Breathe and take that precious gift you

you more unique, more you and more aspirational. It is in

love all the way in—the struggle is worth the refinement.

Live music for your ceremony and reception from Sydney to Melbourne and everywhere in between www.tilleemusic.com

C H O O S E W I S E LY

PLANNING AN ETHICAL WEDDING WHILE BEING CONSCIOUS OF THE PEOPLE, THE PLANET AND YOUR PARTNER. Words: Kate Gumbrell—Less Stuff - More Meaning | Location: Butterland Design + Styling: Nomad Styling | Photography: Brown Paper Parcel Florals: Katie Marx Flowers | Signage: Sketch & Etch Creative

he words ‘conscious’ and ‘mindful’ are everywhere. From books to billboards, conferences to expos, our

world has suddenly realised that being aware and awake are crucial to our survival and happiness. But being conscious is not simply about being aware of your surroundings, it’s responding back to them in a way that shows you understand, you are present, and you respect the beauty of your existence. It is one thing to be awake, but it is another to respond with purpose. When it comes to weddings in the 21st century, the word ‘conscious’ seems to sit far, far away. Instead, wants, needs, and perfections usually drive decisions, often at the cost of people and the environment. As an ethical consumer and ‘conscious-seeker’, when it came time to plan my own wedding, I knew that ‘conscious’ would not sit far, far away, but walk straight into the room and become the life of the party. With the help of 30 of our closest friends and family, my husband Tim proposed to me in June 2016. This community driven proposal mirrored the theme of our wedding, and now embodies the foundation of our marriage. With conscious intentionality, we recognise that we are two people in community, never standing alone. Through reflecting on our planning process, I have discovered that planning a

choose wisely

~ “IT IS ONE THING TO BE AWAKE, BUT IT IS ANOTHER TO RESPOND WITH PURPOSE.”

conscious wedding involves considering three key elements: the people, the planet, and each other. Conscious of people: Being conscious of your guests, your friends and family may sound like a given. But when it comes to ethical wedding planning, it is not as easy as it sounds. Weddings have the potential to alienate guests. By conforming to the norm, and living up to what Western society says a wedding must be, even those closest to you can feel they are trapped in a formal role to play, or forced into wearing a dress they are uncomfortable in. Tim and I threw away the stereotypical wedding structure, and made our people the forefront of our decision-making. From distant relatives to closest friends, we created a day that uplifted and celebrated all our connections for who they are, rather than what we wanted the pictures to look like— although the pictures did look pretty damn cool! Yes, your wedding day is about you and your partner, but how does your wedding honour your people? Your community is full of talents, and when you seek out these talented people, you will find they are more than happy to help! We found that calling on the talents of our local community enabled our friends and family to become invested in our big day. Our wedding was a great representation of the skills existent in our circle, and an enriching way for our guests to utilise their skills and be publicly acknowledged for them. A 12-year-old braided my hair (her braiding skills are simply amazing), 18 wonderful ladies made afternoon tea, friends were called upon to capture the moments, and a team of organised visionaries set up our ceremony themselves.

Our wedding guests were not the only people we thought

about our days, involves a much deeper understanding of

about when it came to being intentional in our wedding

how our actions and habits impact the earth.

planning and marriage. Ethical wedding hub, Less Stuff More Meaning, introduced me to the idea of giving back to your ‘global community’. This is a phenomenon that I simply cannot get out of my head. Our global community are entwined with us both economically and socially, far more than we credit them for. Planning a wedding is a great way to become aware of your global village and spark a relationship with groups who need your help. Tim and I coupled with the Offspring Project who made us a beautiful throw crafted from recycled saris by women who were rescued from sex trafficking. This was hung up as a display at our wedding, and now lies at the foot of our bed; a sweet little reminder of our wedding day.

I love the outdoors; hiking through native bush, swimming in the ocean, running around glistening lakes. The intricacies of nature fascinate me, and after learning about humans’ destructive impact, I changed my habits to reduce my footprint so I could help look after the environment I love so much. Our wedding was no exception. Throughout our wedding planning, Tim and I carefully researched each aspect to decide on the most sustainable and eco-friendly way to approach it. I collected jars and odd glasses from second-hand shops, found sustainably sourced napkins, bought a dress made ethically of organic materials, chose organic food trucks who provided compostable plates, and borrowed where I could. Tim and I were vocal about these

Conscious of the planet: It sounds funny to be conscious

eco-friendly decisions, and our guests often let us know that

of the planet—don’t we walk on it, live in it, and interact

our eco wedding encouraged them to start composting or

with it every day? Being conscious, rather than simply going

buy second-hand clothes.

choose wisely

When it comes to weddings, it takes a lot of thought and effort

Tim and I have always valued communication. We began

to be conscious of the environment, but it’s worth it. Your

our relationship as best friends, resulting in an ease of

wedding can even promote the care of our planet and urge

awareness, and strength to speak honestly and directly.

your guests to become conscious of their everyday decisions.

Being mindful in our marriage means we assess our

Conscious of each other: Wedding planning is the process before the day where you lawfully unite with your partner. So, this process should be a time when you are most aware and conscious of their needs, thoughts and worries. However, wedding planning is also a time of a thousand decisions, time constraints and shortened sleeping hours. Keeping conscious of your partner is the most important element to uphold, but also the most difficult. Even though our wedding was one of life’s most wondrous days, I’ve learned marriage preparation and relationship

own decisions based on the impact on the other. When we witness each other losing direction, unconsciously hurting others, or ignoring core beliefs, we hold each other accountable by letting them know and working together to find our way back. A conscious marriage involves copious amounts of respect, gutsy levels of communication and a generous bundle of kindness. Consuming mindfully with care for our earth and people was the mantra at our wedding. It is a statement that continues to grow in our marriage and allows us to feel alive with purpose.

need to come first. Tim and I were ‘consciously conscious’

Your wedding is a day to celebrate your love for one another

of keeping a balance between work, wedding planning and

with your nearest and dearest, but I challenge you to make

spending quality time with each other. We gave each other

it more. Dwell upon your greater purpose, breathe in your

interventions when the balance was swaying, and called

surroundings, investigate your impact and open your eyes

each other up when we could see ourselves losing focus on

in a conscious and responsive way to the people and the

what really matters.

planet with whom we are intertwined.

syd n ey + online br idal boutiques w h itemeadow.com.au

A MINDFUL WEDDING TIME TO GET STARTED ON YOUR OWN CONSCIOUS AND PURPOSE-FILLED PLANNING.

ARE WE BEING ‘CONSCIOUS’ WITH OUR WEDDING PLANNING?

HAVE WE CONSIDERED THE IMPACT?

DO WE KNOW WHAT IS DRIVING OUR DECISIONS?

HAVE WE CONSIDERED GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY WITH OUR WEDDING PLANNING?

HAVE WE THOUGHT ABOUT USING LOCAL SUPPLIERS?

DO WE KNOW HOW CAN WE REDUCE WASTE ON THE DAY?

HAVE WE PRIORITISED OUR RELATIONSHIP?

HAVE WE THOUGHT ABOUT INVOLVING OUR PEOPLE, AND HOW WE CAN HONOUR THEM?

ARE WE COMMUNICATING PROPERLY DURING PLANNING?

HAVE WE TAKEN TIME OUT WITH EACH OTHER TO JUST BE?

hen natural talents align, they create something that can’t be taught. These artists have worked to their

strengths to capture the beauty in the details; the joy in a smile, the curl of a petal, the soft glow of the afternoon sun. With rustic autumn colours of mustard and blush speckled with a touch of greenery, the warmth of this shoot emanates soul. The result is a balance of organic beauty and carefully crafted art. As we journey through their creation, let us appreciate the value they place on their work.

conscious creators

ERICA KOPP Stylist—Stay Co Everything I design has a story to tell. It’s subtle, it’s clean, it’s minimalistic, but it is always there. It is usually something that people can relate to, something that speaks to you, something that is trending at the moment but will remain timeless. There needs to be that person at the wedding who isn’t part of the wedding party that the bride can trust. Someone she can entrust her vision to come to life with as she sees it, or better than she could’ve imagined. If she is happy, then the groom is happy. And my job is to make everyone happy.

conscious creators

~ “CREATIVITY IS THE POWER TO CONNECT THE SEEMINGLY UNCONNECTED.”—WILLIAM PLOMER

CHANTEL MARIE Photographer The one thing that’s never led me astray and that I know I can always trust is my gut. I am very precise in the way I see the world and the way I am inspired to create art, and I think that shows through my work. I would say I have a unique and artistic way of capturing weddings and couples, and it’s something that can’t necessarily be taught, but comes second nature from my soul, the way I view the world and human connections. I believe one of the most important things you can do is connect with people. Part of connecting is making people feel comfortable and valued. I sincerely want anyone I’m around and specifically couples I’m shooting to feel like they can be themselves around me and feel like they have something important to say and that someone is listening. I love digging deep within the layers and talking to people beneath the surface to create a stronger bond and enjoy what an incredible person they are.

ANNIE PUGMIRE Cake Designer—Annie’s Cakes With every cake I make, I pretend I’m making it for myself or for a loved one. Then I am more conscious with the details and make it special for whoever my client is. I would like to think they see ‘my hand’ in my work also; the way I apply buttercream, my textures, flavours, floral application—they’re all unique to my style and how I feel it can incorporate with my client’s vision. I make everything from scratch to deliver something delicious and beautiful. I also love seeing the couple on their big day. It’s nice to connect and sometimes chat with the bride about completing her vision with set up and floral.

conscious creators

NICOLE LAND Florist—Soil and Stem This industry is filled with so many talented creatives, I’m just

a small piece of that. My hope is to bring people together

“STRIVE NOT TO BE A SUCCESS, BUT RATHER TO

through a love of flowers. I strive to capture a feeling in my

BE OF VALUE.”—ALBERT EINSTEIN

designs over a theme—how does the bride want to feel on her wedding day? What does she want her guests to experience? Relaxed, romantic, natural, luxe, playful, classic … these moods and themes will help me determine flower choices, colours, floral scents and overall design aesthetic. I like my designs to be an extension of the environment I’m working in. I pull from those elements to create a colour and texture story. As a designer, I believe it is those indigenous ingredients that can have such an influential impact that creates a feeling of belonging and authenticity in a design.

www.georgiejames.com.au

BUSINESS FE ATURE

MUSE PHOTOGR APHY PRESERVING MOMENTS AND HUMBLY TELLING STORIES.

Teresa is a talented photographer who shoots

millions—of images, I have learnt how to use

What was the first wedding you captured

large weddings, intimate elopements, families,

the technology of a digital camera and the fine

like? An absolute blessing. The groom was

newborns, puppies and anything the light is

art of developing an image through software.

completely into the photography as much as

resting on. Her style is based on an effort to

My work is instinctual and tailored. I gain

the bride. They were passionate, open and

preserve moments and tell stories humbly.

immense joy from just being in the moment

trusting. The best first wedding gig I could’ve

Teresa offers brides and grooms from around

and producing work that reflects this.

hoped for!

Why did you decide wedding photography

What do you bring to your photography?

was your calling? I love capturing happiness

Dedication, passion and commitment to telling

When did you fall in love with

and authentic emotions. A wedding is full of

honest stories. My style is photojournalistic,

photography? I fell in love with photography

these. I love the process of meeting couples,

candid and quiet.

the first time I hiked the Fiordland National

awakening them to appreciate and enjoy the

Park in New Zealand and realised that I could

art of photography. I love nothing more than

preserve a moment that meant so much to me.

the follow up after a wedding, delivering a

It was eye-opening to think that photography

gallery and reliving the day with my clients. I

could allow me to relive the best moments of

also enjoy working under pressure and getting

my life in detail just by simply looking back at a

to collaborate with so many talented wedding

photograph. The pursuit to preserve moments

creatives. It also gives me the chance to be

became quite strong again when I had my

in a wide variety of landscapes, seeing this

daughter and I could freeze moments of her

wonderful world and continually being inspired.

life journey.

I love that I can be in the moment, be creative

Australia, New Zealand and beyond, incredibly candid and natural wedding photography.

How did you go about becoming a photographer? I spent hours and hours

and have the freedom and trust from my clients to capture their special day.

What’s next for you? I am excited for a big 24 months of weddings all over Australia, capturing unique stories and sharing my interpretation. I will continue to learn my craft each and every day and draw inspiration from new couples, new places and new experiences. I am open to travelling across the globe to capture wedding stories. I encourage couples to meet me and see if we click. A wedding is such a personal experience and the photographer should be an extension of your vibe.

shooting everything I could. In my journey as

Who is your greatest inspiration and why?

a photographer I have captured everything

My husband. He has always seen me as

from babies to landscapes through to events

capable. He never doubts me or my goals. He

and products. My first instinct was to create. I

has taught me to be patient, he has made me

didn’t get caught up in the technicalities of how

believe in myself as a woman and he values

to be a photographer, I just allowed myself to

my opinion, my voice and my interpretation of

create and capture moments how I saw them.

what I see around me. He has given me the

info@musephotography.net.au

Through practising with thousands—if not

ability to really see my worth and to not be afraid.

musephotography.net.au

business feature

LOVE RINGS TRUE CHERISHED TOKENS OF YOUR SWEET PROMISE. Photography: James Bennett Photography

2 1

1 ASH HILTON JEWELLERY RECYCLED PLATINUM AND ETHICAL DIAMOND 6 CLAW ENGAGEMENT RING FROM $7,400 ashhilton.com 2 UTOPIAN CREATIONS 0.66CT AUSTRALIAN GREEN SAPPHIRE ‘PEBBLE’ RING WITH 14 KARAT WHITE GOLD SETTING ON 14 KARAT RED GOLD BAND $1,760 utopiancreations.com.au 3 GREW & CO INDICOLITE TOURMALINE DIAMOND RING IN 18CT YELLOW GOLD AND PLATINUM $6,200 grewandco.com.au 4 NATALIE MARIE JEWELLERY DIAMOND SUN RING FROM $2,100 nataliemariejewellery.com 5 CUSHLA WHITING BARBARA RING $22,000 cushlawhiting.com.au 6 NATALIE MARIE JEWELLERY HERKIMER SOLITAIRE RING FROM $260 nataliemariejewellery.com 7 ARISTIDES FINE JEWELS ROSETTE DIAMOND ETERNITY RING IN YELLOW GOLD $880 aristidesfinejewels.com 8 UTOPIAN CREATIONS 2.26CT AUSTRALIAN GREEN PARTI SAPPHIRE RING WITH PALLADIUM SETTING ON 18 KARAT ROSE GOLD BAND $2,700 utopiancreations.com.au 9 ARISTIDES FINE JEWELS FIRENZE DUO DIAMOND RING IN YELLOW GOLD $1,495 aristidesfinejewels.com

W H AT L IE S W I T HIN

“BY LETTING YOUR PARTNER IN, THEY WILL BE ABLE TO DISPEL THE LIES, SPEAK THE TRUTH, AND REVEAL TO YOU YOUR TRUE, AUTHENTIC SELF.” Words: Sharon Luecke—The Bare Bride | Photography: Marnie Hawson Clothing: Metta Melbourne

hen I entered into my marriage, I anticipated many things—sleepy Sunday mornings, stolen afternoon

lunch dates, all the lovin’ in the evening. What I never thought I’d find myself anticipating? The day he would leave me. My husband is genuinely kind, honest and undeniably devoted. He has never made me question the sacredness or durability of what we have and yet, there were so many nights that I would lie awake, a newlywed woman, anticipating the unrealistic end to something that had just begun. As a child who grew up in a home ridden with both physical and mental illness, stability was not something that I was able to grasp. I remember tapping on the walls inside my dark closet hoping that a magic door would open up to a secret and secure place that I could stay for a while. The same, fragile growing pains continued into young adulthood where I

what lies within

~ “FOR IT IS WITHIN MARRIAGE THAT WE RECEIVE THE GIFT OF PARTICIPATING IN THE RHYTHMIC HEALING OF ONE ANOTHER.”

faced relational challenges that left me feeling abandoned,

consumed by an insecurity of abandonment that had no

time and time again. This ongoing pattern evolved into a

place making our bed its home.

story that I began whispering to myself here and there—I am not worthy of stability.

Throughout life, we all experience pain and suffering in its various forms, and as a result, adopt fictitious stories that we

And then, the stars aligned. I met the love of my life—someone

are convinced must be true. For you, that might look like a

who was ready and honoured to commit to a real, reliable

story of failure or rejection. It might be a story rooted in social

forever with me—and I became a bride. But unfortunately,

anxiety or perfectionism. It might be a story that claims the

the reality of planning a wedding in an imperfect world would

value of your soul is based on the appearance of your body.

turn out to be yet another season of instability.

When we strap these wounds of insecurity onto our backs

Family and friends who I hoped would be supportive and

and carry them around for years, they aren’t going to

involved checked out. Our modest budget which I hoped

magically disappear once a ring slips onto your finger or

would provide us with our dream day was repeatedly

words are sacredly exchanged at an altar.

rejected by vendors and venues for not being enough. My body that I hoped would look perfect for my wedding day could no longer fit into my gown because of the weight I gained from stress. When the ground beneath my wedding boots fell through, the same story that I once whispered to myself felt more like my personal anthem—I am not worthy of stability.

There is no shame in carrying your insecurities into your marriage when, in fact, most of us do. But without the conscious awareness of these insecurities, they may start to seep out in places where they are not welcome and cause damage in places where there should only be healing. As a woman who has spent hours envisioning how, when, and where her husband would finally say, “Just kidding!

I would lie in bed, a blissfully happy, married woman next

Bye!,” I’ve struggled with scepticism, jealousy and trust,

to a loyal man whom I adore with every fibre of my being,

punishing my husband for mistakes that he has never made and weakening areas of our relationship in the process. The effects that our insecurities can have on our communication skills, intimate lives and emotional bonds are cunning—permeating little by little until real damage has been done and it’s hard to pinpoint when exactly it began. I will not pretend to know the answer to dealing with every type of insecurity within marriage, but I do know what has worked for us. Conscious communication, grace and gratitude.

what lies within

Our gut reaction when it comes to insecurities is to hide

that led you into the sweet arms that you get to call home

them. They are, after all, vulnerable in natureâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;wounds

today, and gratitude for the safety of that home in which your

that we want to keep covered. But insecurities thrive in

insecurities can be put to rest. For it is within marriage that

the darkness. It is only when we pull them out of the dark

we receive the gift of participating in the rhythmic healing of

corners of our hearts and into the light of open conversation

one another.

that they will lose their power. By letting your partner in, they will be able to dispel the lies, speak the truth, and reveal to you your true, authentic self.

It is something that I still have to battle on the dailyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;allowing myself to sink into a reality that feels risky and vulnerable and try to grasp that it is in fact safe and secure. But by remaining

From there, grace. Grace that is relentlessly extended to one

steadfast in my willingness to vulnerably share, extend grace,

another for stumbling under the weight of deceptive stories.

receive truth and express gratitude, I have begun to tell

Grace that we gift to ourselves for being human. And we

myself a new storyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;I am worthy of stability. I dwell within

blanket it all in the warmth of gratitude. Gratitude for the road

stability. This love is here to stay.

R AW BE AUT Y “NOTHING CAN DIM THE LIGHT WHICH SHINES FROM WITHIN.”—MAYA ANGELOU

SHOOT COORDINATION + PHOTOGRAPHY BECK ROCCHI beckrocchi.com.au MODEL CAMILLE PARKER HAIR + MAKEUP MAKEUP BY SOPHIE KNOX makeupbysophieknox.com FLORALS RAVEN AND THE ROSE ravenandtherose.com.au LINEN DEIJI STUDIOS deijistudios.com.au

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raw beauty

~ “BE WEIRD. BE RANDOM. BE WHO YOU ARE. BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHO WOULD LOVE THE PERSON YOU HIDE.”—C.S. LEWIS

THIS PAGE LONELY lonelylabel.com OPPOSITE PAGE ELSE LINGERIE elselingerie.com

raw beauty

THIS PAGE SIMONE PERELE simone- perele.com

~ “BEAUTY BEGINS THE MOMENT YOU DECIDE TO BE YOURSELF.”—COCO CHANEL

Stunning wedding imagery personalised for your special day welcometotheclub.com.au info@welcometotheclub.com.au +61 439 343 890

REL A XED ALLURE THE BEAUTY OF SIMPLICITY. Words: Liv Lundelius | Illustrations: Inkling Design

WINDSWEPT LOCKS This season, it’s all about the brushed-out wave, a little lived in and real. For the makeup, choose shades of pale pink and blush on the eyes in natural earthy tones. Start with a light coverage foundation with a semi matte finish and use concealer only where needed, to keep the skin looking natural. Blend a deep brown shadow along the lash line instead of eyeliner for soft definition. Don’t forget waterproof mascara to finish the look. Keep the eye shadow matte and let your lips shine instead with a barely-there caramel colour gloss. Add a soft pink blush on the apple of the cheek and blend well to achieve a seamless finish. This natural look requires beautiful, bold and groomed eyebrows—fill them in with a brow powder and you are good to go.

GOLDEN DOE EYES Edgy, yet romantic, this look brings all attention to your eyes. Paired with a stylish understated bun and a soft pink lip, it’s perfect for the season. The hair is loose, yet textured and voluminous—don’t forget to leave out a few wispy strands. Focus on warm, natural shades of browns and gold on the eyelids. Use light cream eye shadow in a champagne shade to highlight the eyelids and inner corners of your eyes. Lengthening mascara will help to complete the look. Subtle highlights on top of the cheek bones and the high points of the nose will add just the right amount of glow, and a hint of light matte bronzer swept below the cheekbone will give you definition. Finish the look with a soft pink lipstick, adding a satin finish.

relaxed allure

IN THE MOMENT “SHE LAUGHS WITHOUT FEAR OF THE FUTURE.”

CREATIVE DIRECTION CARLA BURRELL PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES BENNETT PHOTOGRAPHY jamesbennett.com.au HAIR + MAKEUP TANYA BLUNDELL—CHIC ARTISTRY chicartistry.com.au FLORALS BLOOMS ON DARBY bloomsondarby.com MODEL JEN WHITE—BELLA MANAGEMENT bellamanagement.com.au SHOOT ASSISTANT EMILY MORRIS

DRESS GRACE LOVES LACE graceloveslace. com.au EARRINGS ARISTIDES FINE JEWELS aristidesfinejewels.com NECKLACE NATALIE MARIE JEWELLERY nataliemariejewellery.com

in the moment

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in the moment

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in the moment

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in the moment

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in the moment

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in the moment

EDEN + JAMES A U S T R A L I A

“WHEN SOMEONE TRULY LOVES YOU, YOU FEEL THE MOST UNBELIEVABLE FEELING OF GRATEFULNESS.”

PHOTOGRAPHY Lara Hotz Photography

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EDEN + JAMES

DEAR EDEN Love isn’t something you can control. It

you all the same! You are the sweetest and

makes you feel good on the inside and

most caring person I have ever met and

out, and you want to be around it all the

you surprise me every day. I know our life

time. I found that in you Eden—you are my

together will be long, happy and caring,

best friend. You understand and support

with more dachshunds and some children

me in whatever I do. I wouldn’t know what

in somewhere there too. I know you will

I would be doing without you. You mean

continue to push me to be the best I can

everything to me. You are my little nerd and

be and I promise I will be there for you, as

even though at times a bit messy, I love

you are for me.

EDEN + JAMES

DEAR JAMES We often joke “It’s us against the world!” and some days, it does feel like that, but I will make you smile when you’re tired, and even after the worst day, I promise to make you feel safe. I will continue to love you because of your faults, not regardless of them. Our future is going to be an adventure of love and excitement—I will make you laugh as often as possible and tell you every day how much I love you. When someone truly loves you, you feel the most unbelievable feeling of gratefulness. Thank you for making me feel like the luckiest person every day. You are my best friend and I will love and respect who you are and who you’re yet to become, always.

EDEN + JAMES

CEREMONY + RECEPTION Merribee, Numbaa NSW STYLING She Designs, Eden Abagi GOWN Rue De Seine JUMPSUIT Hayley Burton Bridal SHOES Valentino (bride) HAIR The Bridal Hair Co MAKEUP Chloe Rose Makeup GROOM’S SUIT Oscar Hunt SHOES Antoine & Stanley (groom) BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES Reformation RINGS Broadley’s Fine Jewellery FLORALS The Wilds, Sophia Kaplan STATIONERY + WEDDING FAVOURS Eden Abagi CAKE Andy Bowdy Pastry CATERING Garnish Creative Catering HIRE Your Event Solution CELEBRANT Tess Myers—Married by Tess

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EDEN + JAMES

JESS + CONNOR A U S T R A L I A

“YOU ARE THE ONLY WORLD I WANT TO BE A PART OF.” PHOTOGRAPHY Heart & Colour

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jess + connor

DEAR CONNOR I love you. I learn so much from you; how

knew Nana was for him. He told me that

to be more patient, how to be present and

from the moment he met her, life was just

most importantly, how to love without fear.

inexplicably better. The lows felt less low

Your love has never known any bounds.

and the highs more high; he was drawn to

Throughout everything, the ups and downs,

her. As for getting married, life without her

I always knew I was infinitely loved by you. I

was simply not a possibility. He had known

didn’t know it was possible to love someone

what living was like before her and now with

like this, so selflessly. You taught me that

her in his life, it wasn’t possible to return to

and now, I don’t know any other love. A

that. He married her because she was the

little tale that I’ve never mentioned to you

only world he wanted to be a part of. Connor,

before; years ago, I was worried about the

you are the only world I want to be a part of.

idea of marriage so I called my Grandpa. I

My dream for our future is simple—I want to

asked him about marriage and how he just

love you with everything I have.

jess + connor

DEAR JESS I love you! I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t imagine being with anyone else. You are everything I could have ever dreamed in a partner. You are the smart one, the funny one, the beautiful one, the thoughtful one, the driven one, the kind one, the caring one, the adventurous one and just the incredible one. You make me a better person every day. You will be the best mother in the world, I know this! How you interact with our friendsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; kids is amazing. You have so much patience and time for them and it is a joy to watch. I love knowing you will be there to eat the food I cook, enjoying every moment we get to share it. I love travelling with you, seeing the world, and being able to share it with my best friend makes every trip so special. I cannot wait for all the adventures we will have and challenges life will bring, and just growing old with you. When we are all old and grey I love the thought of looking back and seeing how much fun we have had. I love you!

CEREMONY Trenavin Chapel, Phillip Island VIC RECEPTION + DRINKS Phillip Island W inery VIC PLANNING + STYLING + FLORALS Pollen and Patina GOWN Raffaele Ciuca, Houghton NYC SHOES Tony Bianco HAIR HBK & Co Hairdressing MAKEUP Cassandra Lusi JEWELLERY Samantha W ills BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES Sheike GROOM’S + GROOMSMEN’S SUITS Travellers Apparel RINGS Facet Jewellers STATIONERY Peep Designs CAKE Elaine’s Cakes & Party Bakes CELEBRANT Josh W ithers

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jess EXCLUSIVE CON T E N T+ connor

GABI + GREG A U S T R A L I A

“I PROMISE TO WORK HARD FOR THIS LOVE THAT WE HAVE BUILT.” PHOT OG R APHY R yde r E va n s P h otogr a ph y

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gabi + greg

DEAR GREG Greg—where do I begin? It’s been 10 years,

and you love me, even when I’m unlikeable.

some ups and downs, laughter, tears and

It wasn’t necessarily love at first sight, and it

every human emotion. Yet, no matter how

may have taken us a few shots to get it right,

much time we spend together, you are the

but I can honestly say I have never been

person I always want to spend more time

more sure of anything. Greg, I promise to

with. You are the person who makes me

give you the most I can and to accept you

laugh, harder than anyone else. You are the

as you are, without trying to change you or

person I go to when I’m upset or anxious

expect more than you can give. I promise

and need to vent. You are the person who

to work hard for this love that we have built,

knows how to annoy me, and at times, even

and I promise to be grateful for the small

anger me. But you’re also the one person

things, and not to hold onto the little ones.

who knows how to get me out of a bad

To this day, you have given me the biggest

mood and take my mind off things when I’m

smile, and I can’t wait to see what the future

feeling down. You bring out the child in me,

holds for the both of us.

gabi + greg

DEAR GABI I can’t believe just how privileged I am that you’ve chosen to be my wife. Gabi, you are my soulmate and the love of my life! I am a very fortunate man and I would just like to take this opportunity to say to you how much I am looking forward to spending the rest of my life with you. I hope that every day will be as happy as our wedding day. To finish things up, I’d like to share a little poem I wrote for you called, “I Promise”: I seek to understand your needs so deeply, And promise each day to love you completely. I will provide a home of love and emotional purity, And I promise love, laughter, honesty and a life where you feel security. I will make time for you, for without you I have no time. And I promise to cherish, honour, respect and be kind. Time may take us down a path where you need to be taken care of, And I promise to hold you, and continue to admire you with love. If life places pain in your heart, I will be there to fill it with love. And I promise each day to pray for our health and happiness from HaShem above. I will awaken each day, to see your sweet smile and feel your touch, And I promise to bring you happiness and laughter, because I love you so much. I will run for miles, swearing my love for my wife, Because today I promise you Gabrielle, you are my life.

gabi + greg

CEREMONY + RECEPTION Horizon, Byron Bay NSW PLANNING + STYLING White + White Weddings & Events, Byron Bay Weddings GOWN Cappellazzo Couture SHOES Valentino HAIR + MAKEUP Alex Ouston Beauty BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES Camilla GROOM’S + GROOMSMEN’S SUITS Calibre GROOM’S TIE Wood & Beau RINGS Lenrose & Ace David Jewellery CINEMATOGRAPHY Sail Me to the Moon FLORALS Bower Botanicals STATIONERY The Little Press CAKE Rebellyous Cake Co CATERING + DRINKS Fig Tree Catering HIRE + SETUP The Wedding Shed CELEBRANT Rabbi Menachem Wolf—Spiritgrow

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gabi + greg

KARA + KEVIN S C O T L A N D

“EVERY DAY I WAKE UP FEELING ALIVE AND EXCITED BECAUSE YOU ARE THERE.” PHOTOGRAPHY Branch & Cole

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K ara + K evin

DEAR KARA Almost one year ago I went on a trip that

impress me. I know I always have you to

took me to a lagoon in Iceland, the crowded

lean on for support, and whatever life holds

streets of downtown London, and eventually

for us, I’ll be there to support you. I’m

to the magical Isle of Skye. But the highlight

excited to go through all of life’s challenges

was getting to marry my best friend and

with you and grow stronger together. I’ve

start a whole new chapter of this journey

enjoyed every minute of this first year of

through life. I can’t predict what life will have

marriage with you. Late nights with friends,

in store for us. I’m sure we will have times of

quiet dinners, moving into a new home and

sorrow and times of joy. We’ll be surprised,

picnics with Zoe. I hope I get a million more.

bored, excited, angry and happy. But as I

In this journey of marriage, I want to be

said in my vows on the Isle of Skye, it will all

there to see you grow even stronger, help

be better because it’s with you and I’m glad

each other in our struggles, celebrate our

I get to share all of it with you. I have known

triumphs and enjoy all the quiet moments

you for a long time and we have been through

with you in between. You are an amazing,

a lot, but you are still so full of hidden

creative and fascinating person and have

surprises and strengths. You never fail to

become an even more wonderful wife.

K ara + K evin

DEAR KEVIN Before our wedding, we learned so much about what it meant to truly love in a deep, unconditional way. That season prior to our wedding day was one of the hardest, even more so than two years of long distance. Yet, I wouldn’t change a single thing about it because those moments led me to a deeper connection with you. I cannot believe it has been almost a year since we were surrounded by baby sheep and loved ones in the Fairy Glen. Looking back there is so much significance to every moment, even more than I knew at the time. The Fairy Glen is a shrunken version of a large-scale geological wonder. Within it holds manmade labyrinths that are said to bring good energy and karma to work through something difficult. People walk through these labyrinths as a spiritual practice or meditation. Much like the geological wonders of the pointy, round hills and tall rocky ridges forming the glen, our love was shaped weathered over time. I had no idea of the real meaning of those rock formations at the time, but a piece of us and our history was built there. I have wanted nothing more than to know you in every possible way—that is what love is all about. Knowing your heart, quirks, what makes you laugh or get irritated—simple moments like making dinner together and creating our life together has been my best adventure yet. Every day I wake up feeling alive and excited because you are there. You are my person. You are my best friend. You are who makes me feel at home. You are who holds my heart always. I love you. As I always say, but still as true as ever, “You’re my favourite!” Cheers to the beautiful memories we have lived and all that lies before us!

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K ara + K evin

CEREMONY Isle of Skye, Scotland RECEPTION The Three Chimneys PLANNING + STYLING Kara Mercer GOWN Monique Lhuillier SHOES Vintage Dior HAIR Anne Marie McElroy MAKEUP The Mani-Camper JEWELLERY + HEADPIECE Maria Elena Headpieces, Enchanted Atelier by Liv Hart GROOMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SUIT Burberry RINGS T. Anthony Jewelers CINEMATOGRAPHY Orpen Film Co. FLORALS Myrtle & Bracken STATIONERY Libby T ipton CAKE Baked by Mike CELEBRANT Rachel Rogers

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K ara + K evin

SAM + TOM A U S T R A L I A

“OUR MARRIAGE IS OUR COMMITMENT TO BE EQUAL PARTNERS IN LIFE.” PHOT OG R APHY S a m Rile s P h otogr a ph y

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sam + tom

DEAR SAM When I asked you to marry me, I knew

the person you need when times are good

you were the only one in the world for me.

and bad. We have experienced so many

You’re an honest, caring and extremely

things already in our relationship, but this

driven individual who will do anything and

is only the beginning. It’s exciting to think

everything for the people you love and it’s

we’ve only just started to get to know each

something that I admire and love about

other. There’s so much more to explore and

you. For our marriage, I don’t have any wild

look forward to in our lives—kids, travel,

dreams so to speak. I can honestly say

adventure and loads more! Wherever life

my only dream is to just be with you. I just

takes me, all I know is that I want it to be

want to spend my days with you, share the

with you. I couldn’t imagine it with anyone

special moments in life with you and be

else. I love you!

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sam + tom

DEAR TOM From the moment I met you (in your suave 80s get-up), I knew that my life was going to be filled with fun, laughter and a whole-lotta love. Six wonderful years on, and you are still unlike any man I have ever met. You are down-toearth, unbelievably patient, talented, sensitive, kind-hearted and compassionate. Your ability to see the positive in every situation (even when Carlton and the Raiders have a bad game) is something that I not only love about you, but also admire. When I am with you, you make me a better person. In the past few years you have helped open my eyes to what is really important: a life full of love, compassion and equality. So itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only natural for me to say that our marriage is our commitment to be equal partners in life. You are without a doubt the love of my life. And I would just like to say thank you for allowing me to stand by your side as we enjoy this crazy ride called life.

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sam + tom

CEREMONY + RECEPTION Wallalong House, Wallalong NSW GOWN Daalar na Couture—Hope X Page SHOES The Iconic HAIR + MAKEUP Chic Artistry JEWELLERY Peter Lang Jewellery, Natalie Marie Jewellery GROOM’S SUIT Braddon Tailors BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES We are Kindred GROOMSMEN’S SUITS Oxford RINGS Unique Diamonds CINEMATOGRAPHY Silvertail Photography FLORALS Morpeth Flower Gallery STATIONERY Neublok Studio CATERING Restaurant Mason Catering DRINKS Longview V ineyard

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sam + tom

A YE AR ON …

THE FIRST ‘WIGGLE’ COUPLE SHARE MARRIED LIFE, TOURING AND ALL THE SWEET DETAILS IN BETWEEN. Photography + Styling: Lara Hotz Photography | Hair + Makeup: Alex Penton Necklace: Matthew Ely | Earrings: Estate earrings—Victoria & Albert Antiques First Dress: Love Marie Bridal Boutique | Suit: Ted Baker | Shoes (Lachy): Florsheim | Flowers: Laurel and Lace | Styling Assistant: Hayley Watkins

remember auditioning for the Dorothy the Dinosaur show and I had heard about Lachy from other people,

mainly that he was an amazing singer. When I walked in the studio for my rehearsal, there he was, tall, handsome, kind smile and dancing away like a pirate. From that moment we became great friends and I felt fortunate to have my best friend around all the time. We started touring together shortly afterward with the Dorothy the Dinosaur show, and when we joined The Wiggles show in 2012 we were having the best time, learning from the original Wiggles. I think because we were going through the same thing together (becoming Wiggles), we grew closer. Our first moment alone together was a lunch we shared before I dropped Lachy off to the airport one day in Sydney. Lachy told me that he was so inspired by our chats and wrote a few little songs about goats (which are my favourite thing) and sent them to me that night. He has since shared that he got this instant feeling of excitement, a feeling that he had never felt before about someone. It did take him longer to realise that he was indeed falling in love with me. We were together for just over a year, but my goodness did it go quickly. Lachy proposed after doing three shows that day, and by the next day we were back on the road.

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A YEAR ON …

When it came to planning the wedding, we just didn’t have time to go back and forth over things and generally Lachy and I weren’t fussed. We knew what we wanted to do and almost everything we saw first, we went with. I think as things were settled, like the venue, flowers, and cake, then we started getting excited about involving our favourite things like baby goats at the ceremony, Lachy and Dad practising a traditional medieval sword display and adding sign language into our vows. Our families really wanted to be involved which was a great help just stringing it all together, but most of the time, because we were on tour, Lachy and I were just organising things while we were away. Janet, from Hopewood House, became our third mum and gave us so much direction, and being on her property, she gave insight on how the gardens really flourish and we just let the grounds be magical on their own. On our wedding day, I knew before I saw Lachy that he would cry, and I thought I would be the one to pull it together, but when I saw him he was a mess! And that just set me off too! What I love about Lachy is that he is the like the modern-day gentlemen, full of kindness … and he has an amazing singing voice! At home, he likes to play the piano and something I find so interesting about him is that he won’t play a song from start to finish. It’s not him just playing through repertoire, he just plays sections of his favourite songs, other people’s songs and his own and then he starts composing something. This is what fascinates me about him. It’s quirky but I love him for it. And with eyes on my computer screen here, Lachy wants to add what he loves about me too. “Everything. She effortlessly works through life with the most beautiful smile and makes everything seem easy. She is incredibly creative and feisty, but at the same time so playful, sweet and sincere. I feel ‘Emma Wiggle’ is a chance for people to see a bit of every part of Em’s nature and person. She is so

~ “HE IS LIKE THE MODERN-DAY GENTLEMEN, FULL OF KINDNESS ...”

your eyes off her. And that’s what it’s like every day.”

Ever since we joined the show, we have been so lucky to be

“SHE EFFORTLESSLY WORKS THROUGH LIFE

together nearly every day—we are good travel buddies! The

WITH THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SMILE AND

only day we usually spend apart is Christmas so we can both

MAKES EVERYTHING SEEM EASY.”

striking, and so naturally warm on camera that you can’t take

see our families who we don’t get to see very much. Our life is our work, we are fortunate to be together and we love it so it balances. We tour for nine months of the year and we really enjoy exploring the towns we are touring in. This year we are touring to the UK and Ireland for the first time so we are both really looking forward to visiting these countries again.

To this day I still get butterflies in my tummy, which mainly happens when I look at Lachy (or when we eat green tea icecream … our favourite!).

That’s how work/life balances for us, working and touring but

On a final note, I’m very excited to share our new project we

getting the opportunity to visit some beautiful places.

have been working on for the past year, Emma’s ‘Bowtiful

I wouldn’t say marriage has changed things much for us. We are still touring but now we’re given wedding card gifts at the shows instead of engagement ones which is lovely. I think the only challenge we have faced in this first year of marriage has been finding that Emma and Lachy time where we can really

Ballet Studio,’ which provides children with their very first ballet lessons, their own ballet barre and instructional mat. We put an exclusive 46-minute feature video on YouTube so the children can watch the video at home and follow along with their own ballet barre.

relax which puts you in that different headspace and you can

Lachy and I still hope to be “Wiggling” in 10 years’ time—I’ve

just be together. We do get these times, they’re just not very

said before that if Jeff Wiggle wiggled until he was 60, then I

often so we are learning to make them really special.

still have 33 years to go!

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A YEAR ON …

LIVING IN THE PRESENT A WEEKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHALLENGE TO BE MORE CONNECTED. Photography: SamuelJacob Photography

ANITA + MITCH: REAL QUALITY TIME Anita: Quality time is one of the main ways that I feel loved

phones and TV when we were home together, which helped

and connect with people, so the more quality, undistracted

to create more space for conversation and connection. It

one-on-one time with my husband the better! One of

was often a bit hard because of our work schedules, but

the things that we focused on this week was being more

we tried to stay connected during the day, too, through little

intentional with the time that we have, even though it can

text messages telling each other things we love about them.

be limited with our work and other life commitments. When

Anita: I loved being more intentional towards my husband

we were intentional with our time, our connection increased.

this week, making every moment count. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so important

Mitch: Spending more intentional time with my wife was

to keep pursuing each other in your marriage and not to

great. We chose to cut out a lot of distractions such as our

become complacent!

CHLOE + LUKE: FINDING JOY Focusing on joy this week has definitely brought us closer in our relationship. Being so busy with work and our children, it is easy to forget each other and of course, our relationship is extremely important. Being more intentional this week was a really good reminder to enjoy each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s company more often and to be more present when we are home. While being mindful of being present, we have learnt that we need to go back to basics more often and focus mainly on what is important to us: being ourselves, being with each other and creating and ensuring we are getting enough quality, family time with our children. I think it takes a while to break habits that distract us, but we will continue to try. This week, we have enjoyed being more aware of the things happening around us, as well as right in front of us.

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KEIRA + SAM: IN THE MOMENT Keira: If you’re not being present, you miss all the best parts.

Sam: The biggest challenge I find with purposefully connecting

So often you see couples not being present, going about

is dealing with mental distractions such as recounting the

their day-to-day, then five–10 years later wondering how and

day, thinking of projects and other things like that. Being

why they’ve become such different people and suddenly grown

more aware of Keira and taking my thoughts captive helps

apart. Often, it’s because they aren’t growing together and

the time we spend together to be more personal, rather than

making time to stop, reflect and embrace all the changes

responding with ‘just enough’. Whilst it’s a lot harder to be

and moments that you’ll easily miss if you’re not being present.

conscious of how you spend quality time, the outcome is

Being present means that you’re always on the same page and

totally worth it. Being able to listen and understand can be

are indeed doing life alongside each other. No-one is rushing

a challenge, but being present in situations which aren’t so

ahead and no-one is being left behind, but hand-in-hand

up-front is even harder. Being present in a relationship means

you’re enjoying the ride together. It’s all about growing together,

always having that person on your mind, and being aware of

but if you miss those beautiful moments of growth, both lovely

what’s going on so that when problems do arise, you’re in a

and difficult, small and significant, you’ll only grow apart.

much better place to deal with them and refocus.

KYM + OSWALD: TALKING IT OUT Kym: Oswald has been much better this week at intentionally

Oswald: This week, our communication has changed for

trying to communicate with me. It’s been great for us to keep

the positive. We’re still learning how to be more present with

it in the forefront of our minds. For me, staying away from

each other—it’s always a journey. It was hard for my wife to

my usual distractions was a bit tricky and made me aware of

turn off from work in a busy week of extra jobs, and I always

how many bad habits had snuck into our relationship. Also,

like to stay connected to Africa through social media, so it’s

so many areas of my life seek my attention, but this week I

tricky to remove any distractions. And with two little girls, it’s

was reminded of how being present for my husband is one

not always easy to stay present with your partner. But my

of my highest priorities.

wife is pretty good at communicating what she needs!

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T HE R E L AT IONSHIP TA L K TAKE A MOMENT TO BE TRULY PRESENT WITH YOUR PARTNER.

HOW CAN WE MAKE SPACE IN OUR WEEK TO SPEND TIME TOGETHER?

HOW CAN WE BE MORE INTENTIONAL WITH EACH OTHER?

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU ARE THANKFUL FOR IN OUR RELATIONSHIP?

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU ARE GRATEFUL FOR TODAY?

HOW CAN WE FIND JOY IN THE SMALL THINGS?

IS THERE SOMETHING I COULD DO MORE TO MAKE YOU FEEL LOVED?

IS THERE SOMETHING I DO THAT MAKES YOU FEEL DISTANT FROM ME?

HOW DO WE BEST COMMUNICATE?

WHAT IS ONE WAY I CAN IMPROVE MY COMMUNICATION WITH YOU?

HOW CAN WE AVOID BEING DISTRACTED FROM EACH OTHER FOR TOO LONG?

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HOW CAN WE HELP EACH OTHER THROUGH CHALLENGES?

WHAT DO WE WANT OUR MARRIAGE TO STAND FOR?

the relationship talk

A LIFE OF INTENTION

“IT REQUIRES A GOOD DEAL OF THOUGHT (AND DETERMINATION) TO CONTINUE CELEBRATING YOUR LOVE LONG AFTER THE BEAUTY, EXCITEMENT AND NEWNESS OF YOUR WEDDING DAY DISSIPATES.” Words: Vanisha Mishra-Vakaoti | Photography: Benjamin Patch

s a young woman in my early twenties I had a very idealistic view of relationships. I wanted the exciting

dates to exotic locations, packaged gifts and constant flattery. Instead I was drawn to this man who was so much more intentional about how he loved and showed love. Our love languages were different. One could even argue that perhaps I hadn’t developed one as yet. The years passed and slowly I grew into my own skin. I became a lot more confident about who I was and what I actually wanted my life to look like. Now at thirty, and almost 10 years into our relationship I feel like we are both incredibly conscious of who we are as individuals and as a couple and are in tune to the ebbs and flows of our relationship. It hasn’t been ‘work’ to get to this point, but rather more deliberate practice. We’ve been married 2,477 days. I know this not because I calculated it but because we started a joint journal the day we were married. Day one of our married life, we each wrote a line about how we were feeling. And it continued. It survived living in different countries, extensive travelling and the general busyness of life. Our stack of plain black journals is growing. We weren’t sure we would be able to keep the practice up but we have.

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One deliberate practice towards being present, mindful and intentional in our marriage led to many more intentional practices. We have Wacky Wednesdays to reconnect in the middle of a week often overtaken with work, parenting and life. There’s also a nightly gratefulness practice where we share

~ “AN INTENTIONAL MARRIAGE REQUIRES YOU

what we’re grateful for and what didn’t go too well in our day.

TO THINK DEEPLY ABOUT YOUR VALUES AND

It’s an opportunity to celebrate with each other but to also

YOUR CHARACTER.”

support and encourage each other through things that might not be going as pleasantly as one would hope. One of my favourites is the way we thank each other for what we have, for each other and for our son, just before falling off to sleep. While being deliberate and intentional, these practices may seem structured and I suppose they are. The structure however doesn’t mean it’s simply a routine. It requires a good deal of thought (and determination) to continue celebrating your love long after the beauty, excitement and newness of your wedding day dissipates. Intentionality in marriage isn’t simply a way to strengthen a relationship but it serves as a means against which to measure the health of a relationship.

to strengthen our relationships or we can let our lives be overwhelmed with practices that contribute to its demise. Many of our intentional practices have emerged unintentionally, though a few were deliberately put in place to ensure we came first. Amidst the mundane moments of life, we were able to cultivate moments of magic that centred on our relationship. Having an understanding of our relationship, its strengths and weaknesses, also allows us to better engage with the world and people around us. Boundaries

Engaging in these practices forces us to be present and to

around our time are especially easy to set and only the

think about what we’re saying, why we’re saying it and what

activities and people which bring great value and joy to our

we’re doing. They also serve as a powerful indicator as to

lives are allowed in. This intentionality then extends to other

when we’re letting life get the better of our relationship. I was

aspects of our lives.

the type of person who held onto things—words spoken in anger, mistakes and other unpleasantries. These days I find myself getting over disagreements quicker and when disagreements get in the way of loving, intentional practices, which sometimes they do, we have over the years come to understand what the other person needs. I need space and my partner needs to know I still love him.

On this journey a once naive 20-year-old with such a limited view of marriage evolved into someone who had a greater appreciation for what a truly dedicated and love-filled relationship required. It required effort, a desire for growth and a confidence to ignore what everyone else was doing or saying about their marriage. An intentional marriage requires you to think deeply about your values and your character.

This allows us to remain cross if that’s what we need but

It insists that you focus on the core of who you are in your

at the same time acknowledge the genuine love we have.

marriage instead of being distracted by the messages about

Besides, if I find I’m too stressed to say, “Thank you for

who and how you and your marriage should be.

you and thank you for Rafa,” I know I need to re-prioritise things, people and events in my life. We all have the option to build intentional practices into our marriages and lives

In being gentle and true to myself about how I really felt about my marriage and partner, I opened myself to a journey of true discovery. Is he my soulmate? He is, but I didn’t know that when I married him. It was a realisation I came to years after our marriage. It came as we grew into our love and our partnership. It came with time and space. It came with the mindful conversations which at times emerged from spontaneous reflections on life, the deliberate moments spent together and the commitment to do what it took to honour the “I dos” we uttered at our wedding. It came because we set out to intentionally grow not just individually, but together.

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BE S T F OO T F ORWA RD

“MARRIAGE REQUIRES AN EQUAL COMMITMENT TO GROWTH AND I REALISED IN THE PURSUIT OF MY BUSINESS, CAREER AND SUCCESS, I HAD LOST A PIECE OF MYSELF.” Words: Amanda Viviers | Photography: Matt & Tish Photography

ravel is my life elixir. Whenever I am feeling uninspired I plan a trip. The process of getting away to a new-found

destination awakens inspiration. Recently, I was riding on the back of a motorbike in rural Indonesia and I realised something was very wrong. The wind was rushing through my hair, I was resting my head on my husband’s shoulder and everything within me should have been buzzing. This situation in the past would have filled me with adrenaline and my heart would have been loudly beating. It was in that windswept moment that I realised something needed to change. We stopped at a cafe at the end of a cul-de-sac for a flat white and burger. We started to unpack the season of our marriage. We had been running too fast and the combination of two children under four, two businesses and a full-time job was stretching our capacity to enjoy life and one another. That trip to Indonesia showed us we were ‘redlining’ and unless something changed, the result would be disastrous. The changes had to begin with me. Every time I stop looking after my heart and my soul, those closest to me are deeply affected. Our marriage can only be as good as the two parts who are seeking growth, healing and discovery. As a creative soul, my heart aches to rebel. It is like I have always been curiously designed to push the boundaries, not in an intensely negative way but an innovative edge to challenge the status quo. I knew something needed to change and I

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best foot forward

~ “OUR MARRIAGE CAN ONLY BE AS GOOD AS THE TWO PARTS WHO ARE SEEKING GROWTH, HEALING AND DISCOVERY.”

came to the conclusion that there were many reasons for my

and will be unsubscribing from all the emails that do not

squashed adrenaline response on the back of the motorbike

add value. I am prioritising my connection with people. And

that day.

most importantly when I flop on the couch after the littlies

Marriage requires an equal commitment to growth and I realised in the pursuit of my business, career and success, I

are asleep, I am hiding my phone away in a cupboard and leaning into space between my spouse and me.

had lost a piece of myself and it affected everything. I began

I decided to prioritise ‘health over speed’. My life as a novice

to realise I had to re-prioritise some important parts of my

mum has been categorised by vegemite toast on the run and

life, to bring self-care and my heart into alignment. I decided

coffee going cold in a cup. I have survived the last five years

to prioritise ‘rhythm over accomplishment’. It is easy to get

by saying yes to others over time exercising and creating

overwhelmed by the urgent rather than the important. The life

healthy boundaries with food. So once again I stand here at

of a parent is filled with urgent needs in front of our vegemite

the beginning of a new year and I am faced with the weight

smeared faces and yes our attention is absolutely needed

I have carried around as I have chased my children through

by those closest. But an empty washing basket, worn as

life. I am choosing health over speed and apples over toast,

a badge of honour, that is prioritised over a manuscript

water over soda and herbal tea over coffee. Each and every

awaiting attention does not give me the same long-term

time I make a decision about my health it directly affects my

satisfaction as expressing the gifts that lay dormant. I am

marriage, as I feel so much more confident in my body and I

pursuing a rhythm this year where I am seeking the important

am full of energy.

over the urgent and saying no to those things filled with the obligations that drain. Each and every time I find my voice as a creative soul, my marriage is enriched, simply because I am satisfied and living on purpose.

I decided to prioritise ‘listening over sorry’. This one is a hard one. My husband said this recently, “Do you realise how often in a day you say sorry love?” I spend so much of my day teaching my children to say sorry and to stop and to

I decided to prioritise ‘connection over scrolling’. There are

sit in the corner, that I have become an apology machine.

many days that I cannot remember who contacted me,

When I slow myself down, I have realised that I constantly

where and what I am responding too. It is like social media

apologise for my voice. So rather than say sorry, I am going

has fractured my connection space, and it used to be one

to listen more and be slower to speak. Rather than quickly

of my strengths. I have messages waiting on Instagram and

apologising, without even thinking, I am learning to actively

people texting me replies to something I posted on social

listen and yes ‘say sorry’, but slowing down my responses to

media, and Facebook messages, tweets, likes, follows and

bring intention and life. These are just a few thoughts that I

comments. My brain is exploding from all the messages

have implemented in my life this year, to reframe how much I

that are flying back and forth and it is changing my capacity

give to others and how it directly affects those closest to me.

to remember who I have spoken to about what. I have

Being conscious of how I respond and what I am prioritising

decided that I am not going to feel the pressure to respond

is one of the greatest lessons I am learning. Awakening those

to every text, message and invitation that flies at me. I am

parts of me that only those closest can see. Re-prioritising

prioritising face to face connection and phone conversations

these areas has helped me find my voice again and that is the

with people. I will have only one email account on my laptop

greatest awakening our marriage has ever encountered.

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STILL THE ONE I LOVE

KARLA + JOHN: AN INSEPARABLE PAIR Photography: Sandra Henri Photography

e met in the school holidays of 1944 as children. John was 12 and I was 13 years old. We got along

well right from the start. Due to our house being bombed, we needed to find somewhere to live, so we moved to East Germany to an apartment just upstairs from John’s for six months. After the war ended we moved back to West Germany and John and I didn’t see each other for several years. When John was a bit older, he asked an aunt, “Which girl should I marry?”. She answered straight away, “The only girl for you is Karla.” Then at 18 years old, he managed to move to West Germany too and we met up again. One day we were cleaning up a garden shed for a gentleman we knew and when we’d finished the job, we sat together on the garden bench to have a rest and sip grape juice. John put his arm around me and asked, “Would you like to become my wife?”. I answered, “Yes, but how will we let my mother know?” (as she was not overly happy that as the youngest in the family, I would be the first to marry!). We already got along well as children and realised more and more that we were inseparable. That’s how we got together! On March 7, 1952, we were married—I was 21 and John was 20. We had a very simple wedding—only 15 people attended altogether. We had saved just enough money

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to buy ourselves new wedding outfits (my dress was $24— $35 for six photos.

This was quite the luxury at the time! Our parents advised us,

“WE ACCEPT AND RESPECT EACH OTHER

“The smaller the wedding, the longer the marriage.” It seems

THE WAY WE ARE WITHOUT TRYING TO

to have worked for us!

CHANGE EACH OTHER.”

about two weeks’ wages), and a photographer which was

We’ve been through highs and lows together, which have brought us even closer. We’ve always tried to make the best out of whatever situations we have found ourselves in. Both of us kept our own personality throughout our marriage. We accept and respect each other the way we are without trying to change each other. We appreciate each other more and more as we get older and that is like heaven on earth for us. Our faith has also helped us a lot in our marriage, and we’ve experienced God’s help many times. We’ve been married 65 years and hope we can be together a lot longer.

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Image by CJ Williams Photography

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JASMINE FRASER JEWELLERY

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Using precious metals and the finest gemstones, Jasmine Fraser Jewellery works with individual clients to create beautiful bespoke engagement and wedding rings. jasmine@jasminefraser.com.au | jasminefraser.com.au

hello@christine-lim.com.au | christine-lim.com.au

JENNIFER GIFFORD DESIGNS

JONATHAN CHUA PHOTOGRAPHY

Elegant and modern, Jennifer Gifford Designs’ gowns are made by hand with love and creativity for the uncomplicated, modern bride. Fittings by appointment only.

“With my film camera at the ready and a photojournalistic approach, celebration, marriage and love are what I aim to document for you on your wedding day.”

jennifergifforddesigns@hotmail.com | jennifergifforddesigns.com

info@jonathanchua.com | jonathanchua.com

LEAH CRUIKSHANK PHOTOGRAPHY

HELLO FOREVER EVENTS CO.

“I’m a girl photographer with a love for romantic, moody and ‘real’ wedding photography. My favourite part is meeting amazing people, and I look forward to connecting with you!”

We’re a brisbane-based wedding planner, coordinator and stylist who love being part of intimate celebrations. We welcome you to contact us today on how we can help with your special day.

info@leahcruikshank.com | leahcruikshankphotography.com

hey@helloforeverevents.com | helloforeverevents.com

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LOVE AND STUFF PHOTOGRAPHY

MILK BOOKS

“Love and Stuff Photography is for the adventurous hearts. We celebrate your love and joy, minus the fake or cheesy poses—just a relaxed, fun experience to document all your authentic moments.”

Classic design, archival materials, the new quality standard. Record the most special moments from your biggest day in a photo book or album bound to last longer than a lifetime. Enter to win a 40-page Archival Album at whitemag.com/win.

hello@loveandstuff.co | loveandstuff.co

henry.blackwell@milkbooks.com | milkbooks.com/white

MORELIFE FILMS

SARA-JAYNE PRINCE PHOTOGRAPHY

“Natural, fun and emotive cinematography handcrafted with passion and purpose, our films are about you, your moments, your day. We love what we do. Let us tell your story.”

Sara-Jayne Prince Photography is about down-to-earth and colourful storytelling. She travels Australia-wide to capture all the honesty, all the heart feels and all the enchantment of your day.

enquiries@morelifefilms.com | morelifefilms.com

sarajayneprince@photographer.net | sarajayneprince.com

SOUTH COAST WEDDING FAIR

TARONGA CENTRE

Come and view some of the most amazing New South Wales wedding venues and meet the region’s finest wedding suppliers during our annual South Coast Wedding Fair and Wedding Trail August 19 and 20 2017 (2018 dates TBA).

“Taronga Zoo’s lush surrounds will bring wonder to your wedding day. With our mouth-watering menus designed by our in-house chefs, relax knowing that our team of specialists will take care of your every need.”

hello@southcoastweddingfair.com | southcoastweddingfair.com

tarongacentre.com.au | tarongacentre@compass-group.com.au

THE BRIDE’S MARKET

THE CLUB

The Bride’s Market is a Brisbane and South East Queensland Bridal Directory and a twice yearly Twilight Event. They create a relaxed, inspiration-rich environment for you to research and plan your big day, and meet your perfect wedding vendors.

The Club is the premier provider of boutique musical entertainment solutions for weddings and functions all around Australia. This tight-knit team of talented professionals can offer everything from classical string ensembles to high-energy bands.

hello@thebridesmarket.com.au | thebridesmarket.com.au

info@welcometotheclub.com.au | welcometotheclub.com.au

WITH PALOMA

WOOD & BEAU

With Paloma creates thoughtful and timeless stationery, produced to the highest quality, without breaking the budget. The end result is not only beautiful, but something to be proud of.

Wood & Beau is a Gold Coast-based company making wooden and leather bow ties as a unique touch for any wedding or the perfect groomsmen gift. They also offer socks, suspenders, cufflinks and grooming products.

hello@withpaloma.com | withpaloma.com

info@woodandbeau.com.au | woodandbeau.com.au

THE RIVERSTONE ESTATE

LITTLE CAR PHOTOGRAPHY

“Picture epic weddings set amongst acres of vines, against a backdrop of 360 degree Yarra Valley views. We offer breathtaking sunsets in a relaxed indoor/outdoor setting; imagine dancing the night away under the stars.”

Organic and natural photography that captures your personality, unique love story, real emotions and the mood of your wedding day. Perfect for relaxed, free-spirited and authentic couples.

mywedding@theriverstoneestate.com.au | theriverstoneestate.com.au

sarah@littlecarphotography.com.au | littlecarphotography.com.au

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#LOVEMY WHITEMAG Repost and win! By #lovemywhitemag and tagging @whitemagazine with your Instagram flatlay, you will go in the draw to win a free six-month subscription!

@MADELINEJADE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; WINNER

@WHITEMAGA ZINE

@BESPOKEBY K ATH A

@K E IR A M A R Y_

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WHITEMAG.COM

ENDLESS I N S P I R AT I O N

Our online Directory is a mecca for wedding planning; an intuitive little hub full of the best creatives in the business.

Find your dream team today. whitemag.com/directory

WHITEMAG.COM

Photo by Popcorn Photography

With stunning views across our private vineyard and the Brokenback Mountain Range, Spicers Vineyards Estate in the heart of the Hunter Valley is the perfect place to begin your happily ever after. From luxurious accommodation to our onsite day spa – Spa Anise – and our award-winning Restaurant Botanica, Spicers Vineyards Estate is not just a venue, it’s a wedding destination.

call 02 6574 7229 or visit spicersvineyardsestate.com/weddings