White Magazine | Wedding and Marriage | Issue 41 (Adventure)

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

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Photography by Athena Grace

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Hello friend and welcome to Issue 41—a book full of adventure, perfect for you as you start out on your own. Exciting times, isn’t it? For me, adventure is when I can find joy and pleasure in the unknown and the unexpected. When I’m living adventurously, my eyes are wide open. I’m able to see opportunities and I’m more prepared and can adapt to changes. My best stories and life shaping moments have always come from surprising and challenging situations.

And with the spirit of adventure, I can embrace and overcome them (better still when it’s with the one I love). Like a random trip somewhere new, you never know what’s around the next corner and you’re always kept on your toes.

In fact, I’m on one right now. I’m writing this to you from Austria, living on the side of a mountain, overlooking the most stunning view of lush, rolling hills, valleys and mountain peaks (I may just burst into singing and dancing any moment now). We booked our flights in March and against my usual self, have arrived with nothing planned. Nothing!

In fact, tonight at dinner it was partially decided that tomorrow we’ll head off on a little drive over the border to Italy for the weekend. And who knows what will be next or if we make it or perhaps ever return. And all of this with our three kids in tow. Travelling with kids is an adventure in itself and if I’m 100 per cent honest, I can be a bit of a grump when sleep isn’t on my side … Sorry Luke—you keep me balanced, that’s for sure.

Issue 41 marks 12 years of White. It has sure been a big adventure! We had no idea what to expect and no business plan could have predicted the journey so far. That is the joy of stepping out as an adventurer—having faith and navigating the way (somewhat naively) through whatever comes. As big as that adventure has been for us, there is no doubt that marriage is by far life’s greatest and most important adventure. It is full of unknowns and the unexpected— at least it has been for Luke and I so far. But we wouldn’t have it any other way and we’re only 17 years in. There is so much more to come. Having someone beside you, committed to you, sharing every up and down, the good and the bad is what it’s all about! We can learn so much about ourselves and each other through this adventure.

This journey needs us to love fearlessly, without holding back. That’s when we can be an adventurer and truly experience joy. We were made to love and be loved! I hope you get so much out of this Issue and the words resound in your hearts. Enjoy this time and all to come.

ISSUE FORTY-ONE OCTOBER 2018 publishers luke + carla burrell

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EDITOR’S LETTER CONTRIBUTORS WHITE LOVES

editor + creative director carla burrell carla@whitemag.com

deputy editor cassandra holland cassie@whitemag.com

advertising + partnerships

planning

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PACKING FOR THE JOURNEY EQUI P

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GETTING LOST NAVI GATI NG AN ELOPEMENT OVER SEAS

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A QUEST FOR LOVE R I CH

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PIT STOP WORKI NG THR OUGH WEDDI NG PLANNI NG STR ESS

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ADVENTUROUS HEART TAKI NG

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BRING TO THE TABLE SET

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NATURE’S EMBRACE FASHION THAT CALLS TO THE WILD

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WILD + FREE NATURAL + EFFOR TLESS BEAUTY LOOKS

partnerships@whitemag.com

online editor angela donofrio online@whitemag.com

guest fashion editor sierra ramke accounts keiralee spencer accounts@whitemag.com

designed by mezzanine.co mylan chen-ough intern gem kellahan

cover photo joshua mikhaiel editorial contributors amanda viviers, athena stricklin, cate stephens, josh withers, keira mason, liv lundelius, marriage 365, naomi jaensch photographic contributors alice mahran, amelia fullarton, amelia soegijono, amy higg photography, byron loves fawn, daniela marquardt photography, emily magers, ephemeral creative, india earl photography, janneke storm, joshua mikhaiel, lauren nicole photography, lauren scotti, lilly red, sposto photography, the robertsons

YOURSELVES FOR THE ROAD

+ R OMANTI C WEDDI NG STYLI NG

THE SCENE WI TH ELEGANT STYLES

wedding

submissions whitemag.com/submissions

54 62 70 78 86 94 102 110

established by mezzanine.co

relationships

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. © 2018 white Magazine (Aust). All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is strictly prohibited.

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NEW TERRAIN JOUR NEYI NG THROUGH EAR LY MAR R I AGE

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THE RELATIONSHIP TALK LI VE

creative contributors borrowed blu, sierra ramke—sr creative, summers floral, veronika moreira

subscriptions whitemag.com/magazine finance accounts@whitemag.com phone +61 02 4915 6511 address 61 parry street newcastle nsw 2300

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ON

A MORE DARI NG WEDDI NG

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OSCAR + VIVIANE ASHLEY + TERRENCE ANNA + ROB LAUREN + FRED BRITT + DREW TARA + STEVE ALEXIS + TOM RACHEL + MARK

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LI FE OF ADVENTURE

PAVING A NEW PATH PRACTI SI NG

I NTENTI ONALI TY

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WE’RE ALL HUMAN R EACHI NG

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STILL THE ONE I LOVE RAY

FOR NEW HEI GHTS

+ B ETTY: A SOLI D FOUNDATI ON

AMANDA VIVIERS WRITER

ATHENA STRICKLIN PHOTOGRAPHER

CASSANDRA STEARNS STYLIST

JOSH WITHERS WRITER

AMY HIGG PHOTOGRAPHER

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 awardwinning 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. @amandaviviers

Athena is a photographer who thrives on capturing unrepeatable moments of joy. She allows the people she photographs to free their inner beauty while she captures the visual story.

“I love beauty, intimacy and depth. I can’t get enough.”

With a wondrous sense of adventure, she welcomes crazy shoot ideas. @athenagrace

As the founder of tabletop rental company, borrowed BLU, Cassandra has artfully set over 1,000 tables in her career. Her clientele includes various celebrities, event professionals and media brands. She believes in doing things from the heart, and that gathering to set a table is about so much more than setting the table. @borrowedblu

Josh is a marriage celebrant based on the Gold Coast, with offices in Brisbane and Sydney. He sees it as a great honour to travel the world celebrating that marvellous union called marriage. Josh is a thought leader in the wedding industry, and has been featured on TV and radio as well as in newspapers. @marriedbyjosh

Amy is an Australian photographer with a heart for capturing love in its many forms. Her approach to photography is all about the people and stories behind each image. Amy endeavours to know more about each couple so she can capture their precious moments with more depth, honesty and emotion. @amyhiggphotography

LIV LUNDELIUS MAKEUP ARTIST

TRENT + JESSIE PHOTOGRAPHERS

NAOMI JAENSCH WRITER

AMELIA SOEGIJONO PHOTOGRAPHER

VICTORIA CAMERON PLANNER + STYLIST

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

Trent and Jessie are the wonderful couple behind wedding photography business, Ephemeral Creative. This sweet duo are committed to authenticity, approaching each shoot with a documentary style of photography. They work seamlessly to ensure your day is retold as beautifully as your memories. @ephemeralcreative

Naomi is a talented writer and founder of the blog, Bill & Coo. She shares our passion for marriage in not only wanting to see couples grow, but to thrive.

We’re also lucky to have her on board as a guest blogger, offering her sage advice to couples on their marital journeys in between Issues of the magazine. @bill_and_coo_marriage

Amelia is a photographer who is invested in your love story. She creates images that are authentic, luminous and effortless, and she isn’t afraid to run barefoot with the bride in a field or experiment with double exposures. Amelia is based in Sydney, but is available to document weddings worldwide. @ameliasoegijonophoto

With 10 years’ experience in the wedding and event industry, Victoria offers a wealth of knowledge, along with a personal approach and well-curated sense of style, to event planning and styling. She has also leant her expertise to international publications such as Martha Stewart Weddings, Glamour and Huffington Post. @vcweddings

SEARCH OUR VENDOR DIRECTORY

WHTE.CO/DIRECTORY

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contributors

WHITE LOVES

blissfully bohemian The luxe designs of Samantha Wills are the perfect partnership for the boho bride. Pick up these Marrakesh Wandering Drop Earrings, fashioned from antique gold hoops and bardot-shaped labradorite stones. To see more of the range, head to their site, samanthawills.com

hold up New Zealand-based design house, Lonely, brings you a collection of inspiring lingerie that celebrates freedom, self-love and femininity. Each piece has been thoughtfully crafted to help you embrace positive body image and freedom of expression. lonelylabel.com

timeless treasure In 2011, Leanne Marshall launched her signature bridal line that encompassed effortless grace and timeless elegance in a range of sophisticated, feminine designs.

Explore her collection of high fashion pieces at leannemarshall.com

by design

WIN

pure perfumes The natural world has gifted the team at One Seed with the ingredients they need to create pure, botanical and cruelty-free perfumes. Win their delightful Dreamer scent at whitemag. com/win or see more of their range of earthy scents at oneseedperfumes.com

Founders of D&D Letterpress, Doug and Danika, met in university and combined their design skills and attention to detail, quickly becoming one of Australia’s leading letterpress studios. ddletterpress.com.au

rich rejuvenation Monastery is home to a range of skincare products made of whole, natural ingredients sourced from around the world. Each product is aimed at rejuvenating and revitalising the skin, without the use of salt and alcohol. See more at monasterymade.com

ethical elegance The Eloise satchel is the embodiment of charm, femininity and elegance. Crafted from ethical, vegan leather, this bag was inspired by the need for a luxe feminine bag that could be paired with formal business attire. Visit angelaroi.com to check out more of their collection.

cleansed + clear The Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask by KORA Organics is a two-in-one facial mask formulated to promote skin cell renewal, detox pores and refine tone and texture.

Head to koraorganics.com to view more of their natural skincare range.

daily dose Founded by Sammy Leetham and Saasha Burns, BEAR brings together essential daily vitamins and superpowders to fit seamlessly into your morning beauty and grooming routine. bearltd.com

shared humanity

modern frames Miss Persimmon is the wire-backed modernist in Karen Walker’s Lost In Paradise range. The tinted lenses are a barrier to reality, while the frames add a modern-chic look. karenwalker.com

Blacklist is a Sydney design studio creating limited edition collections of art prints, luxury stationery and boutique wedding invitations that give voice to the universal feelings that celebrate our shared humanity. Explore more of their gorgeous designs at blackliststore.com.au

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white loves

WHITE LOVES

top it off rustic romance ASOS has crafted a suit for the modern, boho groom, featuring notched lapels and an overall slim fit. The rustic tone challenges traditional wedding attire, making it the ideal ensemble for the free spirit.

You’ll find a whole mix of suave menswear and accessories for every style of groom by heading to their site, asos.com

Brixton is a collaboration of three friends, committed to making long-lasting, quality products. The Wesley Fedora is an unfinished, medium-brim fedora with a leather band, exuding confidence and style. Shop their full range of headwear at brixton.com

an emerald dream The Scorpion Emerald is a work of art by Viktoria Novak.

Handmade exclusively by the designer in Sydney, Australia, it boasts an array of vintage emerald green Swarovski crystals set in gold plating with a luxe metallic gold braid. Find a mix of metallic, bejewelled and leather headpieces at viktorianovak.com.au

bespoke boots R.M. Williams is worn around the globe, from world leaders to outback cattlemen. These Classic Turnout boots are made to order and crafted by hand in Australia from premium quality leather. Look for your perfect pair at rmwilliams.com.au

by invitation With a goal to partner with those who value authenticity and creativity, The Distillery has created a name for itself designing and crafting boutique stationery by utilising a variety of specialised skills, such as letterpress and foil printing. the-distillery.com.au

skin saver We Are Feel Good Inc. is an Australian skin protection brand with integrity. Their range is made without preservatives, oxybenzone, parabens or paba, and is packed with nourishing ingredients to moisturise and hydrate your skin. Shop their range of zinc and sunscreen lotions at wearefeelgoodinc.com.au

rebel rucksack

WIN

Status Anxiety’s Rebellion bag is made from heavyduty cotton and leather trim, finished with an easy open/close magnet flap.

Win one for yourself at whitemag.com/win or see more options at statusanxiety.com.au

fancy feet Inspired by streetwear around the world, URGE Footwear has created a brand housing a diverse range of well-priced shoes for both men and women. Win a $100 voucher at whitemag.com/win or if you’re dying to get your hands on a pair, check out their range at urgefootwear.com.au

WIN

time teller This watch from The Horse’s Resin Range boasts a genuine Italian leather band, Japanese quartz movement, and stainlesssteel bezel and caseback, with colours inspired by autumn moods. thehorse.com.au

luscious lime soft as silk Passionate about handcrafted items of the highest quality and material sourced from ethical companies, Silk & Willow has produced a range of silk ribbons dyed using a variety of natural, plant-based materials. See more at silkandwillow.com

The Organic Coconut + Lime Lip Bloss by Yard Skincare will inspire you to dream of unspoilt sands and faraway places, with its bold coconut flavour and hints of luscious lime. Find out more at yardskincare.com

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white loves

WHITE LOVES

a stylish spectacle Eccentricity, beauty and intelligence collide in Kate Sylvester’s collection of eyewear. Each design challenges nostalgic sensibilities with contemporary use of colour, shape and form. Explore her designs at katesylvester.com

light it up with flare Embellished with hand-sewn sequins, pearls and glass beads, Anna Campbell’s Wanda Dress is an unforgettable bridal statement. It’s available with a fitted or flared skirt as well as sleeveless or draped sleeves. annacampbell.com.au

Hand-poured in Mississippi and highly dosed with perfume, the Cedre 11 candle by Le Labo was designed for endless romance. Shop their range of GMO-free, vegan and cruelty-free candles at lelabofragrances.com

WIN

hat in hand Will & Bear are committed to producing high-quality headwear from natural materials. Each hat mirrors the earthy tones of the landscapes they travel and gives back to the environment via the Plant a Forest Project. willandbear.com

the next step

dear diary

The Portia Leather Heel Mule by MNG is the perfect accessory for the modern woman, with its genuine suede leather upper, closed almond toe and 6.5cm block heel. theiconic.com.au

Forever Press’ Bridal Diary is an essential for the bride and groom, with 180 pages to help guide you through the planning process. Win one of three copies at whitemag. com/win or purchase yours at foreverpress.com.au

neat little bow Quality and style go handin-hand at OTAA. The rustic brown palette of this linen kids’ bow tie, hand-stitched and tailored with elegance, will give your little one’s outfit a dapper edge. See more of their collection at otaa.com

made with love

custom creations

The carefully curated range of cards and invitations at Papier have been thoughtfully crafted by industry specialists with a love of art and design, words and environmentallyfriendly materials. Shop more styles at papier.com

The team at TDE specialise in the creation of luxury, leather-made accessories. Each piece is customisable, designed and sourced from the best leather possible. They also have a ‘wedding shop’ that offers personalised place settings, bridesmaids’ gifts or bridal accessories. thedailyedited.com

a thing of beauty Derived from a host of earthy ingredients, Girl Undiscovered’s Soaked in Sunshine body oil is fresh, lightweight and leaves your skin feeling beautifully soft with a dewy glow. Check out more of their products at girlundiscovered.com

WIN

on display

back to nature Aesop is an Australian brand that prides itself on creating plantbased skin-, hair- and body-care products of the finest quality, all made using the very best natural ingredients. Shop their extensive range at aesop.com

George & Will met as children and later joined forces to design products inspired by functional design, simple materials and solving problems.

Their Letter Display is a creative and aesthetically pleasing format for displaying messages. Win a ‘White on White’ set at whitemag.com/ win or see more of their products at georgeandwilly.com

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white loves

PACKING FOR THE JOURNE Y SIDE-STEP ON THE WINDY PATH OF WEDDING PLANNING TO EQUIP YOURSELVES FOR THE ROAD. Words: Cate Stephens | Photography: Lauren Nicole Photography

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n my home is a photo that always makes me smile—it’s the picture of my wedding day. I am wearing a beautiful

gown; my husband looks as if he has won a Nobel Prize and the two of us look ludicrously young!

In the lead up to our wedding, Clifford and I were juggling work and college, and our families bore the brunt of the organisation.

We spent hours driving to and from our hometown, and on other days we would need to say goodbye and not see each other for a week or more.

In that season, I remember being so tired of saying goodbye.

We spent hours talking on the phone each night—there was little we could do from Sydney to prepare for our wedding, and somewhat instinctively, we began to talk about our future instead. The wedding would be lovely, however even then we knew that we had a marriage that needed preparation too.

Soon we would become a family with our own identity—and we wouldn’t need to say goodnight on a cold doorstep again.

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packing for the journey

The thing about weddings is that so much attention is focused on that one day. In amongst decisions about flowers

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and empire waists, we can forget that the day is a means to

“ALTHOUGH WE COULDN’T SEE WHAT THE FUTURE

an end—the end that is actually the beginning.

HELD BACK THEN, WE WERE ALREADY PLANNING

We are coming up on our twenty-first wedding anniversary

FOR THE MARRIAGE WE WANTED.”

soon, and while I have fond memories and lovely photos, we remember it as the first day of our married life, not the most important day itself.

We’ve had hard days and good days since then, and lifechanging days as we welcomed our three children into the world. And there are days where we remind ourselves that one day they will leave home, and it will be just the two of us again.

Although we couldn’t see what the future held back then, we were already planning for the marriage we wanted. The fruit of those discussions is all around me now, in our crazy, often messy life—the things we have packed into our suitcase for the day that we became husband and wife.

and we knew that we needed to be able to laugh in our own hard seasons. We value silliness in our home—to be able to make ourselves smile when really, we would all rather cry— although we take time for that too.

Honesty and fairness were things we both valued—the fairness that makes us apologise when we are wrong; to keep coming back to common ground, however mad we may be at the time. I’ve found that it is kindness that makes

We wanted laughter to be a part of our life together. We

a marriage sweet. Relationships that last are the ones where

both came from families who had experienced heartbreak,

each partner makes the choice to value the other person

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packing for the journey

over themselves—at times that may mean an extra trip to the refrigerator, sometimes that means biting our tongues to keep from speaking harshly. And in the really hard days, it may mean giving over your last piece of chocolate. I’ve found

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that the words we use can either hurt or heal—the world is

“WE CHOSE TO FACE THE WORLD AS A TEAM, AND TO

only too happy to tear the people we love down, and if we

PRIORITISE OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH EACH OTHER

are sensible, we will never join in the chorus.

ABOVE ALL ELSE.”

Lastly, we took into our marriage the knowledge that we were together. We chose to face the world as a team, and to prioritise our relationship with each other above all else.

It means I have someone in my world who allows me to be myself—and who trusts his heart to me, as well.

vexations about your day, I promise you that they will pass.

The one thing that a wedding cannot do without is two

In the lead up to our wedding, I couldn’t have imagined what

people who are committed to loving each other each day,

the years would bring, however the things we were so

laughing and working and building a home together—this is

insistent on taking into our marriage are still there—laughter,

what our focus needs to be on.

respect, kindness and togetherness. They aren’t there because we were lucky, though, they are there because we keep working on them, around the chaos that is everyday life.

And if someone at your wedding most inappropriately decides to play “Tubthumping” just after the wedding waltz?

I personally suggest that you take your beloved’s hand, hold

As you draw closer to your own wedding, I would encourage

your lovely gown off the floor and go and dance like a crazy

you to take the time to breathe. If there are problems and

person. After all, it will make a marvellous story one day.

weather venues, marriage legalities abroad, unsolicited opinions and sheer wedding craziness all had their moments too.

After a particularly stressful day, I was really feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, like I’d hit a dead end. The pressure to plan a day with so many elements, from so far away and in such a short amount of time was a full-time job in itself, and I already had one of those. In fact, I believe I even proposed eloping from our elopement at one point! Luckily for me, Jared knew exactly what to do in this situation. He poured me a glass of wine and we sat down and talked it

GE T TING LOST

out together. We reminded each other why we were getting married, what it meant for us, and who we were planning our wedding day for. We realised that we wouldn’t be able to justify all of our decisions or make every element of the

“WE WERE ALWAYS AWARE THAT PLANNING AN ELOPEMENT OVERSEAS WOULD HAVE ITS PERKS AND ITS CHALLENGES, AND WE MADE SURE WE WERE PREPARED FOR BOTH.” Words: Keira Mason | Photography: India Earl Photography

day perfect—we were making small sacrifices for meaningful memories and a romantic day that perfectly reflected us. We decided to plant our feet firmly in that awareness and every step of planning thereafter we took with a grain of salt.

We planned not just a day, but an experience that we can now look back on throughout our married life and remember

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the little things that made it special: the plane ride over, efore Jared had even asked me to marry him, we had

visiting our ceremony location for the first time, the excited

already planned our wedding. Months were spent

heart flutters that were sprinkled throughout our wedding

dreaming of our intimate elopement in Queenstown NZ,

day, the way we signed our wedding certificate on each

escaping the stress of a big event so we could focus on us;

other’s backs, and standing at the top of The Remarkables

it just felt so natural.

watching the sunset with my new husband. It was crazy,

We were always aware that planning an elopement overseas

wild and perfect for us.

would have its perks and its challenges, and we made sure we were prepared for both. We knew that breaking the news of our elopement plans to family and friends was going to be really difficult—most of them had expected to be there, but our small guest list of 15 people meant we’d be disappointing some. What we didn’t know were the difficulties we’d still face around planning.

Something that I particularly struggled with was the location and weather. I had never even been to New Zealand’s South Island before so I always felt like I was kind of in the dark about what our day would look like and exactly just how freezing I would be standing on a mountain in my wedding dress. Other worries like high international bank fees, wet

~ “WE WERE MAKING SMALL SACRIFICES FOR MEANINGFUL MEMORIES AND A ROMANTIC DAY THAT PERFECTLY REFLECTED US.”

The Epicurean Emu Bottom Homestead, the oldest Homestead in Victoria, est. 1836. With its sweeping lawns and rural charm, Emu Bottom Homestead is a truly unique regional wedding venue located only 30 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD.

theepicureangroup.com.au | 03 5989 4000

A QUEST FOR LOVE “WE LOVE BECAUSE IT’S THE ONLY TRUE ADVENTURE.”—NIKKI GIOVANNI Creative Direction: Victoria Cameron | Photography: Byron Loves Fawn Venue: Vieille Branche | Hair + Makeup: Hannah O’Callaghan | Florals: FLWR Tableware: The Supper Club | Stationery: Paper/Paper | Gowns: The Bridal Atelier | Models: Alana + Sophie—Vivien’s Model Management

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his editorial is a collaboration that celebrates the essence of love. Raw, intimate, mysterious and honest. Stripped

back to basics, it’s pure emotion that strikes at the depths of your being. For some, there’s an intrinsic magnetic pull and consuming passion; for others it’s the culmination of a strong foundation—a true friendship that allows you to be seen like never before, a friendship that invites undeniable vulnerability.

It’s embarking on the unknown, the greatest leap of faith—an experiment in blind hope demanding courage, persistence and trust. It’s blind navigation through the trappings of romanticised emotional chaos and the anatomy of love. Joy. Angst.

Euphoria. Despair. Nevertheless, through the pleasure and pain there exists a constant. Beneath it all, it’s you against the world, hand-in-hand at the centre of the storm.

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a quest for love

~ “THE PURPOSE OF LIFE, AFTER ALL, IS TO LIVE IT, TO TASTE EXPERIENCE TO THE UTMOST, TO REACH OUT EAGERLY AND WITHOUT FEAR FOR NEWER AND RICHER EXPERIENCE.” —ELEANOR ROOSEVELT

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a quest for love

~ “LOVE IS AN ADVENTURE AND A CONQUEST. IT SURVIVES AND DEVELOPS, LIKE THE UNIVERSE ITSELF, ONLY BY PERPETUAL DISCOVERY.” —PIERRE TEILHARD DE CHARDIN

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a quest for love

PIT STOP “AN ADVENTURE AS WONDROUS AND LONG AS OURS INTENDS TO BE REQUIRES A BIT OF FORWARD PLANNING.”

(which our talented photographer later spent hours editing out). We kept pushing through with our fun to-do lists.

However, I noticed our phone conversations were shorter,

Words: Naomi Jaensch | Photography: Daniela Marquardt Photography

our time together scarce, and these exciting lists were spilling over into space that should’ve been set aside for rest. So I went to the chemist, watched some Julia Roberts, delegated some more jobs, and most importantly, switched off my phone and had a picnic with my man (no wedding talk allowed). You know, I don’t even remember what we did talk about. I do remember the way he looked at me, I remember the winter sun, and I remember feeling even more relaxed and ready to take on my biggest adventure yet. It was a long overdue pit stop that, without us knowing, helped prepare us for our day-to-day marriage walk.

Now, five years after our goose-free wedding, we try to recognise when we need a little pit stop sooner rather than later. Or better still, we have one well before any physical stress signs have a chance to surface. That little picnic taught us how important it is to intentionally carve out time together. It taught us how easily life can bombard us with

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exciting yet weighty things. Today, even with two small y greatest stress in the lead-up to our wedding was

children tagging along on most of our picnics, we put our

geese. My slight concern that the local geese would

to-do lists and phones away and try to be as present as

start hissing at our ceremony guests was about the extent of

possible. We purposely diary in dates, intentionally keep the

any wedding drama. Or so I thought. Don’t worry—the geese

odd Saturday morning blank, and make time for the things

had the decency to hiss on the other side of the river when

that recharge us both.

the big day came.

An adventure as wondrous and long as ours intends to be

For our six-month engagement, I prided myself on being the

requires a bit of forward planning. It may not sound like the

world’s most chilled-out bride, with a level-headed perspective

most desirable, carefree kind of journey, but it keeps our

and a zero per cent diva score. The seating plan was surprisingly

walk steady and our travel experiences rich. All thanks to

a cinch, we’d delegated tasks to talented friends, we hadn’t

a humble little picnic.

spent all our savings, and loved ones were arriving at the airport. We were nothing but excited to be starting our own lifelong adventure together. My surprising lesson amongst the starry-eyed business was that even the most exhilarating and

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worthwhile adventures need little pit stops along the way. All

“IT WAS A LONG OVERDUE PIT STOP THAT,

that excitement catches up with us at some point.

WITHOUT US KNOWING, HELPED PREPARE US

It was just a few days before the wedding and I’d lost my

FOR OUR DAY-TO-DAY MARRIAGE WALK.”

voice. Still blissfully teaching a classroom of kids via hand signals and a lot of whiteboard markers, my boss started pleading with me to stay home so that I could actually say, “I do.” My man also broke out in a bunch of cold sores

ADVENTUROUS HE ART “WHEN YOU HAVE A GRAND DREAM FOR WHAT YOUR WEDDING COULD BE LIKE, IT OFTEN TAKES A GRAND AMOUNT OF INTENTIONALITY AND PERSISTENCE.” Words: Athena Stricklin | Photography: India Earl Photography

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hen we first glimpsed the glacier, I swear my heart raced twice it’s normal speed. Camron’s backpack

was bulging with my wedding dress and the only sounds were eight feet trudging as loudly as we could to frighten any nearby bears as there had been sightings earlier that week.

The rain began to fall lightly and I tucked my hair into my jacket, hoping it would retain some semblance of my earlymorning styling.

When we reached the glacier, we chose a wide, open space (mostly mud), and as our photographers set up, Camron helped me slip my wedding skirt over my jeans. He buttoned up my lace top and placed my hat on my head.

It was freezing, and the cold felt like coming home, back to the glacier we’d already been to but that now looked completely different. Ageless, yet always changing; cracking, pushing aside everything in its way.

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adventurous heart

Without anyone there, it was all about Camron. His eyes, his face, his voice, his warmth. It was intimacy and

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quietness at its greatest. Being alone made me feel free

“BEING ALONE MADE ME FEEL FREE FROM

from performing—I could emotionally experience whatever I

PERFORMING—I COULD EMOTIONALLY EXPERIENCE

was feeling without the need to suppress it, fix my makeup,

WHATEVER I WAS FEELING WITHOUT THE NEED

put on a show for others … it was completely about him.

There on that glacier, I felt more peace than ever—the quiet solitude and natural beauty led my spirit into a place of rest.

No performing, no stressing, no people management, no lists. Just him, me, my white dress and our promises to each other. And that is how we began our marriage.

Of course, not long afterwards we had a huge celebration with family and friends, because we know the transforming power of community and how deeply our marriage needs others to encourage us. But I’m going to be real with you— it was not sunshine and rainbows in the lead-up to this

TO SUPPRESS IT …”

moment. When we decided to make our vows on a glacier

If you’re like me, you’ve probably noticed the rise of elopements

in Alaska, we fought to make it a reality. When you have a

and the ‘trend’ of adventure elopements in crazy places. It

grand dream for what your wedding could be like, it often

can be inspiring, but also intimidating. Don’t let Pinterest or

takes a grand amount of intentionality and persistence.

Instagram or in-laws or anything dictate your day—you have

We saved money, released control over planning and details, walked through bear-infested areas and got my dress

to do what is right for both of you. And if that’s choosing an adventurous elopement, I’m right there with you.

unspeakably muddy. Not to mention that we sacrificed the

The essence of adventure is that it is unusual, exciting; it

traditional solitude of a honeymoon and shared an Airbnb with

is the exploration of unknown territory. Adventure is such

our photographers for a few days—yes, on our honeymoon!

a personalised concept that it would be naive of me to say

We definitely went against the grain. It wasn’t easy and was something we had to fight for, but it felt so … us. Our relationship is very intimate, quiet, adventurous, and so we created a space that directly reflected what we’re like as a couple. We made decisions about our wedding day in light of our marriage. Where did we want to begin our marriage?

Where would the first few days of our marriage be?

33

adventurous heart

what we did defines me as an ‘adventurous’ bride. Getting married itself is walking into the unknown; even if you’ve

~

been married before, this new marriage is going to be entirely

“THE ESSENCE OF ADVENTURE IS THAT IT IS

different because every soul has a distinct fingerprint and

UNUSUAL, EXCITING; IT IS THE EXPLORATION OF

blended with yours is going to look entirely unique, unusual

UNKNOWN TERRITORY.”

and exciting. ‘Adventure’ is anything that, for you, embraces the exciting, unusual and unknown.

At the end of our elopement photos, we found the bluest part of the glacier we could. Did you know the denser the colour, the older the glacial ice? This one could be thousands of years old for all we knew. We stood there and breathed it in—the bright blue glass, my husband’s face, the rain on our hats and the whole rest of our lives ahead of us. If I wasn’t an adventurer before, I definitely am now!

B R ING T O T HE TA B L E SET THE SCENE WITH THESE ELEGANT STYLES. COORDINATION + STYLING BORROWED BLU borrowedblu.com PHOTOGRAPHY SPOSTO PHOTOGRAPHY spostophotography.com

BOLD + LUXE This setting is for the bride who wants to make a statement and isn’t afraid to use bold matte black or black and gold dinnerware.

Pair soft florals with golden accents to complete the look.

MODERN MINIMAL Using greenery such as Magnolia branches on your table can give you a simple autumn tablescape. Solid colour ceramics, clean lines and little to no texture make for an effortless vibe. Add rusty tones to create cohesion.

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bring to the table

INDUSTRIAL CHIC Achieve this style by choosing earthy elements for your dinnerware and jewel-tone hues in your floral arrangements as well as in your glassware.

TEXTURAL ROMANCE Wispy florals are necessary with this light and airy setting. The soft colour tones and translucency of the glassware add a subtle pop of colour to an otherwise neutral style.

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bring to the table

N AT URE’S EMBR ACE “LET YOUR HEART FEEL RISK; KEEP IT WILD.”—TESS GUINERY

CREATIVE DIRECTION + STYLING SIERRA RAMKE—SR CREATIVE srcreativeco.com PHOTOGRAPHY AMELIA SOEGIJONO ameliasoegijono.com HAIR + MAKEUP VERONIKA MOREIRA veronikamoreira.com FLORALS SUMMERS FLORAL summersfloral.com SILK SONGBIRD SILK songbirdsilk.com.au VENUE HOPEWOOD HOUSE hopewoodhouse.com.au

TOP CATHERINE DEANE—BABUSHKA BALLERINA babushkaballerina.com SKIRT MATCH MADE BRIDAL matchmadebridal.com EARRINGS SOFIA ROE maisonroe.com RING RUUSK ruusk.com

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nature ' s embrace

THIS PAGE COORDINATES MATCH MADE BRIDAL matchmadebridal.com EARRINGS SOFIA ROE maisonroe.com OPPOSITE PAGE DRESS DELILA FOX—BABUSHKA BALLERINA babushkaballerina.com VEIL BABUSHKA BALLERINA babushkaballerina.com EARRINGS SOFIA ROE maisonroe.com

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nature ' s embrace

THIS PAGE DRESS MOIRA HUGHES COUTURE moirahughes.com.au EARRINGS SOFIA ROE maisonroe.com OPPOSITE PAGE DRESS MADE WITH LOVE BRIDAL madewithlovebridal.com EARRINGS SOFIA ROE maisonroe.com

45

nature ' s embrace

THIS PAGE DRESS MOIRA HUGHES COUTURE moirahughes.com.au EARRINGS SOFIA ROE maisonroe.com OPPOSITE PAGE DRESS SANT ELIA santelia.com.au HEADPIECE LELET NY—LOVE MARIE lovemarie.com.au

47

nature ' s embrace

THIS PAGE DRESS MOIRA HUGHES COUTURE moirahughes.com.au EARRINGS SOFIA ROE maisonroe.com RINGS RUUSK ruusk.com OPPOSITE PAGE DRESS REMBO STYLING—LOVE MARIE lovemarie.com.au EARRINGS SOFIA ROE maisonroe.com

49

nature ' s embrace

THIS PAGE TOP CATHERINE DEANE—BABUSHKA BALLERINA babushkaballerina.com SKIRT MATCH MADE BRIDAL matchmadebridal.com EARRINGS SOFIA ROE maisonroe.com OPPOSITE PAGE DRESS MADE WITH LOVE BRIDAL madewithlovebridal.com EARRINGS SOFIA ROE maisonroe.com

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nature ' s embrace

WILD + FREE SHE EMANATES NATURAL BEAUTY. Words: Liv Lundelius

MAKE WAVES A stained lip and lived-in eye-makeup is the way to make a bolder makeup appear effortless and never overdone.

With carefree, brushed out curls, the hair balances the stronger makeup for a natural, more windswept look. The trick here is to use your finger to gently press a highly pigmented lipstick onto the skin, skipping the lipliner or brush. Deep reds and berry tones work best for this. By blotting and reapplying, you will achieve a long-lasting, natural-looking yet bold and beautiful lip. Use a dab of the same colour on the cheek. The eye makeup becomes softer by smudging a dark brown eyeliner pencil into the lash line for the extra definition on the top and bottom lid, and then blending it until the lines are fully blurred. Mascara will add the finishing touch.

NEW HEIGHTS “Messy hair—don’t care,” is the motto for this season’s wildly beautiful hairdos. It’s all about matte texture and volume which is achieved with dusting powders and texture sprays that are worked right into the roots. The season’s tousled half-up style pairs a loosely tied bun with loose waves created by curling the hair away from the face using a large tong. Team this with earthy-tone eyeshadows, softly blended and add a volumising, waterproof mascara to the lashes. Keep the lips nude by just enhancing your natural lip colour and you are ready for your wedding adventure.

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wild + free

VIVIANE + OSCAR B E L G I U M

“WITH YOU, I WANT EVERYTHING, BUT NEED NOTHING.” PHOTOGR AP HY Alic e Ma hra n

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VIVIANE + OSCAR

DEAR VIVIANE Every day is a pleasure spending it with

still absolutely in love with you and I would

you. You are my true reflection that gives

not want to change a thing. I’m already

me balance in my existence. You literally

dreaming of our future baby that is almost

make me reach great heights. Even when

here. You were made to be a great mother

times are low you are that shining light I

and I can’t wait to raise our little rascal and

come running home to. Communication is

see him grow up together. I dream of our

key and listening to one another has got

future getaways with our own little family,

us through many obstacles and problems.

but I also enjoy every lazy, couch potato

One year after our amazing wedding, I’m

moment with our baby husky. I love you.

57

VIVIANE + OSCAR

DEAR OSCAR From the moment we met, it felt like you were a part of me. Even though we didn’t really know one another, we had this crazy connection. I never felt so at ease with someone else. We have been unravelling every layer of each other’s existence and still you surprise me every day with how wonderful you are. My love, you will always be my big adventure. There’s never a dull moment when we are together. With you, everything that’s simple turns into something wonderful. With you, I want everything, but need nothing. I am unbelievably grateful to have found a love so deep and pure. We have shared so many ups and downs, and survived great heights and distance, but our love has always been stronger than anything else. And now I can’t wait to share this love with our son—one big, happy family. We are growing and evolving every day, and I hope that we will end up together on that porch someday, laughing our butts off about the wonderful life we have lived together.

59

VIVIANE + OSCAR

CEREMONY + RECEPTION Ter Leyen Castle GOWN Inbal Dror SHOES T iffi HAIR + MAKEUP Georgina Hoppen SUIT L’Atelier Amsterdam WEDDING RINGS MOYA CINEMATOGRAPHY Stefan Jansen CAKE Cup a la Cake CATERING Amsterdam Common

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VIVIANE + OSCAR

ASHLEY + TERRENCE I T A LY

“I HAVE LET GO, COMMITTED AND GIVEN MYSELF UP TO LOVE.” PHOTOGR AP HY Lilly R e d

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ashley + terrence

DEAR ASHLEY Love is a powerful word and I feel that it’s

I said to myself that I would spend the rest of

important we don’t let the word ‘love’ define

my life with you Ashley. Love is an act of

love. Love takes many shapes and sizes.

surrender, total abandonment, saying I give

There is the idea of falling in love. We don’t

myself today. It’s quite mad if you think about

say we are rising in love and when I fell in love

it. Our love is wild, our love is out of control—

you with you here in Switzerland, I made a

love is not bound. Our love is something

decision. There was a moment where the fall

special. I have let go, committed, and given

became a creation for me. A gamble of sorts

myself up to love. It’s madness but in this

and an act of faith. The moment in time that

love of madness lies sanity.

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ashley + terrence

DEAR TERRENCE I’ve had such a tough time writing this letter because my fear is that I won’t do justice in encapsulating all you do and mean to me. Many days I feel truly unworthy of such a wonderful, caring and selfless partner; someone who pitches in equally without question, who speaks up for me when I can’t find the words, and who does countless thoughtful acts like bringing me coffee in bed, putting toothpaste on my toothbrush before I get to the bathroom, or leaving a quick love note on a Post-It before heading out of town; someone who has the patience for all of my weaknesses, and who supports me wholeheartedly even when life gets so overwhelming that I can’t see clearly—you bring me back down to earth. You inspire me every day, especially the way you care about the imprint you leave on the world. You are a passionate soul, my dear, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

67

ashley + terrence

CEREMONY Villa Camilla RECEPTION Giardino del Merlo PLANNING Laura Dova Weddings GOWN + CAPES Daughters of Simone BRIDE’S SHOES Raye HAIR + MAKEUP Sinem Yavsner, Juliana Taraca JEWELLERY A.B. Ellie x Daughters of Simone GROOM’S + GROOMSMEN’S SUITS El Patcha (embroidery) GROOM’S SHOES John Varvatos BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES Leave Her W ilder x Daughters of Simone RINGS Rebecca Overmann (bride), Fiat Lux SF (groom) FLORALS Christine Cater Floral & Event Design CAKE + CATERING Citron Pavot HIRE + SETUP Narkisso (fur niture), SOFI’ Rent Design (fur niture), Tableset Luxury Rentals (tableware), Rossodisera (decor)

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bec + kirk

ANNA + ROB A U S T R A L I A

“MARRIAGE IS ABOUT BEING WITH A PERSON WHO EXTENDS, CHALLENGES AND MAKES ONE A BETTER PERSON.”

PHOTOGR AP HY Joshua Mikha ie l

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anna + rob

THE PROPOSAL Rob and I had been together seven years before we got married. We worked next door to each other when we first met, and we were set up by the local coffee shop girl who thought we would be perfect for one another. With our proposal, Rob booked me a flight to visit my sister in Sydney for my birthday in 2016. I had no idea that he was on the flight directly after me. After spending the morning with my sister at the Art Gallery of NSW, we sat down in The Royal Botanic Gardens. I turned around only to see Rob walking towards me. I at first was very confused and thought I was dreaming, but then very quickly worked out what was happening.

We had some champagne and a little picnic after. For the rest of the day, I told anyone who would listen that we had just become engaged. It couldn’t have been more perfect. I am a very suspicious person and the fact that Rob pulled it off was amazing.

73

anna + rob

THE DAY A lot of people worry about it raining on their wedding day—don’t! Our photographer, Josh, gave the best advice. He said that rain brings out a silly side and because it is so sensory, it makes everything that much more memorable.

He was right. It was freezing cold and wet (so much for curling my hair and doing my makeup!), but it was perfect. It made everyone laugh and share umbrellas, and the day became even more special and memorable.

We wouldn’t change a thing. Just hitch your dress up and go with it.

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anna + rob

CEREMONY Waldheim Cabins, Cradle Mountain TAS RECEPTION Waldheim Mountain Hut, Cradle Mountain TAS GOWN LOVER BRIDE’S SHOES Hudson London GROOM’S SUIT M.J. Bale GROOM’S SHOES R.M. W illiams WEDDING RINGS Keshett (bride), EverettBrookes (groom) CELEBRANT Tracey Bruce

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anna + rob

LAUREN + FRED U N I T E D

K I N G D O M

“IT SOUNDS CHEESY BUT IT’S TRUE, WE ARE EACH OTHER’S BEST FRIENDS.” PHOTOGR AP HY Ame lia Fulla rton

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CARLIE + SCOT T

THE PROPOSAL Every year we go to the Isles of Scilly, which

for. He slipped it out of his pocket and laid

is a very special place for Fred’s family.

it down on the sand. At first, I thought Fred

This time, we were there on a windy but

had actually found a scallop! He asked me

gloriously sunny February day and we went

if I would love him forever. And of course,

for a walk on our favourite beach, Great

I said yes. We told our friends and families

Bay. The ring was hidden on the beach in

as soon as we got back to London—it

a scallop shell that Fred had made hinges

was all so exciting.

81

LAUREN + FRED

AS A COUPLE …

We’ve been together since we were 15 and 16 years old; we met at a house party at school so we grew up together really. It sounds cheesy but it’s true, we are each other’s best friends. We are totally ourselves around each other, whether that’s sitting and chatting in the vegetable garden or driving around Italy on the hunt for the perfect plate of pasta.

Fred is so kind and clever and caring and all the things I could ever want in a husband. His family have looked after me like one of their own and he has adjusted well to loud lunches with my family!

83

LAUREN + FRED

CEREMONY St Margaret of Antioch Church, Isfield PLANNING Something Blue Wedding Planning STYLING On Serpentine Shores GOWN Emma Beaumont SHOES Aquazzura HAIR + MAKEUP Ava Belle HEADPIECE Lena Rom VEIL AM Faulkner GROOM’S SUIT Cad & The Dandy BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES twobirds Bridesmaid, Needle & Thread, Spell Designs, Maticevski, Galvan London RINGS Fay Page FLORALS The Green and White Flower Company, Loulabel STATIONERY Linen & Leaf CATERING 10 Greek Street DRINKS The Travelling Gin Company HIRE + SETUP Events Under Canvas TRANSPORT Seaford and District CELEBRANT Jeremy Brooks

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85

MEL ANIE + LIAM

BRITT + DREW A U S T R A L I A

“I PROMISE TO LOVE YOU LOYALLY AND FIERCELY.” PHOTOGR AP HY Ja nne ke Storm

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87

TEI + JESSE

BRITT’S VOWS Over the past eight years, you have

I win. I promise to share in your dreams and

captivated, motivated, challenged and

to greet you each morning with a cup of

frustrated me in ways no person has done

coffee in hand, so you have a head start

before. I have fallen in love with you again and

on achieving your goals. I promise to strive

again, as I continue to rediscover who you are.

for constant self-improvement, to learn and

I’ve witnessed your kindness, strength and

grow with you, even as time and life change

resilience, and promise to instil these values

us both. I promise to be patient, to listen to

within our family. I promise to be an equal

you with compassion and understanding,

partner in creating a home filled with laughter,

and speak to you with encouragement.

learning and love. I vow to keep the kid in you

Most of all, I promise to love you loyally and

alive and to make time for your favourite

fiercely, and continue to choose you every

games, without showing too much sass when

day, for all the days of my life.

89

B ritt + D rew

DREW’S VOWS Brittney, I wondered for so long if I would ever find my princess, my soulmate. Eight years ago, I walked into a bar on a Sunday night searching for a few drinks. Instead, I found everything I had been looking for my entire life.

Now here we are, at our favourite place in the world, with the sand between our toes, sun on our skin and wind in our hair—sensations we have experienced here together thousands of times before. However, this time we are standing in front of the most important people to us in the world, our best friends by our sides and our entire future before us. I only want to spend my future with you, my best friend, my soulmate. I promise to be faithful and true. I promise to always make our family’s love and happiness my priority. I promise to never forget the once in a lifetime love I have for you. And I promise I am yours forever.

91

B ritt + D rew

CEREMONY South Gorge—Main Beach, North Stradbroke Island RECEPTION Private residence—Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island GOWN Bo & Luca HAIR + MAKEUP Carly Lim JEWELLERY Stone and Strand GROOM’S + GROOMSMEN’S SUITS M.J. Bale BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES Fame and Partners, Stone Cold Fox, Free People, Tea Princess (flower girl) WEDDING RINGS The Diamond Jewellery Studio STATIONERY Silk & W illow (ribbon), Idyll (paper + envelopes), Yesterday Creative Letterpress, Kustom Haus (custom wax stamp) CAKE Petite Crumb CATERING Whales Way Restaurant HIRE + SETUP Stradbroke Island Events CELEBRANT Peter W illington Weddings

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B ritt + D rew

TA R A + STEVE A U S T R A L I A

“I PROMISE TO SUPPORT YOU, TO CHALLENGE YOU, AND TO STAY BY YOUR SIDE THROUGH THE GOOD TIMES AND THE BAD.” PHOTOGR AP HY The R ob e rtsons

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A SHLY N + E R IK

DEAR STEVE You’ve been my best friend for over 10 years

I love our life together—you, me and our

and during this time you have been nothing

fur baby, Yogi. We will continue to have

but supportive of me chasing my own goals

adventures together, to push boundaries of

and pursuits, even when it would make times

what is expected, and most of all enjoy doing

challenging for us as a couple. You and I are

life together. I think our marriage is summed

a formidable team; we complement each

up perfectly by the quote, “May your love

other’s lives. You are the yang to my yin, the

be modern enough to survive the times and

bat to my ball, and the salt to my pepper.

old-fashioned enough to last forever”.

97

A SHLY N + E R IK

DEAR TARA Thank you for agreeing to be my life partner.

You inspire me every day with the amazing way you approach any task or obstacle, with your unrelenting pursuit of the best—even though this is sometimes painful to watch or be a part of. You are constantly challenging me, and I mean constantly, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. You are simply the greatest person for me. Also, the fact that you enjoy a beer, love watching test cricket (not that Twenty20 rubbish) and always come to the park with me to throw the footy around— you are truly a catch! I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us. Whether it be new challenges, adventures and new locations, with you the outlook is extremely bright.

CEREMONY + RECEPTION Vinden Estate, Pokolbin GOWN Truvelle—Love Marie SHOES Tony Bianco (bride), Florsheim (groom) HAIR Meraki Hair Artists by Annie MAKEUP Rachael Cassidy JEWELLERY Mimco, Roman & French (hair comb) GROOM’S SUIT M.J. Bale FLORALS WOW Flowers CAKE Michelle The CakeChef ENTERTAINMENT Anyerin HIRE + SETUP Beavis Party Hire (chairs) CELEBRANT Jason Thomas

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bec + kirk

ALEXIS + TOM U S A

“I HOPE OUR LIFE IS EVERYTHING YOU DREAMED A LOVE AND MARRIAGE WOULD BE.”

PHOTOGR AP HY La ure n Sc otti

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alexis + tom

DEAR ALEXIS You have exceeded just about all my

and, without a word, know what I am thinking.

expectations for what a life partner should

Another favourite is your amazing talent in the

and could be. It is magic. Unless you have

kitchen. Please never stop cooking for me. My

experienced this, you just don’t know; you

wish for us going forward is to continue to

don’t think it’s possible to have the perfect

live the life we want and support each other

complement, to have someone who is there

unconditionally. I can’t wait for 100 more years

for you always. But I have that in you. I love

with you, to grow old together and to see

everything about you. One of my favourite

what twists and turns life takes us on. There

things about us is the head nod; just the

will be good times and not so good times, but

slightest of nods, not enough to draw

there will always be us. Thanks for being my

attention but enough to know you are there

bird. Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.

105

erin + brendan

DEAR TOM Marrying you was without a doubt the most certain decision I’ve ever made. With you, I don’t have to hold anything back. I feel fully known and, because of that, fully loved. I know we will continue to build and create the most beautiful life together, and I trust you to stand by me in the hard times and dance with me in the good times. I hope our life is everything you dreamed a love and marriage would be. Thank you for always being there for me, for always going to get my packages from the lobby and for always doing the dishes. I promise to bake you banana bread for the rest of your life and always wait at the window for you. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you, laughing and being silly, eating pizza and sushi and going on new adventures. I’m so excited to watch ourselves and our marriage grow and evolve, getting stronger and deeper. I know it won’t all be perfect, but the most important thing is that we will be together. Let’s stay in love and be best friends forever.

107

alexis + tom

CEREMONY + RECEPTION Avalon Hotel and Bungalows, Palm Springs, Califor nia PLANNING/STYLING After The Engagement GOWN Sarah Seven BRIDE’S SHOES Ted Baker HAIR Lindsey Neavitt Hair MAKEUP Flawless Faces Inc JEWELLERY NADRI (earrings), Cloverpost (bracelets), Lelet NY (headpiece) GROOM’S SUIT Bonobos GROOM’S SHOES HUGO BOSS BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES Donna Morgan WEDDING RINGS Blue Nile FLORALS The Lavender Rose STATIONERY The Brumby Nest, Cinamon Girl—Etsy (calligraphy), Kelsey Malie Calligraphy (vow books), Host and Toast (chair signs), Moder n Birch Company (cake topper) CAKE Over the Rainbow Desserts HIRE + SETUP Planks & Patina (chairs), SociaLights (lighting), Signature Party Rentals (flatware)

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alexis + tom

RACHEL + MARK U S A

“YOU HAVE BEEN WORTH THE WAIT.” PHOT OG R APHY E m ily M a ge r s

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111 emily + gary

MARK’S VOWS One-thousand, one-hundred and forty-nine

Rachel. When I was a boy, I often prayed for

days ago, I asked you to court me. I still

you. I thought of who you would be. Rachel,

remember that day. I was nervous, shaking,

you are the girl of my dreams. I want to

and stuttering … some things never

serve you the same way Jesus serves the

change. Soon after this, I left everything and

church. I want to protect you the same way

came to Utah to pursue you. This was the

God does for us, and I want to worship Him

best decision I ever made in my life because

together. You are God’s promise and God’s

though I did leave everything I knew, you

gift to me. I cannot imagine life without you.

became my everything. You are my world,

I love you with my whole heart.

113 NIKEE + ZION

RACHEL’S VOWS Mark, you and I have the wildest story. We have a story entangled with grace, love, fun and passion. Our story is unique, and our story is ours. When we met, the walls of my heart were high, but with diligence in pursuing me, those walls slowly lowered. Over the years, I have read and witnessed love stories of men who diligently and selflessly pursued a woman’s heart with beautiful intent. I admired this love and I prayed for this love. And it was not until you that I got a true taste of this love. You have been patient, and you have held my heart so tenderly. So here we are on the day that our story begins, and I get to commit myself to you and look in the eyes of the man that I prayed for. Mark, you are the man of my dreams, and as I said to my dad once, “He’s the total package.” It’s hard to believe I get the privilege of marrying a man like you—a man who loves like Jesus does, who serves with his whole heart, who’s courageous and strong, and who I know will care for my heart and lead me. You have been worth the wait.

115 NIKEE + ZION

CEREMONY + RECEPTION Red Cliff Ranch, Utah PLANNING Janessa Cottrell GOWN BHLDN BRIDE’S SHOES + GROOMSMEN’S SUITS H&M HAIR + MAKEUP Alexa Kait JEWELLERY Target GROOM’S SUIT + SHOES The Men’s Wearhouse WEDDING RINGS Midwinter Co. FLORALS The Potted Pansy Design Studio STATIONERY Paper Source CATERING + DRINKS R&R BBQ

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117 NIKEE + ZION

NE W TERR AIN

“THE BEST ADVENTURE OF ALL IS THE PERSON WHO WALKS ALONGSIDE YOU.” Words: Amanda Viviers | Photography: Emily Magers

T

he irony of map-reading is always hilarious when my husband and I enter our car. He is the committed map

reader of our relationship, with a plethora of apps dedicated to the pursuit of arriving efficiently. Secretly Siri is his girlfriend, and tenderly he asks her to give him the directions to our destination. I, however, am left with a permanent case of eye-rolling in the driver’s seat and am much more the ‘spontaneous homing pigeon type’.

Another quandary in our relationship: I am often in the driver’s seat for our adventures. My husband landed in Australia fresh from the shores of South Africa, via New Zealand, looking for the best surf break and the plot altered significantly after a meet-cute with an Australian writer, ending with a wife, a mortgage and two kids.

The conversation starts, “You’re a local here, and therefore you should drive because you know the way,” and then, “But let me give you the directions.” And I say, “You mean Siri?” with a wry smile. Our age of technology often fools us into thinking there is a perfect way. I have seen in the midst of relationships, albeit efficient, scenic or fast-moving, there is always another way.

Marriage is one of my greatest challenges, and it is also my safest harbour. Together my husband and I have been learning some great lessons along the way of the adventure

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~ “IN THE MIDST OF THE MUNDANE, CONTINUE TO LOOK OUT FOR THE GLIMPSES OF POSSIBILITY.”

of our daily lives. Three lessons I have learnt that have entirely changed the way we both access the map of our future destination: a life lived well.

Love and respect change everything. Before we got married, my husband and I went to marriage counselling, and as we walked out, the counsellor said this powerful statement: “Love and respect change everything.” As an engaged couple with a task list as long as the fridge, we didn’t understand how significant that small statement would become. Often, we reference this thought, learning the art of love and respect.

One could say the eye-rolling scenario sitting in our driveway is the beginnings of disrespect. It is funny, but at the same time, it is cancer that can seep into the everyday mundanity that can creep into relationships. Rediscovering the power of respect in the midst of the journey that both of you will endeavour upon can be a powerful tool to longevity in a marriage.

We have found in our marriage that my husband has one driving need and that is to feel respected. As a wife, when I use words as a weapon, or I disrespect him out of familiarity, it can be a slippery slide towards disconnection. We have found that my highest driving need in a relationship is to feel loved. When my husband discovers the map that makes me feel safe, accepted and nurtured, our marriage strengthens exponentially. How do you feel love and respect?

Dream big and out loud. Lately, we have gone through a season of unpredictable turbulence. Cars that break down and sickness that just niggles at your soul. An unexpected

debt and grief from loss. One thing that has kept us buoyant

husband feels sturdy and capable. And at the same time, I

in the midst of this storm has been speaking out loud the

can be going through a rough time and need more support.

dreams we have together for the future. There is something

Then suddenly the tables turn, and circumstances change,

incredibly profound about finding a safe space to speak out

and we become the helper to bring strength and safety to

your thoughts. We have a notebook with lists of dreams for

the other who is not feeling able to walk with strength like

the future. Each New Year’s Eve, we sit together and write

before. When you look over years with more perspective,

together new hopes for the coming season. We have done

you do see different rhythms of strength and vulnerability.

this now for over a decade and being able to see what

Allowing each other the space to walk in our own journey

we have accomplished and hope for the future guards our

and being open to help each other up when we feel unable

relationship with strength and possibility. Dream big and

to do it alone is a powerful gift.

dream out loud with each other. When was the last time

Although we may not have the driving and map-reading down

you dreamed out loud?

in our household, the movement towards a life of respect and

Strength is not always mutual. Over the rocky terrain in our

love has been the greatest of adventures. In the midst of the

relationship, one thing we have noticed as the years pass

mundane, continue to look out for the glimpses of possibility.

by is that often we both don’t feel strong at the same time.

And the best adventure of all is the person who walks alongside

Acknowledging this pure thought can be revolutionary in the

you—even if they desperately want to be the navigator and you

way you walk towards your future together. Sometimes my

are a little more on the spontaneous side.

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T HE R E L AT IONSHIP TA L K CHALLENGE YOURSELVES TO LIVE A LIFE OF ADVENTURE. Extract from 365 Connecting Questions by Casey + Meygan Caston—365connectingquestions.org Photography: Emily Magers

1

WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WERE IN LOVE WITH ME?

2

3

HOW DID WE MAKE EACH OTHER SMILE THIS WEEK?

WHAT ARE THREE QUALITIES ABOUT ME THAT YOU WERE FIRST ATTRACTED TO?

4

5

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE ADVENTURE THAT WE TOOK TOGETHER?

WHAT DO YOU HOPE FOR IN OUR NEXT YEAR OF MARRIAGE?

6

WHAT IS A PASSION WE SHARE THAT WE CAN PURSUE TOGETHER?

7

8

WHEN ARE THE TIMES WHEN YOU FEEL MOST CONNECTED TO ME?

DO YOU FEEL LIKE WE’RE MAKING ENOUGH TIME FOR OUR RELATIONSHIP?

9

WHAT ARE SOME AREAS IN OUR MARRIAGE THAT WE ARE REALLY GOOD AT?

10 WHAT NEW TRADITIONS OR RITUALS ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT CREATING IN OUR RELATIONSHIP?

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11

12

WHAT CAN I DO TO MAKE YOU FEEL MORE CONFIDENT IN OUR FUTURE?

HOW DO YOU THINK WE COULD HAVE MORE FUN TOGETHER?

the relationship talk

P AV I N G A N E W P A T H “LOVE IS MEANT TO BE AN ADVENTURE.” —GORDON B. HINCKLEY Photography: Ephemeral Creative

T

here comes a time in every marriage where you both get comfortable. You’ve settled in to life together and

are now just going through the motions of the day-to-day.

This may last for a season, but it’s so important for your longterm relationship to keep adventuring together, exploring and searching for new experiences outside of your routine. We challenged three couples with this over the space of a week.

See how they fared with breaking free from monotony and

JESS + BRAD: SELFLESS LOVE

finding moments of connection in the everyday.

Brad: We’re intentional about breaking routine so that we can spend time together, but we also try to understand the way the other receives love and then act accordingly. I’m always doing tasks for Jess because I love her and that’s the best way for me to express my love to her as she doesn’t really care about presents or time; she wants to know that I’m caring for her and that we share the load. Jess: My husband and I spent this week investing in our relationship. It was done under the guise of completing ‘challenges’ that essentially just forced us to listen, selflessly invest and learn from one another. My husband is kind—I learned that this week. He chooses songs that I like when we’re driving, just so he can hear me sing along because he knows I love it. He also drives me to the beach so I can dance in the waves. He hates Taylor Swift, and sand. But he loves me. Love is sacrificial.

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paving a new path

SHEREE + JORDON: QUALITY TIME Having routine is an important foundation in any relationship.

opening our own café, we have to make sure we make time

We know where each other is at in life and it gives us the

for each other. During this experiment, we ventured down

best opportunity to support each other. But if you solely

the coast to check out a great cafe we had heard about,

have routine in a relationship, it can often become mundane

then spent the afternoon wandering around the local markets

and very task-oriented, and that is why you should always

by the beach. It was our perfect first post-baby adventure!

leave room amongst routine for the unknown. Spontaneous

We learnt it doesn’t always have to be big to make the day

dates and outings are a good way to always have fun! No

special—our time together is precious, and it was so nice to

matter how busy life is between our beautiful son, Lane, and

have a day together as a family.

ELLA + CALLUM: LET IT GROW Ella: There’s nothing better than adventuring with your

you will never know. Callum: Our lives and relationships can

best friend—the person that knows you the most. It’s so

fall into a routine very quickly. You end up in this whirlwind of

awesome trying new things together—it opens up a new part

being way too task driven. You slip into the same pattern and

of your relationship and you see new quirks that you might

form habits which eventually become the norm. Branching

not have seen before. I think what can stop us from doing

out allows vulnerability, communication and adds a little

this sometimes is fear. Fear is so crippling but saying yes to

spice to life. Ella: I don’t think anything can survive without

things also takes a great deal of courage because you are

growth—not even plants! So, it’s super important to sow into

saying yes to something unknown. But without saying yes,

your relationship and let it grow in areas that it needs to.

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paving a new path

TA K E U P T H E C H A L L E N G E FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES TO ADD A SENSE OF ADVENTURE + WONDER TO YOUR MARRIAGE! Photography: Ephemeral Creative

2

Adventure together: Find a nice little hike not too far from home and head out for the day. Don’t forget to take food and water! Or if that’s not your thing,

1

why not check out some new cafes around town?

Write your bucket list: Take some time to write individual bucket lists, then go through them together and

3

see the similarities and differences.

5 Break routine: Find moments together that are outside of your normal routine.

Get fit:

Challenge yourself to

Either hit the gym,

4

do this more throughout

competition, so take it

Find a hobby:

your relationship.

easy with your exercise

Step outside of your

go for a walk or find something active to do.

Remember, it’s not a

and try to spur each

comfort zone and learn

other on.

something new together.

Or if you’re game, try out your partner’s favourite hobby and see what you think! Perhaps you’d prefer spectating, but hey, you’ve got to give everything a go.

the week, and see the difference it makes to

WE’RE ALL HUMAN “I BELIEVE MORE AND MORE EVERY DAY THAT AS POWERFUL AS OUR CONNECTIONS AND OUR RELATIONSHIPS ARE, THEY HOLD NO VALUE WITHOUT EACH OF US INDIVIDUALLY.” Words: Josh Withers | Photography: Ephemeral Creative

For any of us that have experienced the joy of working in a big corporation, we all know that the weakest link is as strong as that chain will ever be.

This is where I find growth in my marriage, in opening my eyes to that which has been in front of me the whole time,

B

arely a day ends without Facebook being in the

that I’m not just in a marriage, but I have an amazingly

news for another atrocious sin or viral wave of human

talented partner with skills, hopes, dreams and goals of her

weirdness, yet the creators’ only dream was to ‘connect

own, and she’s also celebrating mine, and we can help each

people’. So innocent Facebook seems, they just want

other’s come true. As we each respect the others’ agency

everyone to be together, for everyone to be friends, even

and beauty, we find that our futures start to grow together

best friends that have diet shakes to sell!

because we put each other before the other.

But as I look at my own marriage, and in celebrating others’ in

Putting each other first is maths that doesn’t work out on a

my role as a marriage celebrant, I believe more and more every

calculator but on the spreadsheet of our hearts. It’s a formula

day that as powerful as our connections and our relationships

for phenomenal growth that any business would kill for.

are, they hold no value without each of us individually. That there is something sacrosanct in the persons entering the marriage that should be celebrated alongside and in the marriage we’re creating, a marriage so great that neither could have created it alone, but the union is so significant that it required both parties’ handiwork. That’s the kind of marriage I believe can make our homes, families, communities, towns, and our world a better place.

Pointing out that connections are worthless without people in them seems so obvious, but I think that’s where Facebook’s transgressions lie, and where many marriages can cease to grow: when we hold the connection in a higher regard than the person. It’s like putting a business before its staff, a friendship before friends, a video game before its gamers, or a sports team before its players.

In wedding ceremonies with a biblical tint, the words ‘two become one’ are often heard, along with something about flesh, and it’s all a bit sexy sounding. That actually may well be how the author intended for it to be received without breaching Mark’s PG rating. But in the many hundreds of years that the

~

tenth chapter of the Gospel of Mark has been read in wedding

“AS WE EACH RESPECT THE OTHERS’ AGENCY

ceremonies, we’ve often missed the beauty, the strength and

AND BEAUTY WE FIND THAT OUR FUTURES START

the power in acknowledging the individuals becoming the

TO GROW TOGETHER BECAUSE WE PUT EACH

one. The one is a very empty vessel without two in it.

OTHER BEFORE THE OTHER.”

If you wanted to walk down this path a little further, you might say this is where many women have lost their agency in marriages past, where the female’s inclusion in the marriage has been reduced to a role instead of celebrated as an equal leading part in the union she’s now a part of.

129

W e ' re all human

STILL THE ONE I LOVE

RAY + BETTY: A SOLID FOUNDATION Photography: Amy Higg Photography

L

ove stories don’t get much sweeter than this. Ray and Betty found each other through a chance encounter at

a friend’s place; Ray was in a band, and little did he realise that picking up his drummer on the way to practise would lead to him meeting the woman he would spend his forever with. “I was in a band called The Dominoes where I played bass. Our pianist (and good friend), Denis, asked if I would like to go and practise over at Bronte Surf Club. We picked up our drummer on the way which is where I first laid eyes on Betty. I knew then and there I had to see her again,” shares Ray. Betty was very taken by this young man, becoming smitten with him as soon as she heard him speak. “I was at my friend Rhonda’s house and I heard this voice from another room, and immediately became interested in this handsome young man. I offered for them to practise at my house as we had a piano—as long as Ray came,” explains Betty.

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still the one I love

After two years of dating, the pair finally had the big conversation

“We had an immediate attraction and I felt comfortable in

… marriage. Ray followed tradition and asked Betty’s father,

his company. We just clicked from the beginning and I could

Chic, for his blessing—he was happy to oblige. A celebration

picture myself settling down with Ray,” explains Betty.

ensued, and on August 30 1961 the couple were married.

“I knew Betty was the one for me from the beginning. She was

“We decided to get married in the Sydney Registry Office on

easy to talk to on various subjects. We had similar interests

William Street. Back then it was hard to get time off work, so

such as fishing, watching sporting events, going on car trips

we met at the Office at 4pm so I could work in the morning.

as well as dancing if we went out for dinner,” shares Ray.

We asked 15 or so of our family and friends to witness our wedding,” shares Ray.

Whilst Ray and Betty may have found their perfect match, their marriage still took a lot of work and wasn’t without

“It was a simple but heartfelt ceremony, then we went

its conflicts. But what made all the difference was their

back to the unit I shared with my parents and had a simple

commitment to see the relationship through in any season.

celebration before heading off to Nelson Bay for a few

“I have always believed, ‘Never go to bed or let the sun

days,” Betty adds.

go down on your anger’. Having said that, it very rarely

Making a commitment to love someone, and having that promise see a marriage last for over 57 years, you would be

happened, if at all, as we were always able to address any issues before it would get to that,” shares Betty.

pretty confident that you found your one. Looking back, it’s

Through the lows can come many highs, and Betty and Ray

plain for the pair to see they were destined from the start.

are one such testament to that, each spurring on the other

~ “MARRIAGE IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT COMMITMENTS YOU WILL MAKE, SO LOOK AFTER IT, NURTURE IT. YOU WON’T REGRET IT.”

when it comes to living out their dreams and aspirations.

“Making decisions together has helped us achieve our goals along the way. While I haven’t always lived close to the water, one of my interests has been fishing, so I would go when I had the chance. Betty would often come and do some sketching of the scenery. We have always lived within our means, while also living very comfortably.”

After over 50 years of riding out the waves of life together, the pair have gathered a wealth of knowledge to share with other couples about to face this journey. Patience, honesty and trustworthiness have always been key for them, adding that communication is vital to make all of these happen.

But the real gems they would like to share? “To me, marriage is the ultimate relationship, especially if it is with the right person. Choose wisely,” offers Ray. “Marriage is one of the most important commitments you will make, so look after it, nurture it. You won’t regret it,” adds Betty.

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still the one I love

HEADLANDS HOTEL

BURSARIA FINE FOODS

Headlands Austinmer Beach is a stunning oceanfront venue surrounded by beautiful beaches and parkland. Their elegant decor and breathtaking views create the perfect backdrop for your wedding, with an abundance of ceremony locations just a stone’s throw away from their reception space.

We’re award-winning caterers who love creating delicious food concepts for weddings and events at two iconic heritage venues and across Melbourne.

Celebrate the big and little moments with us.

events@headlandshotel.com.au | headlandshotel.com.au @headlandsaustinmerbeach

hello@bursaria.com.au | bursaria.com.au @bursaria_abbotsfordconvent @bursaria_therefectory

MUSE PHOTOGRAPHY

NOAH’S ON THE BEACH

Preserving moments and telling stories humbly, Muse chases light and adventure wherever our couples lead us. We search for subtleties, and get excited by smaller, less obvious things.

Quality Hotel NOAH’S On the Beach is the premier beachfront reception venue in Newcastle with a beautiful view of the glistening Pacific. They offer four elegantly appointed rooms, a carefully prepared menu and unrivalled personal service.

info@musephotography.net.au | musephotography.net.au @musephotography_thelifeofamuse

weddings@noahsonthebeach.com.au | noahsonthebeach.com.au @noahsnewcastle

EVERLAND PETAL CONFETTI

THE ROBERTSONS FAMILY ART

This beautiful, biodegradable petal confetti can be delivered right to your door. It’s available in personalised pouches, bulk boxes and confetti cones, and adds a little extra magic to your first steps as newlyweds.

We have a passion to create art from a place of cultural dynamic, love, joy and the imperfect—a constant world of realities transversing the unseen and the imaginary.

We hope our work brings joy to your heart.

hello@everlandfavours.com | everlandfavours.com | @everlandfavours

therobertsons.store | @therobertsons.store

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