Claire + Frank

real life wedding inspo

Claire & Frank

photos Mel Hill Photography mobile 0422 285 313 email mel@melhillphotography.com.au web www.melhillphotography.com.au

Looking for friendship, Claire and Frank met online on a website called Zoosk. As their online friendship developed, they decided it was time to meet in real life. Their only barrier was distance, with Claire living in Melbourne, and Frank in Canberra.

“We had our first coffee date in Melbourne and knew we were made for each other straight away” Claire recalls. They ignored the distance barrier and spent their first year flying back and forth on a fortnightly basis. “So crazy” says Claire, “but love, commitment and Tiger Airlines made it work!” After that year, Frank decided to move to Melbourne, unfortunately it was right before COVID and the lockdowns. It was during the long COVID lockdown in Melbourne that Frank proposed. He had made a customised book for Claire about all the things he loved about her. And with the most gorgeous ring, popped the question, with the page that read, ‘will you marry me?” Claire says, “Even though I was sitting on the couch in pjs, it was still the most romantic proposal and it’s all about us, only us!”

They were very excited to get married and Claire states, “we were on full-on planning mode when we first got engaged in Melbourne.” This didn’t last though, thanks to the uncertainly surrounding COVID. It forced them to have to reschedule their wedding twice! In time, they decided to move back to Canberra, and once they started planning again, they found it went smoothly and didn’t take too long at all. By this point though, they both agreed they just wanted to get married, even if it meant a COVID wedding. While COVID prevented many of their family and friends from physically attending their wedding, it didn’t stop them from virtually attending, thanks to Attnd Live Streaming. While Mel from Mel Hill Photography looked after creating beautiful photos for them, husband Michael made sure their family and friends from afar were able to join them via his Attnd Live Streaming platform. “We had live streaming to include all our interstate and overseas families and friends” says Claire. Guests, including Claire’s parents and sister, watched from Taiwan, Italy, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. “A lot of live stream guests dressed up for the day and had a glass of wine to celebrate our special day with us” she remembers, adding that “everyone really enjoyed being part of our day. Some watched the livestream on the tram, and so many cried behind the screens.”

When it arrived, their wedding day was cloudy, but it didn’t rain. Luckily, because Claire hates rain! With only 17 ‘in person’ guests, including Claire’s uncle and aunty who had travelled from Sydney, and their local Canberra guests, Claire and Frank were finally married. The Chapel at Gold Creek provided the cosy, intimate feel they wanted, and their celebrant, Stephanie Slater provided not only a ceremony, but wedding planning, coordination, cheerleading, therapy and problem solving which they needed in the lead up to their wedding! “On our wedding day, we were supposed to be nervous, but we weren’t because we knew Steph was there and we were in good hands!” she says. Claire’s hair and makeup providers, Kathryn from KMmakeup, and Mariana from Infinite Hairstyling also received rave reviews from her. “They made me look more beautiful than I am!” she remarks. In the lead up to their wedding and on the day, Claire and Frank remember how incredible Mel and Michael were. Normally shy with new people, they say they immediately felt at ease with them. “We felt like we were friends when they took our photos on the day, and we were so comfortable around them.” Due to their very small wedding, they decided to reschedule their wedding reception and organised a small dinner at 65 Northbourne instead. “The food, drinks and hospitality were amazing, and portions were very generous too!” Claire says, “the restaurant manager, Peter and the staff, were very excited to have us celebrating our special day with them and they took very good care of us and our guests.” While they wished there was no COVID, so Claire’s dad could have walked her down the aisle, and their guests could have physically been there with them, they both say they enjoyed every minute of their wedding day. They were also very surprised that 65 online accounts all over Australia and the world joined their Attnd Live Stream ceremony!

we knew we were made for each other straight away

At the end of their wedding celebration, they stayed at Hotel Realm, and then enjoyed a three week honeymoon experiencing and taking in the sights of the Gold Coast, Daydream Island, Airlie Beach, Whitehaven Beach, Heart Reef, and Brisbane. “It was a dream, and also our first holiday since COVID, so we definitely spoilt ourselves.”

Claire’s wedding advice: “Find good vendors and trust them (they have good connections to anything you may be looking for). Try to be yourself and trust your heart, it is your day (also your fiancé’s day) after all. Know when to take advice from people, and when not to. RELAX and have the most memorable time with your new husband/wife. If you feel like no one understands your concern or you’re feeling anxious, wedding groups on Facebook are amazing and supportive.” “Frank, I love doing life with you!!”

Wedding Date: 6th November 2021 • Number of Guests: 17 • Photographer: Mel Hill Photography • Livestreaming: Attnd Live Streaming • Gown: Christina Rossi Melbourne • Bridesmaids Dress: A Canberra friend replaced bridesmaids due to COVID. (Wore a red dress which means happiness in Claire’s Taiwanese culture) • Rings: Engagement ring - Janai Jewellery (Melbourne) • Wedding rings - Unique Diamonds (Canberra) • Accessories: Little White Couture • Hair: Infinite Hairstyling • Makeup: KMmakeup • Groom’s Suit: Sam Catanzariti • Groomsmen Suit: Sam Catazariti • Ceremony: The Chapel at Gold Creek • Celebrant: Stephanie Slater • Reception: Dinner at 65 NorthBourne instead of reception • Entertainment: Music organized by Lesley from The Chapel at Gold Creek • Florist: Miss Muffet’s Flower Boutique (groom and groomsman’s flower boutonniere) • Artificial flowers (for bride’s bouquet due to allergies & in case the wedding had to be cancelled due to COVID) • Cake: Pip & Lou • Wedding Song: • Before walking down the aisle - “I Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Kina Grannis (with short intro) • Walk down the aisle - “I get to love you “ by Ruelle • Signing Marriage certificate - “Take my hand” by Emily Hackett and Will Anderson • Exiting the chapel - “Enrich your life” by our favourite Taiwanese Band Mayday

PHOTOGRAPHY

Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you will make when planning your wedding. Whoever you choose will be in charge of creating lasting memories of your special day, so take into account the style, special effects and quality of the photographs you would like. Your photography requirements are unique, so it is important to choose a photographer that reflects your personal style and meets your wedding needs.