Suzanne & John
Date of Wedding: Friday 30th March 2012
How did you meet: We met 12 years ago when I was working as a Corporate Receptionist at a Pharmaceutical company in Auckland, NZ. John came in for a job interview and I felt sorry for him as he was so nervous, but we chatted while he was waiting for his meeting. He was successful in attaining the role. After 6 weeks of ongoing office flirting, he finally asked me out. We met at a bar for a drink on a Monday after work. I remember, walking into the bar and seeing John sitting by the open fire. Drinks turned into dinner at this beautiful, romantic little Italian restaurant. We sat, holding hands and chatting (the food remained untouched)….and 12 years later, here we are!
How long did you spend planning your wedding? 12 months
Number of guests: 32
Describe the theme of your wedding and why you chose this theme: Vintage Romance as we wanted to create an elegant but intimate atmosphere based upon the venue and our guest numbers.
Colour scheme: Soft Apricot and White
Ceremony location: The Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney
Reception location: Waterfront Restaurant – The Rocks
Describe the Brides dress: I purchased my Maggie Sottero gown from Abbey Bridal in the city. I loved my dress from the moment I first tried it on. It was exactly what I had been looking for in Diamond White with ruffled layers of decadent tulle that made me feel as if I were floating on a cloud. My gown had an asymmetrical bodice, featuring a stunning array of beaded embellishments and handmade petals. The Sweetheart neckline, dropped waist with corset closure and Swarovski crystals completed my dream gown.
Describe the Bridesmaids outfits: My two nieces were my bridesmaids and we decided to buy the dresses off the rack from Forever New. The colour we chose was a soft Apricot in a mid-length style with embellished beaded spaghetti straps.
Men’s suits John purchased a Zenetti black suit from the Premium Collection at Spurling Formalwear in the city, which included a white vest with matching tie. To complete the look, we bought a beautiful white shirt from Hugo Boss, including cufflinks and shoes.
Photographer: Expressions Photography – John Laham
Hair & Makeup: Del Aqua Hair & Beauty – Walsh Bay
Stationery/ bonbonniere: Petrella Studios – We received so many compliments from our guests regarding the outstanding quality of the Wedding Invitations and Bonbonniere. The style that we chose was complimentary to our Vintage Romance theme.
Cake: Van Mae’s Cakes – Single tier marble cake with White Antique Roses.
Flowers: Divine Events – White Ribbon wrapped Antique White Roses with an accent of Queen Anne Lace and pearl ended pins in the rose heads for my bouquet and a 50/50 mix of Antique White Roses and Apricot roses with an accent of Queen Anne Lace.
Entertainment: Accent Strings – We had a String Trio who played at our Ceremony and Reception
Transport: Pure Limousines – We had a White Chrysler 300C Stretch Limo. Our driver was fantastic and the service exceptional
Honeymoon: Singapore, Hong Kong & Bali
Describe your day: In one word “Magical”. Our chosen suppliers and guests contributed to the lifelong memories that we will treasure
What were your favourite parts of your Wedding Reception: It was such a surprise, walking into the venue and seeing how beautiful everything looked. The ambience and warmth that we felt completed our day. Our photographer John Laham, was simply exceptional when it came to capturing the intimacy and spontaneity of each moment and somehow managed to keep us calm and smiling.
Any Tips for Future Brides & Grooms: Everyone will tell you how quickly your wedding day will go, but it wasn’t until we experienced it for ourselves that we realised how true it was. Try to relax and take moments throughout your preparation on the day to savour. Nothing is ever totally perfect….not even life. Remember to breathe. After it’s all over, life still goes on.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our (Dockside) brides and grooms:
Throughout life, it is our “partnership” that makes us better people and through learning from each other, that makes this world a better place for us all.
