JUST MARRIED

• STEPHANIE'S DAY OF MAGIC
• BELINDA'S DAY OF MAGIC
• LIBBY'S DAY OF MAGIC
• KIRRELEE'S DAY OF MAGIC

Our wedding day began with the girls and I heading off to have our hair done while my man and the boys finished the final touches on the reception venue (Bowden room at Mt Annan Botanic Gardens).
Inflating balloons, dressing tables and fitting chair covers.

We had a bit of a quirky wedding you might say. I wore a beautiful white gown which I adorned with a pewta, pink back spider pin, and beneathe my ruffled skirt was a big chunky pair of black and hot pink Tuk 7 inch heels, complete with buckles, studs and chains! My maids wore slacks whilst my groom was in a very handsome grey suit with a leather Matrix style, floor length coat with buckles all the way down it.

I created the bouquets for my own wedding (naturally!) and I'll have them to admire for ever more!

Our wedding waltz started out to the song At Last by Etta James and to our guests amazement, it turned into "I'm a tits and ass man". My hubby and I started booty dancing while he pretended to slap by bouncing butt!

The entire day went off without a hitch and was such great fun. Oh...and the reception venue looked great!

David and I were married on 07 March 2010.

It was our dream to get married on our beach and to have a fun wedding for all of our guests.

In the lead up to our wedding so many things went wrong! We were very organised in our preparation but it just seem that nothing was going our way. To top it all off the day before our wedding there were the worst storms in 40 years. Our dreams of getting married were quickly disappearing.

I started the day by catching a taxi to my parents house and as the taxi driver looked out the window, I think he though I was crazy to be getting married on the beach later that day.

When I was getting ready there was a knock at the door and my father walked in with the largest bunch of red roses. They were from David with a beautiful love note! How romantic!

I was so nervous about the weather when I was getting ready, was the rain going to stop?! My make up was done and our Limousine  arrived, it was so nice to be in the same car as my bridesmaids and parents on the way to our ceremony.

Someone must have been looking after us because after a morning full of rain and grey skies the sun can out and our dream of getting married on the beach came true.

As I walked down the beach in my bare feet my Mum on my left my Dad on my right I couldn't have been a happier women - How lucky was I to be marring the love of my life!

Our ceremony with our closest family and friends is something we will remember forever. Our vows were very personalised and involved a beach theme,  it was  a beautiful ceremony!

As I am a wedding photographer, I asked a fellow friend also a fashion photographer to take our wedding photographs.
I was also very lucky to have another photographer along with two of my friends from "Photograft Photography" all photographing for us as well. So there were lots of photographers snapping away all day long and I believe we have amazing wedding photographs.

I am very thankful for all of their hard work. We kept all of our photography locations local and rented a cafe for an hour to take some beautiful photos.

My invitations were very important to me and I spent 100's of hours making wedding invites that looked like beach huts with an invite side of them and this was the theme of our wedding.

We partied on with a cocktail party. Being a creative person I had lots of ideas how I wanted the reception to look. Our stylist and florist did the most amazing job. Everyone commenced on how beautifully our reception was styled! I think that it is all the small details that make the difference.

We had cupcakes with seashells on top of them, they were so yummy and they looked great. After lots of dancing to the bands tunes and after eating great food we had some very teary speeches. The night went so quickly - and we have so many amazing memories to cherish forever!

Our wedding day was the most magical day of our lives!!!

We had a very hectic week in the lead up to the wedding. My family started arriving the weekend before, and before I knew it my dad and brothers were kidnapping DH for golf, fishing etc... they figured he needed some R&R from all the hard work of planning, little did they realize DH only started helping with the hard work that week!!!! lol had to laugh at their good intentions.

Everything was falling into place and I was surprisingly calm all week! Until we picked up the bridesmaids dresses on the Thurs night and they were too small, straps crossed, wonky bust lines etc several trips back and forth they were fixed up as best we could by Friday late afternoon!!

All the bridal party met up at "The Cedars" Hahndorf for the rehearsal Friday evening, we mucked around and had some fun with it (still wasn't real yet). The boys headed back to town for the night and us girls went to Balhannah, ordered pizza a few drinks and sat up until 2am chatting and giggling away.

I set my alarm for 6am but at 5:50am I was suddenly awake and jumping about the house waking everyone up singing...... going to the chapel... and were...gonna get...married lol I was a bit hypo!!
Then our gorgeous makeup lady arrived at 8am, and our beloved Jeanette (Flair4Hair) arrived at 10am followed by our photographer.

The ladies worked their magic and before we knew it we were all looking like movie stars!!!!!!!!!!!! The afternoon flew by, the flowers arrived. OMG I loved my flowers they were so beautiful!! Then before we knew it the limo arrived and we were off!!

We had some time to kill so we drove around a bit and arrived on time but had to wait in the limo as guests were still arriving so we ended up being 20Min's late. We all took our places at the top of the garden and then it was GO, GO, GO the music played "can you feel the love tonight" for the girls to walk down to. Then "unchained melody" started and it was my turn, I was doing really well until I came around the corner and saw DH, I turned into a dribbling mess LOL.

The ceremony was so beautiful and full of love (we cried lots) Then before we knew it we were Husband and Wife. We did some photos around the gardens, on the road with the mustangs and then off to a paddock on a hill with round bails (this bit was so much fun).

We arrived at the reception a little late, everything looked perfect!! The chocolate fountain was a huge hit with everyone. My dad gave the most emotional speech I have ever heard I totally bawled!

We partied the night away with our Family and friends and before we knew it.... it was time for the farewell tunnel, we said goodnight to our guests.

To all you future brides enjoy your day!! Little things go wrong but nobody notices and you won't care on the day either! Trust me you will be so excited and in total bliss that you won't care.
Lots of love Mrs Libby xx

The day started when I woke at 5am, looked out the window to find thunderstorms looming…not the best first impression on one’s wedding day! They forecast 24 so it can’t be too bad! Soon enough, crash bang boom…it was on and the storm let go! I lay in bed watching the storm pass and savored the fact that I was getting married today! WOO HOO!

My sister then came in and gave me a big hug and we lay there talking about weather, our big day ahead and how surreal it was her ‘Lil sis’ was getting married!
About 7am the other bridesmaids woke up so we all headed downstairs for breakfast. There was a buzz of excitement amongst us all , knowing what was in store for us all! My mum made breakfast for everyone and we ate, knowing we’d need a good breakfast to get us through the day ahead!

At about 9am my florist arrived with my flowers and they were absolutely STUNNING! Just so you know, RED is my favorite colour so there was no way my wedding day could be complete without some splashes of red!! My flowers were a stunning arrangement of red and white roses, fresias with berries tied with red ribbon.

Soon after Jeanette from Flair4hair arrived and at this point we all got VERY excited and knew that it was now time to sit back, relax and be pampered! Jeanette set my hair in rollers while the other bridesmaids decided on their hairstyles and soon enough she was transforming us all into very gorgeous women!! Jeanette made us all look amazing and did it with such ease! By now the makeup artist had arrived and started on our makeup and before we knew it we had a little production line happening! We sipped champagne and laughed amongst ourselves whilst the girls worked their magic on us!

About 11am our photographers turned up and captured us all getting ready with hair and makeup, took shots of the details of our day (bags, shoes, dress etc) and having already been to see the boys, I knew that this was it!
Next step was to get dressed and go and get married and I knew that wasn’t very far away now! Before we knew it the hair and makeup was done and it was time to grab some lunch before getting dressed. I couldn’t eat – I was too nervous! I ‘pushed’ down some food knowing I had to eat or I’d be history and soon enough the photographer signaled it was time to put on my dress – time was ticking away!

It was 1.30pm by then so my BMs quickly got dressed while my mum and sister helped me get into my dress and wow, I must admit I was so happy with my final look! You know how you ‘picture’ everything will come together…well it had and it was JUST how I wanted it to be. YAY!
The photographer took some shots of me and my BMs and next my mum came with my little puppy Lucy whom I said must be a part of our day so I had pictures with her which were great! Soon enough it was time to head downstairs for family shots and out the door – wow where did the time go?? A few photos out the front and it was time to go! Everyone helped me into the car and the girls then got into theirs and off we went!

It was a weird feeling driving to town, having seen so many brides on their way to the ‘church’ before...now it was my turn! Everyone smiled and waved and could see just how excited I was!! Soon enough we were in the city and soon arrived at Ayers House. As we drove in the driveway past the Ballroom,  Wow! A few more photos out the front then we made our way to the entrance. By this time I was very nervous but SO excited!!

Before we knew it I gave my dad the nod and we started to walk into the Ballroom. All eyes gazing. I was SOOOOOO nervous now! As I turned the corner and began walking down to Jason, our eyes met and he winked at me. I knew then it was going to be ok and my nerves disappeared. The ceremony was wonderful! We wanted an intimate wedding and wanted everyone to be drawn into the ceremony and the Ballroom atmosphere was sensational for this! Before I knew it we were Mr & Mrs and we were heading outside to celebrate with family and friends!

Off to the Botanic Gardens for family pics, and then the bridal party went to the University and Jason and I headed off down Rundle Street to the Austral (my fave pub!) and for some creative photos outside a graffiti mural.  
We rushed back to start the reception and then the party began! Henry Ayers Room at Ayers House is gorgeous and ideal for an intimate group! Our DJ kept the good tunes playing and kept the atmosphere alive throughout the night!

We ended up heading out to Sugar on Rundle Street after the reception finished and danced till the wee hours with our close friends who had traveled from interstate before heading back to retire as husband and wife! Wow what a magical day – remaining firmly in our memories for years to come!!

A few extra things:

Our cake was simply STUNNING! Everyone commented on how clever and spectacular it looked so thank you Kate from SUGARUSH CAKES for making our cake dreams a reality!

AYERS HOUSE - thank you for everything! Service was impeccable, food was delicious and the Henry Ayers Room was simply stunning!

The magical day was Saturday 6th September and the weather was amazing!!! We could not have wished for better! The wedding took place at Glenelg - ceremony at St Peter's Anglican Church, and then reception at the Stamford Grand. Most of my bridesmaids and I stayed at the Stamford Grand the night before and we got ready there the next morning.

The lovely Jeanette (Flair4Hair) arrived around 6:45am and got to work on our hair. She is just amazing!! Aside from giving us princess-hair, she was so cheerful and fun to be around, and the room was buzzing with excitement!

Jeanette doing my Chief BM's hair
 
The at 8:30 the makeup lady arrived to start our make-up. She and Jeanette worked really well together and we ended up being ready an hour ahead of schedule - woohoo!

So we had time to have some fun, like running downstairs in our pajamas with our hair and make-up done to have photos with our reception sign by the staircase...

Because the bling & jimjams look is just so trendy... 
I gave each of my bridesmaid's jewellery (necklace & earrings), a bag, and a wrap, plus 4 blingy hair pins each. 


Bridesmaid gifts laid out.
Eventually we were all ready and then our wonderful photographer arrived. She had already been to see the boys so I had to quiz her on how they were going, if they had all shown up (lol) and if they had all been awake (more lol). She assured me that they were fine and organized and on time - phew!

So then we had some photos etc my parents were there so I had photos with them and with each of my girls etc - then we went down to the staircase and had some pics there.



A lot of Kym's (H2B) family were at the Grand as well so they took heaps of photos of us which was so nice. It was good having such a support network there, haha!!

Then the carriage arrived, so us girls piled in and off we went to the church. It was such a fun ride and we felt like royalty with so many people waving to us etc!! When we got to the church, nearly everyone was standing outside waiting for us because they wanted to see the carriage arrive! I didn't expect that but it was so nice!! I discovered that it is not easy to disembark a horse-drawn carriage gracefully in a wedding gown and heels... especially when you have an audience!! But I managed, phew!


Posing outside the church after arriving!

As everyone was taking their seats inside, we had some quick photos outside the church and a quick chat with the priest who was marrying us. Then suddenly it was time for us to make our entrance!! My girls were brilliant! None of them had been bridesmaids before but they were absolutely fantastic - not too nervous, and walked down the aisle like experts! Then it was my turn...



I walked down the aisle alone as I don't believe in the tradition of being given away. It was one of the most empowering moments of my life

 
And the boys were ready, waiting, and looking mighty fine.
The ceremony went well - we kept it short but wonderful! I was a bit nervous about the vows as on the rehearsal on Thursday night we had kept laughing and couldn't keep a straight face!! So I was careful not to make eye contact with Kym until I had finished my line - just in case!! Thankfully we got through it without a hitch or a giggle!



Then we had lots and lots and lots and lots of photos outside the church - mainly family photos etc. My mum is not in good health at all so she had to go back to the hotel to rest. So we had to get the family pics with my family over with quickly. I was just glad Mum could come at all, because it wasn't looking good for a while there. But she did well on the day


Us outside the church

After all the photos at the church, we went off to have more photos! We had photos all around Glenelg! The Marina, the Buffalo, Colley Reserve, The Stamford Grand, the Beach House (us girls rode the carousel!), Bracegirdles chocolate shop, and Gloria Jeans! It was the best fun ever!! We rode partly in the carriage and partly in the Mitsubishi Evo X that Kym had for the day. We also had Kym's own Lancer as an extra wedding car as there were 10 of us in the bridal party and we wouldn't all fit in the carriage and one car.





I love this pic!!


Hehehe!! So much fun!!



Then on to GJs which is our second home!!

Then we went back to the Grand and had some photos on the balcony and in our reception room. We also did a mock cake cutting as Heather wouldn't be there for the real one.








'Cutting' the cake, hehe

Because Kym's family is Chinese we had a tea ceremony which involves Kym and I giving our elders each a cup of tea, they take a sip, and then they give us something in exchange. Mostly it was lucky red packets with a small amount of money inside, but I got a beautiful gold bangle from Kym's grandmother, and a lovely necklace with a lot of sentimental value behind it from Kym's mum. It is a tradition I didn't know about until about a week before the wedding, but it was so nice and special - and it was lovely to feel so accepted by all of Kym's family


Our reception room before it started


Bridal table all ready to go!

Then last but not least, we had a last photo on the staircase before heading up to our room for pre-dinner drinks. We had lost a groomsman by then as he had an injured ankle and was resting in our room.

The reception was the most fun night of my life! It went way too quickly - Kym and I barely ate as there were so many people to talk to! This is kind of a shame as we had a buffet and the food was apparently divine!!? We've seen photos of the dessert and oh my gosh, yum!! But at least everyone else got heaps to eat. One of my bridesmaids caught the bouquet which was nice. Our DJ did a fabulous job with our music, and the speeches were fantastic. The night was over all too soon!!

Our big day was perfect! It was the most magical day of our lives and it just went like clockwork. Nothing went drastically wrong - it was just like living a fairy tale, and we will treasure the memories for the rest of our lives. It's been so nice to relive the day and share it with you all.
I hope your days are as perfect & magical as mine!

I have been very slack and not put my pics up. Anyways here are some pics from our wedding. It was held at Glenelg with our ceremony at Colley reserve. It was a perfect day and I just want to relive it all over again! Enjoy!! Much love, Alex xoxo

Big Thanks to Flair4Hair & Anita Marchessi makeup they all made the day so so perfect! ox


 




 




 

Well as you can probably tell, I had the most fabulous day of my life!! I want to do it over and over again!!!

I will try and keep it brief, so here's an overview!!

Thursday morning courtesy of a BM I had a lovely massage before packing and heading up to Mt Lofty with one of my BM's. We hung up my dress and then I had to meet H2B and the priest for the final signing of paperwork and a run thru how the day would pan out.

I said my goodbyes to H2B and waited for my other BM to arrive. Once she arrived we headed into Stirling where we had our nails done and a pedicure, it was nice and relaxing. We had tea at the Stirling pub and headed back to Mt Lofty.

I was pretty anxious that night, more excitement than nerves and I struggled to sleep! Finally by about midnight I nodded off!
Then 6am - wide awake!! I pottered around for a while before meeting my mum and the girls for a lovely brekky in the Piccadilly restaurant overlooking the gully.

I could see the black clouds roll in and started getting worried! But they kept on rolling, and there was no rain instead it turned into the most amazing day!

I showered before Jeanette (Flair4Hair) arrived - how exciting!
She was buzzing around, and did one BM's hair before setting mine. I walked my BM's through the gardens looking stunning in rollers!! One by one the hair was getting styled and the girls were getting glammed up.

Gab Boulton turned up at 11am to start makeup - I got another buzz of butterflies in my stomach!! Time was flying by. Luckily we made time for a nibble and some refreshments to tide us over.

Jeanette and Gab were both on time and absolutely wonderful - would highly recommend them both!

The photographer arrived at 1.30 and I was just in torsolette and knickers so we got some photos and then the girls helped me into my dress. The photos continued, as I put on my garter, shoes, something borrowed and something old.
I cracked open my Vera Wang Princess and lotion and put it on. IT as feeling so surreal as we went thru the photos with mum and finally my brother who was giving me away.

At 2.50pm we walked through Mt Lofty House for some photos. We then slowly headed out as I didn't want to leave them waiting for too long. I got goose bumps walking down the stairs and seeing people waiting with cameras.

The music (Ave Maria) cranked up on the harp and soprano, and my eyes welled up and yep more goose bumps!! I watched the girls go one by one and then it was my turn.

It was so amazing. I was very nervous and tense until I saw H2B. He looked amazing and just smiled at me (although I could see his bottom lip shaking!!). We went through the service, and he had tears during his vows which naturally set me off for a moment!
We signed the registry and finally were Mr & Mrs!!!

We had an awesome time doing the photos, having champagne and just having a good time! The reception went off without a hitch, fabulous food and drink, music at a nice level, and socialising.
We did our bridal waltz to Everything by Michael Buble', and didn't make one mistake!!!

Anyway, well done if you have made it this far, thanks for all your good luck wishes and help along the way.