Rebecca & Michael Clarke • 7th September, 2007
Wedding Celebration Story
How We Met Originally we met 5 years ago when we were both assigned to work on a project. Let’s just say, we made an impression on each other even if it wasn’t necessarily favourable.
Fast forward to about 2 years later and one of my friends mentioned that she’d met the perfect guy for me. It turned out to be Mick, so I made a deal with myself – if I saw him on a particular day then it was a sign from the universe that I was meant to do something. As luck would have it, that very day we ended up catching a lift together. I couldn’t believe it.
The next day, I sent him an e-mail asking if he’d like to go out sometime. Apparently he originally thought that someone was playing a joke on him, so it took him a while to e-mail back a yes.
On our first date we ended up shoe shopping for Mick (I should have seen the signs then) and it ended a little differently then he had planned – with me running off to catch a train and him not even getting a good night kiss.
From there, we just clicked. Even when we were in a long distance relationship, our feelings for each other deepened.
The Proposal Mick wanted me to pick a weekend for us to go away and somehow it just kept getting pushed back. Finally we managed to work out a weekend, and suddenly he became really secretive about it. A week before we were due to go away he had me convinced that he had absolutely nothing planned, so I seriously thought that we were going to just be going for a picnic somewhere. The night before, he gave me instructions to pack a bag, with clues that we’d be going out to dinner and I’d need to take jeans.
The morning came and we set off in the car. Firstly, we went horse riding in the State Forest, which he’d apparently had planned for a couple of weeks. After telling me that that was his only surprise, he then drove up to Mooloolabah where he’d booked a hotel room for the night. We had a leisurely lunch and were strolling by the beach when he suddenly wanted to go into a group of shops. He’d found a health centre where we were both booked in for an hour long massage. I seriously thought that was the end of the surprises for the day when we returned to the hotel room to work out where to go for dinner.
We found a place to eat and Mick went to order some drinks while I waited at the table. He seemed to be taking ages and when he came back he was preoccupied with something. We were just talking, when he said “I think there’s something that you’d like here” and crossed his leg so that his right ankle was next to me. As he lifted up his pants I could see the box and he asked me to marry him. It was perfect.
Planning The Wedding After deciding that we wanted to get married, we really didn’t want to wait too long before making it official. Thus, we decided on a date 7 weeks away. To make it a little more fun, we chose to do a surprise wedding with all the guests being invited to an engagement party.
In a week we managed to organise the venue and the photographers as well as the invitations. It all just seemed to fall into place. The thing to remember is that it’s all about the two of you and the commitment that you’re making to each other, so do what makes you happy.
On The Day The morning of the wedding was hilarious. After safely delivering the cakes to the Services club, we went to book into a room that a friend had booked for us. Unfortunately, he’d mixed up which hotel he’d booked – so we packed everything back up and drove two minutes down the road. This didn’t do anything to help Mick’s nerves!
The hair & makeup went really smoothly then suddenly it was time to go and meet our photographers Adam and Fiona at the gardens. It was a fantastic way to get ready for the ceremony – wandering around the Parklands having some photos taken and just enjoying each others’ company. As we walked up to the pavilion to get married, it felt so right and the looks on people’s faces as we arrived made it all the more special.
The ceremony itself was fantastic. Our celebrant Jen had managed to weave some very personal touches into it and my grandparents got to be involved as well, serving as our witnesses to commemorate their 60th Wedding anniversary. Throughout the ceremony we both had tears as we said the vows
Afterwards, the reception was lovely. The cakes were a hit with the guests as was the venue itself. We all agreed there was way too much food and by the end of the night there were some very happy people – including one guest who decided to sing “Afternoon Delight” into the microphone.
All in all, it was more than we’d even hoped it would be. Although people told us that it would happen in a blur and we wouldn’t remember too much, that wasn’t the case. Somehow by focussing on what was important – the fact that we were making a commitment to each other – the stress seemed to be taken out of it and we did just enjoy each moment of the day.
Wedding Celebration Team
Ceremony Venue Harry Oakman Pavilion, Roma Street Parklands | t. 07 3006 4545 |
w. www.romastreetparkland.com
Celebrant Jennifer Cram | t. 07 3378 3005
Reception Venue United Services Club |
t. 07 3831 4433 | w. www.unitedservicesclub.com.au
Bridal Gown Harts | t. 07 3878 3727
Photography Deep Grey | t. 0417 199 192
w. www.deepgreyweddings.com.au
Wedding Rings Stones Jewellers | t. 07 3221 3242
Hair Stylist & Make-up Salon 70, Sarah & Toni |
t. 07 3367 0390 | w. www.salon70.com.au
Mens’ Suits Oxford | t. 07 3350 2055 |
w. www.oxfordshop.com.au
Florist Perrotts | t. 07 3252 7877
| w. www.perrotts.com.au
Bomboniere Centaine Consultants | t. 02 4572 1805 | w. www.centaineconsultants.com.au
Honeymoon Dubbo, Central NSW
Number of Guests 23
 Return to the Review Index
|
