Photograph by Andrew Maccoll

Damien and Breanna

Damien and I have been together since we were 14 years old.  We started dating in year 8, and have been together ever since.  A few weeks before our 14th anniversary Damien told me we were going out for a few drinks then meeting up with “the boys”.  This was all part of his plan to throw me off track, so I didn’t think there might be something suspect going on.

Damien picked me up from work on a Friday afternoon and drove me to the Emporium Hotel where we had a few cocktails in the bar. Damien then opened the door of a hotel room he had booked out that was decorated with flicker candles and beautiful white flowers everywhere (thanks to a little help from my sister and mother). As I entered the room and turned around he was down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him.  As they say the rest is history.

Engagement

Photo from Breanna and Damien’s collection.

some of the flowers in the hotel

Photo from Breanna and Damien’s collection.

Almost 12 months later we were married on the 28th of August which was our 15th anniversary.  We stood in front of 120 of our closest family and friends at the Broadway Chapel, and declared to love each other today, tomorrow and forever. I got ready with my four beautiful bridesmaids where it all began at the Emporium Hotel, we spent the morning of the wedding getting our hair and makeup done by Make Up My Day.

Photograph by Andrew Maccoll

My dress was everything I had hoped for and more. It was hand made by Jeanette McCullough (0421 611 291) who has been making dresses for me since I was 17 years old.  It was a strapless french lace bodice with a silk layered tulle bottom. I wore shoes by Gary Castles.

Me with my beautiful flowers

The Dress

As the time quickly approached to make our way to the chapel our photographer Andrew Maccoll met us to take some photos with our mode of transport; a beautiful vintage Rolls Royce by Continental Wedding Limousines.

The Bridesmaids

I walked down the aisle to Stirling Strings playing Pachelbel’s Canon in D and will never forget the look on Damien’s face.

Damiens face

Photograph by Andrew Maccoll

Damien and his groomsmen were all wearing evening suits with tails from Peppers Double Bay.  It was a perfect extra touch to our black tie wedding.

Groomsmen

Photograph by Andrew Maccoll

As we signed the register we were accompanied by ‘Better When We’re Together” by Jack Johnson.

Inside the Chapel

Almost every person involved in our wedding has known us since we were  teenagers, from our photographer and dressmaker, to our florist and decorators. It was a very intimate black tie affair. We are constantly passing on the details of our vendors, as our guests were so blown away with the detail that went into the day. It is one we will never forget.

Damien giving the thumbs up!

The Broadway Chapel

As the curtains were raised in our marquee, our guests were taken aback with the detail. A candy buffet, photo booth and live band were just some of the touches.  The overall theme for our wedding was vintage chic.  Our reception was held at the Victoria Park Function Centre. House of Loulou & Co event design, were in charge of the theming and every detail was taken care of.

the reception by House of Loulou & Co

the setting by House of Loulou & Co

Guests made their way to their seats after finding their name off a custom made seating chart, again by House of Loulou & Co using a mix of old and new frames.

Custom made seating chart

custom made seating chart

House of Loulou & Co specialise in candy buffets and our wedding was no exception.  It was a hit, we even had to tell people to leave room for dessert!

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The bridal table was adorned with over 300 flowers and 50 individual vases.  It was something I will never forget. It looked absolutely stunning. Our florist was Debra Cooper for House of Loulou & Co, who was flown up from Melbourne for the big day to ensure ever detail was perfect. From the table decorations to our bouquets I couldn’t have asked for a better team to follow through with my black and white vintage chic theme.

We danced the night away to a live band “Flying Blind” (Martin Gibbons / 0408 622 249) and every guest hit the dance floor after the bridal waltz.

Bridal Waltz

Image by QueSara Photography

My advice for the brides out there: Hire a videographer! Your wedding day is something you will want to watch over and over again. Don’t sweat the small things, everything will work out on the day. Just make sure you take a moment on the day with your husband to take it all in, it will be the best day of your life!

Photograph by Andrew Maccoll

Photography by Andrew Maccoll

Ms Gingham says: High school sweethearts and such a beautiful happy beginning to their new life together! Thanks to Breanna and Damien for sharing it with us and inspiring many brides-to-be out there!

Breanna says: “I married the love of my life in August last year with the wedding of my dreams. We are expecting our first baby in September, so the journey continues and it just keeps getting better.”