Andrew and Amy

Andrew and I first crossed paths six years ago. He was finishing his teaching degree and I had just returned to Townsville after studying in Brisbane. I was never one to approach a guy but something felt different this time and I wasn’t going to let this one get away! I put my number in an email, closed my eyes and squealed as my good friend hit “send”. We had our first date within a week and were married on the same day, 28th of May, five years later.

Flowers – Townsville Flower Market

The day began with my two Bridesmaids and I heading out for a quick breakfast before having our hair and make-up done. I must admit I was feeling too nervous to eat much but we were spoiled with more food when we arrived at Capelli Hair Gallery. The girls there pampered us with a fruit platter, pastries and drinks while we were all beautified. Honey and her assistant from Insight Creative (photographers) soon arrived to take some shots of the girls, my Mum and I getting ready. Some friends dropped in with more treats after helping out on some last minute setting up and before we knew it we were all done and it was time to head off and start getting dressed. My dress was by Halo Bridal and supplied by Bridal Palace while my hair piece and veil were by Elena Serra.

While we were at Capelli Hair Gallery the boys were kicking back at home enjoying a few quiet ones. Andrew’s close mates had purchased him a bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label as a wedding gift. I don’t drink scotch but apparently it is a very nice drop!

My parents-in-law were kind enough to allow the girls and I to use their home to get dressed as it was a convenient location to the ceremony. Their furniture and decor created a beautiful backdrop for photos.

I don’t think I have mentioned yet what a glorious day it was. April through to September is the best time of the year for weather in North Queensland and Townsville had certainly put on a stunner. There was not a cloud in the sky, the sun was shining bright and I was getting very excited to see Andrew! After some more shots with the family it was time to depart for the ceremony which was held on the Play Lawn at Queens Gardens. Only three months prior to the wedding, Townsville and much of the North Queensland coast was affected by Cyclone Yasi. The gardens were closed for a period of time due to the amount of destruction and I received a call from the bookings officer to say that all weddings scheduled there had been cancelled for the remainder of the year!! I was devastated as we had our heart set on this spot so I persevered with inquiries and finally got the okay after being advised it was “at our own risk”!

I arrived at the ceremony in my Auntie’s gorgeous vintage Jaguars. My Mum and Dad walked me down the aisle to “You belong to me” sung by Jason Wade from the Shrek Soundtrack. Our celebrant was Jennifer Celotto who did an amazing job. She helped us to personalise our ceremony so it was just the way we wanted it, filled with laughs! Andrew’s Groomsmen were his two brothers and my Bridesmaids were two close, very special friends. It was over in what felt like a hearbeat.

We were off to the beach for our location shots where we actually bumped into two other wedding parties also having their photos taken! My ever thoughtful Bridesmaids packed us drinks and snacks to enjoy while we were snapped on the sand and in the long grass. We had a ball but the sun was quickly fading.

It was then off to the Insight Creative studio for more shots where we suddenly became professional models, or so we thought!

Soon after we arrived at Yongala Lodge for our Reception. After making our entrance it was straight to the dancefloor where we performed our choreographed routine to “Just the way you are” by Bruno Mars. Melissa and Rohan from Dancensations did a brilliant job with our dance and we were so thrilled to entertain our guests with it. After enjoying a delicious meal, followed by speeches, it was time to rip up the dance floor and spend time with friends and family.

 Our cake was by Happy Cakes

Our Wedding was an incredibly happy day. It went so fast and as soon as we departed the reception I remember asking “can we do that again?!” All of the stress, headaches and emotions that had built up in the months of planning quickly faded into a distant memory.

Photography by Insight Creative

Ms Gingham says: I’m loving that floral bouquet and those shoes! Such a simple and stylish wedding. Thanks to Amy for sharing it with us today.

Amy describes herself as: “Dance Teacher, 28, lives in Townsville, dog named Ruby”