Garry and Fiona
Garry and I have been married before and, although this inevitably means we have experienced heartache in the past, the silver lining is that we have both learned so much along the way, have found each other – and we now get to create a new life and new dreams to share together plus I get to tweak all the things I wasn’t happy about in my first wedding all those years ago and plan my perfect day.. yay! Working in the wedding industry in Perth and being the owner of Antiquitea – Vintage High Teas & Events, has made the experience even more fun!
The thing I love most about weddings these days (compared to my first wedding in 1996) is that you never really know what you’re going to get! Once upon a time, there was a wedding ‘mold’ that everyone felt compelled to fit into… well, thankfully, the ‘cookie cutter wedding’ is now a thing of the past. Weddings nowadays are so unique and unpredictable reflecting the couple’s relationship and their love. You no longer have to do what you think everyone expects you to do because at the end of the day, all your family and friends really want is to see you both happy and in love. If you have created something that is YOUR perfect day (staying true to who you both are), then that is what they will experience!
The first ‘non-cookie-cutter’ thing that I wanted to do at our wedding was not to have any of the ‘getting ready’ photos which, for me, can feel quite staged and are a little passe. Instead, our wonderful photographer, Nat, from I Heart Weddings, photographed our guests and the pre-ceremony anticipation.
Our second ‘break from tradition’ was that I chose to walk myself down the aisle. Although my Father would have been happy to do this for me, he had already ‘given me away’ once before and, this time, I felt it was important to show everyone that I was ‘giving myself away’ to this gorgeous man.
During the ceremony, whilst John Lennon sang ‘Imagine’, an etched wooden pebble was passed amongst the guests and everyone took a moment to make a loving wish, not only for us, but for the world we live in. This was one of our favourite moments of the day. You will see us watching on (well, Garry seems a little distracted!) as our beautiful family and friends take part. Also, our niece Molly read a poem ‘This Life is Ours Anew’ written by our Celebrant Maggie Anderson.
As well as some beautiful and loving vows that we made to each other, Garry also promised to make me a cup of tea everyone morning and I promised I would bake him as much carrot cake, banana bread and scones as his waistline could withstand!
The next break with tradition: our yummy wedding cake (by The Cake & I), along with champagne and pink lemonade was served in the park immediately after the ceremony. I got this idea from one of my customers and thought it was brilliant! It allowed us to spend time in the park, taking photos with our guests, and ensured that the cake was enjoyed and appreciated – and not forgotten about at the end of the night when everyone has had too much to eat and drink! Another bonus was it allowed us to invite additional guests (and the children of our guests) that we were unable to accommodate at the evening reception (due to lack of space) – they loved being able to share in our day and celebrate afterwards with us!
Our guests then gathered in our home for a real garden party wedding reception! We joined them after a quick location shoot nearby.
We wanted a relaxed feel to the evening reception and so chose to sit amongst our guests and not to separate ourselves by having a ‘top table’. We didn’t follow the usual ‘rules’ as far as who HAS to make a speech (except for the Groom of course who desperately wanted to get out of doing his speech, but that was where I had to draw the line.. I mean, come on, everyone wants to hear from the Groom – right?)! My eldest daughter chose to make a speech (a real highlight for me), the Best Man didn’t, my husband’s identical twin brother (who flew over from the UK at the last minute) chose to make one, and so did I.
We gave away home-made jam favours (thanks to my dear ol’ Mum)!
Speeches were followed by a dessert buffet (again, by the amazing Jo from The Cake & I) and then the entertainment was provided by my youngest daughter (who is a budding ballerina) and our niece, who played and sang a touching and meaningful song. These little touches gave a real sense of family to the evening. We kicked off the dancing with the first dance and scooted off at 11pm – which is the perfect time if you ask me. Not too late that your guests are tired and willing you to leave (so that they can!) and also, early enough so that you have time to enjoy the luxury of your wedding night suite!
Our honeymoon was 2 weeks in Bora Bora… but that’s a whole other story!!
Images by I Heart Weddings
Ms Gingham says: A true garden party feel! I love the hanging bird cages! Thanks for sharing your wedding Fiona!
Fiona says: “I am the owner of Antiquitea – Vintage High Teas and Events and was married (for the 2nd time) a few weeks ago. Getting married again certainly does have it’s advantages, and so does owning a business in the wedding industry!”
What a lovely, lovley event! All so pretty and a wonderful emphasis on family, friends and sweet food! I’d have loved to have been a guest. I’m sure everyone had a great time.