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Steph & Michael

Where Are They Now?

Tell us about your wedding?

Our wedding was definitely one of the greatest days of my life. We made it very much our own by swapping out the usual traditions for our own. We had pre-wedding photos at our favourite bar (The Junk Bar) and the ceremony and reception at an awesome restaurant/venue in Brisbane (Factory 51). We had our friends saying a few words instead of readings, wedding speech bingo, a choreographed cheesy first dance to Donny Benet and an impromptu lip sync serenade from me to my husband. It was all about celebrating us two dorks, having fun and enjoying our friends and family coming together. Complete with my sister as informal celebrant and the greatest photography duo of all time, it was a perfect day.

Now that some time has passed, what would you differently?

I honestly don’t think there is anything I would change, to be honest. Maybe I would have stressed less leading up to the day!

What was the memorable moment of your wedding day?

There were so many moments… our first look, seeing Michael in his terrific suit and realizing we were about to officially spend the rest of our lives together. The amazing speeches from our friends which had us all gut laughing, my flower girl escorting me around the reception like my little shadow, Michael’s shocked face as I “serenaded” him with Beyonce, finishing our first dance and getting everybody up on the dancefloor together and giving my family huge happy tear-filled hugs.

What advice do you have for others planning their wedding?

Cast all expectations to the side and make it yours no matter what. You (hopefully) only get one wedding day so do what you want not what anyone else wants! Have a family member/friend/planner be the go-to person on the day so you don’t have to worry about anything, and if there are issues you can just concentrate on enjoying your day. Take a breath, relax and enjoy the moments as much as you can.

Did you have any vendors you absolutely adored and still remember?

They were all memorable. Todd Hunter McGaw Photography did an amazing job of our wedding photos, and Factory 51 was a fantastic venue and provided delicious food. My dress was perfect from Bertossi Brides, who also custom made Bindi Irwin’s dress recently!

If you could do it all over again, what would your wedding look like?

I’d happily recreate the same exact day, but if I had won the lotto, it would be to extend it for a week and have it somewhere in Europe perhaps.

Where has life taken you? What are you up to now?

Married life has been pretty wonderful so far. We are loving our life in Melbourne but still regularly travel to visit our Brisbane family. Husband Michael has one more year of medical school left before he starts an internship. And we have just welcomed a third member of our family, our 5-week-old little man Casper Grant Fornasier Watson. He’s absolutely perfect and we are loving being new parents.

What is the secret to your marriage?

Communication, trust and respect are key. We always try to have fun and be silly even in the most stressful of times. And find time for each other amongst the busiest of times, even if it’s just a quick walk to the coffee shop together. It must be working out because we haven’t got sick of each other yet during social isolation!

Anything else you would like to add?

Thanks for the follow-up!

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