How did you both meet?

We knew each other in High School but Keti reached out to me years after and here we are!

Who popped the question & how?

Keti had arranged to surprise me after work. I had got to the front door and he met me there to my surprise all suited up with the lights off, candles lit around the house and rose petals leading us out to the backyard where it was beautifully set up and in front of our families, he asked me if I would marry him. What was special about this, was that we were at my Nan and Pa’s house (who are no longer with us) and he knew how much they meant to me. By proposing to me here, it was the closest we would be to them.

What type of wedding did you plan? What was your theme?

We originally had a grand wedding in mind. However, after postponing four times over three years due to covid and having a baby in that time, We had a change of heart and perspective and wanted our wedding to be on the smaller scale of things with just our closest friends and family around us.

Our theme was quite minimal as our beautiful venue at city beach made enough of an impact. 

What quirky features made your wedding unique?

I wouldn’t say quirky but definitely celebrating my Husband’s culture with our family and friends was a very special aspect of our wedding.

We had my brother and Keti’s cousin MC our reception and they made it more personal and added a few jokes throughout the night too!

Our DJ was also awesome in creating such a fun vibe!!

Where did you hold your ceremony?

Originally wanted to hold it at the cannons. However, with the crazy weather, we decided to hold it in the Ocean Room which was such a great choice and the view was absolutely stunning and all of our guests were comfortable and not walking/driving around from venue to venue.

Why did you choose City Beach?

City beach was the first venue we looked at and straight away we were sold! I wanted to escape the suburbs where we live and make a little getaway out of our wedding also (this can be challenging with a baby – so Wollongong was the perfect place). The views and the space were perfect to us and not too far away from home.

What was it like dealing with Wedding Coordinators, Melissa & Michele?

AMAZING! Planning a wedding is hard enough, let alone through covid lockdowns and restriction changes  (numerous times), andddd having a baby! Melissa and Michele were always so accommodating and understanding. Their swift responses were very reassuring and their flexibility to work around our forever changing plans was second to none.

What’s your No 1 go to song that HAD to be included in your playlist?

My Nanna had just passed away a few days before our wedding. Her favourite song was The Eagle Rock and we would play it at all family events just for her. So, we found it fitting to play on our day and it was such a special moment to be surrounded by my family, cousins, aunty and uncles while we danced to the Eagle Rock for our Nanna!

What was your most memorable moment from the day?

I have too many! I would have to say walking down the aisle with my Dad and seeing my Husband and my Son at the end of the aisle.

Any advice for couples about to tie the knot?

Don’t sweat the small stuff! As beautiful/exciting as all the decorations, centerpieces and the “big show” can be, they call come at such an expense and can be quite stressful. As long as your wedding is full of love.. The day will be the most beautiful day of your life (even without all the bells and whistles).

Also take a moment away from everyone with your partner. My husband and I actually snuck off after we cut our cake at the reception and took some photos on the beach (in the rain and wind) but spending some quality time to reflect on what just happened (WE GOT MARRIED!!!!) was such a nice moment to have.

Lastly, it’s YOUR day. Don’t let other people’s opinions impact you.

What was the funniest thing that happened?

The speeches from our bridal party had us in stitches!

What parts made you cry?

Seeing my Dad when I was in my dress, having a brief moment with him before we walked down the aisle and he held my hand and kissed me on the forehead, seeing my husband and son down the aisle, speeches, and of course my father/daughter dance.

Image by @Translucent Photography