The love story
Ness and Lachie met 5 and half years ago through Ness’s step brother. Lachie was his new friend from the footy club he had joined, and we met one night out at a bar. A few months later we had our first kiss, and Lachie moved to Tassie for work the very next day. A first date didn’t happen for quite some time as our relationship started as long distance pretty much! And I can’t recall a first official date, but we had many picnics in Carlton gardens, and pub hopped countless of times. We had so much fun getting to know each other, and still do!
The engagement
We were doing a couple’s photoshoot with Donna Lee Photography, and Lachie proposed during the photoshoot! It is SO awesome to have the photos of the moment to cherish forever. And extra awesome that we both looked so dolled up at the time!
One piece of advice
Continue to remind yourself not to sweat the small stuff! Things are bound to change or not go to plan. Remember that it is you and your partner declaring your love forever, and nothing else matters on the day. Stay true to what you both want and make your day authentically you- and it’ll be the BEST day EVER!
The wedding gown
I wanted a skirt that had movement and elegance, and I wanted to be comfortable! I didn’t want a gown that made me feel pressure to lose 5kg’s and ‘wedding shred’. I just wanted to be me. I love the beautiful silk and the unique tie at the back. It wasn’t at all what I imagined I would wear on my day, but that makes me love it even more. I had always been a fan of Grace Loves Lace, so I knew deep down it would be from there.
The venue
We moved to the area 2 years ago, and when we saw the venue we knew if we would get married it would be there. We love the Ocean, and always said our wedding would be by the sea.
Our beautiful ceremony
It was the middle of summer, but the weather forecast was a random grey sky and 19 degrees! By lunchtime the sun came out and the wind died down, I was so happy. Our dress code was ‘fun and fabulous’ so all of our guests were dressed in bright fun colours! The ceremony was the perfect balance of laughter, happy tears and love. The flower set up was even more epic than I imagined and looked incredible with the blue sky. My Nanna is renowned for not knowing how to use her camera, so when Precious invited her up to take a photo and she turned her camera OFF instead of pressing the shutter button to take the photo – we laughed VERY hard.
Favourite memories
All of it!! But an extra special moment was playing a game on the dance floor so the longest married couple was left dancing on the dance floor alone – my grandparents were left dancing (we had just celebrated their 60-year anniversary) and my family were in tears. Also, when I was reading out my vows and having a teary – our Dog picked up on that and started having a little whiney cry too! So cute.
Honestly all of them. Every vendor was absolutely incredible. A big shout out goes to Precious, our Celebrant, as she curated the most perfect ceremony and was the best MC! She personalised our day so perfectly, and cracked the best jokes, our guests thought we had been friends with her for years! My florist Jessie from Alby Frank Floral created the perfect burst of flower fun that I had dreamed of and went above and beyond my expectations! And having a long-time friend such as Donna shoot the wedding made everyone feel so comfortable and made the day so fun!!
Vendors
Accessories Izoa, Wittner & Swarovski I Accommodation RACV Resort Inverloch I Bridal Gown & Veil Designer Grace Loves Lace I Bridesmaid Dresses L’idee, Misha I Cake / Sweets Locally made by a friend, Sophie Hogan I Catering Copper Door Kitchen I Celebrant Precious Celebrations I Ceremony Venue Cape Paterson Life Saving Club I Confetti Cannons The Whole Bride I Entertainment / Music Jimmy King Music I Florist Alby Franks Floral I Grooms Attire Menz Mode I Hair Stylist Emma Jean Bridal Hair I Hire Services Off the Hook Audio Guest Book I Honeymoon Bali I Jewellery Seahorse Boutique, Moonstruck Bridal & Eloise Faulkner I Makeup Artist Luxe Allure Aesthetics I Nails / Tan Lottie Nails I Photographer Donna Lee Photography I Reception Venue Cape Paterson Life Saving Club I Robes, Sleepwear & Lingerie Kat the Label & Atmos & Here I Videographer Trend Agency
Donna Lee Photography
Congratulations on your engagement! I’m Donna and I would love nothing more than to join you and capture your big day. I strive to capture those deep, emotive moments between you and your significant other with minimal posing and more authentic, candid imagery. I want you to reflect on your images and feel the love oozing out of them. My work is described as bold and romantic with a modern twist, but I ensure my images remain timeless and relevant. As your photographer, I love to hear what you envision for your big day and to help with pre-wedding plans to ensure your day runs smoothly. With some slight prompting and plenty of laughs, I promise our time together will be relaxed and full of fun!