WHERE DID YOU MEET?
Lachlan and I met at university, where we were both studying Anatomy. We were lab partners! We became really good friends and by the end of the semester Lachie convinced me to kiss him... and the rest is history!

HOW DID HE PROPOSE?
We were in holidays in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and went to a little restaurant on the main boulevard in a place called “Las Palomas” or the “the love birds”. We were the only ones there and sat with a view of the people walking by on the street. There was a soloist playing Spanish guitar and we had just finished a beautiful meal and margueritas. Lachlan decided that this was the moment. He went to the bathroom to psyche himself up, and came back with a big smile on his face...got down on one knee and asked me whether I would marry him. He had a “tribute” ring with him, saying that he wanted us to choose the real thing together. It was the most romantic night, and we were floating on air for the rest of the holiday.

THE WEDDING DAY:
The ceremony was in a timy little Anglican church that just fit everyone in, in Mount View, about 20 mins from the venue. I walked with my dad to Canon in D, and we had the Hymns “Guide me o though Great Redeemer” and “on Eagles Wings”. My dad is a soloist for a choir, and he led the hymn “on Eagles wings” which was so beautiful. We had communion, just the two of us, and said traditional vows. It was a beautiful service.

The reception was at Tallavera Grove Winery, in their restaurant, Bistro Molines. It has an amazing view of the Hunter Valley and the food was divine. Sally Molines, the owner, decorated the place with my decorations: White Moroccan lanterns, Long rectangular vases with fresh flowers, and our little pickled jalapenos as our bonbonniere. There were bird cages and little bird tributes everywhere.

WHAT WAS YOUR SPECIAL MEMORY OF THE DAY?
My most special moment was our first dance. At that moment I just felt so amazing to have all our family and friends around us, but we were just looking in each other’s eyes, everyone melted into the background, and we held each other in complete bliss.

BRIDES TIP:
There is so many options out there for every little detail of your wedding. My advice is once you have found something you like- pick it and just move on-don’t keep looking at other options it will just stress you out! And also, any little thing that you can do in the lead up to the day, whether its the programs or the bonbonniere- don’t put it off till the end, just do it and then it’s done and you don’t need to worry about it.

Photographer: James Billing Photography www.jamesbilling.com 0405 403 762

Gemma designed the stationery and had Triple A Graphics print it for her  www.tripleagraphics.com.au. She also made her own bouquet of pink and white roses, tuberrose, and dusty miller from Grace's Florist, Turramurra.

Theme:Shabby Chic, Bird theme which was inspired by Lachlan's proposal in Mexico at a restaurant called "Las Palomas" translating to "the love birds' so they decided to carry through this theme as a little tribute to their special moment.

Brides Gown: Silk Chiffon with an organza and tulle underlay, a Maggie Sottero design, made by Rachelle Couture www.rachellescouture.bpweb.com.au

Bridesmaids' Dresses: Gemma gave each of the girls 3 metres of silk du scheen and told them to get whatever they liked made so each dress was made by a different dressmaker. Great idea Gemma!

Groom's Suit: Spurling Bridalwear www.spurling.com.au

Ceremony: Christ Church Mount Vincent http://dysonsmith.idx.com.au/ccmv.html

Reception & Caterer: Bistro Molines, Mount View, Hunter Valley www.bistromolines.com.au

Rings by Steven James Jeweller 02 9790 3349

Cake: Made and iced by family! The top tier made by Lachlan's grandmother, the bottom by Gemma's grandmother. Iced professionally by a family friend.

Bridal Registry: Peters of Kensington www.petersofkensington.com.au

Honeymoon: Italy