It was in Hong Kong while on a mission trip that Tim popped the big question to Emily. After arranging for a small fishing boat to take them on a ride, the pair says it ended up being a big adventure, not to plan at all…
“The man driving the boat spoke no English so Tim couldn’t ask him slow down for the special moment (the only time we did slow down was when we got boarded by customs). He proposed when they were speeding along and I thought it was a joke! We both arrived back looking very pale but super excited and happy as I said yes’!!!”
With a 13 month engagement ahead, Emily and Tim began the planning process by scoping out venues keeping in mind that they both love the beach and the South Coast. Though the bride was hoping for an outdoor reception, everyone warned her against it (lucky for her because it rained cats and dogs!).
“I Googled nearly a hundred places and Rubys Mt Kembla came up as a place that held marquee weddings. We fell in love with the place,” explains the bride, who assured us that all that glitters can be gold with the bridesmaids dresses she chose from Etsy shop DesignBridal (you might even recognise one of the bridesmaids – our Market Editor, Ally!).
As for Emily, it was a Maggie Sottero gown from Abbey Bridal that stole her heart for the big day’s fashion. “The other dresses I tried on just didn’t seem to be the one’. One afternoon I left work early and my mum and one of my bridesmaids went to give Abbey Bridal a go. We all agreed pretty quickly to the one I ended up with, as it was perfect for me. It was not necessarily what I had been looking for but it wasn’t like any I had seen. I liked that it was unique,” Emily explains, adding that they kept the speeches to a strict time limit – and for good reason (as evidenced by photos taken by legend Matt Godkin).
“The dance floor was really important to us! We wanted people to have lots of fun and let loose at the end of all the formalities, and they certainly did! Everyone was able to have a good laugh during our first dance I got caught on Tim’s fly as we attempted a dramatic twirl and dip… no one will forget it anytime soon!”
Now happily hitched, the newlyweds advise other future brides and grooms to enjoy the preparation, try not to stress and focus on the tried and true meaning of marriage: “Doing life with your best friend – helping each other to grow and improve as people together, a commitment through the good and the hard times.”
CREDITS Photos Matt Godkin Photography // Bridal gown Maggie Sottero via Abbey Bridal // Veil Abbey Bridal // Hair piece Willow Flowers by Design // Bride and bridesmaids shoes Direct Shoe Warehouse // Accessories MyDistinctDesigns via Etsy // Hair Long & Short Of It // Makeup Adore My Body My Beauty My Skin // Rings Gavin Fisher Jewellery // Bridesmaid dresses and bridesmaid gifts DesignBridal via Etsy // Groom and groomsmen suits and Tie / Bow tie TM Lewin // Cufflinks Cotton On // Shoes, socks and decorative elements Myer // Barber / grooming Marcs for Men // Flower girls Goosebumps Clothing and Pumpkin Patch // Florist Willow Flowers by Design // Stationery and signage Steph Ryan // Printer Worldwide Printing Solutions // Ceremony Flagstaff Hill, NSW // Reception, catering and cake Rubys Mt Kembla, NSW // Food trucks and carts Big Sister Horse Gelati // Decorative elements Dusk and Koorong // Wedding favours Bomboniere & Invitation Factory, Angelo Benn and The Reject Shop // Prop and furniture hire Jacques Party Hire Pty Ltd // Lighting / sound hire The P.A. People // Entertainment The Harmonic Minors // Transport Shoalhaven Prestige Wedding Car // Cinematographer PremiAir Production.