What do you do when your proposal plans get upstaged by another couple in the midsts of their own proposal?! “This was not in my plan!” Chris joked as he tells us of the moments before he popped the question to his partner in crime, Zara in the middle of Central Park, NY. “Never the exhibitionist, I scoped out the scene as we approached, trying to find a moderately quiet spot. Then, out of nowhere, we are confronted by a nearby scream/shriek. Turns out another guy shared my bright idea, and had proposed to his girlfriend directly in front of us…Fortunately, Zara was a good sport (I suspect she knew what was happening all along), and we proceeded to wander up to a quiet spot overlooking the beautiful scenery. It was there that I asked my best friend what she thought about spending the rest of her life with me. She agreed!”

A ten month engagement saw the couple embark on a DIY journey that included scouring every op-shop in Melbourne for vintage alcohol decanters and creating their wishing well with antique suitcases. “Our favourite detail of the wedding was the special touches that our mothers contributed. My mum, Zita, made home-made delicious mango jam and presented them in cute little jars to give as gifts to our guests,” said the bride, who booked Pope Joan as their venue after discovering the intimate space, delicious food and perfect space to cater to the ceremony and reception.

“Lilli Waters from I Got You Babe was a real standout,” Zara tells us. “Finding the perfect photographer was really important to us as the photos are all you are going to have left, apart from the wonderful memories. Lilli was so accomodating, friendly and of course, talented.”

Despite that minor hick-up at the proposal, the groom tells us the moment he saw his bride walking up the aisle made time stand still, “At that moment, it was as though the world has stopped and everything went quiet and all I could think about was how proud and happy I was to be marrying the love of my life. It was the best feeling I have ever had!”

CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer I Got You Babe // Flowers Sourced La Manna Fresh // Invites ParchmentAndTwineAU via Etsy // Reception, Ceremony and Catering Pope Joan, Vic // Other Desserts American Doughnut Kitchen // Celebrant Russ Macumber // Engagement Ring Gem Trove // Wedding Bands Catbird THE BRIDES Bridal Gown Designer Zimmermann // Bridal Jacket Kinki Gerlinki // Shoes Isabella Anselmi // Accessories Lovehate // Hair and Makeup Livia Milazzo THE GROOM Suit Jack London // Shirt Brooks Brothers // Shoes Florsheim //Watch Skagen.