There’s always a certain amount of pressure when it comes to shooting a wedding. Having all those people there to celebrate with you at the same time is literally a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and the weight of “you can’t stuff this up” is real. There are a few things that crank it up even further, such as when it’s a mate who’s getting married, or a photographer, or someone in the wedding industry. When all of those boxes are ticked it’s about as high stakes as it gets. Fortunately, Karen, an amazing photographer and wonderful celebrant, is also an absolute sweetheart who radiates joy and is an absolute pleasure to photograph, so I wasn’t actually stressed in the slightest. (The BOM wasn’t helping my stress level either, giving me a range of 1-20mm of forecast rain!!)
Photographer: Simon Bills Photography
Venue: Imperial Measures Distilling
Celebrant: That Moment – Celebrations By Samantha Tiller
Dress Designer: Betrothed
Suit Designer: Peter Jackson (Grooms Suit)
Florist: Sam Burnell Floral Designs
Hair Stylist: Hair By Fiona Marshall
Makeup: Makeup By Ally K
Caterer: Nibbles.Etc
Caterer: Paella Bar
Caterer: Mayfair Patisserie
Tell me about your The Beginning!
We met in September 2018 and were friends for a while first before becoming a couple. We ran away to Falls Festival (as mates!) for New Year’s Eve and were mistaken for a couple so often, we laughed it off until a few months later we worked out that’s what we actually wanted.
When and where did you get engaged?
13 March 2022, we had finally found a home and were waiting for settlement. Mike took me to the house “to check out some things in the front yard”, then said he had nibbles and a few drinks to celebrate buying our new home so we sat on the front lawn and had a toast. We were discussing the things we couldn’t wait to do at the house and he got down on one knee and proposed. I had no idea and was in a little bit of shock! We went to the Fringe afterwards, had dinner at Ong, and saw a show.
What style/theme have you chosen for your Wedding Day?
I didn’t want to get married somewhere I’d worked before. We both love gin, and wanted to find a gin bar or distillery that was near home, so we could go there often after the wedding too. We chose Imperial Measures as we love their gin and it fits all the people in it, rain hail or shine lol. The reception is at home and we wanted it to be a big party with friends and family, a fancy celebration of “us” and our family. We are really excited to have it there.
What are you most looking forward to on the day?
Getting to the ceremony and seeing each other, toasting together with our friends and family, seeing all of “our people” hanging out and having fun together in one place. The combining of family and friends to become a big village.
Top Tips!
Don’t sweat the small stuff. All that matters at the end of the day is that you’re married. We’ve had a few little hiccups (i.e. Mike’s ring won’t be ready for the actual wedding day, we found out yesterday!! And my make up artist cancelled on me!!). None of it matters and it’s not worth getting worked up about. We’ll figure them out.
