Real Wedding - Harriet & Andrew, Mount Duneed VIC

November 27, 2017 In Real Weddings By Jo Betz

Real Wedding – Harriet & Andrew, Mount Duneed VIC

High school sweet hearts Harriet and Andrew were married within the gorgeous olive groves in front of their family and friends on a perfect day.

Taking the opportunity to have a ‘first look’ and see each other before they made their way down the aisle, allowed this pair to take a moment, relax and have a quick hug before they were wed. It also made for some magical photo moments so beautifully captured by Tribe talent Smith + Archer.

In Harriet’s words…

The meeting.

We met in year eight. A few weeks into term the class was getting a little rowdy, so Mrs Hayden set up a “boy/girl” seating plan. I remember her calling out Andy’s name and hoping I would be the girl sat next to him, and I was.

The ‘one’.

It was never a spoken thing, we both just knew. After some time apart we came back together, and we had the discussion that if we got back together, we knew this was it, it was forever. Within a few months of reconnecting Andy was planning his move interstate for his work. It was never a question of if I was going to join him, we planned the move and to begin the next stage of our life together in Perth.

The proposal.

We became engaged in July 2016, 11 months ago. Andy isn’t much of a romantic, so I knew not to expect a BIG gesture such as writing in the sky popping the question, just something sweet and most likely clumsy, which is Andy to a T so that’s all I ever wanted.
We went for a walk on a rainy day at Lesmurdie falls, when we got to the end of the track Andy stopped me and pulled out the ring box. He was very nervous but after I said “yes”, he stopped and said “wait, which hand does it go on?” With a little assistance we got the ring on and it was perfect!

Planning process.

I am normally a big stress head, so I thought planning a wedding would be a nightmare for me. However, it was completely the opposite. I enjoyed every minute of it! Andy and I knew we wanted a laid back, cruisey day of celebration with our family and friends, and that’s exactly what we had.

Having our incredible stylist, Justine Ash, onboard was incredible. She was absolutely amazing throughout the entire process and that took a lot of the stress away from us.

Style inspiration.

We wanted simple and elegant. Touches of green, white and gold throughout the décor.

The dress.

Living on the other side of the country and planning a wedding, the only tricky part for me was dress shopping. I wanted to do this with my Mum and bridesmaids, however logistically this was tricky. On a whim, I went to visit Embrace Bridal on a flying visit to Geelong one weekend and fell head over heels for my dress. I never wanted strapless, and when the lady picked up my dress off the rack I remember saying “no thank you, I don’t want strapless”. She insisted I try on one of every style, so I could get the feel of what I was after, and I am so thankful she did. As soon as the dress was on, I knew it was mine.

Favourite moment.

The first look. That time we had just together was amazing. To take it all in, embrace each other and know that our day was finally here. That feeling is truly indescribable.

Meaning of marriage.

A life-long commitment to one another and that you want to experience everything life has to offer with that person. All the highs, the lows, the fun times and the hard times too, because that other person brings out the best in you.

Wedding soundtrack.

Aisle: Perfect by Ed Sheeran. This song talks about two kids falling in love, not giving up on each other and this song really tells our story.

Signing Registry: We Are Man And Wife by Michelle Featherstone

Recessional: Can’t Help Falling In Love With You by Haley Reinhart

Funny stories (or near disasters).
The morning of the wedding, in our house it was all smooth sailing. In the groom’s house, absolute chaos! A groomsmen’s belt was left in Perth, a bow tie was broken and my Mother In Law had to sew it back together

Planning surprises.

That it’s not as stressful as everyone says. I found it fun and exciting!

Words of wisdom.
Take it all as it comes! At the end of the day, if you leave your wedding day married to the love of your life, that’s a successful day! Don’t sweat the small stuff, the aim of the day is to get married. I find there is an unspoken “competitiveness” with weddings. A lot of “I wouldn’t do that, wear that” etc. It’s easy to get caught up in worrying what people will say about your day. In the end, it’s your day. Have exactly what you want, what everyone else thinks does not matter. A favourite quote of mine, that I found Andy reminding me of during wedding planning was “if it’s not going to matter in 5 years-time, don’t spend more than 5 minutes worrying about it now”.
Also take some time away from your celebrations with your new husband or wife. Everyone says it, but the day truly goes by so fast. Take some time out, have a private cuddle and kiss, and take it all in together.