Real Wedding - Hannah & Jordan, Albert Park VIC

December 13, 2017 In Real Weddings By Jo Betz

Real Wedding – Hannah & Jordan, Albert Park VIC

For many couples, it can be taboo to see their husband or wife before the walk down the aisle, but when Hannah and Jordan came face-to-face at their local cafe the morning of their wedding, they couldn’t help but cherish the special moment they shared.

Hannah and Jordan kept true to their personalities and celebrated a day that was simple, elegant and full of romance. They let their Albert Park venue shine and used soft candlelight to create a beautiful ambiance.

Their seven-piece band then had everyone up and on their feet to dance the night away while Blossom Daisy Creative was there to capture it all.

In Hannah’s words…

The meeting.

I was studying a semester abroad in my second year of University where Jordan and I met in an International Marketing class (ironic, right!) at the University of Guelph, in Canada in 2012. After a class presentation he led, I approached him because I thought he was gorgeous and strikingly confident, congratulating him on a job well done. From that moment our relationship began, we spent hours talking that day and haven’t stopped since, 5 years later!

The ‘one’.

When people used to talk about finding ‘the one’ I wasn’t convinced, until I met Jordan. A relationship is built on trust, honesty, fun and companionship, and from the time I met and became to know Jordan those characteristics were so evident. Our lives became entangled almost immediately, it wasn’t overbearing or draining, it was everything a girl dreams of in finding ‘the one’. Jordan left everything he knew and moved across the world to be with me, if anything, that is when you know.

The proposal.

Jordan had organized for us to go hiking and although we often do such activities this particular weekend I wasn’t too keen. In the week leading up to our day trip, I had tried many times to sabotage this unbeknown proposal, swaying Jordan with alternative plans and inviting friends to come along. Despite my oblivious decoy, Jordan discretely rescheduled all my plans with friends and telling those I had invited to decline without me knowing. I begrudgingly headed to the Macedon Ranges but eventually came around. When reached the top of Hanging Rock I asked for Jordan to take a photo of me; facing the view, back facing to him, and when I turned around he was on one knee. On top of the world with no one around it was a gorgeous spring morning, just Jordan and I, the perfect proposal (with the most perfect ring!).

Style inspiration.

Simplistic elegance, timeless, romantic and intimate. We didn’t want anything over the top, leaving the venue and atmosphere to speak for itself. We wanted everything to be reflective, and true to who we are.

We decided to put our bridal table in the middle of the room, so we were surrounded by our family and friends. Our table settings included white flowers and greenery intertwining candle lit vases which created a beautiful ambience. Carrying on with our theme, the music included pop’s timeless classics with a big band twist. The 7-piece band was essential for us, being huge music lovers, they brought an incredible energy.

The dress.

My dress was a Martina Liana Dress. Mermaid style, beaded to below the knees, with lace trimming around my 2-metre train. It had a subtle mesh detailing around the middle with a sweet heart top and two over the shoulder straps which sat slightly off my shoulders.

I found my dress at the first boutique I went to, I tried on five styles and chose one. I didn’t feel as though I had a moment of “this is the one” when choosing my dress because I never knew what I wanted but I knew what style suited me. When I tried my dress on it was beautiful and felt completely surreal, so I went with it. I was grateful to have my Mum and sisters-in-law with me who reassured me I’d made the right choice.

Favourite moment/s.

Hannah – Seeing Jordan waiting at the bottom of the aisle, and his reaction as I walked towards him is unforgettable.

Jordan – Kissing Hannah as we were first pronounced Husband and Wife, Mr. and Mrs. Astaatmadja.

There are too many favourite moments, but to name a few, our speeches were a definite highlight, having our families from Australia, Canada and Indonesia to share our day with us, along with our amazing band, Jukebox Dynamite. All these and more set the tone for a perfect evening.

Meaning of marriage.

Marriage means committing to your partner, vowing to love, care and make each other’s lives better. It’s about making each other happy, supporting each other’s dreams and staying the journey, good times and bad.

Wedding soundtrack.

Aisle – Captain by Hillsong United (sung by my Brother and Sister-in-law)

Reception entry – Ray LaMontagne – You Are The Best Thing

First Dance – Versace of the Floor leading into Let’s Stay together

Funny stories (or near disasters).

On the morning of our wedding I slipped out from my house early (before the craziness started) to my local café to get a coffee. As I was taking some time to sit and reflect, mentally prepare myself for the day, I saw Jordan walk in the door! I turned bright red and became so embarrassed, it felt so bizarre seeing him before walking down the aisle. He ran up to me giving me a big hug and kiss before I shooed him away and left to begin the day. As Jordan said, “That’s how you know we’re meant to be together, we ended up at the same place before the day began”.

Planning surprises.

It’s so easy to get caught up in organizing, and pre-empting the wedding day that you lose sight of what the day is about. There are times during the planning where emotions are heightened, and lots of people become involved so it’s important to keep each other in check and remember what’s important.

Words of wisdom.

Be true to you and your partner. It’s so easy to be influenced by what you see online, social media and comparing your day to others. The planning can be as simple or complicated as you make it, just do what makes you both happy.