Amelia proposed. We had planned a weekend away up the East Coast of Tasmania for our first anniversary. On the way, we pulled over to Spiky Beach, a beautiful secluded beach where you can climb rocks until you reach the cliff’s edge. Here Amelia shakily pulled out Nic’s Mother’s engagement ring, which she wore for ten years married to Nic’s Dad (who have both passed away) and proposed. For some reason, Nic wasn’t all that surprised. Mil had been saying lots during our first year together, “I’m going to marry you one day.” Nic eventually told Mils to stop saying it until she produced the goods and meant it!
We spent the next three years engaged. Like many same-sex couples, we were met with a few disheartening views about our engagement. This definitely put a damper on our plans, and we decided not to share the news for a while.
We were also in two minds regarding the legality of our marriage. Nicola wasn’t 100% keen on just settling for a commitment ceremony, and with some progress stirring for marriage equality, we decided to wait to see if things changed patiently. When the ‘yes’ vote came through, it helped us solidify our engagement, and we started making real plans.
When we started planning, we knew that we wanted an intimate, minimalist, and relaxed ‘family dinner’ feel to our wedding. And that we loved native flowers. All the specifics just fit in with that idea, like amazing self-serve platters of food and a simple but elegant (and delicious) cake made by Nic’s sister-in-law. Amelia also made some benches out of old doors, weatherboards and donated fabric, and some other odds and ends. We added DIY goods and some hanging lights to make it feel a little special.
Talk to us about the big day!
We were having only a rough order of events, and a small, helpful group of guests meant that we felt pretty cruisy even when things didn’t go quite as expected. We loved having the whole day to prepare for an evening wedding and dinner. Enjoying a sleep-in, coffee, and breakfast with our friends. Cruising around town a little and getting ready at the homestead.
It was lovely to have a moment together before the ceremony and walk out hand-in-hand to the tree where everyone was waiting. We asked our celebrant, Tim, to do an acknowledgment of country before our ceremony as this was important to both of us. Tim was great; he made our ceremony so relaxed and cheerful. Having photos together was loads of fun with Thom. Who made us feel completely comfortable, and the food we all shared was incredible. In the end, all the girls switched into party dresses. Moved the furniture out of the way, and danced the night away.
We are glad we had a small guest list. Spent what we could afford on an incredible photographer. And chose delicious food and wine that reflected our home state. We are so glad people enjoyed the weekend away with us and didn’t just feel like another ‘number.’ Everyone contributed to our weekend, and we are so grateful. It was a joint effort, and there’s nothing we would change honestly.
Marriage is about promising to make the best life possible together, be loyal to each other, and share what we have, including our friends and family. We wanted to create a solid, secure, and recognized relationship from which to raise our family. We are very grateful to have marriage equality achieved in Australia right in time for us to have legal and social recognition as a married couple.
Photography by Thomas Stewart
Bridal Boutique Little White Bridal Boutique
Bridespeople Gifts Loco Love Chocolate, Coal River Farm, Gorman Socks, Peter Alexander PJ’s, Frank Body Coffee Scrub
Catering Hubert and Dan, Bespoke Patisserie, The Little Picnic Co
Ceremony & Reception Venue Quamby Home
Celebrant Tim Grimsey
Florist Silver Tree Botanics
Furniture Hire Salters Hire
Gown Designer Made with Love Bridal
Shirt White Story
Socks Gorman, Happy Socks
Wedding Favours Loco Love Chocolate
Wedding Rings Ernest and Joe
