An Elegant and Traditional Day

We got to speak to Vicki, a photographer from Snowflake Creations who had the honour of photographing Claudia and Tudi’s Wedding in Canberra on the 21st of March 2015. We got to ask Vicki about what she enjoyed, Claudia’s favourite part of the day and what made it so special.

1. First name of the couples?

Claudia and Tudi

2. Your role in the submission? What did the lead up involve?

Photographer. I (Vicki) went to high school with Claudia, so we had known one another for a long time, however not all that well. When she contacted me to ask if we could photograph their wedding we were very touched and of course excited. It’s so lovely to see someone you know get married and to be privileged enough to capture it for them.

4. What was the inspiration behind the day? Or the brief.

Claudia told me:

“There wasn’t any theme really. We just wanted to keep it real simple and elegant. We wanted the night be fun and relaxed. And everyone really had a fun time.”

A little big about the day from the photographers:

“Claudia and Tudi’s wedding was such a relaxed, fun filled day. Tudi and Claudia are such bright, fun personalities, Claudia’s hearty laugh is so infectious. We honestly didn’t stop laughing until we got home at 1am! Following the ceremony and some relaxed photos by the lakeside, we were treated to an absolute stunner of a sunset across the lake from the Boat House, the golden light streaming in to where everyone had just sat down for entrees.”

“Claudia and Tudi met while both living in London, when late one evening Claudia asked Tudi for the time while waiting at a bus stop. When it was time for Claudia to return to Australia after two years in the UK, Tudi, who grew up in Italy, followed her across the seas. Every single wedding speech was a beautiful tip of the hat to how wonderful Tudi is for taking the leap. Starting a new life in a new country half way around the world, and speaking a language he didn’t previously.”

“The party really got started when Claudia threw the bouquet and it hit the light shade – petals flying in all directions! The dance moves, classic Italian love songs and unwavering energy of this wedding party made for some hilarious dance floor photos!”

5. Location of shoot or event?

Canberra, ACT. Ceremony was at Saint Matthews Catholic Church in Page, and the reception was at The Boathouse restaurant.

6. Event date

21 March 2021

7. Who was the photographer?

Jacques and Vicki of Snowflake Creations

8. Are there any special details or stories we should know about your submission that make it extra special?

From Claudia:

“The lolly bar that our family friend Karen had done for us. It blew us away!! It was amazing!! We loved it because it was nothing like we had ever seen before. It was so detailed and just gorgeous. Everything was all matched and perfectly put together.”

Her favourite moment:

“My favourite moment was definitely walking down the aisle with my dad to be with my future husband. Such a magical moment, one that all girls think about their whole lives, it is so significant. The symbol of growing up committing yourself to this person who you love. But being walked down with the man who has taught you so much and the first man you ever loved. It was so emotional.”

11. Let us know a few of your favorite wedding vendors involved in your submission.

Florist: Ivy Flowers & Gifts Curtin, ACT

Reception venue: The Boathouse, Canberra ACT

Cake: Pasticceria Francesco

Lighting / sound hire: String Space, a string trio

Rings: Bijoux Manuka

Transport: First Class Chauffeured Cars

Bridal gown: Effie Kasimatis (no website)

Accessories: Peter Lang Earrings

Hair: The Bride! Hairdresser at Cataldo’s Canberra

Makeup: Lauren Cataldo

Bridesmaid dresses: Dionne dress from White Runway

Groom’s suit: John Hanna

Snowflake Creations are available for you big day as well, for more information, email inquiries@snowflakecreations.com.au or check out their website here, Snowflake Creations.

Vintage Fashion Inspired Weddings: Rockabilly Theme

This Rockabilly Themed wedding will take you back in time, and give you a glimpse of some vintage fashion ideas

Melanie McNiven Portraits specialise in taking beautiful photos for special occasions. From newborn babies and children to weddings, these photos are unique and timeless. They recently received the opportunity to take photos for a vintage fashion inspired wedding. The theme behind the shoot was “Rockabilly”. We got to share some of the wonderful photos they took, as well as find out about all the different people involved in the shoot. From the makeup artist to the beautifully designed dresses, the detail and time taken made for a truly memorable shoot.

We got to chat to them about the different people involved in the shoot. The photos show the outcome of the fun and unique photos.

Parasols and design: Parasols with Love

Flowers: Blooms of Noosa

Makeup: Photo Finish Makeup

Wedding Dress: Silver Sixpence

Bridesmaids dresses: That Shop

Models:
Miss Frankie Mae Felon

Scarlet Tinkerbelle

Kiki Vanity

Jordan Copper - Male Model

Head pieces: Marla Carmeta Designs

The stationery used on the day was intricate and unique, adding another element to the shoot.

They also prepared a beautiful, bright red setting which contrasted beautifully with the dresses and suits.

If you’re interested in having photos taken you can check out the Melanie McNiven Portraits website, or email them here.

Country Wedding: Kylie and Matt’s Big Day

Ideas to Get You Thinking About a Beautiful Country Wedding

Victorian couple Kylie and Matt wanted a big celebration that wasn’t going to be too formal. We were lucky enough to get to talk to Kylie about everything leading up to the wedding, including the romantic European proposal and how their wedding day was everything they both had hoped for. From finding the dress to the final details, Kylie and Matt were kind enough to share some of their beautiful photos and stories from the day.

1. Tell us a little about the proposal and the lead up to the wedding.

The proposal happened on the first night of our 2011 Europe trip. We arrived in Paris that afternoon and explored the beautiful city. That evening we headed out for dinner and to the Eiffel tower to see it with all the lights. We climbed the stairs to see the views and then came down to admire the light show from the park beneath. It was then that Matt decided to get down on one knee and propose. Cue tears and lots of OMG’s and a big fat YES!!! It was a very romantic magical night and one we will never forget. We also kept the big engagement reveal a surprise to all our family and friends until we got home a month later. It was so nice to be in our own little bubble and be happily engaged for a while.

2. What was the inspiration behind your wedding theme and vibe?

From the start we knew we wanted our wedding to be one big celebration and nothing too formal. We went searching for venues and looking up styles and came across Zonzo’s in the Yarra Valley. It fit our brief perfectly and it was from there that our theme grew and grew. We wanted a fun filled, laid-back style that was rustic and could incorporate all of our DIY ideas. Everyone at Zonzo’s could see our vision and were more than happy to help us incorporate our ideas. We were able to really make it our day.

3. Favourite detail or moment of the day (besides becoming husband and wife of course! or Wife and Wife, or Husband and Husband!)

For us there was a lot about the day that was amazing it’s hard to pick just one moment. If I had to, it would be when we were standing under the arbor and the cold wind was blowing through the barn doors, my hair kept sweeping across my face and Matt gently tucked my fringe behind my ear for me while I was standing there shaking and shivering away. Cue lots of “oohhs” and “aahs” from everyone. It really felt like it was just the two of us alone up there. Remembering that exact moment makes me all warm and fuzzy.

4. Did you undertake any DIY projects, if so what?

Yes! We did lots of DIY for the wedding. It meant hiring a truck and Matt driving it to the venue the day before the wedding to unload all of our masterpieces. We made the arbor we were married under and the double doorway entry that I walked under to reach Matt. We also made a lemonade stand for our guests to enjoy lemonade and iced tea. We hand painted lots of wooden signs that were incorporated into the styling. The lemonade stand and the arbor were purchased from us by the venue and can both now be seen and hired out for weddings at Zonzo’s.

We also had a cookie bar instead of a lolly bar or dessert bar. This meant lots and lots of baking of yummy treats in the lead up to the wedding. We had lots of help from family and friends. I don’t think we’ll ever stop hearing about how delicious the white chocolate and raspberry cookies were!

We also designed the invitations ourselves. The invites were printed on wood by Melbourne Laser Cutter and completely exceeded our expectations. The team was more than happy to work with our custom template and helped develop our design to get the best results. We then designed and printed the envelopes and RSVP cards ourselves incorporating recycled papers and twine to match the texture and colours of the invitation.

Finally, we sourced lots of styling items for the day that we knew the venue didn’t have. I ordered mason jars for the lemonade stand, amber bottles and wooden crates so we could move our flowers from the ceremony to the reception. This is why we had to hire a truck to transport it all ourselves! By doing lots of things ourselves it meant that both of us had huge input into the day.

5. What does marriage mean to you?

To us marriage is a one time thing. We had enough time to think about it all and decide where it was we both wanted to be in the future and it was with each other. Marriage to us was the next big leap in our relationship. We had been together for nine years before our wedding and everyone said marriage won’t change a thing it’s just a piece of paper, but you know what? It does change. The changes weren’t huge but things change and it’s nice. It didn’t change the way we feel about each other but I think knowing you are together forever and you always have that one person by your side leaves you feeling content with this overwhelming feeling of happiness. Everytime I think about the wedding day it makes me well up and just feel incredibly happy that I got to do it all with my best friend. I’d do it all again in a heartbeat. It truly was a day we will never forget.

6. Talk to us about your dress, where is it from? how long did it take to find?

My dress is a beautiful Jane Hill Bridal dress called ‘Lottie’ and it truly is a piece of art! It’s so amazing. The dress was a really important part of the day for me and I wasn’t willing to sacrifice anything for it. Leading up to the wedding I had looked at lots of dresses and even went on a girls weekend away to Sydney to see the bridal stores there. But I didn’t find ‘the one’ (not even in Vera Wang which I was convinced I would!!). So I came back to Melbourne and started doing research in dresses and styles. I knew what I didn’t want and it was then I started looking at the custom made dresses rather than existing ones. Once I visited Jane Hill I knew I had to have one of her dresses. She was amazing and made me feel at ease and could see my vision for my wedding. She understood the style and theme for the day and how I needed a dress to fit that feel theme. She knew how to make me feel like the most amazing bride ever! So I left that day knowing my dress would be made at Jane Hill but not what dress it would be. A few months later I visited the store but Jane wasn’t there. I met with Sophie who made me try on ‘Lottie’. I wasn’t convinced but once it was on I had that ‘this is the one’ moment and it was meant to be. I love my dress and want to find a million other times to wear it again but sadly I haven’t just yet. It’s hanging up where I can look at it whenever I feel like it. It truly is an amazing dress.

7. Any funny stories in the lead up to or on the day?

A friend split his pants on the dancefloor while in a break dancing competition with my little brother. Just picture this; a 40 year old busting some moves and trying to do a backflip versus a 18 year old who could do back flips.

It surprised everyone that the two of us jumped on the bus home with them at the end of the night. And me tossing my bouquet to the girls as we arrived at our hotel.

Finally, Matt ran into my girlfriends on the morning of the wedding in the main town. He was in a bit of a panic trying to find a wedding card for me. My girlfriends thought Matt had totally forgotten some special wedding tradition.

8. Advice for other couples planning a wedding?

Stick to your guns and do what it is that you want to do. The day is about you two as a couple and making sure it highlights the important things to you. Incorporate family and friends and make it fun for everyone but I think at the end of the day you need to be able to look back and be happy about everything you did for your special day. There isn’t a thing we did that we would change and I like that we were happy with the outcome. From the venue to the flowers to the dress to the style; it all just came together. There were some things we wanted to do and didn’t get a chance to but at the end of the day that didn’t matter. We made sure we got what we wanted out of the day and like I said we’d do it again in a heartbeat!

VENDOR CREDITS

Photos: Robert Hock

Bridal gown: Jane Hill Bridal

Veil or hair piece: Jane Hill

Shoes: Wittner

Flowers: Blooming Brides

Rings: Hardy Brothers Jewellers and Lord Coconut

Jewellery/Accessories: Earrings - Samantha Wills Bracelet - Isabel Marant

Bridesmaids dresses: Myer and Cue

Grooms and Groomsmen suits: Dom Bagnato from Myer

Grooms Shoes: Urge Footwear

Bow ties / ties: Dom Bagnato from Myer

Flower girl and Page Boys: Bardot Junior

Ceremony and Reception: Zonzo’s Yarra Valley

Cake: The Cake Company

Cake topper: Flowers from Blooming Brides

Stationery designer: DIY design by bride and groom and printed by Melbourne Laser Cutter (MLC)

Hair and Make up: Hair by Hannah 0402 008 802 and Make-Up by Belinda 0419 518 459

Music: Baker Boys Band

Celebrant: Guy Gurney

Photo Booth: Photobooth.

Country Wedding Ideas: How a Wedding Planner Can Help

Incorporating Country Wedding Ideas with a Wedding Planner

JN Consulting is a UK based, Event Management Company. It was founded in 2011 by Jo Neville. They are focused on providing high quality service and customer satisfaction. They work to go above and beyond their clients expectations. Wedding planning is one of their services, and one they do very well. We got to talk to Jo about a beautiful wedding that the company worked on recently. Tom and Carly were married in August 2015 and had a beautiful and personalised wedding. As well as chatting with Jo, we are also lucky enough to have some of their wonderful photos from the day. The photos are stunning and give some great country wedding ideas.

1. What was your role in the day? And the lead up?

I was the couples Event Manager and their point of contact at the venue. I met the couple three times prior to their wedding. We had two planning meetings and one final meeting. I ran their big day to ensure that everything went smoothly and acted as Master of Ceremonies. I looked after all supplier, staffing and catering on the day and made sure that Tom & Carla’s day was as they had planned it to be.

2. What was the inspiration behind the day?

A classic wedding that incorporated Tom’s timber business in to the decoration’s for the marquee. They wanted to ensure that small details like the drinks coasters were all personalised.

Tom and Carla’s Wedding was held at the Ashton Lodge Country House in Warwickshire, UK.

The beautiful photos for Tom and Carla were taken by Sarah Salotti.

The photos created on the day were beautiful, unique and classic. This tops off the wedding planning process.

Other vendors involved in the day:

Photo Booth: The Vintage Photo Booth Company

Ceremony and Reception: Ashton Lodge Country House

Event: The Midlands Events Company

Music: Jalapeño Hot Club Band

Photos: Sarah Salotti

Outdoor Weddings: A Photo Shoot with Classic Wedding Invitation

Outdoor Weddings Shoot to Give You Ideas For Your Wedding Day

Classic Wedding Invitations had the opportunity recently to collaborate on a shoot with some very talented vendors. The idea behind it was to present a wonderful outdoor wedding. This setting, created a green and lush backdrop. While we provided the wedding invitations and photo booth accessories for the shoot, many more aspects were also involved. The photos taken at the shoot present some wonderful ideas for a classic, outdoor wedding.

There is much detail that gets put into all Classic Wedding Invitations invites. From printing, to laser cutting, there are many ways to create your perfect invitation.

The invitations used in the shoot are our Wilderness Invitation. More about them and information on how to order can be found here.

The beautiful greens of the grass and trees made for beautiful shots of our models. An outdoor wedding is a great option to consider, especially if your day is blessed with good weather!

The beautiful dress worn here is by Karen Willis Holmes, a Sydney based designer. Karen has stores all over the world including in the UK and New York.

The intricacy of the shoot, can provide ideas about ways to personalise your reception and ceremony. The flowers used throughout the shoot are by Brett Currell from Wedding Flowers & Styling Melbourne.

The cakes and treats used in our shoot were from Little Malvern Cake Company. The detail and care they take with the creation of their cakes makes them perfect for weddings.

These wonderful photos were taken by Immerse Photography. If you’re interested in their services, you can find out more here.

Our beautiful models from the shoot were Hannah Vanderheide and Matt Crowley.

The hair and makeup artist was Sue from Magical Makeovers. She created a lovely, natural look for our bride.

Other vendors used in the shoot:

Photos: Immerse Photography

Invitations and Photo Booth Props: Classic Wedding Invitations

Dress: Karen Willis Holmes.

Flowers: Wedding Flowers & Styling Melbourne

Cakes: Little Malvern Cake Company.

Jewellery: Jeanette Maree.

Makeup: Magical Makeovers.

Wedding Photography: Tips to Preserve Your Day.

Wedding Photography Can Be the Perfect Way to Remember your Day.

Your wedding will likely be one of the most important days of your life, so capturing memories is vitally important. You want to find a cheap wedding photographer, but you also want someone who can deliver professional wedding photography. When searching for a photographer, you may want to ask the following questions. We got to speak to Mick from Vladimir Photography about his work and choosing the perfect photographer.

1. How can I find a great photographer when there are so many to choose from?

Start by narrowing your search down. Select a few photographers that really stand out for you and arrange to meet them personally. Make sure that you meet with the actual photographer and not a sales representative or consultant. These people will not be the one doing the actual work and may only be interested in selling their services. Get to know your photographer well so that you can develop a good working relationship.

2. How many photos will I receive?

Many wedding photographers typically deliver between fifty and 100 photos for every hour spent doing wedding photography coverage. However, you may feel that you need more or less than this. If so, be sure to discuss this with them.

3. How can I get photos with blurry backgrounds?

To get wedding photography with shallow depth fields, request your photographer to use special professional lenses that can create this effect by focusing tightly on the subjects.

4. It appears that some of the photographers I found have different types of images, where some of them use soft, pastel images, and others use clean images. Why is there no uniformity among all of them?

Each photographer has different methods of editing their images using computer software. This is known as “post-processing” and most of them use basic lighting and color adjustments to achieve certain looks. The three most popular image styles are:

Clean: when images are lightly processed to appear more natural.

Matte: using a low-contrast look with muted pastels.

High Contrast: vibrant images with rich colors.

Discuss the various styles with your photographer to choose a look that you like best.

5. Why does wedding photography cost so much?

Most full-time wedding photographers generally have to invest several thousands of dollars in equipment. On top of that, they also normally have to pay for insurance, taxes, digital software, advertising, albums, equipment repairs, shipping costs, and studio expenses. All of these expenses are included in the cost of your wedding photos. Many photographers generally do not earn a lot when they are first starting out.

6. How can I look my best for my photos?

Just try to relax and leave some breathing room in your schedule so you don’t feel too rushed. If you are rushed, you may be anxious and flushed during the photo-shoot. Get plenty of rest and drink lots of water the night before.

7. What is “shoot and burn” photography?

This is when a photographer does a wedding shoot and burns the images straight onto a CD without doing the post-processing. This is normally a very cheap way to do wedding photography; however, it means that the photographer cannot make any changes, such as correcting bad lighting and removing distracting elements. Digital files are good to have, but it is also useful to edit the images and have reference proofs printed as well.

8. Should we do a “first look” shoot?

The first look photos are taken when wedding couples see each other privately before the ceremony. It’s often a great way to get rid of the wedding jitters and spend a few minutes alone together. First look photos tend to be very poignant and emotional for couples.

9. Should I get a second photographer?

You do not necessarily need a second photographer, but they can often provide you with more images and a different perspective. Many photographers prefer to only work with their own assistants. You should ask your photographer how they prefer to work.

To find out more about Vladimir Photography you can visit their website here.

Gowns by Tanya Anic

Gorgeous gowns that will take your breath away!

About Tanya
From her studio in Sydney, Australia, designer Tanya Anic presents contemporary interpretations of the most elegant and classic of bridal gowns. Every design is created with attention to detail, using exquisite fabrics imported from many countries including France and Italy. Fabulously jewelled and sequined lengths of organza, layers of soft tulle, intricate laces, fluid satins and delicate silks provide the inspiration towards each new style.

Once you have chosen the theme, the desired feeling for your special day can be achieved with a Tanya Anic custom-designed gown, made especially to flatter the feminine form of your silhouette. This is enhanced with a selection of beading, lace, applique and embellishments, uniquely chosen to complement your personality and distinctive attributes.

Dove by Tanya Anic
This classic bodice design features a beaded and sequined lace imported from France. Details include a creative bateau-illusion neckline and silk-chiffon slimline skirt. The fitted bodice defines structure and curves to compliment this creation. Colour pictured is ivory.
Photography: Our Carousel
Hair and makeup: Angie Lee
Flowers: Amity Blooms

Lyric by Tanya Anic
This strapless, bohemian draped skirt design compliments shape and creates movement. Features include a natural bust-line and flattering relaxed fit to the knee with kick pleats of flowing fabric. This soft luxe embroidered tulle has a natural feel with the extravagant look of nobility.
Colour pictured is ivory.
Photography: Our Carousel
Hair and makeup: Angie Lee
Flowers: Amity Blooms

Valentina by Tanya Anic
This fitted bodice design features a classic sweet heart neckline with an overlay of lace forming a flattering sleeve and V neckline. The Italian corded lace with luminous sequins gives subtle light reflection upon a leaf-shape pattern. The low V back gives a slimline, contemporary interpretation of a classic gown, with a soft flow, tulle skirt to give movement for a noble, elegant look.
Colour pictured is ivory.
Photography: Our Carousel
Hair and makeup: Angie Lee
Flowers: Amity Blooms

Summer by Tanya Anic
This bodice design creates a flattering line with the contrast of a full- flowing skirt. An ultra- soft, French Chantilly appliqued lace brings natural radiance and detail to the neckline to complete a relaxed and feminine look. Colour pictured is ivory.
Photography: Amy Nelson-Blain

Zelda by Tanya Anic
This column, Art Deco design features a V neckline and low V back for a glamour flattering fit. The fabric, a champagne silk with pewter lace is embellished with exquisite silver and pearl beads.
Photography: Apple Tree Road (Missy Sippy, Double Bay)

Seraphina by Tanya Anic
This strapless design features a sweetheart neckline and trumpet style skirt to give a flattering, slim fit. The fabric is a lace ivory with a subtle nude coloured background and embellished with glistening, pearl-shine sequins.
Photography: Lil elements

Whimsical Wedding and Carnivale inspiration

Whimsical wedding inspiration

Tumbleweed Events went above and beyond for Kate and Rabeh when they needed them most; stranded on their wedding day without any wait staff. Tumbleweed had spent time styling the day leading up to it but when the worst happened, the Bride and Groom turned to Tumbleweed to help get their day back on track. We spoke to Tumbleweed about the day and what it was like to work under such pressure. The team managed to still pull together a successful and unique day for the couple that lived up to exactly what they wanted.

1. Your role in the submission? What did the lead up involve?

Tumbleweed Events set up the day from chairs, tables, arches, table centrepieces to waitressing and table service. We saved the day basically! The staff hired for the event did not turn up so we did the lot. In the lead up to the event we built two rustic tables and decorated chairs to be placed outside the Fairground Follies. We also hung lanterns and large signage however, this was unfortunately thrown together at the last minute as we were too busy setting up the tables for the reception.

2. What was the inspiration behind the day?

The couple wanted the day to be very whimsical and fun. The inspiration was Carnivale!

3. Location of wedding

The ceremony was held at the Royal Automatic Club Sydney and the reception that followed was held at the Fairground Follies St Peters.

4. Event date.

The day was held on March 28th 2015.

5. Who was the photographer?

Photos were taken by Sydney based Shots by Gun.

6. Are there any special details or stories we should know about your submission that make it extra special?

Probably, the fact that it turned into a bit of a carnival with so many things going wrong. I think Kate summed it up perfectly with her testimonial.

“Tumbleweed Events rescued our wedding day! I hired them to plan and style our wedding ceremony and reception space but when the worst thing happened - the wait staff I had booked didn’t turn up to our reception - Adam and Ruth from Tumbleweed Events stepped up and saved the day. We had an empty venue that needed to be set up for 120 guests and no one to set-up or serve guests. Tumbleweed took over and set-up all the tables, arranged the table plans, made the cocktails, dressed the tables with their amazing style, set plates, chilled and served alcohol, drinks, dinner and dessert. They worked until 2:00am to clean, clear and then pack-up the entire venue. Yet they were only hired to style the event! They went above and beyond and never complained once. Their only concern was making sure that the bride, groom and guests were happy. They did all this and still made the place look like a spectacular fairytale! I can’t recommend them enough.” - Kate

9. Which vendors were involved in the day?

Food Stuff Catering were fantastic they cooked all the food in front of the guests including a large paella and beef bourguignon.

Grant MC was amazing as well, he made everyone laugh and had lots of great stories.

Shots By Gun took beautiful photos for Kate and Rabeh to cherish forever.

Tumbleweed are a Sydney based events planning company and they’re available to plan your big day as well!

Aaron & Lisa’s Wedding Video - A Celebration of Love and Joy!

The Wedding Video of Aaron & Lisa’s - A Celebration of Love and Joy!

Here is a snippet of Aaron and Lisa’s wedding video highlighting the most special and joyous moments of the night! When choosing your videographer, make sure that you are clear with them as to what you would like the wedding video to highlight and portray so that all the magical moments are captured for your kids to watch in 10 years time!

The couple were married at Emu Bottom homestead in Sunbury, VIC on January 3, 2015. This beautiful Australian wedding was full of native blooms and rustic touches to create a warm country feel. The bridal party also brought some surprise entertainment to the night making it a memorable one!

Click play to watch the wedding video!

The Perfect Love Story and Fairytale Wedding

If this isn’t the most romantic and magical love story there ever was, than we don’t know what is! The old-school and inspirational couple, Christina Hamlett and Mark Webb share a one of a kind love story. One that is only ever heard of in films, except this one is in fact real, giving all those hopeless romantics out there faith in the possibility of love at first sight.

What you do for work?

I am a full-time writer, media relations expert and performing arts consultant. My credits to date include 31 books, 157 stage plays, 5 optioned feature films, and hundreds of articles and interviews that appear online and in trade publications worldwide. I also do script consultations for the film business (which means I stop a lot of really bad movies from coming to theaters near you) and a professional ghostwriter (which does not mean I talk to dead people). My beloved is General Counsel and Vice President of a California-based insurance company, as well as a gourmet chef and former opera singer.

Tell us a little about the proposal and the lead up to the wedding?

For starters, I actually wished my beloved into existence by throwing a coin into the magic pool at Bath, England in 1994. I specifically asked that a knight in shining armor come into my life upon my return. My very first day back in the office, who should walk through the door but a lawyer/lobbyist named Mark Webb. While waiting for an unscheduled meeting with my boss, he commented, “I hope you don’t think this is forward of me to say so but you have the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen.” Coming from anyone else, it would have sounded like a line. He said it with such sincerity, though, that I smiled and said “thank you.” He later told me that in the very moment I said that, he knew everything about me there was to know.

Our ‘courtship’ lasted three years. Since we both worked in a particularly political and gossipy environment, he felt it would be inappropriate to ask someone out in an office where he was doing lobbying. He also assumed I was probably dating Tom Selleck. And so instead we simply talked about anything, everything and nothing every time he came into the office. Additionally, he always brought me a single truffle (in a white box) from See’s Candy (which was right down the street from where I worked).

After three years of chocolate and smart conversation, I transferred to a different office (within the same department) that he would never have had occasion to amble out and visit. And so - remembering the date of my birthday - he called me a week before to see if there were any choice lunch dates available to take me to lunch to celebrate. I told him I was taking my birthday off. “Aha!,” he thought. “If Tom Selleck were really in the picture, why wouldn’t he be taking her off someplace fun? Why is she free on her birthday?” And so he invited me to meet him at The Firehouse at noon and there, over a three-hour lunch, he took my hand and said, “I hope you don’t think this is forward of me to say so but I’ve been in love with you from the first moment we met three years ago. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” And I said yes before we even shared our first kiss.
A year later, we exchanged our wedding vows at Stirling Castle (Scotland) in the same chapel where Mary was crowned Queen of Scots. I first saw this castle during the 1994 holiday and decided that if I ever married again, this would be the place. And besides, nothing less than a castle will do when you marry a knight in shining armor.

What was the inspiration behind your wedding theme / vibe?

Mark has Scottish ancestry and I’m pretty sure I was Scottish in a prior life. Not only did we think it would fun to honeymoon in such a beautiful country but having a very small wedding overseas means that you don’t have to feed 500 of your closest friends at a reception. (We took our wedding party to a lovely Highlands inn for breakfast. That evening we returned to the hotel for wedding cake and champagne.)

Favourite detail and/or moment of the day…

As we were wrapping up with our pictures and leaving the chapel, I found myself musing why there hadn’t been any tourists wandering in during the whole time we were there. Turns out that our driver, Sandy Paterson, spoke to castle security and explained what was going on. When we emerged, we discovered that the entire courtyard had been cordoned off by yellow DO NOT ENTER tape, not unlike that which is used for crime scenes. On the other side of these barriers were squillions of very patient Japanese tourists, all of whom were standing at the ready with their cameras. I’m sure they had no idea who we were but I gave my best princess wave as they snapped dozens of pictures of us. They’re probably still trying to figure this out.

Did you undertake any DIY projects, if so what?

With the exception of the Edinburgh solicitor we retained to walk us through all the legalities, the entire event was DIY. Our friend Barbara Langdon “made” our wedding cake by packing her decorating supplies from home and then purchasing a simple white cake and tubes of frosting the day before. She and my matron of honor, Susan Blondin, expertly assembled the bouquets and boutonnières with flowers procured by Susan’s daughter, Becca, and Becca’s dredlocked Spanish boyfriend, Jose. Since all of us had brought cameras, the shots that fill our trio of wedding albums were taken by the participants themselves. When we returned home after the honeymoon, my talented Aunt Liz designed our pen and ink marriage announcement based on a photo I sent her of Stirling Castle.

What does marriage mean to you?

Marriage is a lasting commitment between two people who also happen to be best friends and support each other’s dreams. It doesn’t require extraordinary acts to keep it sustainable but, rather, the most ordinary things such as holding hands on a walk, going grocery shopping together, reading novels aloud, cooking meals, playing with the dog, and surprising one another with small gifts “just because.” Mark is also the first person to read my latest scripts while we’re having cocktails at the dining room table. Since we’ve both been on stage, we’re adept at doing a wide range of voices and really throw ourselves into our respective parts. On Summer nights when the windows are open, I’m pretty sure the neighbours think there are at least 19 people living with us.

Talk to us about your dress, where is it from? How long did it take to find?

My wedding dress was a Blackwatch tartan, double-breasted with black velvet buttons, collar and cuffs and my only jewelry besides my earrings and emerald engagement ring was a silver and amethyst thistle brooch. I bought the dress off the rack at Nordstrom because I liked the color and, even better, it was on sale. Not only do I still have it but it also still fits.

Any funny stories in the lead up to or on the day?

Interestingly, there were seven people celebrating with us that day. (The fireplaces in the Great Hall at Stirling are so big we could have fit our entire wedding party in one of them.) Only three of the attendees were related to each other and absolutely none of them were related to either of us. (Susan Blondin was my matron of honor; her husband George, doubled as Mark’s best man and also gave me away.) Years later, the only one who is still in our lives was the person we met that very morning – our Scottish driver, Sandy Paterson.

Advice for other couples planning a wedding?

If you’re easily given to stress and are planning to marry overseas, our recommendation is that you get married in a short civil ceremony in your home country first.