Amy + Michael

How did you meet?

We met in 2013 at the gym of all places! I was working as a receptionist whilst studying at university and Michael was a member. Michael approached me at reception to put his membership on hold for an upcoming snowboarding trip and we got talking. This was the start of us bumping into one another at the gym quite regularly.

How did you know he was the one?

I knew Michael was going the one once he started meeting my friends and extended family. He put so much effort into knowing everyone I introduced him too. This was and is still one of my favourite attributes of my husband, he brings happiness and laughter to whatever situation he is in.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

I love Michael’s ability to make me laugh, his intelligence and his kindness.

Who proposed and how?

Michael proposed to me four days before Christmas. My family go away every year for a holiday the weekend before Christmas. Knowing that I would want to celebrate our engagement with my family, Michael took me on our favourite bush walk the morning before we left to go away. He got on one knee, overlooking our favourite beach, the same beach he asked me to be his girlfriend 5 years earlier and he asked me to marry him!

Where did you fall in love with your dress and why?

When trying on my dress in the Sydney Made with Love store I fell in love with the simplicity and elegance of the Jessie dress the moment I tried it on. It was the first dress I tried on and I just couldn’t go past it.

What was the best moment for you at the wedding?

My favourite moment of our wedding was the window of time we had with our bridal party before we walked into the reception. Our wedding day was the hottest day of the year (and of my life) and it was still 35 degrees at 6pm, we were standing under a beautiful fig tree in the shade, having a drink and my bridesmaids and I were putting ice cubes down our dresses trying to cool down. I was with all of our best friends and my brand new husband. This was the first moment of the day where I really slowed down and soaked in the moment.

What surprised you most at or about your wedding?

I would say the temperature of our wedding day and what that bought with it was most surprising. Our wedding day reached a max of 46 degrees and as a result we had fainting guests, broken down coaches (carrying all of our guests) and air conditioning breakdowns in our reception space. The heat of the day may have been quite uncomfortable at times but I know it made the day what it was and no one will ever forget our wedding!

What advice would you tell other brides?

Not to stress over the small things. I am a perfectionist and I had planned every little detail for our wedding. Four weeks before our wedding, our venue burnt down in the South Coast bushfires, meaning that twelve months of planning had gone out the window overnight. Within a week we had planned a new wedding, with some new and existing vendors and it was still the perfect day!

What did you do differently?

For our reception, we sat in with our guests versus a traditional bridal table. It was such a nice way to spend more time with our friends and family and feel more immersed in our wedding.