Jess + Sam

How did you meet?

We met way back in 2010 through a mutual friend. Although I lived in Melbourne at the time and Sam, in regional Vic we knew from the very first date that we were one another’s person. 6 months later we both found ourselves starting our lives together in Bendigo, and never looked back.

When did you know they were the one?

Instantly, soul mates exist and we were lucky enough to find ours!

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

His willingness to be the best father & husband possible!
Being able to love me for who I am, flaws and all.
The way he communicates 🙂

Who proposed and how?

The most thoughtful and heartfelt proposal from Sam, I still remember it like it was yesterday:

I had organised family photos with Bec from Words & Pictures down at Ocean Grove, I wanted to capture Sam, our daughter and myself before we had another baby… by the time the photoshoot came about I was about 18 weeks pregnant with our second. Bec asked me to head down to the water for a ‘bump’ shot (I did think, I barely have a bump but why not) after a few snaps she went back to Sam and Hannah & asked them to head down to me as I waited. Sam had put this bright pink jumper on Hannah and as they got closer it read ‘Mummy, will you marry daddy?’ and Sam dropped the knee and asked me to marry him. It was perfect and I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful proposal and all captured, it was so special.

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

My girls and I had started browsing dress’s and tried a couple on locally and we had an idea of the shape that I wanted… and then MWL released their latest collection and Ryder appeared and just seeing it on socials I knew it was the one. Taking a trip to Melbourne to try it on confirmed that she most certainly was the dress for me!

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

Although a tough call, I’d say watching our two children walk down the aisle towards their dad. A very proud moment, and gosh they looked adorable.

What were your favorite details?

My favourite details were probably our blooms, an abundance of beautiful flowers everywhere I looked, it was magical.

What advice would you tell other brides?

Don’t sweat the small stuff, trust your suppliers and embrace every moment because its true, it goes too quickly!

Any standout vendors?

Honestly, they were all so so fantastic! Danielle (Melbourne Celebrant Danielle) was an absolute delight! Cal Young Music had us all dancing and brought all the feels during an acoustic ceremony.