Madison + Ryan

How did you meet?

Both played hockey growing up at Hervey Bay Hockey. Grand final night for womens and mens in September 2015, both playing in the grand final for our team. My hockey team played first and we won the final so we celebrated and sat around to watch the mens team after. I noticed a cute boy sitting on the side line subbing off. I said to my friend “Ooo he’s cute, I wonder if I have him on facebook!”. So we waited for someone else on the team to call out his name “Ryan”. So I went through all my facebook friends and sure enough we were already friends (small town things – don’t remember adding him). My friend was like why don’t you message him? I was like nahh no way that would be weird. So we made a bet, if he won his final then I would have to message him saying congrats and if he lost I didn’t have to message him. & sure enough… he won his hockey final.

When did you know they were the one?

From the first time I met him, I knew he was meant for me. We never had an awkward moment, from day one we talked about everything. There was never a thought in my mind that we would not be together in the future.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

Thoughtful
Sensitive
Patient

Who proposed and how?

I organised a photography session with our mini dachshund Chester and us (at the beach in Gold Coast). We were told to bring a gift for each other and we would surprise each other with the gift at the photo session. The photographer told me to turn around while Ryan got his gift for me. When I turned around his was down on one knee, and said the most adorable stuff that I can’t really remember because I was so excited. After he proposed, he had organised a sunset picnic with champagne and a platter. The best part… everything was photographed so we can remember the moment forever.

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

Gold Coast Made with Love store. I knew I wanted to try on Archie because I loved it online! They had only just launched Harry when I went to try on dresses. So I tried on Archie first & it was beautiful but it just needed a little something extra… & that’s where Harry came in! The detachable train completely sold it for me.

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

I simply cannot pick a single moment; the day was made up of so many amazing moments. I wish I could relive it over & over! Some highlights would be the morning with all my girls, walking down the aisle, the confetti moment, getting a buggy around our venue to get sunset pictures with our bridal party, our first dance, my dance with my Dad & partying with everyone we love!

What were your favourite details?

My favourite detail has to be my “something blue”, it was a gift from my Nana that she sewed into my dress. It was a patch that said “Save a dance for me. Love Poppy x”. I was so close with my Poppy, and he loved to dance – still makes me cry to think about every time.

I absolutely loved our audio guest book; it was such a unique & fun way for people to leave us messages. It was so heartfelt to hear people speak, some made me cry & some made me laugh!

What advice would you tell other brides?

Make the most of every moment, the day truly goes by so fast. I know everyone says it but it’s so true. I wish I could relive the day over & over. Also try to enjoy the planning process, you only get to be in your “pre wedding” phase once… enjoy it!

Any standout vendors?

Every single vendor was an absolute standout, if I had to pick one it would be our content creator. She just captured the most special behind the scenes moments that I’ll cherish for ever. @inthemoment.cc

Also, our photographer/videographer & celebrant were so amazing! @nsiproductions @caitythecelebeant

I got married in beautiful south-east Queensland so any other brides in this area must check them out!