Rike + James

How did you meet?

We met almost seven years ago! I just moved from Germany to Australia for what was originally meant to be one year of studying abroad. It was at a hangout at a friends house, didn’t think much of it at the time and we stayed “just friends“ for another two years, whilst starting to have a secret crush on each other. James asked me out on a date eventually and the rest is history.

When did you know they were the one?

There wasn’t a specific moment – but I remember that in the first year of dating, as we got to know each other better, there were so many little details that we suddenly found out we had in common, topics we agreed on and dreams we shared. I knew then that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him!

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

James is an incredible man! My three favourite attributes about him are:
1. He knows how to make everyone in a room feel seen, loved and valued.
2. He’s so teachable and always eager to learn more, know more and become a better person.
3. He encourages me daily and is my biggest supporter. No matter if we dream together about the future, if I start a new job, if there is tension somewhere – I know James has my back always and believes in me more than I believe in myself.

Who proposed and how?

James proposed at the spot where we had our first date – a reserve in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney that overlooks the Harbour. His sister in law set up a flower arch and he organised for our closest friends to come out for a picnic afterwards.

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

I tried it on at the Sydney showroom in St Ives – afterwards I noticed that I just pinned it on Pinterest that very morning haha! It fit like a glove and even though I take so long to make decisions, I knew after a few days that it was the one.

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

Being from overseas, there’s nothing more special than walking into the chapel and seeing our friends and family from both sides of the world in the same room, just to celebrate us. And of course seeing the love of my life at the end of the aisle.

What were your favourite details?

My parents prepared a German wedding tradition where we put on slides with soles dipped in paint. We stepped onto a white poster and have our “first steps of marriage” now forever as a memory. However, my husband slipped off so now it’s a step on my side and a slide on his side! So many funny memorable moments like this will stick with us forever

What advice would you tell other brides?

Do what you love! Especially after Covid, I feel like all the traditions are out the window – have fun with it, if you want an morning wedding, why not? If you want ago jump into a pool at your wedding, why not? I love reading about weddings that do things a little differently!

Also, we took some time on our honeymoon to write down all the special little details that we remember from the day – you forget details so quickly so it’s special to have them written to look back on

Any standout vendors?

Our photographers! Will and Tayla are dear friends of ours who made taking photos so fun, and the results are STUNNING! They just started their photography business and are already absolute experts.

Also my make up artist Hannah Bond – I was so nervous because I wasn’t able to travel up for a trial beforehand but she exceeded all my expectations and was so lovely to be around on the morning of the wedding