Claire and Steve

I have the loveliest wedding for you this afternoon- it involves the most beautiful bouquets of colour, dancing in the grass to a romantic tune or two, cupcakes and two people very much in love. It’s the kind of wedding where you want to pull up a chair, pour yourself some champagne and join the guests in the dappled light of the lush, green trees.

Claire explains how she and Steven met and the magical story of how Steven proposed. “I don’t believe in Fairy tales.”- Famous last words.

Steven and I met at Church, he was a Canberra boy with charisma and I was a uni student far from home. Slowly we became close friends, enjoying each other’s company and listening to each other’s stories. I had an epiphany moment when I realised that Steven’s friendship was developing into something so much more and I was concerned- How could I date such a good friend? What would happen if things didn’t work out? The stakes were high.

Caution was thrown to the wind and we started dating- we both knew (secretly) that there was no one else for us – this was the true companion we had both been searching for. Steven bought an engagement ring in September of 2009 but didn’t propose till January of 2010 because he was plotting and scheming a surprise proposal for his “Princess”. When I was doing my Internship in Primary Teaching, Steven took me to the Cliffs at Moruya Heads for a weekend, he bought me a trinket ring at the markets and on the way home as I was falling asleep he told me one day he would take me back there and ask me to marry him. Blissfully I fell asleep and his promise disappeared into memories.

He never forgot.

Before I started my new job he suggested a weekend at the beach (Moruya Heads) at his stepfather’s house. He was so excited and couldn’t stop smiling driving down The Clyde. I even asked if he had had something to drink, he said it was just Red bull that was making him hyper; Yeah right!

We retraced our steps and I remember wondering why Steven was carrying a backpack! (Turned out the ring’s case was too big to fit in his pocket.)We had lunch at the cliffs and while I admired the view, Steven slipped out the ring and got down on one knee. I lost the plot. I just remember squealing and asking “Are you for real?” to which he replied “Is that a yes?”- I’m pretty sure the crash tackle hug, the shower of kisses and the victory dance answered his question. We waited till the school year was over and were happily married on the 11th of December 2010.”

Photos today are by David Robertson who captures a wedding with such raw beauty and emotion- he’s kept the fun, colourful details while still getting to the core of the wedding – the love.

One of Claire’s favourite moments was getting ready. “ We did our own make up which although was chaotic it was a buzz of excitement that I will never forget where all the women connected no matter what age.”

Claire wore a gown from Brides Of Manuka and carried a colourful bouquet from Design A Bunch. Her bridesmaids wore gowns from Mr K.

Claire and Steven were married at the Gold Creek Chapel. Claire says “It was beautiful, quaint and simple with elegance and allowed us to open a wing and add additional seating. “

Claire walked down the aisle to “Deciphering Me” by Brooke Fraser.

Claire and Steven are very supported by their church community. Claire loved having their pastor marry them and their church worship band ( C3 Belconnen Worship team) playing during the ceremony.

Claire and Steven held a beautiful outdoor, afternoon reception. Claire says “The Reception was at Red Brow Gardens and although it was a sunny day the leafy trees made a soft canopy for guests to wander under without burning. The large spring fed lake was a beautiful backdrop and summer flowers were natural decorations. I didn’t need to make place settings as the gardens provided an unparalleled opportunity for guests to mingle and have a nibble from passing by waiters. There is one picture that is different – we stopped on the way at Wattle Park to recreate a picture of where my parents were married – once again our photographer (David Robertson) was amazing!!”

The first dance was unexpected “It was impromptu, to our favourite song “Collide” by Howie Day and everyone joined in, turning the first dance into a celebration of bringing families and friends together.”

Claire says “Steven’s brother (Matthew Gardiner)  is a very talented up and coming pastry chef and he made the cupcake wedding cakes”

Congratulations on your marriage Claire and Steve! Thank you for sharing it with us on Polka Dot Bride! Thank you also to David Robertson for sharing today’s photographs.

Photos by David Robertson