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Samantha and Michael

Michael and I met while studying education at university. We both volunteered to tutor children at a local primary school, and it was love at first sight when I spotted him from across the staff room! I spent several weeks admiring him from afar, before we became ‘Friends’ on Facebook. We started chatting and the rest is history…

We began the ‘marriage talk’ when we moved in together a couple of years later, and once we bought our first home I was ‘patiently’ waiting for the ring! We went to his family’s beach house for a week during the holidays, and Michael was acting a bit strange. We went for rather awkward silent walk, before he said, “Did you know that this was the place when I first knew I loved you?” He then got down on one knee to ask me to marry him!

After a couple of years (20 years says Michael!!!!) of preparing for this day, I was ready to plan our wedding! Michael helped to make all of the big decisions, but he was happy for me to have the day I’d dreamed of.

My mother, bridesmaids and I got ready for the big day at the Creswick Novotel Resort. Kim from Eve Salon and Jo-Ellen Blacklock came out to do our hair and make up. I chose an up style with pin-curls and wore pearls that had been given to me on my 21st birthday.

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Originally, I found my dream dress on Pinterest, but was unable to track it down anywhere! A couple of months later I spotted THE dress in the window of Ferrari Formalwear.  I raced in the next day to try it on, and it was perfect! I loved that it wasn’t traditional white, which was a blessing for my fair skin.

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Our colour scheme began with the bridal car – my brother Mark’s 1958 FC Holden, which he and my father had lovingly restored for the day. Michael arrived in Mark’s 1977 HZ Panel Van.

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I chose my bridesmaids’ dresses at Young Designer’s Gallery – a simple style in a gorgeous bright colour, with matching ties for the boys.

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Pam from The Flower Connection was very patient as I had learned all about floral arrangements and she happily turned my ideas into a reality. I chose a mix of native gum and roses to match our Heritage theme.

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I love the history of our hometown Ballarat, and wanted our wedding to compliment the surroundings. We chose the Ballarat Mining Exchange for our ceremony; I liked its industrial look and historical significance to the town. It also provided a perfectly blank canvas for us to work with.

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I’m a very emotional person, and after a nervous drive into Ballarat, I was surprised that I didn’t cry as I walked down the aisle! I was just incredibly happy and couldn’t wipe the smile off my face! My parents both walked me down the aisle and then, using my maiden name, wished me farewell for the last time ..if anything almost started the waterworks, it was that!

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Our celebrant Anastasia Meek helped to make the whole process easy, especially the paperwork!

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We booked our reception at Jackson’s & Co in Ballarat. Not only is it an amazing venue, but a few years before it had been a night club, where we shared our first kiss.

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We chose to do most of the stationery and decor ourselves, and luckily my father is quite handy when it comes to woodwork. We spent many hours searching local shops and websites to find the necessary bits and pieces. We found lovely bentwood chairs for hire from The Little Black Sheep Hire Co, which complimented our style perfectly.

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I have always dreamed of having my name on some candy, and there is no better occasion than a wedding! We visited Suga Rock Candy to order our personalised rock candy. All of our guests had a jar to nibble on during the night.

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Our wedding cake was made by The Cheesecake Shop and was served for dessert. My father made the wooden cake stand. We had a personalised cake topper but it went missing on the morning of the wedding…nowhere to be found!

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Lindy from Curtain Call Performing Arts Studios choreographed our first dance to a sweet little song called ‘Toothpaste Kisses’ by The Maccabees. We were both nervous but the end result was worth it!

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Scott from One Point Photography was our first choice for photography. We had admired some of his previous work because of its unique style. We trusted Scott to do what he does best!

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After a night of dinner and dancing with Sam from SJH Entertainment, it was time to say goodbye. We were absolutely thrilled that all of our plans had come together perfectly.

Of course, there were a few bumps along the road, but this is to be expected and we were ready to deal with them together. Most importantly, at the end of the day Michael and I were ready to start the rest of our lives together as husband and wife, and I’m so glad we found each other.

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Ms Chinoiserie Says: I love all the sentimental details, especially the ’70s’ Holden cars! Congratulations Samantha and Michael!

About Samantha: I’m a 25 year old teacher from Ballarat, and recently I married the man of my dreams Michael, who is also a teacher. I wanted my wedding to be classic, with a heritage touch to compliment the Ballarat surroundings. My wedding styling began with my brother’s car, an old Holden. I gave him a timeline of a year to have it ready for the wedding – my whole colour scheme revolved around it! It was still in pieces a week before the wedding, but he is a hard worker and had it ready for the big day!