Charles and I were both international students who met on a tour on our first day of our new school. It was an instant connection. We started dating at the age of 16 and have never looked back! Being together for over six years, we have truly grown into adults together, facing the good times and bad and always being there for one another.

Charles is a financial planner and I work as a manager of Mecca Cosmetica. Charles proposed at the Opera House in Sydney. It was totally unexpected, as Charles is from South Africa, I assumed we were doing a little sight-seeing of one of the most well known Australian locations. It was my 21st birthday, I had also just received a promotion at work and Charles had just graduated from university. It was a weekend away to treat ourselves for our hard work and accomplishments but turned out to be a weekend I would never forget!

The wedding stationery was from BlueBird Invitations.

Initially, I thought I definitely wanted something with lace. I knew I wanted something figure hugging but still soft and romantic. I tried on some dresses here in Brisbane with my mum, but it wasn’t until I visited my dad who lives in Phoenix, Arizona that I found “the one”. I decided on a super simple number from Mori Lee. It was so delicately draped with a small but elegant train and sweetheart neckline. I wore it with a belt from Luv Bridal that had oval stones to match my engagement ring for the ceremony and then for the reception I wore it with a very special handmade lace cape that my beautiful mum surprised me with, it really completed the overall look.

We decided on Weddings at Tiffany’s as our venue. As soon as we set foot in that venue, we knew it would be the one. The views were spectacular. It was able to cater for a smaller wedding and the service was impeccable from day dot. You could almost say it was like our love for each other; when you know, you know!

Our favourite part of the day was first seeing each other as I was walking down the aisle. Charles and I are both usually very cool, calm and collected and had previously said that we didn’t think we would cry at that moment. Boy were we wrong! It’s safe to say we were both completely overcome with happiness and excitement and it is a moment in time we will cherish forever.

The overall vibe was a rustic, romantic feel. We tried to incorporate lots of wood and a little lace where possible. We also loved choosing the flowers, we wanted to have as many flowers as we could possibly afford, and Tiffany’s Flowers did a spectacular job sticking to a soft, whimsical romantic feel for the flowers.

We were so over the moon with both our videographer, Michael Kelly Films, and our photographer, Amanda Hamilton from Peppermint Photography. We could never be able to thank them enough for capturing every moment of our special day.

Our favourite detail from the day would have to be the cake. Our bridesmaid’s sister, Olivia Harvey, did such a spectacular job. She drove all the way from Bundaberg to be there for our special day and have that cake looking perfect. The detail she put into the icing, the beautiful silver base and how the flowers tie it all together, really made for quite a special cake.

Ms Polka Dot says: Such a  beautiful day with special touches that make it truly unforgettable. Congratulations Mariah and Charles on your beautiful wedding and marriage!

From Mariah: Charles and I are high school sweethearts. We have been together for six years now and married recently at Weddings At Tiffany’s, Maleny.