Greg and Michelle
My husband (still crazy to say) Greg and I have known each other as friends for many years however it took chance, circumstances and a few extra years for us to fall in love.
We met through a mutual friend in 2006. It wasn’t love at first sight however over the years our friendship grew. It wasn’t until 2010 that Greg and I shared our first kiss that lasted two seconds and ended in us both laughing about what had just happened. A few awkward dinners later with both of us waiting for the other one to make a move we finally shared another kiss. This time there was a spark and from there our friendship shifted into a fun, crazy, unique relationship.
Greg proposed in 2012 down at Bondi Beach on a wet, windy and miserable Christmas Day. After a lovely dinner Greg took me down to the beach to look at the water. Me thinking this could be “the moment” I was disappointed when after a snuggle Greg suggested we leave. As I turned around to put on my shoes he grabbed my hand. Telling me how important and special our relationship was to him he got down on one knee and opened up a little black box boasting a stunning London topaz and diamond pear shaped ring when it hit me, oh my god he’s proposing. That’s really the last thing I remember as excitement literally consumed me so much that I forgot to say yes however the tears, smile and kiss was a strong enough response for us both to know we were engaged.
The wedding planning was always going to be interesting. Greg’s organised, precise and a little more traditional whereas I’m slightly arty, messy and a little more eclectic. Looking back on our wedding I think our sometimes opposite tastes really made our day a perfect mix of us.
I was so lucky to find the perfect dress on my second shopping trip. It was on a hanger in the sale section of Glamour Bridal in Leichhardt. After slipping into the stunning gown it took one look for my sister and I both to agree the dress was mine. My dress has the most amazing scalloping on the bottom and a beautifully beaded sweetheart bodice. The perfect mix of a modern take on vintage glam.
My bridesmaids wore sage coloured dresses from Charlie Brown purchased in Myer. I felt they complimented my dress and the style of our wedding perfectly and my girls all looked stunning.
My bouquet was one of the most special pieces of my day. My amazing sister made my dream bouquet out of a mixture of vintage and new fabric and brooches. I didn’t see it until the night before the wedding however I was confident I would love it…”love” was an understatement, it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen and I felt so lucky to have this little piece of art in my hands.
Greg and our very handsome groomsmen wore navy suits from Myer with black floral printed bow ties.
When planning our wedding we really wanted it to be personal, simple and “us” so we asked some of our family and friends to participate.
My photographer was an ex colleague so I knew she would be fabulous on the day and we would feel comfortable working with her. Our celebrant was a close friend and our MC’s, my brother in law and step brother. My beautiful makeup artist I met when I was bridesmaid for my bestie’s wedding (he is a makeup genius) and my driver an old friend. My step mother put together our beautiful flower arrangements and one of our groomsmen made our stunning wedding arch. My sisters in law of Indigo 9 Design not only hand made our wedding invites but also made the sentimental place cards which included wedding photos of our grandparents who unfortunately could not be with us. All of these people made our wedding what it was and we can not thank them enough for their contributions.
We had our ceremony at Clark Park Lavender Bay, the venue was close enough to the city for convenience however being on the north side of the bridge meant there was still a bit of suburbia and privacy. The large park allowed us to really utilise the space so our guests felt comfortable. The view is breathtaking so decorations could be kept to a minimal and simple. I was so happy I could not stop smiling…. my cheeks actually hurt the next day!
My Dad walked me down the aisle to Peter Gabriel – Book of Love.
After a short intimate ceremony the bridal party jumped on a boat and headed to The Rocks for photos whilst our guests enjoyed the beautiful scenery and some bubbles to celebrate.
Our bridal party was made up of our nearest and dearest and they made our day incredibly fun and full of love and memorable moments.
Our reception was held at Wolfies Grill in The Rocks. The venue has beautiful dark wood and sandstone walls which kept the romantic feel of our wedding flowing. The staff at Wolfies from day one of planning made the whole thing so easy and enjoyable that I almost felt like I wasn’t doing enough. I can not speak highly enough of this venue or recommended it more. The day ran so smoothly, the food was amazing and the staff fun, professional and extremely accommodating. Sasha from the Dockside Group was our wedding planner and she was incredibly sweet, personable and kept us on track.
Our beautiful cake made by Edna at Vanmae’s Cakes in Ermington.
Our place cards which feature our parents on their wedding day and also our grandparents who sadly were not there.
Our first dance as husband and wife, Sia “Day Too Soon”.
Our day was so special thanks to many people and I will never forget the support and love we felt through out the journey. Both Greg and I come from incredible families and we feel so blessed to have been able to bring them together to make one big awesome family. xx
People kept telling me two things, your wedding day is the best day of your life AND it goes so quickly, both of which were very true. I wish I could have paused it just for a few minutes to take it all in and really enjoy all those small loving moments that almost seemed overwhelming at the time.
I have never felt more proud or lucky to have so many wonderful people in my life.
Images by Sarbury
Ms Gingham says: Congratulations on a beautiful day Michelle and Greg and thankyou for sharing it with us!
Michelle says: Hi, I’m Michelle, the lucky lady married to Greg Mcguinness. I’m slightly arty, creative, messy and eclectic married to a more conservative, neat and simple man… The perfect balance however it did make planning a wedding interesting. Mixing my dream of a vintage Vegas elopement with Greg’s more formal wedding was always going to cause some “team McGuinness” discussions however one month later sitting on the couch with my gorgeous husband reflecting on “our big day” I really wouldn’t have changed a thing!
Great venue