the hens nest | weddings | niki and chad

 

the love story

 

Tell us about your love story so far. How did you meet, what was the proposal like?

Chad and I met in our teen years, through him being friends with my older brothers.

We had been dating since valentine’s day 2001 and we travelled to the UK in 2005 for a working holiday. We backpacked for 3 months through Europe and the US on our way back to Australia, and he proposed in Venice! He got down on one knee in a gondola. I was SO surprised ~ it was lucky I didn’t fall out the boat!! Hehe

We chose the engagement ring together in a jeweller in New York a few weeks later.

How long was your engagement?

We were engaged for 4 years and got married on the eve of our 9 year dating anniversary!

Tell us about “The Dress”

I found 2 dresses I really liked – one I liked the top of, and one I liked the skirt (both from Caleche Bridal) and so I chose to design my own based on the 2 dresses. I was so incredibly happy with the final result. It is a gorgeous silk gown, with rouching around the bust and exquisite beaded lace detailing on the bodice and straps. The long flowing skirt suited our beach wedding perfectly.

The Grooms Attire:

Chad and the boys all hired their Charcoal grey suits from Peter Shearer Men’s wear. They wore open collared white shirts and wore thongs on the beach for the ceremony.

What were the elements that made your wedding unique?

The girls and I arrived in a gold 12 seater limousine, while Chad rode his late father David’s Harley Davidson to the ceremony, followed closely by the groomsmen in 3 of their own cars (the Torana & 2 VH’s featured in the pics)

Our ceremony was held on the beach at Grange and was a really classy, yet laid back event. While we exchanged our vows, our bare-footed guests enjoyed a glass of champagne or beer on the sand.

The laid back, beachy theme continued to the reception at the shores function centre, which has a real rustic wooden “barn” type feeling. The room and balcony was beautifully decorated with gorgeous large glass vases featuring beach sand, shells, star fish and candles. We also had small tealight candles on the tables complemented by sandy coloured chair sashes - all by Kiera (Rapture Design & Events).

Ceremony Location:

Our ceremony was held on the beach at Grange.

Reception Venue:

The Shores Function Centre

Photography Hot Spots:

The Oaks Plaza Pier (bridesmaids & Bride stayed there the night before), Grange Beach, our house – the boys stayed there the night before (and we also stopped in to have a quick photo with our pet dog between the ceremony & reception!) and the Shores Function Centre

Flowers:

I had a teardrop bouquet and the bridesmaids had round bouquets, which were all wrapped in white satin ribbon featuring white roses, white phalaenopsis orchids and white Singapore orchids with green foliage as a base.

Was there a theme?

Our theme was a beach theme

Details about the cake:

We had our cake made by the Cheesecake shop at Findon! It was a 3 tier chocolate mud cake, beautifully decorated with Orchids

What moment took your breath away:

My favourite moment of the day was standing at the top of the aisle and making eye contact for the first time with my husband to be. I got such a rush of excitement and we both couldn’t wipe the smiles off our faces!

Where did you go for your Honeymoon?

Koh Samui and Phuket, Thailand

Tips for brides and grooms planning their wedding:

Just enjoy it! It really is the most amazing day of your life and there is no need to worry about the little things.

photo gallery

Click on the image below to see a slideshow of Niki and Chads' amazing wedding day.

 

 

Wedding Suppliers who helped make niki and chad's day perfect

Ceremony- Grange Beach.

Reception- The Shores Function Complex.

Photography- NV Photography

Video- Vistech Solutions.

Gown- Caleche Bridal House.

Bridesmaides Dresses- Cooper St

Bridesmaids Accessories- Sportsgirl.

Shoes- Hepburn & Suna Shoes.

Jewellery- Pandora & Michael Hill Jeweller.

Hair- Makeup Masterpiece

Makeup- Beauty Is Only Skin Deep.

Suits- Peter Shearer Menswear

Rings- Michael Hill Jeweller and Gerard J. Ryan Manufacturing Jeweller.

Decor and Lighting- Rapture Events and Design.

Flowers- Bare Flowers and Events (also provided the rose petals).

Cake- Cheesecake Shop.

Transport- White Orchid Limousines.

Music- The Usual Suspects.

Wedding Night Accommodation- Pier Hotel, Glenelg.

Honeymoon- Phil Hoffman Travel - Koh Samui and Phuket, Thailand.