Meet Dana. She's one of the most gracious, humble and happy people I've had the pleasure of meeting. If that's not impressive enough, she's also a soloist with the Australian Ballet Company. Her most recent performance in their production of Chroma was outstanding.
Speaking of impressive people, here's Michael. Happy, super friendly and, like his bride, also very talented. This German-born groom spent two years as a documentary photographer in post-war Kosovo. Now you'll most often find him shooting weddings for Blue Robin Wedding Photography.
Dana and Michael's brief was clear. They wanted a ceremony that was casual and fun-filled, one that would reflect their loving and excitable personalities. They wanted to include a large number of loved
ones and were adamant that the sense of celebration should be established from the outset, and not withheld until their reception. Oh, and in honour of Michael's heritage, they also they wanted me to present, in part, in German. I loved their brief and fortunately my training in German opera many moons ago meant that I knew a little German too. I couldn't wait to get started!
Dana and Michael were married in The Fitzroy Gardens on the last weekend of daylight savings.
As expected, Dana was the embodiment of grace and beauty. She wore a knee-length dress with delicate lace overlay and the most amazing cut out back, bright blue heels and a small posy of blue hand woven pom poms. Her striking Matron of Honour and “Leading Ladies” were each dressed in magnificently bright block coloured cocktail dresses of yellow, fuchsia, jade and red. They looked magnificent against the green lawn and garden beds of pinks, oranges and reds.
As Dana made her way around the winding path and toward her husband-to-be, Michael couldn't resist reaching for his camera and taking a quick snap of his beaming bride.
I loved the way Dana and Michael laughed and cuddled one another throughout their ceremony and the way their guests reacted openly and energetically to their relationship story and to the many and varied guest presentations.
Though Dana and Michael exchanged rings and romantic vows with utmost sincerity, such was the sense of joy that they shared, they simply couldn't suppress their delight. Their laughter was utterly contagious!
To Gotye's In Your Light the interactive ceremony drew to a cheerful close. Dana and Michael
remained in the gardens afterward, chatting to their guests over pretzels and refreshments in the early evening sunshine...
... before stealing a little post-ceremony time for themselves.
The newlyweds continued their lively and colourful celebration a short distance away at Fortyfivedownstairs.
Dana and Michael, I will never forget your ceremony, nor will I forget the fun we had planning it. I couldn't help but smile in your presence as your kind and generous spirits and your joie de vivre made every interaction a thoroughly happy one. Herzlichen Glückwunsch zu Ihrer Ehe. Herzlichen Dank! xx
Celebrant: Sally Hughes
Ceremony Venue: Fitzroy Gardens, Lawn 20
Ceremony Venue Decor: The Wedding Zone
Photography: Tom Franks Photography
Ceremony Bouquets: Dana's own creations
Reception Flowers - Cecilia Fox
Reception Venue: Fortyfivedownstairs
Dana's Dress:
Andrea Gorrie
