Pyjama Party leads to L.O.V.E

How did you two meet?

George and I met at a big Greek family friend’s BBQ when we were 11 years old. I still remember George wearing his ADIDAS tracksuit and supposedly George says I was wearing my cow pyjamas. We sat down all day and night just chatting until it was time for George to leave (girly sleepover). The next morning George called the house to see if I was still there and we all went to Sizzlers and Time Zone. I still have the sticky photo we took together!

We didn’t see each other after then for a few years. George would walk past my Dad’s shop where I used to help out and pop in to say hello or just flex his muscles to get my attention. After high school George sent a message via Myspace to reconnect which we did as friends as first which grew into so much more.Can you share about the proposal with us?

George and I had been together for seven years and as a gift he booked a weekend away to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. We went bush walking, had too much food and relaxed without our iPhones all weekend. There was one moment on a bush walk where George has secretly hid the ring in his pants and had slipped at a waterfall and nearly lost the ring. George slept most of the weekend and I got a little bored. Little did I know, this was a ploy to not speak to me in case he blew his cover.He told me that the package included a wine tasting that he didn’t seem too impressed about. I begged to go on the way home, which he knew I would. After some wine tasting and setting up a picnic basket, my clumsiness spilled the wine bottle everywhere and as I turned around George had a box with my dream ring and a photo of us. I was speechless and was so excited I didn’t respond. The tears of happiness said it all for George and he could finally relax again.

I am feeling excited to marry my best friend, overwhelmed with to-do lists, nervous about all the minor details (perfectionist at heart) but George feels calm. That may be because he isn’t organising it. It’s a whirlwind of emotions at the moment but we are both so eager for September 26th to come around.

What has the wedding preparation been like?I am a little bit of a perfectionist and like to add something different to everything (this may be the overwhelmed feeling). I have had enough time to plan it but there are always last minute things that pop up. It has been a busy time with buying a house and moving out as well as planning a wedding. I love styling events though and every family event, I like to plan it and decorate so I am in my element at the moment. George has been amazing and has let me do whatever it is I like with the wedding.Any advice for brides-to-be who are planning their wedding?

Stay true to yourself and your partner. Don’t get caught up in social media and these fantasy weddings that cost a fortune, sometimes less is more. Know what you want and research before you ask the questions. Get heaps of quotes, never settle for the first answer. Consult with your family, they have been through it before and sometimes know best. If your partner isn’t one to enjoy these things (like George) and they have an idea, don’t dismiss it and try your best to hear them out. Sometimes we can get so caught up in the planning we forget it’s about getting married for the rest of our lives, not just one day!

What are you most looking forward to on the day?

Marrying my best friend! Walking into the church in my Dad’s arms and him giving me away to George, I may get emotional. I can’t wait to see my little nephews and cousins run down the aisle and my beautiful sisters, sister-in-laws and best friend there by my side. I also can’t wait to party afterwards with all our family and friends. We have been working on making sure our guests will have the best night with us!

What was the pre-wedding shoot like? Do you think these are a good idea for couples?

At first it was awkward because George and I are not a couple who pose or take many photos together. Andrew was fantastic though, he knew we weren’t like that and gave us the right directions to get the best shots. It was great to do, so we can feel comfortable on our wedding day in front of the camera and it was also great to get to know Andrew a little more. It gave us some great shots that we have used on our wedding website, gifts to our parents and some shots for the wedding day.