Wedding Date: March 26, 2022

Taira wears the Cara Gown

What was your wedding venue (ceremony & reception) and why did you choose there?

Our wedding venue was 48 Watt Street, Newcastle. We both loved how the main hall of the venue was stunning on its own and wouldn’t need much added. We both love unique spaces. The high ceilings, stained glass windows and lighting were perfect for what we were looking for.

We had our ceremony in the atrium right next to the main space. It felt intimate with our 90 guests, had natural light and protected us from the rain. The space is also in the city area of Newcastle and very close to Newcastle beach. I love cities and Pat loves the ocean and they met where we were married.

Did you have a wedding theme/style? If so, tell me about it please.

We wanted a chic, minimal vintage style, with moody lighting that could turn into a cocktail style party space.

How did you and your now Husband meet?

We met around the corner from our now home. Many cocktails and late night Mexican food at our local pub, we never looked back.

What is your proposal story?

We just bought our home and had set up a little area in our loft with a vinyl player, rugs, book case and cosy lounge. Pat ordered Mexican from our first date and made some cocktails. He played Kite String Tangle on vinyl, and started talking about how lucky we are.

He then got out a tiny, little black velvet bag with a ring inside and asked me if would I marry him. I was completely shocked, it is definitely one of the most special moments in my life.

How did you hear about Prea James Bridal?

I discovered her incredible gowns when my sister got engaged a few years ago. It was on the front cover of Hello May magazine and I immediately fell in love with Cara. When I went to try the gown on a year later, I soon discovered there were MANY gowns I loved of Prea’s. It was really difficult, as they are all so stunning and unique. I went with the one I fell in love with first, it just felt perfect every time I tried it on.

From where did you purchase your gown?

In the Sydney, Paddington store. The girls there were amazing.

What do you love most about the gown?

EVERYTHING. I love that it looks like a skirt and top but is connected at the back. The fabric is incredibly luxurious. It is the cool, elegant vibe I have always wanted. I will never ever regret it.

Are there any special details about your wedding that you would like to share? (A particular reason you chose the venue, or the date, or did you have a special ritual in your day that was important to you?)

Having my good friends with us in the morning (not just the bridal party) was particularly important to us.

The day flies by and the thing I remember the most is how I felt in those moments of silence and the joy my friends and family brought to the morning, they ground you and know exactly what to say in the moments of excitement/nervousness. Having every person you love in the one space is just magical and we will never forget that.

Were there any details that you (and friends and family) made yourselves?

We wanted a champagne tower instead of a cake. My good friend made mini cupcakes for those sweet tooths in our golden circle. My good friends set up the space as well.

I made the stationary as we didn’t need very much due to the wedding being canape, cocktail style.

Finally, Do you have any words of wisdom for couples planning their big day? This can be to do with any part of the wedding – eg, planning, budget, or the day itself.

Music matters. It can communicate who you are as a couple. Enjoy choosing the music.

People will have so many suggestions to give you, which comes from all of the love they have for you. Whether it be on style, what you are wearing, speeches etc. Trust yourself, you and your fiancé know each other and what you love. Go with what you both want and you won’t regret anything.

Walk don’t run back down the aisle after you are married. I was extremely happy and excited I ran with Pat, oops. Luckily we had an amazing photographer/genius, who managed to get the just married shot.

I also got some wonderful advice days before our wedding as I felt quite overwhelmed and anxious. It was from our beautiful celebrant and she said “Remember that fear and excitement feel the same- (and can bring out anxiety). The difference between fear and excitement is the focus. Don’t focus on what might make you nervous. Focus on the joy, the love and the golden circle that will be surrounding you-holding you- celebrating you”