Lia & Chris

How was your experience as a Forever Soles bride?

I had a great experience being a Forever Soles bride! I loved the care and thought that went into the packaging of my shoes and I highly recommend them to future brides!

Which shoes did you wear for your wedding? What was your favourite thing about your shoes?

I wore the Pink Sugar Booties! Everything from the beautiful suede, the easy access side-zipper, the gold interior to the fact that I felt like a DIVA BOSS strutting around on my wedding day. I got SO many compliments and I couldn’t stop showing these beauties off.

How did you and your husband meet?

We were set up on a blind date and met over coffee which turned into 3 hours of lovely conversation.

How long have you been together and how did he propose?

We’ve been together nearly 3 years. Chris proposed the week before Christmas (my favourite time of year). He conspired with 2 of my good friends who I had a girls night planned to see the Christmas lights around the city. They lured me to our friends café in town which he had set up a beautiful indoor picnic full of fairy lights, flowers, champagne, etc. I was convinced this was for someone else and said, "Oh what a beautiful set up. It looks like someone is about to get proposed to or an anniversary.” After much convincing from my friends to ‘break in’, plus was finally told, “Lia, what if it’s for youuu?” I went inside and found a card with my name on it and a light box that said, 'All I Want for Christmas is You.’ Chris came through the back door and asked me to dance with him. We swayed to Frank Sinatra Christmas music and next thing I knew he was on one knee asking me to marry him! And of course I said YES!

What is the most amazing thing about your man?

He is the kindest man I know, so thoughtful and intentional in the ways he cares for me and pursues me.

How would you describe your wedding in one word?

Extraordinary

What is your favourite memory from your wedding?

It’s hard to choose just one memory, but it’s probably a combination of saying our personal vows to one another, the speeches at our reception that brought tears and laughter, AND last but not least FIREWORKS!

Where was your wedding located? What made you choose this location?

Ben Ean Winery in Pokolbin, NSW. I always imagined getting married on a vineyard (specifically in Nappa Valley since I’m from the U.S.). But with COVID and not being able to get married in America, the Hunter Valley was the next best thing. As soon as Chris and I got to Ben Ean and toured the property, especially up at the olive tree overlooking the gorgeous Hunter Valley, we just knew this was the right place and we booked on the spot.

Who created your gorgeous gown?

Martina Liana and I can’t wait to wear it again at our USA wedding reception!

You're a wife now! How does it feel to finally tie the knot?

I feel very relieved to have that part of the wedding planning done. My mum has taken the reigns to plan our USA wedding reception on New Years Eve this year! Chris and I went into lockdown in NSW shortly after we got back from our honeymoon so it’s been like one long honeymoon, full of quality time together.

Where did you go on your honeymoon?

We were booked for Sydney and New Zealand, but COVID restrictions came into play the week of our wedding so it was a big PIVOT. So we headed up the coast of Australia after a few nights in the Hunter Valley. We had a few nights here and there, making stops along the way in Port Macquarie and reached Surfers Paradise for sunshine and cocktails by the pool. On our way back home we stopped in the Hinterlands outside of Byron Bay for a few nights and then finished it off with a staycation at our beautiful home in Newcastle before the hubby was back to work.

Any advice for our brides-to-be?

Be open-handed with your plans and prioritise building a marriage with your husband-to-be over the ‘perfect’ wedding day. If COVID-19 has taught me anything, it’s to focus on the things that truly matter. My wedding day didn’t look exactly how I had dreamt up since I was a little girl— I didn’t even have my parents, immediate family and friends physically present on the day due to border closures. BUT I knew that at the end of the day I was going to be married to the love of my life. We had so much love and support from family and friends that we weren’t going to let this pandemic keep us from starting our lives together as husband and wife.

THE SUGAR BOOTIES

The pink Sugar Booties are made with that old world-meets cool girl feel. There is nothing like a cute pink boot to give you those happy vibes. Made for any occasion, not just weddings. They are the BEST all year round, all style round, comfortable, fun boots.

Photography: Joshua Mikhaiel; Videographer: David Hukka; Livestream: Wedding Stream Au; Dress: Martina Liana; Shoes: Forever Soles; Styling, Florals and Signage: The Wedding Designer; Wedding Car Hire: Absolute Vintage Elegance Limousines; Wedding Band: Tre Soul; Engagement Ring: Heidi Gibson; Bridal Jewellery: The White Collection; Hair Comb: Little White Couture; Bridal Robes: Le Rose; Hair and Makeup: Bonnie Lee Mooney