Emma & Anna's Intimate Celebration in Greece

EMMA WEARS OUR MOONDANCE PLATFORMS

Photography by Alexandrakis Photography

How was your experience as a Forever Soles bride?

Seamless! The idea for my wedding dress came about very late, so I ended up on a bit of a time crunch when sourcing shoes and accessories. I visited the Forever Soles website on the recommendation of my sister, a Forever Soles bride from earlier in the year. I immediately found the perfect shoe, ordered them after my first visit and they arrived on time, true to size and the perfect match for my dress.

Which shoes did you wear for your wedding?

I wore the Moondance Platforms in Blue. Never in a million years did I picture myself wearing blue shoes ever, let alone on my wedding day!

What was your favourite thing about your shoes?

The shoes were so unique, the perfect balance of funk and elegance. They elevated my entire wedding dress and everyone agreed they were perfectly suited.

How did you and your wife meet?

In classic Swiftie form, the stars aligned one night during a Taylor Swift DJ event held in my wife's city. We quickly bonded over our mutual love of our favourite artist and became each other's best friend immediately.

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

Anna and I have been together for four years. During the beginning of our relationship, we were stuck on either side of the NSW/QLD border, with the Tweed area being our middle ground. During this time, we would often recommend each other books that we would read together. When I asked Anna to be my girlfriend I mailed her an annotated version of one of the books we read. Three years later, on our anniversary, I took Anna to a spot at Tweed Heads and gifted her an annotated version of Taylor Jenkins Reid's, 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo' and used this to propose.

What is the most amazing thing about your wife?

Anna has shown me the true meaning of unconditional love, she is incredibly selfless and generous of her time and energy. Anna lifts me up to be a better person, supporting my dreams and aspirations.

How would you describe your wedding in one word?

Intimate. We only had nine guests; our parents, siblings and their partners, which couldn't have been more perfect and special.

What is your favourite memory from your wedding?

I have two. Firstly, seeing Anna for the first time in her dress and after we had spent several hours apart getting ready. The second time was when we managed to disappear for twenty minutes during dinner, just the two of us, and sat down on a step at the restaurant to chat quietly. We both agreed the next day that this was a special moment for us.

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

Greece! We got married on an island called Kythira, where Anna's family heritage originates. While I had been to Greece before, it was Anna's first time, and our first time on the island. Hearing stories about relatives and their connections to places across the island made the experience all the more special. Plus, did you see how incredible the photos looked?!?

Who created your gorgeous gown?

My wedding dress was created by students in my Year 8 class. After overhearing teachers continually ask me about my wedding dress (and me replying that I didn't have one and hated them all while the wedding date crept closer!), one of my students offered to make me the perfect dress. Several of them worked together, during lunch and recess breaks, to bring the whole dress together. On a serious time limit, they started with a base dress that they altered to suit before adding the embroidered flowers. My first dress fitting was in my classroom. I changed in the back storeroom just before recess ended. When I walked out, most of the students had arrived for class and were in a group on the far side of the room talking together. I will never forget their faces when they turned around and saw me in the dress for the first time. I'll also never forget Anna's reaction when I told her about this during our first look on our wedding day!

Anna's gown was created by Wendy Makin Bridal. It's a beautiful dress and she looked stunning in it. We both found dresses that suited our personalities perfectly and we're excited to get the opportunity to wear them again in February when we celebrate at home with our extended family and friends.

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

A relief! Now the formalities are done, we can focus on the two of us and the life we are building together.

Where did you go on your honeymoon?

We spent the next few weeks travelling around Greece. We visited several different islands and spent the days swimming in the most beautiful waters, eating the most delicious food and enjoying each other's company.

Any advice for our brides-to-be?

Make the wedding about you as a couple. Don't get caught up in what a wedding is 'supposed to be'. Curate the perfect day for you and one that you will be able to enjoy.