Pat + Michael | Royal Botanic Gardens Wedding
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Pat and Michael had a fun, relaxed wedding on the lawn and reception at the Palm House at Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney later on in the day. Their wedding had a classic, clean feel with green and white as the main colours.
Pat works in sales for a textile studio, selling exclusive artwork to fashion apparel and swim companies, while Michael works as a civil engineer. We asked them questions about their story, the wedding, and more.
How did you guys meet?
Pat shared, "It was fate for sure. I was out with 2 of my girlfriends, one of which never got out of her Surry Hills radius/bubble. One afternoon whilst having cocktails the eve of New Years Eve, this friend randomly and spontaneously suggested we venture all the way down to Bondi. So we jumped at the opportunity, got in a cab and headed down there. This is where I met Michael, and his 2 friends (housemates). He perused a few times before I let him join us in a game of pool ... the rest is history."
How did you know that you were meant for each other?
"I think over the years we both saw the best and worst sides of each other. Loving every aspect of the other person, the good the bad, was a sure sign that we both knew we were meant to be."
How did Michael propose?
"Michael popped the question literally on the side of the Grand Canyon. We drove out to the park, and Michael was pretty insistent on having a picnic, which I thought quite a tad odd and wasn't sure he would find a delicatessen selling cheese and wine. However there was, and we found it," Pat recalled.
"He disappeared into the little store in the park and came out 20 minutes later with a rug, cheese, crackers, fruit, a tarp for a mat, and 2 camping mugs marking the coordinates of where we were. We hiked down the canyon for a good 30 minutes until Michael was happy with a location to set up.
It was the most beautiful, clear summer's day with no one around. He popped the question initially without getting down on one knee ... so I made him do it again. We high-fived, popped open a bottle of wine and celebrated on a slight slope on the side of the Grand Canyon."
What does marriage mean to you?
"Committing to someone you love, through the good times, the bad and everything else in between."
Now talk to us about the wedding. What was your inspiration?
"We were after modern, clean, sophisticated feel with lots of greenery. The Botanic Gardens and a Green House was the perfect fit."
We heard that you undertook DIY projects.
"YES! Everything. The venue was just a shell so we organised everything. Hanging foliage, handmade fringed napkins made out of tables cloths, and my invitations hand-painted by a friend and cut out by Michael's mother."
Do you have any advice for other couples planning their wedding?
"Delegate and enjoy it," Pat simply said.
Can you tell us about your dress?
Pat shared, "My outfit was made by a (very talented) friend. The skirt was tiny sequins, silk lined and fit like a dream. The top was still at the dry cleaners the morning of the wedding and came back with a blue stain. My something blue I guess. I want a re-do just to wear them again."
VENDORS
Bride's dress: Laura Morgan
Bride's shoes: Nine West
Hair: Jenny
Makeup: Desiree Wise
Groom's suit: Peppers Formal Wear
Groom's shoes: Trenery
Bridesmaids outfits: Zara, Veronika Maine, Unspoken
Groomsmen Suits: Peppers Formal Wear
Cake: Sarah Botherway
Catering: Dan the Man
Other desserts: Geesecakes
Celebrant: Ann Thew
Flowers: Pasnins' Bespoke Floristry
Transport: Uber
Prop/Furniture: Event Hire Services
Reception Stylist: Alissa Woldhuis (friend)
Stationery: Rebecca Goodlud (friend)
Wedding rings: Natalie Marie Jewellery