There’s nothing we love more than a traditional wedding with pretty blush colours. This traditional wedding is exactly that, plus more. Sammantha and Michael are both dancers and met at a dance battle and he proposed to her in Rome during a photo their friends were taking of them at the top of a building that overlooked the entire city. The couple celebrated late into the night at the Rydges (Brisbane, Australia) and the two treated their guests with a dance performance choreographed by the groom. The beautiful photos were captured by Jashan Photography
How did you and your partner meet?
We met at a dance battle. Mikee was dancing on a show in Las Vegas that had a six-month contract at Jupiters on the Gold Coast. A mutual friend had set up a dance event for all for the Brisbane dancers to battle all of the Americans and afterwards it became one big dance party. At the end of it, Mikee got my details.
How did he propose?
From the groom: We were on holiday in Rome and had gone to the top of this huge building that overlooked the whole city. I’ve had the ring in my pocket for the past few days, but never found the right time to propose. Sammy had said, “I love Rome.” And I said,” Oh yah?” and started reaching in my pocket for the ring, but I kept fumbling for it. To buy time, I asked our friends who came with us to take our picture. After two photos I still hadn’t managed to do it, and finally I mustered all of my courage and asked her on the third time, “Will you……Marry me?….” She was speechless and we got a great photo of her reaction. After a long moment of gasping, she said yes.
What’s your most important piece of advice for creating and maintaining a strong relationship?
Aligning your values and goals – you’re in a partnership, you got to be on the same page.
Being silly – let out your inner child and be crazy together.
Communication – be real about who you are, what you want and say in a way that considers how it makes the other person feel.
Tell us about your wedding gown and how you chose it:
Gah I had to buy two. One for the ceremony, very traditional, big and beautiful. It was obvious it was the one as soon as I tried it on. The second was similar but cut shorter for movement and a little bit fun.
What sort of style did you envision for your wedding day?
We had so many guests fly in from America so the view for the reception meant a lot to me. I wanted to show off how pretty Brisbane was, so we chose Rydges because of its stunning views. Our wedding styling was very traditional with blush colours. So cliché.
What was your favorite moment from the day?
At the end of the night. When we went back to the room together as husband and wife and had a giggle. We survived! Everyone was happy. The circus was over. We are married and in love.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change?
I would be bossier. I spent a lot of time thinking about what would please everyone else. Hence throwing a traditional wedding. In hindsight. a traditional wedding for me was not the smartest idea, having lost both of my parents it really brought it front and center for me that they weren’t there. If I could do it again, I would have found a happy medium between a modern and traditional wedding. I would have done what I wanted to do instead of what I thought everyone else wanted me to do.
Any tips that you can give to future brides?
Having a same day slide show from your photographer at the wedding is really nice touch. It brings the reality of the day forward and in that moment, everyone is together and it’s like “Wow, we got married today and it’s incredible.”
Anything else you’d like to add?
My husband and I both dance, there was a lot of pressure for us with our first dance. I planned the ceremony, reception and honeymoon. It was Mikee’s job to put together the first dance. Everyone really enjoyed it and I think we were able to live up to everyone’s expectations. Phew!
Video: https://www.facebook.com/whitelacefilms/videos/1994327934129852/
Photographer : Jashan Photography
Wedding Dress: Bride said she cannot for the life of her remember the two designers
Makeup: Jessica Peacock
Hair: Jools Purchase
Accessories: Love On Jewellery
Wedding Invitations: BWedding Invitations
Videographer: White Lace Films
Menus & Place Cards: Adorn Invitations
Cake: A Little Cake Place
Food: Rydges
Ceremony Venue: St Stephens Cathedral
Reception Venue: Rydges
