Memorable Moments in Focus: Damien and Nicola's Dream Wedding
Meet Damien and Nicola, a couple from Western Sydney who pulled off a magical wedding day in the midst of a pandemic. As their wedding photographer, I had the privilege of capturing their breathtakingly epic moments on their special day. I recently caught up with them and asked them to share their experience with planning and enjoying their wedding day. Join me as I delve deeper into their gym-venturous beginnings, the surprise proposal, their dazzling glasshouse wedding extravaganza, the meaningful traditions they embraced, and the talented vendors who helped bring their dream wedding to life.
The Gym-venturous Beginnings
Let's rewind to where it all began—the gym! Damien, the charismatic assistant manager, couldn't resist stealing glances at Nicola, a gym regular with a killer physique (his words). It was a classic case of love at first sight, with a hilarious twist. Damien waved at Nicola from a distance, but little did he know that she didn't have her glasses on and responded with a perplexed and dirty look. However, Damien still found Nicola "pretty hot and jacked," and Nicola couldn't resist his charm. Who would have thought that a gym encounter would set the stage for their extraordinary romance?
A Proposal That Beat the Heat
Damien, the romantic daredevil, planned a surprise picnic in the scorching Blue Mountains.
Picture this: sweat dripping, sunscreen slathered, and thermometers bursting, a couple of weirdos hiding in the bushes with cameras! Amidst the sweltering heat, Damien dropped to one knee, and through the heat and tears, Nicola managed to utter the magic word—yes!
It was a moment frozen in time, filled with sheer joy, disbelief, and an overwhelming sense of "wow, I'm marrying the love of my life!" – One part Damien forgot to share, was that he had organised me to capture the moment.
All was going well until the heat and the high winds meant the team from Blue Mountains Picnics had to change locations 3 times before a suitable and safe spot could be found. Luckily for Mel and I, Nicola wasn’t wearing her glasses that day, and didn’t recognise us, when they walked past.
The Glasshouse Extravaganza
Let's talk about their show-stopping wedding venue—the Glass Gazebo @ Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley. Well, that was the original plan until a plot twist named COVID-19 came along. Determined to have a dreamy glasshouse wedding, Damien and Nicola quickly pivoted to the equally breathtaking Glasshouse @ The Fiddler. With lush greenery, twinkling lights, and an ethereal atmosphere, it was a venue that left guests in awe. The glasshouse setting created an intimate and enchanting space, transforming their reception into a grand party with their loved ones. The overall theme was all about open spaces, hanging lights, and abundant greenery. It was an ethereal blend of nature and elegance, creating an atmosphere that perfectly reflected their unique love story. From the hanging lights that added a touch of magic to the beautiful greenery that brought life to the venue, every detail was meticulously chosen.
Meaningful Traditions:
They embraced Nicola’s Filipino heritage by incorporating special traditions into their wedding ceremony. They opted for a Filipino Catholic wedding, which added an extra layer of significance to their union. The ceremony included three additional elements: a candle lighting ceremony symbolizing the unity of their families, a coin blessing to represent financial blessings in their marriage, and the tying of the nuptial cord signifying their everlasting bond. These traditions beautifully intertwined Nicola’s cultural heritage with their modern love story, making their wedding day even more meaningful.
Talented Vendors Who Brought Magic to Life
Behind every extraordinary wedding lies a team of talented vendors who work tirelessly to create magic. Damien and Nicola were no exception when it came to selecting their dream team.
Photographer: Jack from Jack Ham Imagery (that’s me), a dear friend and an immensely talented photographer, was the perfect choice to capture their love story. From the surprise proposal shoot to the wedding day, Jack's stunning photographs captured the essence of their journey, creating lifelong memories filled with joy and emotion (again their words not mine).
Floral Magic: Enter Claremont Cottage Events, a small family business discovered on Facebook. Their bespoke handmade silk flowers stole the show, offering beauty that rivaled real blooms. Nicola and Damien opted for silk flowers not only for their exquisite appearance but also to stay within their budget. The result? Floral arrangements that looked so real, they had guests doing double takes!
Make Up Artist : Alissa from Alissasbakery, one of Sydney’s premier make up artists was absolutely amazing. She made Nicola and her bridesmaids all feel exceptionally comfortable when given the creative control. Nicola first met Alissa when she did the make up for her sisters wedding and remembers being mesmerised by her talent and says that she is a true artist.
These vendors not only showcased their exceptional skills but also brought their vibrant personalities and genuine care on the day.
Laughs and Unexpected Moments
Every wedding has its fair share of unexpected and humorous moments, and Damien and Nicola's big day was no exception. Picture Damien's friend, Mitch, attempting the "slug" dance move on the dance floor, only to take a tumble and scrape off half of his face—a dance move gone wrong! And let's not forget the hilarious slip-up by the nervous MC, who mistakenly called Damien by his last name instead of his first name. Laughter echoed through the reception hall, turning these unexpected moments into cherished memories that will be shared for years to come.
Final Words of Wisdom
To all the couples planning their own wedding adventure, Damien and Nicola offer some valuable advice. Stay true to yourselves and your vision. It's your day, so don't let others' expectations overshadow your love story. Embrace imperfections, communicate openly, and remember that marriage is a journey that requires teamwork and dedication. As for Damien and Nicola, they've found that love isn't always a perfect 50/50 balance but a constant give-and-take, supporting each other through thick and thin.
And the secret to surviving your first year of marriage even through Covid? Damien and Nicola say it's the unique qualities they admire in each other that form the foundation of their strong and loving marriage. Damien cherishes Nicola's unwavering support and her big heart. She's always there for him, ready to lend a helping hand and shower him with love. Nicola, on the other hand, is captivated by Damien's integrity and authenticity. His words and actions align, and his genuine desire to help others shines through. Together, they create a powerful bond that grows stronger every day.
Cherished Moments Frozen in Time
Among the countless stunning photographs captured on their wedding day, one holds a special place in their hearts. It's the image of Damien, wearing a radiant smile, gently holding Nicola's face after their heartfelt kiss at the altar. In that single frame, their love and happiness shine through, encapsulating the essence of their extraordinary bond. It's a snapshot that will forever remind them of the joy and magic they shared on their wedding day.
Damien and Nicola's wedding journey is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the magic that unfolds when two souls find their perfect match. From their gym encounter to their glasshouse extravaganza, every moment was filled with laughter, tears, and unforgettable memories. Through unexpected twists and turns, Damien and Nicola embraced their love story with open hearts and created a day that will forever be etched in their hearts and in the photographs captured by Jack. As you plan your own wedding, may their story inspire you to infuse your unique personalities, traditions, and dreams into your special day.
