So, before we get to your actual wedding….

You recently celebrated your one-year Anniversary (congrats!). We need to know – how did you guys celebrate?

We thought we’d celebrate in a way that is true to us – a day on the beach, salty hair and sun kissed skin, followed by a sunset pizza picnic on the lake, champagne from Mexico (brought back from our honeymoon) and a dance party for two to Elton John.

Now, going way back down Lover’s Lane – how and when did you meet? Was it a case of ‘love at first sight’?

Well, it definitely wasn’t like the movies! It was back in September 2008. I was 16 and Dane was 19. It was my first ever music festival. Dane’s friend had just said to him, “Let’s go find some chooks (girls)”, then he turned the corner and there I was. I kissed him (braces and all) and my friend kissed his friend. We have never had a day without being in contact since!

Ok, one more pre-wedding question: If we were passing by, what would we have witnessed at the scene of your wedding proposal?

We were at Shipwreck Beach, in Zakynthos, Greece (Google it!). Gosh, it was beautiful – a sight I will never forget.

We explored the island and did a boat tour through the blue grottos and along the coastline, snorkelling our way to the beach. We went onto the cliff at sunset and Dane got down on one knee. I have never been so shocked and so speechless in my life. It was amazing and such a surreal feeling. We ended the night with a seafood dinner on the cliff overlooking the ocean, surrounded by trees full of fairy lights (which for anyone who doesn’t know me is one of my favourite things… I love all the lights!). It was a day we will never forget and always treasure.

Where did you hold your reception and why did you choose this particular setting?

We held our reception at Matcham, on the Central Coast, in NSW, on the adjacent property to where Dane grew up and where his parents still live today. Dane was able to get ready with his parents in Matcham, and I was able to get ready with my parents at home in Terrigal. To have the memories, photographs and videos from that day, at two very special places, means a lot to us. It was also important to support our area, as we have so many amazing local vendors.

How many guests did you have on your special day? And was there a particular theme or dress code?

We ended up having 111 people. We were overwhelmed with love, support, and joy, and it wouldn’t have been the same without each and every one of them. We were lucky enough to have special grandparents there, and we also had friends and family from England and New Zealand.

The overall theme of the wedding was Hamptons and Christmas. The wedding was entirely lit by fairy lights – thanks to you guys!!! We didn’t state a dress code, we just wanted guests to be comfortable and wear what they love.

How did you envision your wedding day? Was it all that you dreamed of?

We envisioned it to be like a Christmas festival. We wanted people to feel the love, enjoy the surroundings, and most of all, have fun. We wanted a ‘no buts’ wedding – e.g. “It was a great day, but…”

It was truly more than we could have ever imagined. You plan so much and spend so much time sorting out ideas, then the day comes around and suddenly your dream comes to life. Our vendors were just incredible. I still don’t know how everyone did it. It was a lot of hard work and we will never, ever forget it. It was truly a dream come true. 

Which Style of KataLane marquee did you end up choosing? First impressions when you saw it?

The Hamptons Komet (20m x 10m). Oh my, it was insane – the most beautiful marquee ever. When I found your website, I fell in love. It was the first thing I booked, actually, and I wanted to lock you in before anything else. I would have almost moved our planned wedding date to make sure I could lock in KataLane. We saw it in real life a few days before the wedding, Dane and I went to the property and had a walk around. Under the marquee, tears welled up in my eyes, I was just so beyond excited. It was beautiful. The staff were just lovely and made it so easy. It was completely stress-free and one of my favourite things of the day. The lights, the marquee, the tipi, the staff… EVERYTHING. We are so thankful!

So, did everything go as planned, or were there a few “surprises”?

Well, there was one big surprise for me. Dane’s wedding present to me was a massive fireworks display. I was shocked beyond belief. You think you can plan out the whole day but the sneaky bugger snuck that in there. It was incredible.

Can’t think of any hiccups. If anything did happen, we didn’t know about it!

What song did you choose for your first dance as husband and wife?

Our first dance was ‘Rocket Man’ by Elton John. We have listened to Elton John with our parents growing up and now listen to him together. I guess Elton John’s songs remind us of each other and ‘Rocket Man’ is definitely one of those.

I actually surprised Dane, as I told him our first dance song was something else. He then surprised me back and had ‘Rocket Man’ playing as the fireworks went off. Pretty cool that we surprised each other with the same song!

Most memorable moments?

Oh gosh, there are too many!!!!!

In saying that, memorable would have to be my Dad walking me down the aisle, the fireworks, the first dance, and everyone on the dancefloor afterwards. How can you even leave it at just that? The ceremony, the food, the reception, the drinks…

So, the whole day was memorable. It was the best day ever. I really felt like we took in every second.

What was a favourite memory for each of you?

When Dane and I took a moment out. We sat on Dane’s parents’ property on a hill and looked down over the wedding. We only sat there for about 5-10mins, but it was a surreal feeling. I would suggest this to all couples – just take a few minutes to yourselves. We saw family and friends laughing, eating, drinking, and dancing under the moonlight (and fairy lights!). The joy and love in the air was infectious. It was a special moment. 

What would you say to couples thinking of hiring a marquee for their own wedding?

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! Best decision we made. It was truly magical. You get to be outdoors, amongst nature, but safe from the weather conditions. Because the first rule of planning is to remember that you can’t control the weather! The marquee was a massive part of our wedding – I could not imagine our reception without it. Just beautiful.

Truly, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you, KataLane. Our wedding dreams came to life because of you. BEST. DAY. EVER!

And we thank YOU, Olivia and Dane, for sharing your story with Lover’s Lane!