”Artur and I knew each other for 7 years before we got together as a couple. We first met playing at a wedding, Artur played the guitar and I played the violin. We were friends for many years, we both lived/worked overseas at different stages and had other relationships during this time. One Oktoberfest at Elmar’s in the Swan Valley, and quite a few beer steins later, we managed to break the stalemate and the rest is history. We felt the friendship had been growing in the lead up to this event, with quite a few friend dates in full swing. It’s amazing how much you don’t know about a person until you get to know them romantically. It’s been amazing.” Benita.
THE PROPOSAL. ‘‘I’d been preparing the engagement ring for some time so once I knew when my FIFO out of Africa would finish, we booked a trip to Broome to celebrate our 2 year anniversary, late October 2017. Once we got to Broome it had been a long day so Benita wanted to catch a movie to relax even though I had a ring burning in my pocket. I had to propose first thing the next morning because I wouldn’t have been able to stomach breakfast! We were then able to enjoy the rest of the weekend in Broome as a newly engaged couple.” Artur.
ON THE DAY. ”We woke up nice and early, and it was cups of tea all ‘round. We put on our eye masks I gifted to the bridesmaids, and all freshened up before hair and makeup began. We had a Spotify playlist on, and mimosas started early. My sister poached some eggs for breakfast, and we had fresh fruit and yoghurt. I received a surprise native flower delivery from Art, which said “B, I can’t wait to see you at 2, Love A” I was beginning to get very excited! Mum was there ironing my dress and veil, whilst another bridesmaid did a coffee run. It was a morning full of laughter and fun with my girls.” Benita.
”I took the boys to Bunker’s Beach House for some breakfast bloody mary’s, went for a quick dip in the ocean, and it was back to the house to get ready. We used my Ford Mustang as the wedding car and it was detailed by Steve at Autoshine in Dunsborough who did an incredible job.” Artur
MARRIAGE ”Artur and I are both Catholic so marriage is a significant sacrament that means a lot to us. It’s about love and commitment, and promising to be there for each other through all of life’s challenges.” Benita
SERENDIPITY. ”I was travelling to an African mining project with a colleague who introduced me to Dean Knoote Diamonds, because we got talking about the inevitable, as you do. Dean has first hand experience with diamonds as he has been a diamond cutter and specialist for over 30 years. One visit later and I was hooked on Dean’s experience and willingness to share his knowledge, so he found me the perfect diamond when he attended an exhibition in Hong Kong later in the year.”
”From there he passed on the contact details of Michael Quy, who is a local Jeweller, and once again after one visit and discussion with Michael I was confident that we could create something very special and unique for the engagement ring. Michael can do absolutely anything and his attention to detail is second to none. Michael also created the wedding band for Benita and had a huge range of men’s rings so we were repeat customers.” Artur
MEMORABLE MOMENT ”The most memorable moment of the day was a surprise serenade at the reception of the song “All You Need is Love” by The Beatles. My brother came from somewhere with his guitar, my sisters, my brothers’ girlfriend, brother-in-law, mum, dad, and a whole bunch of friends who we sing in a choir with jumped up off their seats and began singing “Love, love, love” right in front of us at our table. It was like the scene from Love Actually, which is precisely what my siblings had hoped for! It was amazing. I had no idea they had been practising for months, despite calling one of them during rehearsals once. It wasn’t long until all the guests joined in swaying back and forth in their seats. Apparently, some of the staff at Swings shed a tear! I felt so much love from all our family and friends. It was a beautiful, rare moment that we will cherish forever.” Benita
”We turned up to the reception in the Mustang just after the wedding party entrance and then parked it on the lawn where it stayed all night!” Artur
MIXED TAPE ”Our family of musicians got involved with all the music at the ceremony. We walked down the aisle to an instrumental version of Love Me Like You Do by Ellie Goulding, arrangement by Brooklyn Duo. Hallelujah was played on the guitar and sung by my brother Jared during the signing of the register. Our Bridal recession was Rewrite the Stars, played on violin by my sister Mina and cousin Adrian, and piano by my brother-in-law Sean. and our first dance was Still Falling For You by Ellie Goulding
DJ PRIVATE PICKLE ”We cannot recommend Rob enough. We have been to only a few weddings where the dance floor is on fire all night!” Benita and Artur
A SINGLE PIECE OF ADVICE. ”Prepare enough for your wedding and surround yourself with a good ‘team’ so that when it comes to the day, you can just “press play” and let it all unfold from there. What will be shall be. Find time at the reception for some one-on-one time with your wife/husband to take it all in!” Benita
VENDORS AND SUPPLIERS LIST
The Rings Dean Knoote Diamonds / Michael Quy Jewellery Jewellery Christie Nicolaides Grace Loves Lace Miss Martini / The Gown Grace Loves Lace, Inca Gown Suit Vistula Poland Bridesmaids Dresses Shona Joy Groomsmens suits Britton’s Formalwear Minister Fr. Franciszek Kot Church St Thomas More Catholic Church, Margaret River Photographer Kelly Harwood Photography Film Wyatt Weddings Photobooth King Image Photobooth Stationery, Invitation and booklet illustration Mina Design Reception Swings & Roundabouts Florist Flowers for Mrs Harriss Lighting, Dancefloor and Hire Cape Events The Cake Sweet Stylin Wedding Signs Emma Louise Design and Ink & Dust Designs DJ Private Pickle – Robert Southgate Transport Gannaways Charters & Tours Dunsborough Taxi’s Accommodation The Traill Margaret River Hair Styling Ed Scissorhands Makeup The Beauty Spot by Thea O’Haire