There’s nothing quite as perfect as an intimate celebration, surrounded by the ones you love. For Stuart and Danielle, their wedding day was filled with affection and heartfelt congratulations, made all the more perfect by the breathtaking scenery at The Orchard Estate, in Byron Bay. Read on to find out more about this delightful couple from the bride herself, and check out shots from their wedding by Joseph Willis.
Tell us about your proposal. We were on holidays in New Zealand at the time. Stuart had surprised me with a private helicopter over the glaciers and Milford Sound one day short of our six-year anniversary. When we landed on top of the Franz Josef Glacier, he proposed to me in the middle of nowhere, just the two of us, surrounded in nature’s beauty. It was so special - but FREEZING!
How did you know your partner was the one? Since the day we met, Stuart has always had this ability to make everything around me disappear and make it feel as though we are the only two people in the universe. He manages to bring out a side of me that somehow makes me feel more complete. He is my absolute best friend and as soon as we met we were inseparable. I still pinch myself thinking about how far we have come together and know that my world is a much better pace to be with him by my side.
What do you love most about your partner? I love how compassionate and giving Stuart is; how he treats his family, friends and even strangers makes me feel so lucky to be his wife. Also, when he is able to shrug off my hangry moments - we’ve all been there!
What was your favourite part of the wedding day? This one is hard because it was so perfect! I must admit, walking down the aisle for the first time as husband and wife was a moment I will never forget! I don’t think anyone could wipe the smiles off our faces! I had this euphoric feeling of, ‘OH MY GOODNESS! WE ARE MARRIED!’ Exchanging our personal, handwritten vows was something very special. Having kept them a surprise, it was so amazing hearing what he had written from his heart in front of all of our closest and dearest friends.
Describe your wedding theme/style. I wanted to create something really moody and romantic. I had imagined something out of A Midsummer Night’s Dream romance scene. At the same time, I wanted everything to be timeless and romantic. Our ceremony location was in the middle of The Orchard so we didn’t want too much styling there because the natural beauty is just so special. Our reception was very classic with loads of greenery installations, charcoal stationery, gold cutlery and moody florals. Just like a super beautiful family dinner!
What is marriage to you? For me, marriage is about support. I am the best person I can be with Stuart - he brings out all of my best qualities and supports me through my insecurities. As I do with him. Life is amazing but sometimes it throws things in our way which makes it difficult and I think having that one person by your side, through thick and thin, in sickness and in health, helping you through every stage of life is something very special. Being married creates an extra strong bond. Nothing in our relationship actually really changes but somehow you feel more connected, more of a team, building your life together side by side. Embracing every day and every battle together. Knowing that no matter where we are or how much we have, we have each other and that is all that we need.
