Wedding Date: March 1, 2014
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The Meeting:
Doug and I worked together in Melbourne for eight years at C&M Brick. I was in administration and Doug was the state general manager. We became good friends.
Both of us were in committed relationships at the time. Sadly Doug’s wife passed away and my relationship had failed. We grew closer over the next couple of years. Doug one day said to me that he would never say I love you unless he really meant it. It took a while! The day he said this to me we never looked back. I moved with Doug from Melbourne to Bendigo five years ago.
The Proposal:
It was December 11, 2013. Doug’s CEO had invited us to join him and his wife for a Christmas dinner at Masons in Queen Street.
Unbeknown to me this was a set up. On the way to the restaurant Doug's phone rang and it was his CEO stating that he could not make it but for us to enjoy ourselves. Again, another set up.
We arrived at Masons and we were seated at our table and enjoyed our entree. Next minute a gentleman walked in with a bunch of beautiful flowers and asked me if my name was Debra? I thought that the CEO had sent these to me as a Christmas gift!
He then proceeded to say he had something else for me, all while Doug was sitting there saying nothing.
Albert Skipper was the gentleman, a local musician and a fine one at that. He held his guitar and sang, “Ï don't want to miss a thing”.
Doug then got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. The whole of Masons was dead quiet. Of course I said yes!
Nick and Sonia and their team deserve a big thank you for keeping it hush hush, as I do work next door to Masons.
The Wedding Day:
My beautiful flowers were arranged by The Petal Factory in Bridge Street. The girls from Bamboo Beauty Lounge, Clair and Lauren, came to us girls to do our make-up and hair for this special day. They were so much fun and so professional, we all felt amazing.
We were married at Big Hill Vineyard and it was a gorgeous venue. Jo Barclay and her team were marvelous as Jo is the complete wedding planner.
Everything was perfect. My son Kayne and brother Gary, along with my godmother did us the honour of giving me away to the man of my dreams, as both my mother and father had recently passed.
Doug’s bestman, Anthony Woodman and my matron of honour Roxanne were just fantastic on the day.
We also had Doug's daughter Ashlyn as our flower girl and Doug’s older daughter Kelly performed a hand-fastening ceremony for us.
My Dress:
Was the first one I had seen and fell in love with it. The girls at Bendigo Bridal Creations were just amazing.
The Cake:
Our beautiful wedding cake was created by the very talented Mynette from Cafe Essence in Bull Street.
Our Photographer:
Super brilliant photographer Mr Kevin Barry took our amazing photographs and Duncan McAdams rolled out the video.