Wedding date: June 28, 2014
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Bride's name: Claire Gibbs
Bridegroom's name: Shane Koop
The meeting:
We met at Geelong’s New Years Eve Waterfront party on the dance floor in 2008. As soon as Claire said she enjoyed the sport of cricket, Shane was suddenly very interested!
“We knew we were compatible straight away. We had such a fun night together on NYE and when we parted ways we knew we would be seeing each other again; two days later for our first date to be exact.”
The proposal:
Shane organised a weekend away for Claire’s birthday in 2013 and made Claire wear a blindfold all the way from Melbourne to Geelong. Shane walked Claire to the very spot at Steampacket Gardens where they first met. Shane removed Claire’s blindfold and got down on one knee to propose.
The wedding day:
“We got married in winter as Shane is a very keen cricketer and we wanted to get married off-season so we could relax and make the most of it. We both love winter and wanted to create the perfect romantic winter wedding.
“The weekend started with all families arriving on the Friday at Yering Gorge Cottages. We both got ready in our own cottage overlooking the hills and the Yarra River, surrounded by our family, close friends and bridal party.
“Shane and I met privately before the ceremony for a ‘first look’ photo shoot and to help calm the nerves. This was a very special part of the day - just us!
“One wintery Sunday, a year before our engagement, we had a wonderful afternoon eating and drinking at Zonzo in the Yarra Valley. After a walk around the property, we commented on how the restaurant and winery reminded us of our country homes - the noise, the chatter, the smell of food cooking and the warm open fire. We agreed on that day that it would be a great place for us to get married when the time came!
“The ceremony and reception was warm, romantic, fun and had the best food and wine! We wanted a party atmosphere and the dance floor was never empty! We had the most wonderful day with those that we love.
The dress:
“With the winter theme, I really wanted a classic, lace, long sleeve gown (with some fur for night time).
“I had an Australian designer (Colette Foubert) who allowed me to modify the design of the gown, add the sleeves and make it my own. I went for a warm latte colour underneath with ivory French lace overlay.
The Cake:
“We went for a four-tier cheese-wheel cake which was constructed and delivered by a wedding guest who has her own wedding cake business and cafe in South Melbourne (Burnt Butter).
“We both love cheese and as we were at a winery we thought having delicious cheese platters after our meal would be more ideal for us than a cake!
The photographer:
The White Tree
The honeymoon:
“We spent eight days at Qualia Resort in Hamilton Island. We had the most beautiful time, living in luxury, drinking champagne and cocktails while soaking in the sun of the Whitsundays. Perfect!