Trans-Tasman
Story BRIDGET CULL
Images DAVID FOWLER PHOTOGRAPHY
Living on opposite sides of the Tasman didn’t stop Andrew and Cushla Hall from falling in love, prompting Andrew to fly to New Zealand to ask for Cushla’s hand in marriage.
Cushla got more than a shopping holiday when she visited Melbourne during her university holidays more than seven years ago. She met Andrew and the pair spent four months together before she had to return to New Zealand to finish her degree. The pair maintained their relationship and spent a lot of time emailing and calling each other, before Cushla moved to Melbourne a year later, and they both moved to Sydney for work after that.
The proposal
Cushla thought Andrew was in Singapore on business when he flew to New Zealand to ask her parents for their blessing. Since he’s not good at keeping secrets, Cushla’s father gave Andrew 24 hours to propose and he popped the question in the local park as soon as he got back.
The gown
Cushla wore a ribbon bodice and full tulle skirt from Karen Willis Holmes. She also bought her veil and feather fascinator from the designer and her shoes, from Alan Pinkus, made her taller than her groom.
As for the men
The groom and best man hired their suits from Trevor West, and they wore designer handmade ties by Ray Cutter and tailored shirts from Declic.
Flowers
Pash Flowers made stylish bouquets for the bridal party, using spider orchids, succulents and snow berries.
Ceremony
The couple were the fourth generation from Andrew’s family to be married at St Peter’s Chapel at Melbourne Grammar School. Andrew’s sister Amelia made Cushla a bit teary by singing while the couple signed the register.
Let the party begin
Cushla and Andrew chose the water-side venue of Atlantic South Wharf where Cushla’s mother created a stunning modern look for the venue using tall bullet vases filled with white Singapore orchids, palm leaf and vine. This theme flowed into the table decorations, of fish bowls with orchids, vine and speargrass, and lighting included tealight candles and large ceiling lanterns.
Andrew’s mother made more than 100 elaborate bomboniere filled with gold horseshoes and traditional love-me-not sweets.
The couple hired Jag Entertainment to organise the music and they loved five-piece band Accent.
On the menu
Since Andrew and Cushla live in Sydney they weren’t able to have a tasting session before choosing their menu, but they went with their instincts and loved the food provided by the venue. The entree was ravioli with roasted pumpkin and goats’ cheese with crisp herbs and browned butter, while one of the main dishes was roasted sirloin steak on potato gratin with port wine sauce.
The couple love dessert and delighted guests with a mocha tart with Bailey's anglaise and double cream, followed by wedding cake and espresso.
Cake
Cushla says Let Them Eat Cake did an amazing job making their “kitsch” cake, which had a blond groom and brunette bride on top of the buttercup yellow square-shaped cake, with black polka dots.
On camera
Andrew and Cushla shopped around for the right photographer and were impressed by David Fowler’s easygoing nature.
Honeymoon
Cushla and Andrew spent a week in Paris before touring the French countryside, including the Chablis, Sancerre and Champagne regions for two weeks.
DETAILS
Bride’s gown and accessories: Karen Willis Holmes
www.karenwillisholmes.com.au
Bride’s shoes: Alan Pinkus
www.alanpinkus.com.au
Men’s suits: Trevor West
www.trevorwestformalwear.com.au
Men’s ties: Ray Cutter
http://raycutter.net
Men’s shirts: Declic
www.declic.com.au
Bridesmaid: Chic Boutique
www.chicbtq.com.au
Flowers: Pash Flowers
www.pashflowers.com.au
Entertainment: Jag Entertainment
www.jagentertainment.com.au
Reception: Atlantic South Wharf
www.atlanticsouthwharf.com.au
Cake: Let Them Eat Cake
ph: (03) 9686 0077
Photography: David Fowler Photography
www.davidfowler.com.au