Time flies when you’re having fun, right? That sums up 10 years of marriage for me. Because it truly only feels like yesterday when Luke and I made our vows, and in the decade since, we have been blessed to have such a wonderful marriage, and have built a beautiful life with our girls. Given the last few years we’ve had in the world, it made Luke and I appreciate 10 years together even more, and we wanted to do something special to honour the day. So, what better way to do it than to go to back to where it all happened? Now that international borders have opened up, we decided to make the trip over to Taormina in Sicily where we got married to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary. This time around, with Sophia and Grace in tow!
I’ve been going to Taormina with my family since I was kid and it’s a very special place for us all, full of so many wonderful memories. Several years have passed since we were last there (Sophia was a baby the last time!) and it’s still as beautiful as I remember. We decided to honour our wedding day by doing an informal vow renewal and blessing at San Giuseppe church where we got married, followed by lunch at our reception venue, The Grand Hotel Timeo. I can’t tell you how many incredible memories it brought back just being at those places again!
I wanted to embrace a wedding vibe for the day so went for a special ensemble by J.Andreatta in Sydney. I wore the Valentina mini dress from the brand, and loved its nod to the 60s, with the mini hemline and belted waist. Plus I couldn’t resist wearing matching gloves. It was classic, a little nod to old Hollywood glamour and perfect for summer day in Italy. The girls and my nieces wore custom embellished dresses by Santelia Sydney, the deep V back and oversized bow were just perfection.
I can’t really describe the day other than the fact it was truly magical. It was even more special being able to spend it with family and friends. My parents and brother, sister-in-law and nieces and nephew were there, along with my aunty and some other special people in our lives. We had a wonderful long lunch with delicious Italian food and the most amazing cake topped with cream and strawberries. I loved being able to celebrate such an important milestone with my nearest and dearest, and at one of my favourite places on the planet. Plus seeing the girls there, enjoying themselves really brought into focus how far Luke and I had come together, and how many important things had happened in the last 10 years. It also reminded me how thankful I am that our relationship is just as strong, that we’re surrounded by so many amazing people in our lives. I can’t wait to see what the next 10 years brings, and the 10 after that… Hopefully, we’ll be able to do it all again when we celebrate 20 years!
Photography: Ashleigh Larden
Flashback to 10 years ago….
And now…
