Hitched & hatched

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Although Kate and Jason both worked at Taminmin College, it was not until a mutual friend dragged Kate along to be a sports trainer for the Litchfield Bears, who Jason played for, that she really got to know her future husband. That was in 2011 and on their four-year anniversary Jason popped the big question. “We were in our backyard, sitting with a glass of wine watching the first rain of the wet season,” Kate said. “I’d like to say it was really romantic, but it wasn’t because we were exhausted from the busy month we’d had. There was no getting down on one knee, or saying cute things. Jason just said, ‘I think we should get engaged. I don’t have a ring though because I want you to choose it. Oh, and we’re going to Bali next month to make a weekend of it.’ I cried. It was perfect and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Choosing the ring was a cool thing to share together as well, so I’m glad he did it that way.” Their big day was all they dreamed of and more. “A few things stand out,” Kate said. “Such as cutting the cake after the ceremony so our guests could fill up on dessert while we went and had a few photos taken. Leftover cake (baked by my mum and I) was brought out at the end of the night, and there wasn’t much left!” They loved the whiskey lounge they had at their reception — “it was such a cool space to have in the middle of the Gardens and the oldies loved it!”. And having friends and family fly in from all over Australia (including Kate’s grandparents from NSW and her brother from Paris) made it the best weekend ever. Kate was blown away by the styling for her big day. “Tina and Catherine from Two Seasons Co came on board to coordinate the day, and wow, did they do an amazing job,” she said. “My mum said she felt like she was in a beautiful, outdoor loungeroom and looking up to see the stars made the night so magical. The music was a hit too — thanks Josh Wyatt.” A memorable moment from the wedding was when the boys from Litchfield Bears did a nudie run at the end of the night — after making sure the grandparents had left and the cameras had been put away. “I couldn’t help but laugh,” Kate said. “It wouldn’t be our wedding without some mischief from those boys.” The first dance was to ‘Tennessee Whiskey’ by Chris Stapleton, played by Josh Wyatt. “Jason isn’t much of a dancer so we agreed to just sway,” Kate said. “We threw in a dip and kiss though, then asked guests to join us, to take the spotlight off our terrible swaying.” MET Through a mutual friend THE DRESS A white, low-back Pronovias gown with boat neck, embroidery and pearl beads from The Big Day CEREMONY Holtze Lawn, Darwin Botanic Gardens RECEPTION Shade Garden, Darwin Botanic Gardens PHOTOGRAPHER Mel Vicary Photoworks