When the pandemic put an indefinite halt to their plans just weeks before Morgan and Sam's wedding, they instead re-organised everything in just two days and said their vows in their living room with just five people present to witness their love. Exactly one year later, they celebrated their first year wedding anniversary with a stunning reception at Ancora Weddings. Morgan finally got to bring out the wedding dress she had waited so long to wear and spin around the dancefloor. Their wedding was attended by friends and family from all over Australia, in the sweet spot when restrictions were eased across the country, and we all know now just how special that is and a moment to be treasured.


HOW DID THE TWO OF YOU MEET?

Sam and I met at MovieWorld - of all places haha. After the day, Sam messaged me and just said a simple thanks for organising the day. And we hit it off from there. We did long distance for a year of dating until Sam moved to the Gold Coast and proposed not too long after.


TELL US ABOUT YOUR WEDDING VENUE & DECOR

I loved the room we could work with at Ancora. The high ceilings, the space for a hanging flower installation and the fact it was on the water. The deck around the room was perfect for canapés for guests while waiting for us to come back from photos. Our hanging flower installation was done by a separate florist, but both of our florists were in contact with one another to somewhat coordinate what they were using. And they did great!


FAVOURITE MOMENT OF THE DAY

I love our photos. They capture everything plus more, and they'll forever hold the memories. Walking in to the reception was pretty fun. Sam and I aren't out there people so we didn't want to dance in but doing what our MC organised (with the guests forming a tunnel we had to run through and waving their napkins) was super fun and a good way to say a fun hello to our guests as we arrived.


HOW DID COVID IMPACT YOUR WEDDING?

There were quite a few adjustments to be made. We did bring our original wedding date forward a month from April 2020 to March 2020. We re-organised our wedding ceremony within just 2 days and were married in my parents living room with only 5 allowed in attendance. My in-laws couldn’t make it with border restrictions and my parents had to watch from standing outside on their patio. There's probably too many adjustments to name because literally everything from my dress, to dates, to guests had to change. We had our wedding photos and reception exactly one year later, on our first year anniversary.


ANY WORDS OF ADVICE FOR OTHER COUPLES PLANNING A WEDDING DURING COVID?

When remembering how stressful it all was, my recommendation would definitely be to remember the point of getting married. At the end of the day, the party part, is just that, a party. Despite it being the celebration of your marriage, its not THE most important part of the day. Also, take it day by day. COVID is SO unpredictable and as stressful as it all is, the finished product will be perfect so don’t wind yourself up with the minor details each day as they could very well change, as unfortunate as it is. Enjoy the organising process and take it bit by bit.


ANY STAND-OUT VENDORS?

YOU!!!! And also Beccy for our flowers as she also did my surprise bouquet for our ceremony. We re-organised the ceremony over 2 days so Beccy was amazing to be able to get a bouquet and button hole for Sam ready.


Photographer: A'Daw Photography

Venue: Ancora

Dress: White Lily Couture

MUA & Hair: Vanessa Baratella

Groom's suits: Myer

Florist: Beccy's Bridal Bouquets

Hanging Floral Install at Reception: Wedding Flowers by Keren

HoW WAS YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE?


OMG THE BEST!!!!!! So professional and so fun! The outcome of the photos were beyond what I could ever have envisioned. Throughout the whole year of reorganising, you helped me the whole way and you were so encouraging and helpful. Despite the many questions I had, you never dismissed any and your ideas and visions were incredible. I could go on and on for a while haha but seriously neither of us can express how much we appreciate you everything you did for us. And how comfortable you made us feel despite us being very awkward, especially in front of the camera!


With you, being the only vendor that was 110% reliable, it was amazing to literally feel like you were by my side every step of the way helping me change plans, details, locations and times. You were a dream to work with (even though you did all the work) and I can’t thank you enough for making the process so much less stressful.