Roanne + Gareth’s Wedding Day

It was a trip up the coast of the Eyre Peninsula for a B&S Ball that was the kick starter to the lifelong romance for Gareth and Roanne. “Leading up to the June Long Weekend 2011 in Port Lincoln I heard about the upcoming Poochera B&S Ball from a colleague. She said a few of her friends had met their husbands at these shows. Keen to get out of town for the weekend, explore the Eyre Peninsula and meet some new people (not meaning to find a husband though) my friend and I packed up the car and headed off for this place we’d never heard of. At the ‘ball’ it wasn’t long before the local people were introducing themselves and had us laughing around the bon fire. When asked if any of the lads took my fancy I noticed Gareth on the other side of the bon fire and pointed at him. Before I could chicken out we were being introduced. I thought he was just a bit handsome and he laughed at my jokes. It wasn’t long before we were dancing together to the band. Together we won the beer pong tournament at the Poochera Hotel. We then hung out for the rest of the weekend. He impressed me more with our first date to Organ Pipes at the Gawler Ranges National Park. It’s funny because now we live overlooking the Ranges.”

Despite the 300km between their Port Lincoln and Minnipa forcing them into a long distance relationship, Roanne spent every spare weekend she had making the trip to see Gareth.  “We just clicked with everything. He loved his dog Charlie, which to me, a vet nurse, was essential. He enjoyed being on the land, and for some reason I think he really liked me! When we liked the same new songs coming out on Triple J, that was exactly when I knew he was the one, he had great music taste!”

Despite almost ruining the surprise due to her hunger, Gareth managed a romantic sunset proposal on the farm. “I didn’t see it coming. We spoke of marriage and then children but never really specified when. It was a Friday night I had just driven home from work and was borderline ‘hangry’. Gareth suggested we go check the sheep for foxes. He wouldn’t even let me grab a snack saying it would ruin my dinner. Feeling a little ripped off I relunctantly helped him load the dogs in the ute and off we went. We drove past the sheep paddocks and continued towards the back of the farm. I just thought we were going for a bit of ‘Sunday drive’ which is one of my favourite things to do together so cheered up a little. I was looking for some ear muffs in case we saw a fox. Pulling things out from behind his seat I uncovered a blanketed woolies bag which I opened to find a box of crackers. Oblivious to what was going on and being the farm ute I remember thinking  ‘yuk, I bet they’re stale!’ and put the bag back.

We reached a beautiful high spot on top of some granite when Gareth got out and slyly dropped the tailgate. He pulled out a rug, the crackers and some dip. I was totally chuffed when I realised he had planned a secret picnic. How romantic! We sat there admiring the sunset and watched the dogs roam around. Then he told me had a present for me. He held my hand in his. ‘But it comes with one condition, that you make me the happiest man on earth by being my wife…’. He slipped this gorgeous Micheal Hill ring on my finger and left me speachless! With a big hug and kiss I blurted ‘Yes!’. He had purchased the ring on our last holiday, picked it himself, even the sizing was perfect. I was so lucky.”

Their bushland rustic wedding was set on their farm – the place of their proposal, with views over the beautiful Gawler Ranges and was the inspiration for their bushland rustic theming. The planning was a “bit stressful to start with, but now I’m enjoying the DIY details and looking forward to the DIY tasks with my bridesmaids before the big day.” The handmade elements included the invites, signage and bouquets.

In her gorgeous Anna Campbell wedding dress (known for their stunning details), Roanne walked to her groom, anticipating their next chapter.

“Gareth is very supportive (especially when I miss Lincoln or break down somewhere far in the tractor), very loving and sweet. He gives me a giggle when I need it the most even it’s a silly dad joke and we have a lot in common, which makes it easy when tuning in the radio, meal times and holidays! His big smile when he walks in the door after work. It’s very contagious. Oh that’s more than one thing…oops!”

Wedding Dress: Anna Campbell Isobelle Dress in Latte
Bridesmaids Dress: Navy Asos Lace Dress
Shoes: Satin White Flats
Jewelry: Opal drop earrings from Shiels – Family Heirloom Sovereign Coin from 1880’s. Borrowed pearl hair piece, and Anna Campbell hair comb.
Suits: Pants New England in Navy, Shirts Gerase in Ivory, Shoes Bata Aaron in Brown.
Florist: J Holness of Wanilla
Rings: Michael Hill
Cake: Alicia’s Coffee-Cake-Flowers Wudinna
Decorator: Rustic timber trestles EP Function Hire, Catering Equipment Streaky Bay Hire,  & Festoon Lighting Streaky Bay Funktion, Flowers and table tops Bridal party, family and friends.
Wedding Celebrant or Officiator: Lutheran Pastor (Martin) Neville Kriewaldt
Makeup artist: Bianca Fromm of Minnipa
Hair stylist: Alice and Benita of Little Chopper Wudinna
Venues: Bachelors Corner, Minnipa Memorial Hall
Transport: Friends four-wheel-drives

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