Saraid & Shayne: Jacks Point Clubhouse, Queenstown

Names: Saraid Mitten and Shayne Herrick

Wedding date: 4 May, 2019

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Jacks Point Clubhouse, Queenstown

How we met and the marriage proposal:

We met on the dancefloor of the Carlton Club, Melbourne around midnight on the eve of Valentine’s Day, 2015.

Shayne proposed to me in Sydney, after a sunset helicopter ride over the harbour and coast.

About our wedding day:

Our wedding day was a wintery and windy affair but thankfully the rain held out so that we could have our ceremony on the lake pontoon which was followed by drinks and canapes before moving inside to the beautiful long room at Jacks Point. We spent a lot of time working closely with our celebrant to tailor our ceremony as much as possible. Neither of us are religious, so we focussed on being united against the beautiful backdrop of The Remarkables with nature and our friends and family as witness. Whilst the clouds came over and the wind picked up, it made for some absolutely incredible photos which we completely adore. The reception was an extraordinary feast on one long table, with the speeches broken up amongst the courses and drinks always flowing. The Best Man, Shayne’s brother Jason, surprised us with a song at the end which was very funny and had the guests in stitches. We also acknowledged my best friend Alisanne, who was responsible for setting us up at the Carlton Club when we first met.

Our wedding style:

Modern, minimal, winter, non-traditional.

Finding my wedding gown:

For about 6 weeks every time I opened Instagram I saw the SH sample sale being promoted. I got sick of seeing the ad so I made an appointment. As soon as I made the appointment the ad disappeared! I went in to try a completely different dress. I then made an appointment for the weekend after so I could bring my sister along for a second opinion before ordering the different wedding dress online. Before finalising I thought I would just try on the other option to make sure. It was still there and still in my size. When I walked out in the dress my sisters jaw dropped. We both knew instantly it was the one. I swear it was meant to be.

First dance song:

Justin Timberlake and Beyoncé – Until the End of Time

Advice for future couples:

Ignore traditions and thoughts of what you ‘should do’. Go with your heart and make things your own. It makes everything more interesting and more authentic.

Couture experience at Suzanne Harward:

Simple and easy. The assistant helping me was fantastic and helped me understand my body in white which is very different to the black I wear every day!