Merinda and Rhys had a romantic, blissful wedding day last November 28th, 2016 as they were surrounded by seventy of their most beloved friends and family members. Merinda and Rhys met for the first time in 2005 at Philip Island during a popular motorcycling event in Melbourne, Australia, called Moto GP. Over the weekend, Merinda noticed Rhys sitting alone and wanted to introduce herself. They spent the rest of the night chatting, and over ten years later, she couldn’t be happier that she mustered the courage to say hello to her now husband!
Rhys asked the love of his life to marry him while driving to the Peninsula on Christmas Eve. He asked Merinda if she wanted one of her gifts early as she had given his earlier that day. Merinda said yes, and Rhys reached into the side console and handed her a box. From the bride,”At this stage I was still clueless and got excited asking if it was new earrings. He didn’t say anything and just kept quickly glancing at me while I opened it. Once I looked inside there was just a single diamond in the box and I was wondered where the other one was – still thinking it was earrings! Then it suddenly hit me and Rhys had a big smile on his face and asked if I wanted to get married. I cried, asked if he was sure, and then replied yes – of course! It caught me completely by surprise which is just the way he wanted it!”
When Merinda was shopping for her perfect bridal gown, she knew that she wanted something simple without too much glitz or glam. She fell in love with the brand, BHLDN, and their simplistic, whimsical bridal gowns. She chose a strapless gown with a fitted bodice and flowing tulle skirt. She added straps to feel more comfortable and a gorgeous belt for a touch of sparkle. It was the perfect dress for Merinda!
Credits:
Photography | Darin Collison
Menus and Place Cards | BWedding Invitations
Wedding Invitations: Adorn Invitations
Venue | Black Rock House and Gardens
Catering | Truth South – Black Rock Restaurant
Bridal Gown | BHLDN
Grooms Suit | Formal Red
Hair & Makeup | Simone from Pink Gloss
Shoes | Jeanette Maree
Accessories | Love On Jewellery
For the wedding design vision, Merinda and Rhys wanted to bring their relaxed, laid back personalities into the ambiance. They chose a rustic, relaxed feel, which paired perfectly with their beautiful venue, Black House Rock and Gardens. The design featured plentiful mason jars, gorgeous flowers, fairy lights, candles, and a beautiful deck supplied with wine barrels used as tables where guests could stand and watch the beach sunset.
Merinda and Rhys had such a wonderful wedding day full of beautiful memories, but their favorite moment from the day was taking sunset photos on the beach. It was lovely for the couple to take such a beautiful moment together after breaking away from the wedding for a bit. They were able to take a breath, talk, and just be together. The sunset photos are romantic, breathtaking, and full of love. Merinda and Rhys share their advice for couples, “My biggest advice is to go with the flow, don’t rush things and definitely don’t compare your relationship to other people’s! I have learned over the years that every relationship is different. I think its good to be content and happy with your partner and what you have together in the moment instead of worrying about the future and what might or might not happen between you.”
