Craig and Norman: Inspired By A Holiday To Edinburgh
It was a wedding inspired by a holiday to Edinburgh for Craig and Norman; however, it was actually the couples second trip down the aisle. Craig and Norman celebrated their first wedding back in 2001, before marriage equality in Australia. 20 years later (and almost to the day), Craig and Norman legally said their “I Do” surrounded by those most important to them.
Photographer Georgie James Photography | Location Albury, NSW
“Klara (our celebrant) convinced us that writing vows for one another, without seeing them until the ceremony, would be a good idea – It was.”
How and when did you meet?
We met at a dinner party which a mutual friend of ours hosted.
Tell us a little about the first time you met?
Norman: I was in a relationship at the time, and Craig was single. Craig felt that he was a blind date for another of the guests. He made very valid excuses to leave early!
What was the first thing you noticed about each other?
Craig: I thought Norman was lovely and sweet but not likely to see him again.
Norman: I thought Craig was very disarming and good company.
Tell us about any standout moments in your relationship?
Our first wedding, which wasn’t actually a wedding as it preceded same-sex marriage laws. However, our commitment ceremony in 2001 was surrounded by family and friends, almost all of whom attended our recent wedding this year.
What does marriage mean to you?
Finally, legally, we are recognised as the couple we’ve always been.
Who proposed and how?
The first time, Craig, repeatedly. The second time, Norman. In the car outside the Newsagent.
When did you get married?
The first time, April 21 2001. The second time (legally) April 10, 2021.
Craig and Norman’s story continues below ↓
What was the most important thing to you surrounding your wedding?
Enjoyment. And we were very focused on including only those who were an important part of our lives together.
How did you choose your suppliers?
We had a bit of prior knowledge and relied on word of mouth recommendations.
Any particular suppliers that stood out?
All of them. Seriously!!! Each and every one.
What was the most challenging thing about securing your wedding suppliers?
It took time to find a celebrant, but we found the perfect person, Klara McMurray - aka The Funky Celebrant; we couldn’t have asked for or imagined anyone better.
Any surprises on your wedding day? Or anything that didn’t go to plan?
Our ceremony was outdoors, and 10 minutes into the ceremony, it absolutely poured. Fortunately, there was a 100-year-old Barbary Oak in the park, so we all moved to continue the ceremony under the tree. We consider it now to be ‘our wedding tree.’ Albury City Council might disagree!
..and where did you spend your honeymoon?
We went on a road trip with very close friends, organised by one of the travelling party. We travelled through North-Eastern Victoria from Rutherglen to Bright and surrounds.
Finally, any advice for other couples planning their day and finding it difficult to navigate the journey?
Stay the course. Any problems that arise can be solved. Trust your instincts, especially if you feel you’ve discovered good people during the planning process.
The Team
Photographer Georgie James Photography, Rutherglen
Venue Ceremony, Albury Botanic Gardens, Reception, River Deck Café, Albury
Norman’s Kilt & Accessories 8 Yards, Scotland
Craig’s Suit MJ Bale. Tartan accessories by 8 Yards, Scotland
Planner Alicia Larriera, Form Over Function
Flowers Alicia Larriera, Form Over Function
Cars Our own, featuring our 1952 Wolseley 680, restored by Norman and his late father
Cake Vintique Cakes
Celebrant Klara McMurray (The Funky Celebrant)
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