Jordan and Darren: Exceptional Style, Magic and Indisputable Love
It was a wedding filled with exuberant style for Sydney couple Jordan and Darren, celebrating their big day in the same building where Darren proposed to Jordan years earlier. Captured by renowned wedding photographers Erin and Tara, Darren and Jordan's wedding is filled with exceptional style, magic and indisputable love.
Photography Erin & Tara | Location Sydney, AUS
“We did away with all of the traditional wedding stuff and did it our way, which we felt suited us more as a couple.”
How and when did you meet?
Darren: Jordan came into my Optical store in November 2014, flirting his pants off, pretending to be interested in a pair of sunglasses.
Jordan: I wouldn't call it flirting. I was just trying to get a discount. And it was 21st November 2014, to be precise.
Tell us a little about that first time?
Darren: There was definitely something special about Jordan when we met. He was very polite, and I could tell that he was just a nice person.
What was the first thing you noticed about each other?
Darren: The first thing I noticed about Jordan was his beautiful blue eyes.
Jordan: The first thing I noticed about Darren was his welcoming smile.
Any standout moments in your relationship?
Jordan: On our very first date, Darren researched all of the restaurants in our area and took me to one that specialises in gluten-free food. I was very impressed. Secondly, meeting our baby girl, Gracie, the Toy Cavoodle. She's the love of our lives.
What does marriage mean to you?
Darren: Since marrying Jordan, I definitely feel more confident in our relationship and also much more secure. It is not that I wasn't before, but it reassures me that my partner is here for me and will always have my back.
Jordan: I also feel more secure and look forward to spending the rest of my life with Darren.
Who proposed and how?
Darren: It was definitely a standoff over who should propose to who. Jordan felt that as I was older, I should propose, whereas I felt that he should propose to me as he was the one who wanted to get married. I finally relented, and I proposed to him at a restaurant called Alpha, which is in the same building and run by the same people as Beta, where we had our wedding. So, I proposed at Alpha, and we got married at Beta.
When did you get married?
We were married on 16th May 2021.
Jordan & Darren’s story continues below ↓
What was the primary influence behind your wedding day?
Jordan: We both wanted to have all of our closest friends and family in one room, at the same time all celebrating our love.
What was the most important thing to you surrounding your wedding?
Darren: Having all of my friends and family with me and honouring my parents, who are both no longer with us.
Jordan: Being able to declare my love for Darren in front of my family and friends.
Where did you find the bulk of your inspiration?
Darren: I let Jordan do most of this as he is the one with the eye for design and detail.
Jordan: I got most of my inspiration by researching Instagram and Pinterest and taking a screenshot of things that I liked or inspired me.
How did you choose your suppliers?
Jordan: Again, using Social Media sites like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest and talking to people that we knew or who had gotten married hearing their stories, both good and bad.
Any standout suppliers?
Darren: Definitely Mel from Red Amarylis, who did our flowers. She did the most fantastic job, and everyone couldn't stop talking about the flowers. Also, the Bespoke Corner who custom made our suits. We both felt and looked like a million dollars.
Jordan: Erin and Tara, our wedding photographers, were just fantastic. They were the first thing that we booked even before the venue. Patrick Rohl, our wedding videographer, also did a fantastic job for us. We cry every time we watch the video that he made for us. Happy tears, of course.
Let's talk about tradition...
Darren: We did away with all of the traditional wedding stuff and did it our way, which we felt suited us more as a couple. We had all of our photos taken before the ceremony and photos with everyone as they arrived at the venue. Jordan walked down the aisle with both his Mum and Dad, and I walked in with my Brother and Sister (and Gracie).
Any surprises on your wedding day? Or anything that didn't go to plan?
Darren: The only surprise for me was how well everything went and how much of a good time we all had. It was the best day of my life, and I'd do it all over again if I could.
Jordan: One of my guests said something to annoy me, but I didn't want to let it ruin my day, so I just brushed it aside.
What was the most challenging thing about planning your wedding?
Darren: Definitely the guest list and who not to invite. It's so hard because you want to invite everyone, but the venue or the budget just doesn't allow it. In the end, we had to be ruthless and just invite the closest friends and family.
Jordan: Once we finalised the guest list, the seating chart was really tricky too. When who likes who and who doesn't like who. Very stressful.
Any advice for other couples planning their day and finding it difficult to navigate the journey?
Darren: At the end of the day, remember that it's your day, and you need to do what makes you happy, not what others expect you to do or what you should do. You're only doing this once, so you want it to be special, memorable and a real moment in your life. One that you'll never forget.
Jordan: Set a budget. Costs can get way out of hand really quickly, especially with the guest list.
In A Snapshot
What song did you walk down the aisle to?
We walked down the aisle to an acoustic version of "You Set Fire To My Life" by Tina Arena.
First dance song?
"Magic" by Kylie Minogue. We started out slow, and then we burst out into a fully choreographed routine. Kylie herself even commented and re-shared Jordan's video on her Instagram story. Wow!
Any family sentiment or traditions incorporated?
We lit a candle in honour of Darren’s parents, who have both passed away.
Jordan’s Dad made the most heartfelt and inspiring speech that had everyone in tears and laughter.
Jordan & Darren’s Team
Photographer Erin & Tara
Videographer Patrick Rohl
Venue Beta Events Sydney Australia
Suits Custom made Tuxedos by The Bespoke Corner
Flowers Mel from Red Amarylis
Cake Stacy Brewer
Stationery Paradise Invitations
Celebrant Johan The Celebrant
Table Centerpieces Thirteenth Studio
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