Simon and Jonathan: It All Started With A Christmas Kiss
"It was his laugh, it's infectious," says Simon talking about the first time he met Jonathan; that was 12 years ago at a work conference. However, it wasn't until numerous years later that work brought them back together once again, and after some time back and forth, Simon and Jonathan shared their first kiss at a Christmas function, and as they say, the rest is history.
Photographer Henry Paul Photography | Location Rosedale Farm, Orange NSW
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How and when did you meet?
We first met at a work conference roughly 12 years ago. We were both in separate relationships at the time and living in different states, and our connection was on a professional/friendship basis, but we both just clicked. A couple of years later, work brought us back together again. We were both single, and we had mutual work friends encouraging us to hang out. We started a close friendship that was the perfect base for what our future relationship would become. We shared our first kiss at our work Christmas party (yep - embarrassing but true!) and the rest is history.
What was the first thing you noticed about each other?
Simon: Jonathan's laugh, it's infectious. Plus, he is really tall, it's a charismatic combo.
Jonathan: Simon's cheeky smile. Plus, he flushes red when he gets slightly embarrassed which I think is super cute.
Who proposed, and how?
Jonathan: We both had plans to propose to each other, but I got in first. We were on vacation in Thailand, and I had booked a surprise day trip out to the Koh Samui national marine park. When we arrived at the boat dock, Simon thought we were just jumping on a cruiser with all of the other tourists, but we ended up boarding our own massive, private boat! It was amazing. We had champagne and then took off out into the ocean. We snorkelled and swam with some fantastic sea life, then had a beautiful seafood lunch at an island restaurant. After lunch, the boat took us to a private island where we had more champagne and the beach to ourselves. Simon recalls thinking 'what is he doing?' as he watched me go slightly pale and drop to one knee. I then pulled out a ring and proposed. It was such a special moment, butterflies randomly descended around us as Simon said yes…it was like a movie, you couldn't have planned it! We were on cloud nine. The boat took us back to our hotel, and as we walked in the hotel staff all lined up and cheered and congratulated us. Our room was decorated with rose petals. We had a private candle-lit meal that night on the end of a floating pier that capped off one of the most memorable days we have ever experienced.
What does marriage mean to you?
It's formal recognition of our love and commitment to each other. Our close friends and family already knew how much we meant to each other, but we believe that it is also important for our Marriage to be recognised the same as every other Australian...so we happily got hitched!
What was the main influence behind your wedding day?
Keep things simple but classic. Intimate, close friends, minimal fuss, lots of fun and happy memories.
Did you include any traditions?
We performed a traditional Irish ring warming ceremony where our rings were passed to our guests for blessings. Simon's family in Ireland joined us via facetime and shared their blessings too!
How did you choose your suppliers?
We wanted high-quality suppliers, and also people that aligned with our values and supported the LGBTQI+ community. We listened to our friends and were fortunate to receive some fantastic recommendations for suppliers servicing country NSW.
Any standout suppliers?
Our celebrant Tanya McDonald was absolutely amazing. She helped us navigate our way through the entire wedding process and consider details we would never have thought of ourselves.
Our photographer Henry Paul (aka Hank) made us feel so comfortable and instantly clicked with our wedding party. Hank also happened to be gay, which made us feel more at ease in front of the camera, knowing there was zero judgements or awkwardness directing some of the more intimate shots…there were plenty of laughs!
Any surprises on your wedding day? Or anything that didn't go to plan?
It was really hot! The hottest month on record, with zero breeze. We purchased some pedestal fans from Bunnings that we set up outside to help cool everyone down.
Also, Jonathan couldn't get his bowtie tied. Everyone made an attempt; it was a bit of fun. In the end, we both gave up and wore clip-on's …no shame!
Any advice for other couples planning their day and finding it challenging to navigate the journey?
Try to keep things simple, seek out recommendations, and have fun with it!
Suppliers
Photographer Henry Paul Photography
Venue Rosedale Farm, Orange NSW
Rings Neil Conway Jeweller, Dublin Ireland
Flowers Botanica Flora
Cake Homemade by our Groomsmaid Kate Wholohan
Celebrant Tanya McDonald, Building Forevers
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