Monique and Alex's Intimate Stonefield Wedding

After first meeting in high school and later becoming friends during college, Monique and Alex battled a year of long distance after securing teaching jobs in different places – Adelaide and Tasmania. After a job opening for Monique, she relocated to Tasmania joining Alex, who have now tied the knot at the historic and picturesque Stonefield homestead in Tasmania.

Like most weddings, Monique and Alex wanted their special day to reflect who they are as a couple: a small guest list, an intimate and fresh garden venue with bumblebees also in attendance, plenty of food and their favourite music as the soundtrack to their special day. “We loved that Stonefield provided buffet dinner and dessert for everyone, no one left the reception hungry,” she said.

After not sleeping well the night before her wedding and trying to control her butterflies all morning whilst her bridal party got glammed, Monique recalls that the instant she saw her husband waiting for her, it all vanished. “That was the best feeling, and I’ll always hold onto that feeling of joy, confidence and peace as I saw him grinning (and crying) back at me.”

Monique was incredibly confident walking down the aisle in her timeless and romantic A-line Grove gown from Australian label, Stella York. In love with the little cap sleeves and the subtle sparkles in the bodice complimented by the dreamy tulle skirt, that was the perfect length for Monique. “It was so god darn comfortable - sucking me in in all the right places and I was still able to run, twirl and dance all night long,” she said, “truly my perfect dress.”

When asked what advice Monique would share with couples who are preparing for their wedding she said:

“When things get crazy (because they well and truly do), stop and think "do WE really care about this?" - not your guests or parents or whoever but you two. Does it really matter that your centrepieces are a different shade of gold to what you originally planned? All that matters on the day is you two - you won't even look at the centrepieces! Have those special people in your life involved in your day in some way! It was all the more memorable and personal for us having one of our wonderful friends MC our reception and our mentor and friend say some words about our story during the ceremony. My very close family friend is also a pastor who flew all the way from the States to officiate for us.”

Since wedding, Monique and Alex honeymooned in beautiful Oahu, Hawaii, spending their days snorkelling, kayaking and turtle spotting on the North Shore. However, that was only after a day’s delay when their first plane was struck by lightning leaving Australia.

The couple looks forward to lots of travelling, laughing and just experiencing the world together. “We just want to follow the path God lays out for us and love and support each other through it all,” she said.