On the 15th February 2015, Emma’s life changed forever when her long-term boyfriend Rhys asked her to be his wife. Both Emma and Rhys have a deep love of the ocean and he waited until they were out on the water near Michaelmas Island in King George Sound, before he popped the question. As the owner of Westerberg Marine and a boat builder by trade, Rhys wanted to incorporate this into the proposal and thought of nothing more romantic than asking Emma the important question while out on their boat. The couple wanted to make sure their special day would be relaxed, fun and a memorable experience for both themselves and their guests. To give it a personal touch, Emma chose to plan the day herself with the help of some much-loved family members and dear friends. As a result, she chose to hold the ceremony and reception at Garrison Restaurant for the beautiful views overlooking Princess Royal Harbour, a place where the couple spend much of their time.
Emma and Rhys were married at the venue on a calm summer afternoon in early January, surrounded by a congregation of beloved friends and family. Prior to the ceremony, Emma and her bridesmaids were treated to the makeup delights of Kate from The Temple Boutique Spa while Kate Samioitis’ incredible skills were responsible for styling the ladies’ hair. Emma’s bouquet was created by the talented hands of Lindy from Lush Floral Designs and her Rue De Sein gown was purchased from Through the White Door in Fremantle. Her bridesmaids wore Bojena King dresses from Coco and Lola in Nedlands while her handsome groom was dressed by Shoreditch from Urban 280 on York Street. Both the bride and her bridesmaids wore jewellery that was custom made by Tania Claire Australia. One of Emma’s highlights from the day was having the couples close friend, Sarah Thompson Celebrant officiate the marriage while they were presented with custom wedding bands designed by Ciprian Showcase Jewellers.
Saying their vows overlooking the stunning waters of King George sound in front of their dearest family members and friends is a memory her and Rhys will never forget. Albany Wedding Cars provided transport for the wedding party to the scenic location atop Mount Clarence where Flossy Photographer captured stunning shots of the newlyweds. Following their wedding photos, the couple were delighted to walk into they reception at Garrison Restaurant and see all of their guest’s joyful faces. Emma chose to have a canape style wedding reception as it offered a relaxed and fun atmosphere, with delicious food prepared by expert John Saville Wright and his talented team. 
The reception provided a night of great food, drinks and even better company, with guests tearing up the dance floor to entertaining local DJ, Kevin from Set Apart DJ Services and finishing the night with a slice of wedding cake on behalf of Emma’s skilled grandmother, 85-year-old Gloria Hilder. Two days after their beautiful ceremony, Emma and Rhys set off on their honeymoon, enjoying two weeks on the North Island of New Zealand. When asked for their advice on planning a wedding in the Great Southern, the newlyweds only had one thing to say,
Enjoy every minute. It goes so fast!.
Photos from Emma & Rhys’s wedding day were provided courtesy of Flossy Photographer and showcase the talented array of local wedding vendors that the Great Southern has to offer. 
Photography Flossy Photographer // Celebrant Sarah Thomson Celebrant // Rings Ciprian Showcase Jewellers // Venue Garrison Restaurant // Florist Lush Floral Designs // Gown Through The White Door // Bridesmaids Coco and Lola // Suits Urban 280 // Accessories Tonia Claire Australia // Hair Kate Samiotis Hair // MUA Kate from The Temple Spa // Transport Albany Car Hire // Music Sets Apart DJ Servies 
