Meant to Be...

Sonja Says:

“Sometimes the love of your life is staring you in the face for years before you realise it. And for Dana and Jason, that couldn’t have been truer. Although their relationship wasn’t completely smooth sailing fate proved that everything happens for a reason…”  

Meant to be

After eight years of working together at Carlton Football Club, Jason and I realised we had strong feelings for one another, becoming a couple in 2002.  

As we already knew all about one another, our relationship flourished quickly. My parents couldn’t say enough nice things about Jason, my dad Ralph liking that the good head on his shoulders and my mum, Elaine, maintaining he’d make a wonderful husband.

As Mum had been diagnosed with cancer four years earlier, we feared her years were numbered and all she ever wanted was to see me marry a good man. I promised Mum I would when the time was right, also believing Jason was the one.

But after moving in together in 2004, as Jason had previously been married and had children, and he was my first real boyfriend, I started to feel I needed to experience a bit more of life before settling down.

Soon after, I decided to move back in with Mum to have some time to myself.
Both my parents were sad to see us separate and although I never stopped loving Jason, I needed some time alone. I also left my job at Carlton Football Club and with all the sudden time on my hands; I had a chance to spend some real quality time with Mum.

Spending our days shopping, lunching, and just chatting for hours on end, our bond was stronger than ever before. And despite her own health problems, all she seemed to care about was my wellbeing and our family’s; always putting us first.

Jason and I kept in constant contact, our love never fading for a second. By late-2005 we rekindled our romance, nobody more thrilled about it than Mum.
Very weak and ill by that stage, Mum said she truly believed Jason and I would be together forever, and nothing would make her happier.

Weeks later, on Christmas Day, Mum tragically lost her cancer battle. Having lost his father, Ronald, in 1998, Jason was a great support as I grieved over the months following. We moved back in together and were closer than ever before.

And in June 2006, as we admired the view from Bolte Bridge one night after dinner, Jason suddenly got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.

Just as he proposed, a shooting star shot through the sky behind him; I was sure it was Mum’s blessing from heaven.

As we planned our wedding, we both placed great importance on having Mum and Jason’s dad share our special day with us.

On our wedding day, April 14, 2007, I visited Mum’s grave before our ceremony, while at the same time Jason visited his father’s.

We also lit candles for our late parents during the ceremony, and Jason later revealed he’d promised Mum he’s always look after me before she passed.

I feel like the purpose of Jason and I temporarily separating was to spend that special time with Mum, and I know Jason will keep his promise to Mum and we’ll be happy together forever.
Dana Reddick, 34.

Here are some of the details of how we put together our special day:

Bomboniere
I ordered little picture frames with different designs and inserted rose images to match our invitations. I also ordered personalised rock candy, making up a bag of “Jason and Dana” candies for each guest.

Cake
We ordered our cake from Cakes of Distinction, Ascot Vale. I wanted our cake to match our colour theme of ivory, gold and chocolate, incorporating red roses. With three layers- fruit cake, caramel and chocolate- I loved the end result; it was delicious!

Ceremony Location
The ceremony was held in the Chapel of Ballara Receptions, Eltham.

Celebrant
Ted Worthington married us and was a fabulous celebrant- even wearing a red tie to match our theme!  

Reception
We held our reception at Ballara Receptions, Eltham.

Decorations
The reception was in house linen but as a surprise Jason organised chair covers with gold ties for me. The centre pieces were by Luke at Strathmore, who also did Strathmore our bouquets, buttonholes etc.

Bride & Groom’s wear
Jason and the groomsmen’s suits came from Prinzi, Carlton. My dress was from Brides of Melbourne. For the bridesmaids we bought a gorgeous satin material and they each went and had their dresses made. They were all different designs and looked stunning.

Hair & Makeup
Our makeup was by Napoleon mobile service and our hair from a local person.

Invitations
Geoff Slattery Publishing designed and printed our invitations.

Music
Shaun, Andrew and Paul from the original 21/20 cover band made up a trio for us, and had our guests dancing from start to finish. They also allowed me to get up to perform Kenny Roger's 'The Gambler' for my husband. I can't sing but that song is my party trick!

Photography
Astra Studios did our photography.

Transport
We used a gold 1929 7-seater Dodge. This picked up my bridal party and took us via the cemetery where Mum is buried, then took us to the wedding.

Accommodation
We were very lucky to stay at Crown in the Honeymoon Suite, a friend organising it as a gift.

Honeymoon
We spent a marvelous month in Europe, travelling through 12 countries.

“Dana and Jason prove that when two people are destined to be together, they will be.”