New Year, New Man

Sonja Says:

“Every year do you make a New Year’s resolution that just never seems to come true? Or do you hold out for that New Year’s kiss that just might lead to falling in love with the man of your dreams? If this sounds like you, and after years of hoping and praying you’ve nearly given up hope, read on to discover that dreams really can come true…”

New year, new man!

In the week leading up to New Year’s Eve 2003, a group of friends and I decided to be spontaneous. Just days before we rolled over into the start of 2004, we booked a trip to Phillip Island, Vic.

Aged 20, I was ready to party! We’d managed to get ourselves some tickets to the hottest New Year’s do there- at the Isle of Wight pub. Enjoying some cocktails and frocking up, we headed out for a night of fun, dancing and celebrations.

As we lined up to enter the pub my eyes met with those of a gorgeous guy. Exchanging glances I shyly said a quick hello before hitting the dance floor with my friends.
Although they were encouraging me to speak with the hottie throughout the night I wasn’t the type to make a move.

But just before midnight he approached me- asking if I’d be his midnight kiss!
23-year-old Shane was gorgeous, charming and friendly- how could I resist? When the clock struck 12 we embraced in a passionate kiss; one I knew I’d never forget.

Exchanging numbers, Shane and I ran into each other again the following night at another bar. Chatting for hours, I knew her was more than just a crush…  

When we had to return home the following day I didn’t want to leave Shane, but he called as soon as I arrived home to check I’d gotten in safely. Arranging a date for the next week, we continued dating over the months following and after six months together I knew I’d fallen madly in love with Shane.

We continued to fall more in love as the time ticked by and after years together, traveling the world and learning all there was to know about one another, I knew he was the man I wanted to spend my life with.

And on my 22nd birthday Shane proved he felt the same way- asking me to marry him!
Of course I said yes and we set our wedding date for September 22, 2007.
Our wedding day was amazing, as has every day been since. I’m forever thankful about our spontaneous New Year’s trip and my midnight kiss that led to love.
Rebecca Howell, 25.

Here are some of the details that helped to put our wedding together:

Bomboniere
My mum helped me with the wedding favours, purchasing clear boxes and adding a white candle and sugared almonds inside.

Cake
We purchased our cake from Allen’s Bakery, Kilsyth, Vic.

Ceremony Location
We married in a catholic church- Our Lady of Victories Basilica, Camberwell, Vic.

Celebrant/ Priest
We were married by Father Peter Conroy.

Reception
We celebrated with 150 guests at Contessa Receptions, Mt Waverley, Vic.

Decorations
Our reception centre took care of our decorations, including coloured chair sashes to match the bridesmaid dresses, candelabras in the centre of the tables, and flowers around the room.

Bride & Groom’s wear
I purchased my dress and jewellery from Raffaele Ciuca, Armadale. The bridesmaids purchased their dresses from Ravish, Armadale and the groom and groomsmen all hired their suits from Spurling Formal Wear.

Hair & Makeup
Our hair was done by Hennessey Lane Hair Design and makeup by Napoleon.

Flowers
Lynda Bella Designs.

Music
We had a fabulous four-piece band called Direct Line.

Photography
Romantic Events.

Transport
We hired two CLK320 Mercedes Benz sedans and one convertible from Exoticar Euro Car Hire.

Accommodation
As it was the first night in our new home, we decided to stay there on our wedding night- a very nice romantic touch!

Honeymoon
We spent 10 nights in Katathani Resort, Phuket.

“So if you’re a single gal heading out this New Year’s Eve keep in mind that your midnight kiss could lead to a walk down the aisle of eternal happiness.”