best day of my life Jacqui Fleming + Michael Symonds Saturday, 19 September 2009

'I know it’s a cliché, but I’m going to say it...my wedding day was the best day of my life! I wasn’t the type of little girl that dreamt of her wedding and made a scrapbook of what she’d like, but if I had, the dream would have been more than fulfilled by that wonderful day. Perfect venues, perfect dress, perfect family, and of course a perfect husband to match, what more could I ask for?' says Jacqui.

Their love story had its beginnings many years ago, when Jacqui first laid eyes on her future husband to be, Michael. 'He walked into the local football club where I worked wearing a grey bonds singlet, boardies, and work boots...and my heart skipped a beat!' Surprised by her reaction, Jacqui admits that no one had ever had that effect on her before. Cupid was obviously working his magic on Michael as well as one day he finally plucked up the courage to ask Jacqui out.

Seven and a half years later they made it official, after a marriage proposal which most of us only dream about – mid air in a hot air balloon overlooking beautiful Brisbane at sunrise, followed by a delicious breakfast at the Sheraton – much better than taking the day off work to help concrete the driveway! This was Michael's excuse to get Jacqui to take the day off work. Says Jacqui, 'He pulled a gorgeous hand made timber stained box in the shape of a heart (made by himself) which held an amazing diamond ring. Of course I said yes!'

'We planned the big day over 15 months and it was certainly not an easy task. I never could have imagined the number of things we had to organise... I sourced the majority of our suppliers online. I don't know what I would have done without the internet!' declares Jacqui. The internet and her Mum were a necessity as she tried to organise her big day whilst coping with a new job and studying for a postgraduate degree. Despite this, everything seemed to fall into place, with Jacqui happily remarking that, 'Our wedding day was truly amazing and exceeded our expectations'.

Waking up to perfect weather made for a good start to their special day and Jacqui felt a sense of calm all morning. Unexpectedly, she was overcome by emotion as their limo drove past the chapel and she saw all of the guests heading in to be seated. Says Jacqui, 'I tried my best to choke back the tears...I wasn't very successful at this and ended up walking down the aisle with tears welling in my eyes. My mini breakdown surprised me, Mum and my bridesmaids!'

 Jacqui recalls a wonderful ceremony, made all the more personal by involving their parents and family members in various ways from readings to lighting candles (used to later light their unity candle), to inviting their parents to “give each other to the marriage”. 'After the ceremony, we had a bit of time to chat to our guests and get some family shots and then it was off to the photo shoot which was a lot of fun...Our photographers were great. We had two plus a videographer and they made us feel really comfortable. They didn't do too many traditional posing shots so we almost could forget they were there!' remembers Jacqui.

A special photo taken and developed by Jacqui's grandad of the newlyweds, then placed on their bridal table in a gorgeous frame remains close to her heart. Their photographers played a slideshow  of the photos taken throughout the day which were enjoyed by all and added a nice touch. They enjoyed a wonderful reception at Rydges South Bank, but Jacqui recalls how it went way too quickly. Her advice? 'Try to take in as much as you can as time goes so quickly. Also, get a videographer if you can, that way you get to see all the moments that photos can't capture.'

Being overwhelmingly happy and having their closest family and friends there to share it with... these are memories they will treasure forever.


Jacqui and Michael jetted to Vanuatu for their honeymoon. Says Jacqui, 'We had a great time...Eratap Beach Resort was AMAZING!'



Photographer: BWP Studios
Videographer: BWP Studios
Gown: Wendy Makin
DJ & MC: Paramount Events
Hair & Make-up: Hollywood Brides
Ceremony: Broadway Chapel
Cake: Deliberately Delicious
Reception: Rydges South Bank
Flowers: Always Fabulous Flowers
Invitations: Invitation House, Emporium
Wedding Song: Watch Over Me - Bernard Fanning