Love You I Do Danielle Mitchell + Andrew Stevenson Saturday, 13 October 2009

A sunny day with a light breeze, storm clouds off in the distance and the ocean as the backdrop made for a perfect setting for Danielle Mitchell and Andrew Stevenson's wedding. Danielle, in her Maggie Sottero gown, felt like a goddess. Coupled with pearl and crystal earrings, fresh Orchids in her hair which was set in a low bun of beautiful curls, and stunning makeup, she says she has never felt so beautiful in her life.

Danielle and Andrew go back a long way, having become friends at school in year ten, and then becoming a couple in year twelve. The fact that they had known each other for so long - 11 years - had everyone waiting for this moment. Guests travelled from Victoria, NSW, Sunshine Coast and as far away as Scotland to witness and celebrate their long awaited wedding, helping to make it a very memorable day.

Andrew surprised Danielle one day by taking her away for a weekend to Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat in Murwillimbah NSW. As Danielle was looking through the beautiful cabin filled with hundreds of tea light candles, she heard the favourite song of theirs  ‘Dangerously in Love’ by Beyonce - She turned around and Andy was down on one knee asking her to marry him. 

Says Danielle, "Getting marrried to Andy wasn't something I needed to do, it was something I wanted to do, we both did.  We have been together so long that we felt it was time to show everyone around us how much we care and love each other and we felt it was time to celebrate our love in a massive way! Becoming husband and wife hasn't changed our lifestyle but it has certainly made me feel more strongly connected to Andy and I love saying 'My Husband'."

Their photographer, Peter Chricton captured the magic of their day. "Our photographers were wonderful...he even got shots of the bridal party playing Paper, Scissor, Rock while we were off in the background getting snapped...was just so natural and amazing...and I have the most beautiful set of photos to show for it." comments Danielle.

Despite knowing Andrew for some time, Danielle was still able to surprise him at their wedding. Rather than saying a speech to him, she decided to sing 'Love You I Do'. "He was very surprised and so were a lot of family and friends, as they either didn't think I could hold a tune or that I would do it in front of so many people!" says Danielle.

Danielle's  favourite moments were seeing Andy's face when she reached him at the end of the Isle and finally getting to hold his hand because they were both so nervous. She recalls feeling  so much love toward her eldest neice Charlotte (5) who was amazed by Danielle's hair, makeup, and dress and made her feel so beautiful all day. Danielle also admits to feeling teary on this very emotional day. "I hadn't cried until I saw all my bridesmaids together and my beautiful flowergirl neices and Mum." she says.

After a beautiful and memorable wedding, Danielle and Andrew spent a week in Lan Kawi Island in Malaysia at the Sheraton Resort and then a week in Bali in Seminyak at the Down Town Villas.  "One of the highlights from the honeymoon was one day speaking about our plans for the future and where we see ourselves in a years time, to the next day finding out that we, in a years time will actually be a mummy and daddy !" says Danielle.

After 15 months of planning, Danielle and Andrew enjoyed an amazing wedding with everything falling into place on the day. Now they are busy planning again...this time for the arrival of their little 'smidge'... another joyous event to share in their journey through life together.


Go to Danielle's bride blog to read about her journey leading up to her wedding day   Read more


Photographer: Peter Crichton Photography
Videographer: Geoff Schatzzel - Motion Art
Gown: Strictly Bridal, Gown by Maggie Sottero
Hair: Oxide Hair - Carla
Make-up:Mia Connor - The Makeup Bar
Rings: MyCenae Jewellery Creations, Paul McCormack
Accessories: Earrings from Strictly Bridal, Watch from Guess
Bridesmaid’s outfits: Table Eight
Groom/Groomsmen suits: David Jones, Studio Italia
Ceremony: Mick Schaumberg Park in North Burleigh, Gold Coast
Theming & decorating: Julie Brenchly from Table Jewels
Minister: Brent Jones
Reception: Quality Hotel
Menu: Assorted Canapes at the start, Entrée was Tandoori Salad, mains being an alternate drop of Crispy Skin Salmon on Gnocci and Pork Cutlets on a creamy Garlic Rissoto
Entertainment: The venue provided us with a DJ that kept us dancing ALL night long!
Flowers: Bernadette's Wedding Flowers
Cake: Dianne Zipf Cakes
Transport:  Maroon 1951 Ford Galaxy Convertible and also Green 1951 Ford Twin Spinner Convertible (Owned by Andy's Uncle Keith - also used to drive Danielle and Andy to their year 12 Graduation!)
Honeymoon: First week in Lan Kawi Island in Malaysia, our next week was spent in Bali