Don't stress the details Nyssa Coltman + Duncan Merz  Saturday, 13 December 2008

Nyssa Coltman + Duncan Merz's wedding was a celebration of their love...for each other, for their family and friends, for good times and for good wine. A sentimental couple, Duncan and Nyssa got married at 'All Saints,' a winery in Rutherglen Victoria, which was the same location that Nyssa's Mother visited 25 years ago when pregnant with Nyssa and where Duncan surprised her by getting down on one knee, with a magnificent ring and asking for her hand in marriage.

The following gives an insight into the mood which was replicated at their wedding...what was to be a small family/bridal party dinner prior to the wedding, became a joyous occasion with about 48 guests taking over the little local restaurant. Says Nyssa, "We had so many people that wanted to come we rang the restaurant and asked if more people could join in. They were more than happy, but told us they had only 42 chairs. That night, I think we had 46-48 people and the restaurant got some extra chairs from somewhere and it was fabulous!  They put on the best spread for such a great price and lots of wine was drunk! Many joked that we should have just asked the celebrant to say our vows there as half the guests were at the dinner."

Because Nyssa and Duncan wanted their family and friends to experience the magnificent spot they chose for their wedding, they decided to have coaches organised for all their guests for the 4 hour journey from Canberra to Rutherglen.  "Everyone had a fabulous time...a beautiful winery, lots of great wine and musket and then a bus home".  Nyssa and Duncan made the journey in her Father's car.  As a little girl, she had told tim that one day she would be married in his car..."and my dream came true.  It was very special to us", she recalls.

One thing that could have proved a disaster on the day, happened...rain!  Heaps of it!  But  Nyssa and Duncan weren't  going to let it spoil their day. "Someone very wise, my Dad, told me that what happens, happens and you can't stress over little things..." says Nyssa.  He proved to be right because they all had a great time despite the rain.  The ceremony was moved inside and they were married surrounded by wine barrels...a wine lovers dream!  Nyssa reminisces, "...it was perfect and by the time the ceremony ended you would have never known that it had rained that day, besides all the mud under my dress from prancing around in the vines"!  It just goes to show, a positive attitude can go a long way in creating a happy future together.

Photographer: Mel Hill Photography
Reception: All Saints Estate Winery Victoria Park
Honeymoon: Puket Thailand