ELLENA X SAM

wedding images by rachel gutierrez photography

wedding date 9 october 2022
gunners barracks
72 wedding guests

"We met at the 'Greenhouse Pension' in Sibiu, Romania; this was my living accommodation at the time. Sam and I both joined Sibiu Ballet Theatre in 2015. Sam was wearing a Red Shore hoodie and had his hair all out. I thought, wow, what a great head of hair and how cute is he? I was dressed in all black, mysteriously wearing dark sunglasses and smoking a thin, vogue-esque cigarette. Sam thought I looked incredible and had to get to know me ASAP. Three or so months later, while hanging around during a break in between rehearsals, we decided to officially become "boyfriend and girlfriend" and have never looked back."

Did you know leading up to it that Sam was going to propose?

Months before Sam popped the question, I remember passing fabulous jewellery stores on my way home from work, thinking and wondering, when will he ask? Because I'll say yes! Sam and I travelled to the UK to spend Christmas with my family in 2018, and Sam asked me to marry him on that trip. It then made sense to me why he seemed nervous on the flight over there, telling me not to look in his bag. I assumed it was my Christmas present at the time.

Tell us about the proposal...

Sam and I tripped to the southeastern coastal town of Dover. I was eager to show him the castle and the white cliffs that overlooked the English Channel. Our hotel room had a balcony overlooking the beach, the pier, and the cliffs to our left. Sam suggested I take some pictures of the surroundings on my camera, the easiest way to have me not question what he was doing, he says. I took a few snaps and turned to see Sam on one knee with a diamond ring! So surprised with a WEEEEEE feeling inside, I said YES!

the winning factor of your Wedding venue/location

The beautifully restored historical building, the sandstone walls, the harbour views, the green bushland, and other local beauties within the area for photography. Being able to dance the night away without noise restrictions or interruptions with a DJ was also brilliant.

most important thing you wanted to have at your wedding theme-wise

Gunners' Barracks exceeded our expectations; styling decisions only had to complement the indoor and outdoor spaces of the venue. We were particularly proud of the vintage blush tones in our floral arrangements.

most faaaaave moment...

Every moment - it was all a high! The ceremony, our first kiss at the altar, eating, drinking and dancing with all our family and friends...

Faaaave Wedding detail...

Everything was perfect; however, the food was a stand-out, and many of our guests commented on the delicious smoked salmon and pork belly.

How easy did you find your dress/suit shopping experience?

Finding Sam's suit was very easy and relatively fast - two fittings and everything was sorted. I shopped for my dress in the UK with my family, a special moment for me as not all of them could make it to the wedding down under. I visited just two stores, trying not to give myself too many options.

What does marriage mean to you?

It means waking up next to each other every morning and going to bed together every night. It means spending the rest of our lives together, supporting one another during difficult moments and celebrating our successes.

A classic story you want to share...

A memorable part of the day was sprinting around the venue in our attire, ensuring our photographer and videographer could capture us in the best spots. We scrambled, climbed, and Sam carried me over wet, muddy puddles. We certainly got the shots we wanted. A local bush turkey even photobombed one of our portraits.

A piece of advice that helped you the most when planning...

Gunners' Barracks provided us with a wet weather plan relatively early, so we could think of both scenarios when styling and planning. Prepared with picturesque umbrellas, this wouldn't be a disappointment for us.

Also, don't stress about the guests having a good time, the day is about YOU as a couple! Remind yourselves to take in every moment.

Wedding songs...

Aisle: Jurassic Park Theme - John Williams, The Piano Guys

First Dance: I Don't Want to Miss a Thing - Aerosmith

Stand out vendor/s for the day...

All of them! Everyone was in sync, communicated with one another, and everything was well coordinated. We would gladly recommend all of our vendors to anyone hoping to plan their dream wedding.