REAL WEDDING

NASTASSJA + MARK

PHOTOGRAPHY | LITTLE CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHY

In the realm of modern romance, where swipes and screens often play matchmaker, the story of Mark and Nastassja is a heartwarming testament to serendipity and the power of connection. They owe their love story to the digital age and a fortuitous swipe right on a dating app. Little did they know that this virtual connection would lead them to a lifetime of happiness.

Their first date at the Boathouse in Essendon, on a sunny day in late January 2019, set the stage for what was to come. Over a delightful lunch they chatted the hours away, reluctant for the day to end. The chemistry between them was palpable. So much so that even a ride to get ice cream turned into another opportunity to deepen their connection, though Mark quickly learned that being the passenger to Nastassja’s driving skills was an adventure of its own.

As fate would have it, distance soon entered their narrative. Mark returned to New Zealand for Christmas and Nastassja ventured off to London to visit her brother in February 2020. The time apart, however, only served to underscore how much they cherished each other’s presence.

Then the global pandemic emerged, changing the course of their relationship once again. Uncertain about their ability to visit each other amidst the restrictions, they made a pivotal decision. Nastassja’s house would become their shared home. With her parents having relocated to Geelong in 2019, they contemplated the idea of settling near her family. On Mark’s third visit to Geelong, serendipity struck again as they discovered their dream home, complete with a magazine-worthy kitchen. It was a sign, and they embraced their new roles as Geelong residents, moving in together in September 2020 amid lockdowns, feeling that they were embarking on a remarkable journey.

But the surprises didn’t end there. In less than six months in their new abode they received the news that they were expecting, the final piece in their puzzle of happiness. Mark orchestrated a beautiful proposal on a memorable day during a lockdown, attaching a diamond ring to their dog Toffee’s collar. Amidst flour-covered hands and the aroma of baking, he knelt and asked Nastassja to be his forever – and she joyfully said yes.

While Nastassja was in no hurry to rush into marriage, Mark was determined to make their union official. They reached a delightful compromise. A church wedding would be the traditional part with Nastassja having creative control over everything else.

For the reception the couple ventured to their favourite restaurant, Alma, and inquired about renting the entire space. They were pleasantly surprised to discover a charming function space upstairs with beautiful windows, white interiors, and original brick walls. After a quick inspection, they picked a date and locked it in. Everything was set in motion for their special day.

Their journey to marriage continued with Nastassja’s unique touch. Her vibrant and colourful style, influenced by her work in the fashion industry, shone through in every detail of their wedding. From her dreamy powder-pink wedding dress from Eloquii to the red and pink floral bridesmaid dresses she borrowed from her workplace, Alessandra, every element exuded her signature flair.

Their wedding was a joyous celebration with 50 of their nearest and dearest, a day filled with laughter, love and cherished moments. Nastassja’s heartwarming poem to Mark, in lieu of traditional vows, and his radiant smile upon seeing her in her dress were just some of the unforgettable highlights.

As their love story continues to unfold, their advice to future couples is simple yet profound. Cherish the big moments, don’t sweat the small stuff and let communication be the cornerstone of your partnership. Mark and Nastassja’s journey, from a chance swipe to a lifetime of love, serves as a reminder that sometimes the most beautiful stories are written in the most unexpected places.

Poem

Today is the day of you and me
One I thought would never be

I never imagine that in my life
I would call someone husband and they’d call me wife

Our love story began on the dating apps
Which lead to surprisingly long message chats

Date after date, we had so much fun
Although, of course, There was That shitty one

Covid struck and things got tricky
suddenly I had a housemate and his apartment got the flicky

It wasn’t very long
before we bought in Geelong

And With a surprise addition
We had bucked all traditions

So You got down on one knee and asked me to be your wife,
And I’m sure my dad warned you, you be stuck with me for life

They say a girl tries to marry her dad
And You were the closest there was to be had

Of course I said yes!!
Only to admit I already had the dress.

I secretly hoped I would find my Prince Charming
Never to imagine you’d be my cyber security darling