Salt spoke with former Sunshine Coast resident Cameron Gee about his autumn nuptials, and what made the day so special.
Can you share the story of how you met? We met in 2019 when we both started in the graduate program at our work. We started off as friends, but through many coffee and tea catch-ups, our feelings grew.
What was the proposal like? I surprised Claire on December 29, 2023 with a spontaneous getaway to Mannerim in Victoria. The proposal caught Claire by surprise because we planned to get engaged in 2024, and I managed to catch her off guard a few days before the year started. I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me in Cantonese, her first language. Although Claire didn’t understand what I was saying, she understood what I was asking given the gesture, and of course, she said yes! Little did she know, a photographer was hiding in the tiny home Airbnb, capturing the moment.
How did you feel on the morning of your wedding? Despite the heavy rain the night before and on the morning of our wedding, we were very calm and content. We are not the most traditional people, so we spent the wedding eve together and had a slow morning with some home-cooked breakfast.
What was the inspiration behind your wedding theme? We both love simple but classic style. We chose white as the main colour with a pop of pastels. The clean and simple approach reflects who we are as individuals and as a couple.
What was the most memorable moment of your wedding day? We had planned the timing for our ceremony with precise detail but the rain threw it all into disarray. Eventually, after intensely watching the BOM radar for the afternoon, we saw an opening in the clouds and rushed out for our ceremony. Standing under looming rain clouds on the top of the secret hill at Mavis in Uki, New South Wales, and marrying my best friend was so romantic. We were surrounded by 15 of our nearest and dearest and felt so much love around us. Although everyone’s shoes got muddy and hair wet, we were incredibly grateful for the patience and spontaneity of our guests and vendors.
Why did you decide on NY2K for your rings? NY2K has been my family’s jeweller for many years. I entrusted Paul, Kristen and their team with making Claire’s engagement ring and it is divine. When we turned our minds to getting our wedding bands, it was a no-brainer to ask NY2K to make them. Our wedding bands are made with recycled materials from our family’s jewellery. My ring has gold from my grandfather’s and dad’s wedding bands, and Claire’s ring has some of her mum’s diamonds in a hammer set.
What was the highlight of your day? Because of the heavy rain and outdoor ceremony venue, the train of Claire’s dress was very heavy and muddy. To move around more easily, she decided to cut herself free with the help of myself and her parents. It was the best decision because that meant we could dance the night away. After the formalities, we played our curated playlist and ripped up the dance floor with our favourite people.
Did you incorporate any personal touches or traditions into your wedding? Claire’s family is of Chinese background. We had a Chinese tea ceremony and pre-wedding dinner with just our families and it was moving to see two traditions blend together. Claire was also walked down the aisle by both her mum and dad, as they both mean so much to her and played a pivotal role in who she is today.
What advice would you give to couples currently planning their wedding? When planning your big day, as perfect as you want it to be, things won’t always go to plan. Enjoy the day. Surrender to the chaos and trust those around you. The day is about the two of you being absorbed into a love bubble together and nothing trivial should distract from that.
Finer details
CELEBRANT: Chiquita Mitchell
RINGS: NY2K
HAIR AND MAKEUP: Holly Fraser Makeup
CEREMONY AND RECEPTION VENUE: Mavis Kitchen and Cabins
PHOTOGRAPHER: Bird & Boy Photography
DRESS: Madi Lane Bridal
SUITS: Institchu