How did you two meet and what were your first impressions?
We met at our local AFL club, where Sophie was playing in the newly formed women’s team and Jackson, due to long-term injuries, was volunteering as a water boy. Sophie always laughs at the first time Jackson and his best mate Stefan came down to footy training, a training that Sophie was not actually there for, but remembering the girls group chat post training stating that these boys were ‘so hot’ – I have admit, I couldn’t disagree. At the time, Sophie was in a relationship and we remained good friends for a few years before hitting it off romantically in the summer of 2017/18.
How did he/she propose?
We were away for our 4 year anniversary in the Macedon region of Victoria. We had booked this gorgeous BnB and planned a day of good food and wine on the Saturday. After an afternoon of meandering around the wineries, we headed back to our BnB to have a champagne on the balcony overlooking the hills. Jackson had planned everything to a tee; with our favourite song playing, he quickly rose and said he had a ‘present’ for our anniversary. Sophie was not particularly happy about this as we had strictly said no presents for this year. Jackson came back out with a very large looking jewelry box that Sophie assumed could only be a necklace or bracelet. Jackson started saying a bunch of incredibly nice and loving things, that Sophie could hardly hear over her tears as she finally caught onto what was about to happen. Jackson got down on one knee and said ‘Will you marry me?’, which Sophie eventually replied a big, huge, unwavering YES, once she had finally stopped sobbing.
What do you love most about each other?
S: I love absolutely everything about my human Jacks. I love his wit and humour, his ability to make everyone laugh and smile, his constant above and beyond nature for all his loved ones. He is very smart and gifted in athletic ability and I admire his strength to fight through anything that life throws at him. He is incredibly understanding, and continues to amaze me with his care and generosity for others, and mostly for his ability to deal with my ridiculousness and perfectionist ways. Though, what I love most is the fact that we are always thinking and seeing the same things, and it is incredibly comforting to know that even with just a look, he knows what I am thinking.
J: There are so many things I love about Soph. I love her devotion and her passion to everyone around her, she always has time for her family and many, many friends. She will always put others needs right to the top and will the for anyone at the drop of a hat. She’s incredibly thoughtful and loving and will never forget to check in with someone or forget anyone’s important life milestone. I love her humour and joy for life, and her ability to put up with my silliness. I love how similar we are in so many ways; from our humour, to what and how we think, whether its people watching on our walk to Coles or our thoughts and values we love in others.
I'd love to hear one special memory of your courtship...what moment/day/event stands out for you?
Other than the best weekend ever when we got engaged, our favourite day together was a day we spent at Rottnest Island in late 2019. We spent the day exploring the most magnificent place we’d ever seen and this happened to be one of our first holidays together. Just by being on holiday mode, we had genuine time together just lapping up the beach, site seeing and relaxing.
What Does Marriage Mean To You?
A commitment to our love and friendship
What was the main inspiration behind your wedding day?
A day celebrating love with colour, fun, laughter and all our favourite people.
How would you describe your day? How did you feel?
The lead up to the ceremony was filled with anticipation. Jacks was waiting and nervous whilst greeting people prior to the ceremony but the moment he saw Soph’s beautiful face and happy smile, the fun had all begun. Soph thought she may pass out before walking down the aisle with nerves but the moment mum, dad and her stepped out to see all the beautiful smiling faces of friends and family and of course, Jacks’ gorgeous face, it was just utter excitement. We had the best time being together all night. Watching our friends and family intermingle and just how joyous they all were was such a highlight. Closing out speeches and fully kicking off our heels to hit the d-floor was a feeling of relief and pure joy!
What was your favourite part of the wedding day?
The dance floor hands down!
Were there any surprises or honourable mentions you’d like to talk about?
No surprises per se, but the parts we didn’t organise – the MC words and speeches – were absolutely incredible. They blew us away with their wit, amazingly kind words and just how well they spoke.
How does it feel to be Mr & Mrs?!
To be honest, very similar and we wouldn’t have it any other way. It was heaven to be able to celebrate our adoration and love for one another with our favourite people and get some extra bling on our hands – but no real change to Jacks and I and how we continue to do life together as best mates.
Sophie’s dress: Flora Kate Couture
Makeup: Studio George MUA & Cate Makeup
Hair: Georgia Glen
Shoes: Wittner
Rings: Browns Jewellers Camberwell
Sophie’s Earrings – Lola Knight
Flowers: Heather’s Floral Designs
Celebrant: Kate Haley
Music: Unplugged Entertainment
MC’s: Lachie Bangs and Cameron Melville
Reception Venue: Flowerdale Estate
