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Early days…
Welsh Caroline and Australian Keith say they met in the style of television show Gavin and Stacey in 1993, whilst Keith was working in London and Caroline in Cardiff. "We were both accountants for the same company," says Caroline. "Our emails and phone conversations were work related at first and then one day took a turn, it was the manly voice and Aussie accent!"
Their conversations prompted Keith to invite Caroline to London and their relationship grew. "Keith went back to Sydney to live after our romance and we didn't see one another again for eight years," says Caroline. But despite living in different countries, the pair kept in touch and when Keith returned to the UK their romance developed once again. "I came back to visit the UK for a job interview," recalls Keith, "and Caroline was swept off her feet again by my big hairy Australian ways."
The proposal…
Caroline proposed to Keith a few years later as they flew over New York. With their engagement set, Keith gave Caroline a family engagement ring. "It's an 18 carat gold art deco ring made in Japan during the war," says Caroline. "Keith's uncle had it made for when he proposed to Keith's aunt in Sydney after the war."
Hen and stag parties…
To say goodbye to their single statuses, Caroline celebrated with family and friends in Las Iguanas, a restaurant in Cardiff's buzzing Café Quarter. Meanwhile Keith celebrated in Cardiff's Spice Quarter along with his brothers from Australia, Caroline's best friend from Texas and other family and friends. "The real party animals all ended up together in Flares until closing time," says Caroline.
The venues…
Caroline and Keith exchanged their vows at the Nash Point Lighthouse in Marcross. Caroline says: "We visited several venues near Barry and fell in love with the lighthouse on sight." For Caroline, who grew up in Barry, the venue had a special significance. "Caroline's grandfather and ancestors all worked at sea and she grew up listening to the sound of fog horns in the morning," says Keith.
Inside the lighthouse a male choir from the Welsh College of Music and Drama performed during the ceremony. After exchanging their vows, Keith and Caroline had their first dance in the lighthouse to the choir's rendition of Waltzing Matilda. "The lighthouse keepers and staff in the café were wonderful," says Caroline. "We knew they'd make our day fabulous, which they did."
With the ceremony over the couple and their guests travelled to Cardiff Castle for a medieval-style reception that combined a Welsh and Australian theme.
The attendants…
Caroline asked her sister Claire to be her bridesmaid along with Claire's daughter; two year-old Darcy. Caroline chose metallic colours for them to wear, to complement her pale gold bridal gown. Claire wore a black dress with gold shoes and a sparkling gold shrug and flower girl Darcy was dressed in a white and silver dress, finished with silver accessories.
Keith and Caroline both chose a best man for their big day. Keith's was his friend Jerome from France and Caroline's was her friend Jason from Texas. The pair were joined by Caroline's four year-old nephew, Harvey. All three wore black tie to complete the wedding's glamorous look and Keith stood out as the groom in white tie.
The dress…
Caroline chose a modern yet glamorous bridal look. She wore a gold silk Jim Hjelm bridal gown with gold and silver embroidery and layers of tulle over the skirt. The dress' detail was complemented by embroidered silk Gina shoes. To add a touch of tradition, Caroline accessorised with her great grandmother's gold locket and ring. For her bouquet, she chose contemporary calla lilies which were embellished with twigs and diamantés for a touch of sparkle.
The transport…
Trouble with transport on the way to the ceremony was the only problem the couple encountered on their big day. "The double decker bus hit an overhead branch on the way to the lighthouse which put a crack in the roof so we all had to get out and walk," recalls Caroline. "Some friends with cars provided a shuttle service for guests and the bus had to reverse up the lane and park where there was room. To everyone's relief we arrived right on time."
The decorative touches…
Caroline and Keith describe the theme for their wedding day as 'Australian and Welsh fun'. Chosen to reflect their nationalities, the theme began with their transport: a vintage double decker bus in the Australian colours of yellow and green. "We travelled with most of the wedding party and the bus was complete with a supply of Champagne and music that we sang to," says Caroline.
The famous Cardiff Castle was the setting for the couple's reception party where they had a four-course vegetarian banquet. The atmospheric room was simply decorated with candles and singers and a harpist provided the evening's entertainment.
Their wedding cake was a true blend of Australian and Welsh style: a three-tier cake of sponge with lemon buttercream, chocolate and fruit cake. "The top tier was held up by four sheep," says Caroline. "It was also decorated with a Welsh dragon being chased by a kangaroo, daffodils and the Welsh and Australian flags."
Top tips…
"All the suppliers, venues and registrars were amazing and very helpful," says Caroline. Her advice to other couples is to "relax and don't forget it's your day". Another tip from the couple is to pick a wedding list that works for you. After being a couple for eight years, they decided against a traditional list. Caroline says: "We asked our friends and family for donations to the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Fund in memory of my nephew Charlie, big brother to Harvey and Darcy, and would love to say thank you to them. We raised over £1,200."
The honeymoon…
With their big day over, Caroline and Keith jetted off to Australia for a wedding party for Keith's friends and family who were unable to attend their Welsh wedding. Caroline says their 'proper' honeymoon is booked for May 2009; a week in St Lucia as man and wife.
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