Volume Six Digital : simplebooklet.com

DWH | 7Dancing With Her acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this naon. We acknowledge the people of the Bundjalung Naon whose Land on which our company is located and where we primarily conduct our business. We pay our respects to Ancestors and Elders, past, present and emerging. Dancing With Her is commied to honouring Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples unique cultural and spiritual relaonships to the land, waters and seas and their rich contribuon to society. © 2019 Dancing With Her® All rights reserved. Reproducon in whole or part without permission is strictly prohibited.THE TEAMEDITOR & CO-FOUNDERTara BakerCREATIVE DIRECTOR & CO-FOUNDERArlia HassellCONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERSApril Evelyn Photography, Brogan Jessup Photography, Calder Photography, Chasewild, Cori Taylor Photography, Erin Fraser Fox & Kin, Henry Tieu Photography, Kenz & Nick PhotographyLightsmith Images, McKenzie Bigliazzi Photography, Rainwater Photography, Samantha Lowe Photo, The NookFRONT COVER IMAGECalder Photographywww.calderphoto.comBACK COVER IMAGEMcKenzie Bigliazzi Photographywww.mckenziebigliazzi.comEDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONSAndi, Emily Chelsea Jewelry, Kayla, Fairina ChengSUBMISSIONSwww.dancingwithher.com/submityourstoryADVERTISING & WHOLESALE ENQUIRIESpartnerships@dancingwithher.comDANCING WITH HERP.O. Box 609Coolangaa, QLD, 4225AustraliaJOIN OUR COMMUNITYwww.dancingwithher.comfacebook.com/dancingwithherinstagram.com/dancingwithherpinterest.com/dancingwithher

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DWH | 11HELLOWhen we decided to hit publish on the very rst edion of our print magazine, our nerves were through the roof. We had no idea what to expect. We didn’t know if anyone would buy the magazine, we had no idea if we would ever get the opportunity to print again. But here we are. Welcome to Volume 6, lovers. We sll have all those nerves every me we send another one of our babies out into the wild, but they’re probably nothing on the nerves you’ll feel the week/day before your wedding day. Wedding planning is a wild ride. There will be ups and downs, and almost everyone will get to a point where they will want to throw in the towel (“it’s just a piece of paper” is undoubtedly a phrase that has been thrown around in our own wedding planning journey). However, we hope that once you’ve read through these eight incredible weddings & love tales, you’ll see that your wedding is worth any bit of angst that went into making it happen. We hope that amongst these pages, you’ll nd some of the very best wedding vendors who not just support your wedding, but celebrate it wholeheartedly. No two weddings are ever alike - and quite frankly, that’s one of our favorite things about them. Each wedding inside this issue is unique, from Alysha & Mic’s industrial evening aair to Deanna & Sarah’s beach romanc beach elopement. We get the opportunity to speak with Kayla, who rst fell for her now ance, Megan, while she was married to a man. Her vulnerability will touch your heart. Inside you’ll also nd one of the most romanc leers we’ve ever read [hint: it ends in a marriage proposal!], and we’ll take you on that romanc beachside honeymoon to the white sands of The Whitsundays, Australia, that you’ve always dreamt about. We hope you love this edion as much as we loved pung it all together for you. Love, Arlia & Tara

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These arsan KARMME scents are reallybeauful. Sparkling blooms introduce awarm heart of spiced lilies with a gentlelinger of honey, musk, and sandalwood.
Each Eau de Parfum, that is created in Sydney, ispresented in a French-made bole and nestledinside KARMME’s signature indigo blue box.
Maybe it’s a gi for your bride to be, perhapsit’s a gi for your wedding party, or maybe it’s alile, much deserved, treat just for you.www.karmme.com.auSick to the post of correcng people on your pronouns? Theselile pins [they’re the size of a quarter!] make the statementfor you. They come in a selecon of dierent pronoun oponsand the team at Gamut donate $1 from every pin sold toCamp Aranu’q, a nonprot program serving transgender &gender-variant youth and their families.www.gamutpins.bigcartel.comProducing minimal and rened staonery forthe modern couple, Sunday Nude was bornfrom a love of design and luxury staonery.
From save the dates and invitaons rightthrough to day of and signage, Sunday Nudeworks closely with you to translate your visioninto reality - making all your minimalism dreamscome to life.
Our pick - this minimal table number, provingthat there is beauty in simplicity. Oh, and wealso love the place cards. And, the invitaons...okay, we’ll take it all.www.sundaynude.comClassique Monogram Wax Seals are the perfectway to elevate your wedding staonery. Theseones are individually stamped by our arsansto give you the tradional, handmade look andfeel. There’s even a Recycled Edion for eco-conscious lovers that features 100% repurposedwax – made in limited runs.www.artisaire.comVelvet vintage-inspired personalized ring boxes,yes, please! These Voeu Du Coeur creaonsare made by a women-led team that usesthe world’s nest fabrics [think fabrics fromValenno, Armani, Gucci and Alberta Ferre]sourced from France and Italy to create thesegorgeous heirloom boxes to keep your weddingjewels safe.www.voeu-du-coeur.comWe love nothing more than to see whereour children [aka our magazines] end up inthe world! Want to win the very next issuedelivered to your doorstep? Just share an image of this issueof Dancing With Her Magazine to Instagram, tag us and usethe hashtag #dancingwithher to enter!Who knows, maybe your image will make it into Volume 7!
The compeon will close January 31st, 2020.IG / @dancingwithher@mstahneejade@mstahneejade

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DWH | 13SUITS FOR QUEER BODIES: HERE AREFOUR PLACES TO GET SUITED UPWIN! WIN! WIN!Neons are the way to our hearts.Want to have this heart neon byNeon Poodle for your walls athome?
Compeon is open to residentsacross the world and we’ve made itsuper simple to enter - just head to www.dancingwithher.com/win to enter.www.neonpoodle.com.auWe’ve always made it clear that we lovean individual who isn’t afraid to do exactlywhat they want, and what makes them mostcomfortable on their wedding day. For somepeople geng married, that’s a huge princessball gown, and for others, it might be a three-piece black tux with a bolo e. And, forthe lover who just dreams of an o the shelfgarment that they feel comfortable in, thisMaje romper might just be perfect.
We also envisage that a romper like this mightbe great for your bach party or even as ouitsfor the wedding party.
The best part; it’s only $415, and it is absolutelysomething that you’ll be able to wear morethan just once!www.maje.comLockets are ancient amulets of love that carrygood luck and ward o all that is less than love,and we’re obsessed with this one. Featuring alile sapphire inside, the Meri Locket leaves youto ll it with the one you desire, the one youhold close, the one you choose every single day.Their enre collecon is perfect for yourwedding and everyday wear. And, while thelocket might be our favorite piece, we also lovethe rich cultural inuences that adorn eachring, necklace, earring, and bracelet.
These jewels are, of course, made fromsustainably sourced materials - good for theplanet, something to treasure for all eternity.
Made in Australia’s most easterly town, ByronBay, these beaues can be shipped around theglobe.www.templeofthesun.com.au01SHANE AVEBased in Australia, but shipping across theglobe, this queer owned suit company makehaving a custom suit made easy.IG / @shane.ave02TUX COUTUREIf a wedding day tux is your vibe, these arecustom made in New Jersey - if you can dream itup, this crew can bring it to life.IG / @tuxcouture03SHARPE SUITINGWedding suits that are customized perfectly toyour style and personality - plus Sharpe Suingdonates suits to LGBTQ+ youth - yes!IG / @sharpesuing04BINDLE & KEEPEvery single suit is hand-cut and created tot your own specic measurements and theirprices and processes super transparent.IG / @bindleandkeep

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DWH | 17There were two proposals. The rst one was on the beauful Galiano Island in Brish Columbia. Together Ashleigh and Bri-anne climbed Mount Galiano and surrounded by ocean views [and a nearby beehive], Bri-anne asked Ashleigh to marry her. Ashleigh was taking photos of the view and turned around to nd Bri-anne down on one knee. About a month later, Ashleigh proposed to Bri-anne. She scaered keepsakes from through the years of their relaonship around the apartment. When Bri-anne returned home from work, she was surprised to nd Ashleigh down on one knee. They both said yes. When it came to dress shopping, the decision was made early on that they would keep their dresses a surprise unl the wedding day. They made two appointments an hour apart and drove down to BHLDN in Seale together. Ashleigh and Bri-anne each had the same stylist working with them to ensure that they didn’t choose the same dress. Unknowingly at the me, they each walked out with a two-piece dress that day. Pemberton’s majesc mountains and quiet valleys are where they spent their rst anniversary together, and it’s the locaon they chose to marry too. Knowing all too well that they would be quite restricted in the me that they could personally put towards planning their wedding day, Ashleigh & Bri-anne decided to hire a planner once they’d locked in the venue.With an outdoor wedding comes the risk of it being interrupted by weather. The forecast wasn’t looking great for the day, but they each crossed their ngers that the worst of it would hold o. The morning of the wedding was relaxing. The brides had their hair and makeup done together with their friends, and when the me came to put their dresses on, they anxiously separated. It was in the eld, with their bridal party watching from the balcony, that they had their rst look. It’s a special moment neither of them will ever forget. The rain did hold o for the ceremony. In fact, there was really only a lightly sprinkle during dinner, which only meant that the newlyweds were gied by mother nature with an incredible rainbow. Warm and welcoming; that was the intended vibe of the wedding day and one that was delivered perfectly - a true reecon of the couple themselves. It was important for the lovers to not just celebrate their love for one another on the day, but also their love for everyone in their lives who have supported them over their years together. An organic color palee was ideal, allowing the surrounding scenery to speak volumes. Big bouquets of natural greens and white orals, the styling had a real modern meets vintage vibe. And, the incredible food by Collecve Kitchen is something all the guests sll rave about. Under festoon lighng, that small group of just 40 celebrated a brand new chapter in Ashleigh and Bri-anne’s life together. Memorable, emoonal and perfect.

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DWH | 23Tovah, When I rst met you, I didn’t know what was going to happen. But I knew that one way or another you were going to be someone special to me. I could have never guessed following my intuion would bring so much joy in my life. Just like that, we fell in love. First slowly, then all at once. We now have this bond that is sacred and cherished and within it, we have built a home. In Leers to a Young Poet, Rainer Maria Rilke says “believe in a love that is being stored up for you like an inheritance, and have faith that in this love there is a strength and a blessing so large that you can travel as far as you wish without having to step outside of it.” And Tov, we have that. I never thought it was something I would ever have or would ever deserve to have, but I feel your love with me everywhere I go. I feel it so strong within me that I could close my eyes and nd you in the dark. I could be miles away from you and sll nd my way back to you. And together, I know we can navigate whatever unknowns life may bring us. You are my calm in the storm. My twin soul. My whole heart. When I look at you, I see everything I have fallen in love with. Your passion for learning and connecng, your drive to make a dierence, your ght for jusce, and your loyalty for those you love. You have shown me the power of being completely vulnerable and surrendering to someone. You have shown me the beauty of living authencally. Together, we make sense and make each other stronger. We push each other to become the best versions of ourselves. We cheer each other successes, cry together during the low mes, and laugh at the ridiculous ones. We are each other’s advocates and condantes. I promise I will never take any of that for granted. There is no other lover I want to fall asleep next to. No other partner I want to build a future with. No other mother I want to co-parent with. No other friend I want to grow old with. You are it. And I promise to remind you every day that you are all those things to me and so much more. I love you, and will connue to love you, for the rest of my days in this lifeme and the next. Tovah Rachel Blumenthal, Will you Marry me? Charcuterie Board Savour & Graze | Day of Planner Peachy Keen Coordinaon, LLC | Florist Smallyard Flowers | Locaon Airbnb Photographer The Documentarist | Proposal Workshop [Speech Assistance] Rooted & Wild PDX | Rentals & Decor Vintage Meets Modern Portland Rings Elaine B. Jewelry | Signage & Calligraphy Leers & Dust | Videographer Forest & Ivory Films

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DWH | 27They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and when it comes to engagement rings and wedding jewelry, some people dream of having a diamond. However, at what cost? We spoke with Emily, of Emily Chelsea Jewelry, to get the answers. TelI us a lile bit more about Emily Chelsea Jewelry.I started Emily Chelsea Jewelry out of a small studio in Philadelphia before I graduated college. I got my BFA in jewelry, metals and CAD, so I had always hoped I could connue to grow my business and stay in the jewelry industry. My rst jewelry internship was a dream come true- it combined responsible sourcing and creang jewelry [that combo was unheard of at the me], and that was the rst me I learned that it could be possible to combine two of my passions. I worked at a few jewelry stores from 2011 to 2015, gaining valuable knowledge about how to run a jewelry store- I’m so thankful for that me and all that I learned! I went full me with my business in 2015 while living in California and then eventually seled down in Philadelphia, with my showroom in the same neighborhood where I started out in the rst place. How much does an engagement ring [or wedding ring] cost?It really can depend! If you are geng a large center stone, that can really dominate the price of the ring, especially if that stone is a diamond. Sapphires are more aordable alternaves, and a popular diamond alternave is moissanite, which is a lab-grown gem that is super sparkly, super durable, but a fracon of the cost of a diamond. I always price out the ring poron separately from a center stone, so something like a simple solitaire could be between US$600-$1200 [plus the center stone], and as you add more stones, the price increases. Wedding or commitment bands are a lile less complicated- the thinner rings without stones are around US$200-$500, and wider rings range from US$400-$900, depending on the width. What are the dierent factors that go into pricing a ring?Like I said, if you are geng a larger center stone, that almost always dominates the price. A classic round one-carat diamond that meets all of my criteria is around $7000, and the price can change so much based on the dierent qualies [carat, color, cut, clarity]. For those not looking for a diamond that large [or a diamond at all!] a great budget for an engagement ring is between $2000-$4000. You usually can get a beauful and custom ring for that price. We also know that cost doesn’t just mean nancial. Jewelry can have a huge environmental cost too. Why is working mindfully important to you?It is so dicult for me to put this into a short answer as there are so many complex issues that compel me to work mindfully. The short answer is; that because I care about this planet and the people and creatures on it. I was raised on the values to love and care for everyone and everything. I’ve spent my life hiking and traveling, and I have such a passion for this earth and the natural beauty of it. It’s no secret that humans have a huge impact on this earth and that it is our responsibility to take care of it. I was also raised to have a heart of compassion for others. We all deserve the right and privilege of opportunity and good health, but unfortunately, that is not everyone’s reality. If I am not working to change that through my everyday work, then I’m not taking advantage of the opportunity oered to me. When we imagine mining, metals and gems, we imagine huge holes in the ground and large scale environmental damage. Is that what it’s really like?On the one hand, yes, it is like that. There are several large mines that areTHE REAL COST OF WEDDING JEWELSwith Emily Chelsea Jewelry, www.emilychelsea.com

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DWH | 29so large you can see them from outer space. There are also much smaller mines that can be done underground that you get to through long vercal tunnels. They may not appear as large, but they certainly can have large repercussions. Because these types of mines are smaller, they can be a lot less regulated in terms of safety, environmental degradaon, poor labor pracces, etc. And, there are also hobby fossickers who spend a weekend every now and again searching for stones. Somemes beauful gems can be found right on the surface. We’ve heard of the Kimberly Process when buying diamonds, does it mean that the diamonds are conict-free?When we hear the term “conict free” we think it means “free of conict.” Unfortunately, that is not what it means in the case of diamonds. When the Kimberley Process Cercaon Scheme was passed, it was in response to the sale of “rough diamonds used by rebel movements or their allies to nance armed conicts aimed at undermining legimate governments’.” This is a very narrow denion and does not include other types of conict, including but not limited to, corrupt pracces, human rights abuses, and environmental degradaon. The KP also does not weigh in on other areas of diamond producon, such as cung and polishing, which can include worker safety issues, pay inequity, and child and indentured labor. Currently, I do not work with any newly mined diamonds, only recycled or repurposed stones. There are a few iniaves in place that are working to source diamonds more responsibly, such as Diamonds for Peace and the Diamond Development Iniave. However, they are sll in the early stages, and I am unaware of a reliable and consistent source through either organizaon. I strongly encourage customers to not stop at “conict free” as their checkmark for “responsibly sourced.” The more consumers demand something beer, the more the industry is forced to change - for the beer. What does it really mean when you say that the metals and gems that you use are ethically sourced?Sourcing ethically means to source without doing harm to the environment, humans and animals. I do this by either using recycled or Fairmined gold and by using repurposed or traceable [back to a responsible source] gemstones. Buying recycled is great because it is zero impact. When you buy Fairmined gold or newly mined stones from a responsible source, you are contribung posively to the current market. All of the newly mined stones I work with come from either Montana, Australia, or Sri Lanka, and I just started working with stones from a brand new organizaon called Moyo Gems. Moyo Gems work with the female miners of Tanzania and work to empower female miners to mine safely, work beer and improve nancial stability. Fairmined gold is an amazing iniave that sources gold from third party veried mines. Fairmined ensures that the gold is coming from legimately organized mines that have fair labor pracces, safe condions, fair pay, and include environmental restoraon. All things that are so important to me.Although somemes the price tag for jewelry made by arsan jewelers like myself is a lile higher than what you would nd in your local shopping mall, you’ll have more control over choosing a ring that has a lower social and environmental impact. You can nd Emily Chelsea’s beauful collecon of ready-made engagement and wedding jewelry, as well as custom-designed jewels, here: www.emilychelsea.com

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DWH | 35When Erica and Celeste rst met, it was through exes. It wasn’t ideal at the me, but aer working through how they were both feeling, they knew that everything was meant to happen for a reason. They’ve been virtually inseparable ever since. Celeste spent me in Hawaii aer high school and at a liberal arts school formed some of her most important relaonships, parcularly with Isaac and Sheyna, her two best friends. Erica knew that she couldn’t propose without their help. Erica planned a trip to Hawaii, inving their best friends from Utah to come along as well. Isaac, who is a musician, had a gig on one of the nights they were vising - the perfect cover. He invited the lovers and their friends to the gig and at a certain point in his set, started playing Celeste and Erica’s ‘song’. About halfway through the song, he paused, and Erica stood up and got down on one knee. She’d also arranged for Celeste’s family to be on Faceme so that they were truly surrounded by the people most special to them. Although these lovers have been together for nine years, they spent just three months planning their perfect wedding day. They chose Bear Lake as the desnaon. It was the place where Erica and Celeste had taken their very st getaway as a young couple, and it’s been a place that they’ve always been drawn towards. They’ve found themselves back there mulple mes during their relaonship to recharge, to grieve and to get back in tune with one another when things get a lile tough. For Celeste, nding something to wear was always going to be stress-free - she had just planned to nd something simple online. However, her younger sister was determined for her to have a bridal shop experience and swily booked an appointment. It was a blessing in disguise, and even she was surprised at how many gowns she fell in love with and felt beauful in. Erica wanted to feel beauful, comfortable and herself, and together the couple decided that a t-shirt and suit, accessorized with some custom jewelry, was enrely her. Most of the decor was done by the couple, with help from their loved ones, in the lead up to the big day. Celeste’s oldest brother built their triangle wedding arch from locally sourced wood, and the rugs, candlescks, glass globes and lighng were all collected along the wedding planning journey. They even had their best friends marry them. They did away with any pressures of expectaons for the day and stuck true to who they are as a couple. Their day was enrely centered around their love story and everything they wanted the day to celebrate. Every detail was intenonal. Erica and Celeste walked down the aisle to Amel Larrieux’s ‘Make Me Whole,’ sung by Celeste’s best friend. And although during vows, it was hard for both the lovers to keep their emoons together, it was those moments that they will never forget. And, in an impeccably styled cabin in Bear Lake Idaho, with 75 of their most-loved people, they celebrated. They celebrated their love and their commitment to always walk through life together side by side, never giving up on the other.

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DWH | 38It was September of 2016- fall term had just started, and my last class on Monday was Leadership. This was a class that was required of any member of the Associated Student Government, which I was a part of. Typically, this class was only lled with said ASG members, but in this parcular term, that was not the case. I walked into that new classroom, recognizing my peers that I got to work with when my eyes shied to the only seat available, which was next to someone with slicked-back hair and sporty clothes on. When she turned around to look at me as I approached the seat, I felt my heart drop right onto the oor, and me stop. Convinced that everyone heard and saw it fall, I quickly shued to my seat beside her. The rst thing that got me was that big, bright smile; next were her amber eyes, resembling those of a lioness. I always felt at ease and safe near her. We bantered back and forth, ooh-ing and aah-ing at how many crazy things we had in common unl the class had to interrupt us and begin. That was only the beginning. I can’t pinpoint a date when I knew that my feeling for Megan were more, though I wish I could. I do remember nocing how much I would miss her when we were apart, how I wanted to be near her all of the me, and how my heart felt when she’d message me or smile at me. Whenever something went wrong, she was who I wanted to turn to rst, and when I had something to celebrate, I wanted to celebrate it beside her. When I would think about my future, she was who I spent it with, and all of the love songs became about her. We became close almost instantaneously and would create any excuse we could just to be in the company of the other person. I was in denial of my feelings for a while because I had a hard me believing that Megan could possibly have feelings for me, but also I was in denial because of how I grew up and the complexity of the situaon [me freshly being in a straight-passing relaonship with a man]. I was in foster care from about 11 to 18, and the home I was in for the majority of that me was very religious, and many homophobic comments were made. I was struggling back then with my sexuality, but had to hide it and ignore it. When rumors at my school spread that I was bisexual, and my guardians found out, they were furious and asked me if it was true; I had to lie to survive and avoid punishment. From then on, my sexuality would try to surface, and I’d stu it deeper and deeper away; afraid of facing the truth. So when I began to fall for Megan (and HARD), my mind was at war with itself. On the one hand, this woman was everything I could ever hope for and want in a partner, and then on the other, I was absolutely terried of coming out, and the thought of who I would lose in the process was scary to fathom. On Christmas of 2016, Megan sent me a poem she wrote about me, and admied her feelings for me, and my stomach was in knots. I was aered, excited, surprised, and scared. A few days later, we met at our usual café hang spot, and talked about it all. I admied my feelings for her, but that I didn’t think I was ready to be out, and felt conicted because I also felt guilty about having these feelings while in a relaonship. Megan was aered, excited, surprised, and sad. She, righully so, didn’t want to be the secret, and so we were stuck. We wanted so badly to be together, but it just felt so close but so out of reach. Aer Megan and I had our deep conversaon about us and our feelings, I gave it a lot of thought and was just about ready to break it o with the guy I was dang, when another wrench got thrown into it all: I found out I was pregnant. I had always wanted to be a mom, so I thought maybe this was some sort of sign that this was what I was supposed to do, what my life was supposed to look like.MARRIED TO A MAN & IN LOVE WITH A WOMANWords by Kayla

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DWH | 39Megan was devastated when I told her, because she wanted that to be her that I was having a child with. Once I told my boyfriend, and then his family, they were like, “well, you guys goa get married!” and so we started planning. I was thrilled to be pregnant and so excited to be a mom; it was something I dreamt about since I was lile. During this me, I felt so confused. I was parally blinded by the excitement of a baby and a wedding, but also sll wanng Megan around all the me. She began to slowly pull away, because it became too hard for her, which I understood and felt awful for. We would sll hang out for hours on end, mulple mes a week, and I sll loved every moment we got to be together. When we were apart, we were constantly texng one another. We would say that, above all, we cared deeply for one another and wanted to at least remain friends; we hated the thought of losing one another. But, I knew the end was coming. And in June, aer I got married, it did. Megan stopped answering my messages, and we stopped hanging out, and just like that, we were strangers. And then, my then-husband and I began having marital problems. We tried several books, talking to others, to each other, and nothing seemed to x it. I stopped caring, and I did not feel wanted. In the end, we were just not meant to be. I don’t usually dream or remember my dreams, but I dreamt about Megan during this me. Everything reminded me of her, and I was so sad, and felt guilty for feeling all of these feelings again, while being married. I cried a lot, I would get angry, but that did not last long because I just missed her.And then we slowly started talking again, and eventually hung out. By hangout #2, it was like no me had stopped. All of those feelings, memories, and everything ooded back, but in a more intense way. We talked again about what had happened between us in the past and admied that we never really stopped loving one another. I eventually ended up coming out to my now-ex-husband and his family, moved out, and started my own life; this me, with Megan in it. In the beginning, when I was going through the divorce and custody agreement, I was kind of a wreck, and I was super thankful for Megan in those mes because I lost a lot of people in this whole process, and having her as a constant was super comforng. Since moving in together, and being able to be us, and together, I have felt so free and at peace. I am the happiest I have ever been, I feel safest in her arms, and she is who I want to wake up next to for the rest of my life, who I want to drink coee with at 7:00 at night, to laugh with, and conquer the world beside. When she asked me to marry her, I felt like I needed to be pinched, because all I ever wanted was to marry her, spent our lives together, and create our own legacy to pass down to our kids. And it is all happening before my eyes, it’s like a movie or book, and I sll can’t somemes believe, that this is my life. I am so blessed. Megan says she was confused back then because she couldn’t understand why it had to happen the way it did; us loving each other but not being able to be together. We were [and are!] perfect for each other, but it felt like the world was against us for whatever reason. But, since being together now, it makes sense why it had to happen the way it did. We both learned a lot in the me apart, and it made us stronger for one another. She says she’s the happiest she’s ever been, has never laughed so much in her life, and can’t wait for us to spend our lives together.

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DWH | 43On a sunrise hike up the headland of Noosa, through a whole bundle of nerves, Liz blurted out ‘will you marry me?’. Emily’s response, ‘of course I’ll marry you!’. They spent the next twelve months planning their wedding day. Emily and Liz set their visions on a low-key, high-fun wedding - more of a love celebraon meets dance party meets cheese-eang shindig. Because brunching together has become a Saturday morning ritual, they chose one of their favorite Melbourne spots, Lile Henri, to host the aair. Emily loves to DIY, although much to Liz’s annoyance, hates nishing projects. Wedding DIY projects went to much the same eect. Immediately aer deciding on a color scheme of their favorite colors, yellow and pink, Emily decided it would be a fantasc excuse to make hundreds of pom-poms. Several iteraons of what they would actually be used for came and went, but ulmately they realized that there just wasn’t the space for them. The savvy brides turned them into a ridiculous collar and lead for their adopted greyhound, Toast. It turns out that DIY weddings aren’t for everyone. Wedding days are oen imperfectly perfect, and that’s precisely Emily & Liz’s experience. They had it all; rain-soaked muddy gowns, panicked phone calls between bridesmaids about logiscal errors, their dog nearly running onto a road, a tear in the bodice of Liz’s dress, both brides tripping up the stairs in the aisle, vendors mixing up their names, a case of a disappearing cake, and drunken guests geng inappropriate. You really couldn’t make up some of the stu that the newlyweds encountered. Their biggest mistake was relying on Uber to get from the rst look locaon to the venue. Six bridesmaids and two brides in full gowns standing in mud on the side of the road was far too stressful - looking back, they wish they’d hired a couple of cars. But, for Emily and Liz, something magical was felt when they looked into their lover’s face, moments aer placing a ring on her nger with the blurred faces of everyone they love cheering in the background. The mistakes just didn’t, and don’t, maer because love won. There were plenty of moments that will never be forgoen. Like during the ceremony where their celebrant, Precious, had organized a sweet surprise. Emily and Liz had let it slip to Precious that they were huge rom-com fans, and so Precious arranged for the couple to have their very own rom-com moment. A list of 23 things Emily loved about Liz was randomly distributed amongst the crowd and readout, one by one, by all their favorite people. The speeches by their maids of honor were also phenomenal; every guest was taken on a rollercoaster of tears, laughter, and joyfulness. And, the rst dance, where it felt like they were the only two people in the room, but they were, in fact, surrounded by their loved ones singing Taylor Swi’s ‘Lover.’Then, their band, White Tree Band, totally brought the party vibe - a vendor that they were so desperate to make work for the day. The danceoor was full well into the night. Although being married might be a boring, government-sanconed legally-binding agreement, Emily and Liz are honored and thrilled to have it. To have their love, friendship, and family recognized in the eyes of the law is a privilege she won’t ever forget, and they thank all the LGBTQIA+ folks before them who paved the way for their parcular union.

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DWH | 49Epic white weddings with hundreds of guests and a six-gure budget are making way for the “micro wedding” trend. The micro wedding, typied by single-digit guest lists and inmate ceremonies, are fast becoming the celebraon du jour for couples valuing authencity over grandeur. I mean, how romanc is the thought of having just a ny handful of wedding guests, people who you are most close to, your biggest love cheerleaders, there with you when you e the knot?As a custom jeweler who some may describe as a bit unconvenonal, I am working with more and more couples who either elope or get married with just their family and close friends in aendance. They want their wedding to be about them, and don’t care for ashy aairs and blingy engagement rings. Instead, they want their special day to be authenc, meaningful, and full of fun memories. Generally, couples opt for a micro wedding because they’re keen to have a stress-free, drama-free event where they can enjoy themselves and the company of their favorite people. As a bonus, micro weddings usually cost less, which means couples can focus on personalized details like unusual venues and handcraed wedding and engagement rings. It also means that fewer couples are heading into marriage in debt, something that you will be super thankful that you did later on down the track.However, to pull o an epic mico-wedding of your own, there are a few things to keep in mind. Keep the guest list smallStart with the ve most important people in your lives. If that doesn’t cover it, allow ve more. Don’t just include people because they would be upset if they weren’t invited; instead, ask yourself, ‘would I be sad if they weren’t there?’ It’s easy to add one person to the list and then feel guilty about not inving the ten other people in that social circle, so be selecve. Remember that no one else, not your family or your friends, can dictate who you want there on the big day. Hold strong to that one. Weddings are notorious for bringing out [well-intenoned, I’m sure] opinions of others.Get creave with your venueWith fewer people, it’s easier to be exible with your locaon. Go beyond the tradional wedding venues and think about your favorite restaurants, bars and places that mean something to you as a couple. This could be the park where you had your rst kiss or the place where you had your rst date. Somemes the most untradional places are where you’ll get the best photos. Having fewer people to cater for may also mean that you can have the desnaon wedding you’ve been dreaming of! Take your favorite people with you and have the kind of wedding you would never have been able to with a hundred guests in tow. Put your money where your heart isWith couples spending an average of more than $30k on their weddings, micro weddings empower couples to spend their cash on the things that maer most to them. For you, this might mean great photographs that capture memories you’ll back on years down the track, or a bespoke ring that is completely customized to you and your partner’s shared history.As a jeweler, the most interesng rings are those that feature hidden symbols that lovers can keep secret or choose to share. I love subtle references to the place you met, memories you hold dear, or quirky symbols that mean the world to you both. There’s nothing quite like a personalized piece of story-telling jewellery you can carry with you every day of your married life.THE RISE OF MICRO WEDDINGSWords by Fairina Cheng, of Fairina Cheng Jewellery www.fairinachengjewellery.com

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DWH | 55It wasn’t a secret that Mic was going to propose to Alysha, soon. In fact, Alysha helped with details of the ring, but the nal design wasn’t revealed unl the jeweler shared an image of the ring on Instagram - before Mic had a chance to give it to Alysha. There were big plans for a proposal, but right there on the couch while they were watching TV together seemed like the perfect moment. Wedding planning was somemes stressful; it isn’t easy to plan a wedding in just eight months. For Alysha and Mic, a wedding day that represented them, nothing formal but also nothing boring, was most important. A full vegan menu was also important, and Three Blue Ducks went above and beyond, most guests had no idea that everything [including the cake!] was vegan-friendly. The industrial look and vibe of the venue was perfect for their evening aair. For Mic, nding an ouit was easy; she found a velvet jacket online for the rst ouit and had a custom suit created by Shane Ave. However, Alysha dreamed of a long sleeve velvet jumpsuit to wear under a tulle skirt she’d fallen in love with and lined up a designer to make it happen. That designer le it all to the last minute, and unfortunately, it just wasn’t the jumpsuit that Alysha envisioned. Two weeks before the wedding day she found herself francally trying to nd something that matched the color of the skirt and found a top online - four days before the wedding. Thankfully, the drama of wedding ouits didn’t follow through to the wedding day [apart from a franc loop back to grab a bra and a 30-minute delay in the ceremony to get said bra]. Alysha and Mic’s sisters, who were bridesmaids on the day, gathered together in the hotel for the morning. It was the relaxed start to the day the couple had hoped for.Instead of heading straight into the ceremony, the lovers decided that they’d spend me together before the ceremony, calm their nerves, and have portraits photographed. It was a much-needed dose of quality me before the shenanigans of the wedding. It was also an excuse for two dierent ouits; one for before the ceremony, and another for the ceremony and recepon. Aer spending me together having portraits with their photographer, Fox & Kin, the bridesmaids and the couple head across to Hive Bar, the very same place the nearly-weds had their rst date back in 2017. With celebratory margaritas in hand, it was an opportunity to take a moment and reect before the hysteria of the evening began. They each changed into their ceremony ouits, which were kept a surprise by some cheeky but clever bridesmaids. Mic wore a suit, and tulle skirt and top for Alysha. They all then head to the venue, Three Blue Ducks, where just over 100 of their family and friends where waing to witness the lovers speak their vows and make their relaonship legally a marriage. Aer a vegan feast, but before things got too rowdy on the danceoor, the couple were led to a now-empty ceremony area by their photographer. Taking me to cuddle together under the festoon lighng and stars as newly pronounced wife and wife, is one of the newlyweds’ favorite moments to look back on. And, although marriage hasn’t really changed anything for Alysha and Mic, it has solidied their commitment. Their commitment to never give up on one another, to always be each other’s best friend, and lover. Their commitment to always protect each other when they’re most vulnerable, hands held walking through life together.

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DWH | 59The wedding day is just that, a day. What comes aer that is a new chapter in your relaonship together, as a married couple. It is so easy, incredibly easy, to get caught up in wedding planning. It’s fun, excing, and the prospect of having all your favorite people in the one room to celebrate your wedding is oen a once in a lifeme opportunity. But, being a married couple oen comes with a few more complexies. Bank accounts might merge, and signicant nancial decisions become joint decisions. Depending on where you’re from, savings and debts you each had before the union also combine. There are changes to health care insurances, tax benets...the list goes on. Doing life together, legally married, means that there will be good and bad mes. Boundaries will need to be set, and together, you’ll need to gure out how to grow as individuals alongside one another. So, while you’re caught up guring out which family member to invite or which color of napkin you’d love to grace on every plate, it can be easy to forget that what you’re really planning is more than just a wedding day. The wedding day is more of a ‘beginning your marriage’ party - so to speak. Overall, you’re planning a marriage and making a vow to the future together.A long, healthy, and [hopefully] successful marriage together. It’s essenal in the wedding planning process that you sit down together to talk about how the legalies of marriage will change your relaonship. Ask each other how you’re feeling about it all, and if things are overwhelming, it might be benecial to see a therapist, together or solo, to discuss the concerns. You want to set yourselves up for the very best start to a marriage possible. Talk about what a successful marriage looks like, talk openly about your expectaons within a marriage, and where you see yourself in ve, ten, twenty years. When you’re planning the celebraons, try not to get carried away. It should be a day that is memorable, memorable in a way that is authenc to you and your partner. Planning weddings are hard, but on the ip side, they can be excellent tools for learning how to communicate together beer, budget appropriately, listen, compromise and make joint decisions - all skills that will be important in a marriage. Take the pressure o yourselves to make it the best day of your lives. You’re planning for the future, and there will absolutely be days that are just as incredible in your journey through life together. And those people that you have meculously invited to your now ‘beginning your marriage’ party, they’re the people that you will likely lean on when things get tough and celebrate with when things are incredible. They’re your community, your biggest love champions. The most important thing to remember when wedding planning is if you’re planning for a phenomenal marriage, there is no doubt that you’ll have a phenomenal wedding day.PLANNING A MARRIAGE...not just a wedding day

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DWH | 63Kira had all good intenons when it came to making the day she proposed one of the most romanc of their lives. They had planned a trip to Queenstown, New Zealand, together for Kira’s birthday and rented a picture-perfect coage with a replace and incredible views of Lake Wakapu and the surrounding mountains. There was even a helicopter ride planned. Kira had planned a speech; it was about a page long. However, it was only during the second paragraph, just when she happened to menon their dog, Lyla, and how much they loved their pup, that she burst into sobs. She couldn’t contain the emoons. Anne began to laugh at the ming of the sobs, and consequently distracted herself from what was actually happening at the moment. Kira presented a ring but had to ask the queson again so that Anne could contain herself. It was imperfect, but so them. They began planning a smaller wedding, 40 guests maximum. There were ideals of holding the wedding in a nice lodge, somewhere picturesque, somewhere that would require travel and overnight stay, but their family didn’t take to the idea. They compromised and extended their guest list to 62. It did mean that Anne and Kira now had to consider something dierent from what they had inially hoped for. They found The Gardens Club right in the center of Brisbane city, an oasis if you will. The recepon needed to be held elsewhere, and for the couple, it was love at rst sight when they walked into The Calile. The impressive architecture, the design, and ambiance was a contrast to their ceremony locaon, in all the right ways. The wedding was inspired by the color palee from both the contrasng venues and the season. For anyone unfamiliar with a Brisbane winter, it feels the same as an autumn day for most. Oranges, sandstones, greens, and touches of gold the perfect blend to set the tone. For Kira, there was a short-lived xaon with creang her own arbor. With an idea of a feature hexagon arbor in mind, Kira took to the internet for DIY instrucons - how hard could it really be? Aer a lot of me spent on Google and Youtube, pages of notes, mulple trips to a local hardware store, and seven or so hours of intensive work, it just wasn’t quite right. Turned out, the wedding stylist had one, ready to go, all along. Crisis averted. Anne and Kira decided that spending the night together before the big day was best. They both sleep beer next to one another and expecng to have a restless night with excited nerves, it was best to at least have the comfort of one another. In the morning, the separated, spent me with their families, and got ready. They opted out of a pre-ceremony reveal, and instead kept true to the tradion of rst seeing one another when they met at the aisle. Procession order wasn’t a hard choice. They had decided early in their relaonship that whoever had the courage to propose would choose the last name they would take. Since Kira had proposed, and Anne was to take Kira’s name, it made sense to have Anne walk towards Kira at the altar as a symbol of taking her last name. Aer being pronounced married, they head back to the Calile, where the room already had an incredible vibe. There were speeches, there were tears, and there were lots of quesonable dance moves thrown onto the dance oor. It was everything that Anne and Kira had dreamt it would be.

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DWH | 69Who is Amanda, tell us a lile bit about you!Honest, no-bullshit. A delicate balance of charismac and awkward AF. Fairly tomboyish and struggling to get past the classic T-shirt and mom jeans combo. Not excellent at expressing emoon, but I’ll oen bust a tear or two during the vows. My current endeavors include trying to keep plants and herbs alive, living a healthy, rounded lifestyle, and learning how to cook more than tacos and pasta. What sparked your interest in becoming a wedding photographer?My love for being behind a camera and my absolute boredom with taking landscape or architectural photos. There’s a certain nostalgia to capturing people in a brief moment in me. When I realized how much I loved going through our old family albums [I sll do every me I go home], I knew I should pursue it. Wedding photography allows me to play a small part in that cycle, freezing a moment for you to come back to years later. What do you love most about being able to capture weddings and engagements?Honestly, it’s always all about the people. I love that people trust me to tell a narrave for them, nding people that I connect with well enough to get what they’re all about. I would have lile to no love for photography if it weren’t for the people in the photos. What is a typical day for Amanda Aon Photography?It’s far from glamorous, and it’s a bit unstructured at the moment. I wake up around eight, have a slow breakfast and coee, then meander to my desk in my trackies and spend the rest of the day shiing between eding, e-mails, and Instagram, and every couple days tweaking my already perfectly funconal website. My chiro tells me I need to get up more during the day and drink more water instead of coee, but it’s a work in progress. I love being at weddings and being with people, but shoong a full wedding is such a socially and mentally “on” acvity, being sll and solitary in my own space for most of the week is a necessary creave recharge. Give us your top three ps for a couple, when looking to book a photographer.One: Find a photographer who you connect with, at some level. Your photographer, unlike most of your other wedding vendors, spends almost the whole day with you and needs to feel some sense of connecon in order to tell a story that’s unique to you and your celebraon.Two: Look for a photographer whose work gets you excited! You’ll have your wedding photos forever, and loving their work means you’ll connect with your images for years to come.Three: Do a lile bit of extra research and look at full wedding days. Blogs usually give you a beer idea of how the whole day will look, while Instagram can be incredibly curated. Make sure your photographer has your back in all dierent lighng situaons and can document your memories during even the chaoc parts of the day. Lastly, is there a wedding that you’ve photographed that will stay with you always? Tell us about it.Honestly, no, there’s not one. There are parts of weddings that will stay with me always! Anyme a couple walks down the aisle together, lile kiddos who get to be there when parents get married, certain couples who tell me they hate being in photos and are so madly into each other they couldn’t give two shits about me being there, that one story in the speeches that probably shouldn’t have been told, among others. I wouldn’t even feel right remembering one couple’s story above all the others, because they’re all so beaufully unique, but I love remembering the best parts of each one.MEET, AMANDA AFTON PHOTOGRAPHYContributed by Amanda Afton, Amanda Afton Photographywww.amandaaftonphotography.com

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DWH | 73Dee and Sarah made a joint decision to get engaged. Sarah wanted a tradional diamond engagement ring, and Dee a wooden ring to have as her engagement ring, and a dierent ring for her wedding band. Together they went to a local jeweler and picked out the diamond ring. Dee had secretly asked to tell Sarah that the ring would be ready two weeks aer it actually was - it gave her just enough me to plan a surprise proposal. And, on a typical Saturday morning, while walking their dog Moose, Dee popped the queson. Sarah, through tears of joy, exclaimed, ‘yes!’ Dee had organized for friends to set up a ‘just engaged’ romanc brunch for two at their home while they were out - a complete surprise to Sarah once they returned home. Sarah had already goen a ring for Dee, and although she thought she needed more me to plan something, it just felt right. In their kitchen at home got down on one knee and spoke from the heart. The decision to elope wasn’t the rst to come to mind. Dee and Sarah were engaged in September and started looking at local wedding venues in October. There weren’t plans to buy a home together unl the most perfect Cape Cod style home appeared on Zillow. They closed the house in November and essenally depleted their enre savings account. When they started to talk about wedding opons a few months later, the various opons they came up with just didn’t sit right. The lovers both had family spread across the United States that would need to travel, and there was an uneasiness towards building up their savings for several years only to spend it all again on one single day. So, Dee and Sarah decided to elope while on vacaon in California. Telling their parents of their plans was easy, although endowed with nerves. Dee knew that her Mom had always dreamt of seeing her daughter walk down the aisle. They each told their parents before the wedding and told friends and family in the days that followed the wedding before sharing the news on social media. The outpouring of love and congratulaons was immense; there was not an ounce of dissapointment. The enre elopement was kept prey simple and low key. They had a slow morning together, enjoyed coee on the porch, and took in what the day was about to bring. When hair and makeup arrived, Dee and Sarah said goodbye to each other and strategically stayed in opposite ends of their Airbnb. They sent each other several leers throughout the day, and Dee had owers and Sarah’s favorite Starbucks drink delivered too. With their best friends, they arrived at the beach separately and met up with their photographer and ociant, who arranged the rst look. Shortly aer, the ceremony began. Right before Dee read her vows, she pulled two handkerchiefs out of her pocket, on for each of them that read, “for your happy tears - Sara and Deanna 7.30.19.” Dee lead with her vows, stang that when she started falling in love with Sarah that rst summer she had asked her to, ‘meet me in another universe’ because she couldn’t imagine a world where they could be together. They both had struggled through discovering their sexuality together when they rst met. She proudly expressed that she was so glad they had the courage to fall in love with each other and make that universe a reality.

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DWH | 77So you’ve decided that you want to have a wedding party and you’ve selected the handful of people that you couldn’t imagine marrying the love of your life without being by your side. You’ve popped thought up the most perfect way to ask them to be a part of your big day. And they say, yes! A few months down the track, they come to you and let you know that while they are honored that you’ve asked them to be a part of your day, they’re really worried that they can’t aord it. And it is a valid response. The wedding party is pung in the hours to make your day come to life and then on top of that, and they are oen lugged with a few extra things that they can’t aord; dresses, shoes, hair and makeup, a bach party...the list goes on. So, before you have to have any awkward conversaons, here are a few things you can do to help reduce those costs that fall back on your favorite people. Be exible with their ouitsMismatched wedding party are is a trend that is here to stay; make use that! Let your wedding party choose their own ouits. If you want to spulate a color palee, do that, but let your people choose something that is within their budget and something that they could get more use out of than just the one day. This one also extends to shoes. Pick a color, and let people do their own shopping! The best part about being exible on are, it’ll mean that your wedding party will all feel comfortable and condent in what they’re wearing on the day - and you won’t have to worry about nding are that suits all the body shapes that make up your wedding party. Make professional hair and makeup oponalProfessional hair and makeup can usually cost a whole lot more that you might ancipate, generally somewhere between $100-$200 per person, and that can be a lot of cash for some people! If you’ve got someone that is handy with a foundaon brush or the curling wand, then maybe having them help out is a good idea. Or, just let everyone do their hair and makeup themselves on the day. Try to cut down on travel and accommodaon costsThere will probably be a few dates where your wedding party will need to show up; the engagement party, the ouit choosing, the bach party, the rehearsal, etc. and that generally translates to money spent on travel and accommodaon opons. Also, let people know well in advance if they will need to travel, so they have the opportunity to get plane ckets and a bed to sleep in at a good price. If you can, try and group together dierent events, do that! Maybe you could plan a trip to try on ouits the day aer your engagement party? Or, the bach party could be the night before you have your wedding rehersal? Say no to wedding gisAer the planning, aer they’ve brought an ouit and pulled together an epic bach party, and stood beside you on a very important day, it’d almost seem unfair to also expect a wedding gi from them. While there will be some people who feel guilty about showing up without a gi in hand, assure them that their presence is your present, that they have already gone above and beyond and that you don’t expect anything more.HOW TO SAVE YOUR WEDDING PARTY MONEYIt’s an honor, but it can be expensive

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DWH | 79TO THE MOON AND BACKI love the way you smile. I love the way your hands feel wrapped around my body. I love the way you feel like home. I love your eyes. I love how thoughtful you are. I love how much fun we have together. I love the way we communicate. I love how much we challenge one another to be better versions of ourselves. I love it when you tickle me to sleep. I love that we have created our own meaning of what family is. I love that we dream of a future side by side. I love that we have built a home together. I love the way you look at me and embrace me when I get home from work. I love that I’ve never laughed like I have with you. I love it when we cook together. I love that you are patient. I love that you are kind. I love that you care so much about the people who you love most. I love the way that you read my mind. I love the feeling I get when you call me just to say hello. I love that we miss one another, even if it has only been a few hours apart. I love that there is never judgment. I love that you push me to achieve more than I ever thought I could. I love that you believe in me. I love the little wrinkles around your eyes when you smile. I love out dreams are in line. I love that I am supported. I love the way you fold up my clothes. I love that you inspire me. I love that I can just be myself around you. I love that you make me feel safe. I love all these things and more about you. I want to always walk by your side in life. I love you. Will you marry me?

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I decided that I wanted to surprise Jen with a proposal on our one yearanniversary because it was the only way I could plan something and itnot seem suspicious. I let her know that I was planning an awesomeanniversary celebraon with dinner and a show. I made an appointmentfor her hair, nails and make up [I knew she would have killed me if I didnot make sure her mani was fresh!] and the anniversary was a great cover.I went to meet Jen’s parents to ask for their blessing, and once I had that Iwent straight to planning. I wanted to have the proposal be inmate withjust us but I knew that Jen would want our friends and family close by. TheHunngton Beach Pier on a Saturday was a perfect way to disguise ourfriends and family but sll giving them a great view of ‘the show’.I had been watching the weather for weeks leading up to the day sinceit was happening on the beach. 24 hours before the proposal a randomthunder and lightning storm came out of nowhere. IT DID NOT STOP rainingfor the enre day before and into Saturday. I was checking my weather appevery minute, so worried it would ruin all of the plans. My mom boughta canopy tent as a backup plan and they had it over our picnic set up toprotect it from the rain.I had all of our closest friends [many who ew in from out of town to bethere to celebrate with us] helping get the set-up complete. I put togethermy vision of this beauful boho beach picnic right next to the lifeguardtower. My dad built the picnic table, my college roommates made anamazing cheese board and set up the picnic, my brother, sister and momwere raking the sand, moving the trash cans so they would be out of ourview and removing the seaweed so the beach would be picture perfect. Ialso had a videographer and photographer pretending to be people on thebeach so they could capture the ‘yes’ moment.It stopped raining ve minutes before Jen and I showed up and it was themost epic sunset of all me. It sll gives me chills just thinking about it.KIRSTEN & JENPhotography: Brogan Jessup Photography

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The planning process was denitely a secret. Despite being anunconvenonal relaonship for both of our religious families, we sll valuesome aspects of a tradional proposal and marriage. We had discussed afuture and family, so it only felt natural that choosing marriage was thenext step for us.
The original proposal plan didn’t quite come to fruion. Let’s just say thatI’d planned for it to consist of a lady shaman, clay massage, and a picnic ona beauful clear-blue private cenote with oponal paddle boarding. Cut tous stuck at a mezcal bar in the thick of a thunderstorm, Kathleen yelling,“This thunderstorm is so beauful!” and me simultaneously looking outtoward the road closures. Funny isn’t quite the word.
Despite the unexpected turn in the weather, Tulum was the perfect placeto propose. We love the beaufully rusc yet boho-chic lifestyle of thecommunity in Tulum. We had frequented those white sand beaches andfell in love with them repeatedly. It’s been our go-to oasis for years.
On the last day of our vacaon, our breakfast table happened to be wherewe sat the rst me we ever visited Tulum. It just felt right and natural,just like our love!
The ring belonged to Kathleen’s Grandmother. It was imperave for us tohave family involvement and blessing from our parents. Coming out to ourfamilies was met with no shortage of contenon, so the ring will always bea symbol of progress and uncondional love.
The engagement was a way to reinforce our commitment and love, bothto ourselves and to our family and friends. It was followed by a hugeoutpouring of love and excitement. Not only are we nding that theengagement has given us the opportunity [and excuse!] to delve intoquality memories we’ve shared, but we’ve enjoyed a fair few engagementcelebraons along the way.KATHLEEN & JESSPhotography: Chasewild

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DWH | 82We’ve been together for four years, and we met while working at Subway when we were 15 and 16 years old! I disnctly remember showing up for work and nocing this cute new girl- we took an order together and clicked instantly. We were so young, neither of us knew that we were anything other than straight, but we’ve been inseparable ever since. Since we are sll quite young, it was certainly a discussion as to whether or not we wanted to wait unl we were older, more nancially stable, etc., before we looked to get married. Early on in our relaonship Chloe called ‘dibs’ on proposing, whenever it was to happen. Once we started living on our own together, it felt like a natural next step, and we denitely discussed it oen. Many people have a certain idea of what the ring should cost or should look like, but aer giving it some thought, we decided just to pick our favorite ones [within reason- we didn’t want to break the bank!]. At one point, the salesperson even suggested that we go for the more expensive opon because our ‘boyfriends’ were paying - the joys of being stereotyped! Our rings actually ended up being on the less expensive side, and we feel that they are just as beauful as their pricier alternaves. Once we felt we were on the same page about waing or not waing, we went shopping and purchased our rings together. Aer that point, I had no hand in the planning and let Chloe take the reins. We decided there would sll be a bit of a surprise, as I knew it would be coming but didn’t know when. Chloe proposed in the living room of our apartment, and this was really special. We moved into our rst home together in March, and it has denitely become our happy place, so it was really sweet to me that she chose to propose there. I feel like there is a lot of pressure to choose somewhere extravagant or adventurous, but this felt so much more ‘us.’ASHLEY & CHLOEPhotography: April Evelyn Photography

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Lo was working on an elopement wedding at the Grand Canyon, and I gotto tag along. I gured I might as well take advantage of the trip; we had afew days to explore aer Lo was done with work.
I had the ring hidden in my backpack, and normally Lo doesn’t get anythingout of my bag because she claims I am a mess, and she can’t nd anything.We stopped at the infamous Whataburger, and it was packed, so we ateoutside. It was a bit chilly, and I had a jacket in my bag, so Lo oered to getit out. I had a mini freak out and insisted she couldn’t look in my bag. Shesaw an Amazon order from a few weeks before that I wouldn’t let her see,so she just assumed she had a small gi in there. Disaster avoided.
When we went to a lookout point at the Grand Canyon to take somephotos Lo had no idea what ‘the money shot’ meant unl she nallylooked down and saw the ring. She had no idea it was coming, and herface was priceless.
I would always joke that she was engaged and I had a girlfriend. So shestepped up to the plate and about six weeks later insisng that we neededanother photo strip from the photo booth to add to our collecon. Shewas acng weird but, I had no idea unl on the second photo she whippedout a ring and asked me to be her wife. I was shocked!
We were planning a big wedding with all of our family and friends; however,it quickly became overwhelming. When Lo got the call to work a friend’swedding in Utrecht, Holland, we decided to make a wedding out of it.
We took our wedding budget and planned an epic 18-day trip throughEurope. We had a private ceremony with just us and a photographerand spent the day running around the city. We nished the nightsipping champagne while we watched the Eiel Tower sparkle. Technically we are already married, but we’ll be celebrang with a bigrecepon someme next year - surrounded by all our favorite people.LAUREN & TAY LORPhotography: Samantha Lowe Photo

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DWH | 91Cydney and Jordan had only just moved to Seale when they started to plan their wedding. Salish Lodge was the rst and the last place they visited. Once they saw the view right on top of Snoqualmie Falls, they knew that the venue was perfect. With a simplisc but elegant style in mind, Jordan got to the DIY projects. She hand-leered on marble les to serve as table sengs and on an empty photo frame sketched a welcome sign. She made books where they wrote their vows and tags and labels for their wedding favors [which was honey from the hives at the venue]. Her favorite project was a lile corsage collar she made for their dog. When it came to nding the perfect ouits, Cydney and Jordan wanted to share the experience. They both come from conservave states and weren’t sure what to expect when they went shopping together for gowns - but the experience was nothing short of wonderful. They were welcomed into the bridal salon with open arms. Having shopped together for gowns, it meant that their ouits complemented one another perfectly. On the wedding day, things didn’t go to plan. The day started out slowly. The brides got ready together, had their hair and makeup done, and soaked in the enormity of what the day ahead held. The ceremony went by in a blur. Childhood friends, siblings and Cydney’s Grandfather all made memorable speeches - there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Before heading out for sunset pictures below the waterfall with their photographer, Henry, they enjoyed some food with their favorite people. Laughing, as brand new wives, newly married, they started the hike down to the falls. They spent the rest of the aernoon light taking all the photos that they’d been dreaming about since that rst visit to the venue. And, as soon as the sun set, things didn’t quite go as expected. Cydney, Jordan, and Henry found themselves lost hiking back up Snoqualmie Falls in the dark. Taking the mishap in their stride, they hiked through the mud for hours laughing at their misfortune. It was undoubtedly a memorable way to start their marriage. There nal memories of the wedding day are walking back up to their room aer nally making their way back to the venue, covered in mud, to nd each of their Maid of Honors asleep on the oor next to their wedding gis - next to the dinner they had missed out on enjoying. They had missed their enre recepon. And while a lot of people would feel devastated, Cydney and Jordan took it in their stride. They’re both really glad that they chose to have an inmate, small ceremony with only close family and friends. They are thankful that they have the memories of seeing the faces of those they love the most, beaming towards them with love and joy while they shared their vows. To Cydney and Jordan, their wedding felt like their day, not an event that was planned for a bunch of guests. A true celebraon of their commitment to one another. Although they may joke that their marriage is a business arrangement, in actuality, marriage is nothing but an enriched version of the loving partnership that Cydney and Jordan have developed over the last six years together.

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DWH | 97love frly, love whoyPHOTOGRAPHY BY RAINWATER PHOTOGRAPHYwww.rainwater-photography.comCorrie and Kelly didn’t have a typical start to their relaonship. They met through Corie’s ex-girlfriend whohappened to be a server at the same restaurant where Kelly was a chef.
They were friends for a while, then roommates - it made for a solid foundaon. Before long, their true feelingsbubbled to the surface.
Not too long aer they began dang, strapped for cash, Corie borrowed an air maress, brought $80 worth ofsushi, and set up the living room oor with an epic picnic. They watched Star Trek and cuddled with their animals.It’s a simple thing, but also one of their favorite memories together.
However, like all relaonships, there have been ups, and there have been downs. For Corie, there haven’t beenmany mes during their ve years together were they haven’t felt like the sky was falling. Together they’ve lostfamily members, friends and fur babies, but they have always held strong together. Usually laughing; usuallyinappropriately.
There’s been a lot of relearning and communicaon and plenty of undoing of toxic habits carried over from pastrelaonships — all things that have built paence with one another and a strong foundaon.
For Corie, it’s Kelly’s heart that is her favorite thing about her. She has never seen someone have so muchcompassion. Kelly makes a point to know the names of most of downtown’s homeless populaon and alwaysreminds them to be safe. Kelly’s laugh is also one of the most genuine sounds Corie has ever known. Their friendsfrequently say, ‘when Kelly laughs, you can tell down to her toenails that she thinks it’s funny.’
For Kelly, it is Corie’s asserveness that is most aracve. It means that Kelly always knows exactly where shestands, which is something that she has never experienced in a relaonship before. For the rst me, Kelly is alsoexperiencing a relaonship where she feels wholly supported; Corie is always excited when she succeeds and feelscomforted when things are hard.
This styled edit was put together by their wedding planner and happened around the me of their one-yearanniversary.

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DWH | 101There is one part of the wedding night that you might not have even thought about yet, the moment that you leave. And while it isn’t imperave to have a memorable send-o, it can be an awesome way to leave the party and walk into life as a married couple. We asked a few couples who’ve been through it all what those nal moments looked like for them.Emma & JaneThis is going to sound a lile ridiculous, but it is precisely what happened. Some of our wedding party used a temporary white spray paint, wrote ‘just married’ on the back of our car and aached strings of n cans to our tow bar - just like the movies! When the night was winding up, we jumped in our car and drove away - making a huge noise wherever we went!Brandy & NicWe had all of our guests come together in two rows, create an arch, and we made our way through the middle while they blew bubbles over us and ‘Love on Top’ by Beyonce played. We had actually booked a room at the recepon venue, so we made our way upstairs and called it a night. Meagan & MarneWe had our DJ let all our guests know that it was the last dance of the night, and we got down and boogied with everyone! There was plenty of loud singing, an uncle got down and did the worm, and there were plenty of hugs and shoulder shimmies! Then, the lights came on, and we all jumped into the bus that we had booked for everyone and got o at our stop. Amelia & AndieWe had seen so many images on social media of sparkler send-os, and we loved the idea! We wanted our photographer to capture the moment, so we had the send-o and then went and thanked all of our guests for coming along and being a part of the fesvies before slipping away in a cab.Elise & MeganWe had about 104 guests at our wedding, and they proved themselves as quite good at partying! We were exhausted aer such a giganc day, but there were sll plenty of guests kicking on, so we started making our way around thanking everyone for coming, and once we’d got to most guests, we snuck o and called an Uber. Honestly, no one has menoned that they missed us leaving, but everyone is sll talking about having the me of their lives! Jo & SaraWe hadn’t planned anything for a wedding exit; it just wasn’t important to us. However, Sarah pulled the ulmate surprise on Jo and organized to have reworks mark the end of the night! It was just as incredible as you’d imagine. Amy & SashaWe’d thought about a sparkler send-o, however, we were so pre-occupied partying that we totally forgot to do it! Looking back, it absolutely doesn’t maer - we pared with our guests unl 1 am when the venue kicked us out! Most of the guest caught themselves and Uber home, including us, and, of course, we stopped by McDonald’s drive-thru before heading making it back to our hotel. Hayley & StevieThere was no grand exit necessary - we were quite literally the last ones on the danceoor! We could have danced all night long but decided to call it quits before the sun came up and we stumbled over to our Airbnb just up the road from the venue. HOW TO END YOUR WEDDING WITH A BANGHow couples who have been there did it

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DWH | 107These lovers met on Tinder in Minneapolis the summer before their senior year of college. Taylor was home for the summer working at an internship and Kae taking classes at the University of Minnesota. Aer their very rst date, they were infatuated with each other and tried to hang out as much as possible throughout the summer before Taylor went back to school in Omaha. They spent senior year of college taking turns driving six hours to visit one another. The day aer graduaon, Taylor moved back to Minneapolis to be with Kae. That was ve years ago now.Kae and Taylor had discussed, at length, that Kae would be the one to propose. Kae had planned to y both sets of parents out to Denver so that they could all celebrate together over a weekend. However, the rings that they had been looking at together came a lile sooner than expected, and a very impulsive Kae couldn’t wait. She proposed to Taylor less than 24 hours later. Aer a quiet morning together taking the dogs for a walk and doing some yard work, Kae ducked inside to grab the ring. She had planned a big speech but ended up crying and geng down on one knee while Taylor just looked in shock. She, of course, said ‘yes.’ They sll had that party with their families a lile over a month later. Wedding inspiraon came from their venue, the Minneapolis Event Center. For the ceremony, there was already a big courtyard with a bunch of trees and plants, and the recepon space was a big glass atrium. A few exposed beams were styled with greenery to create a rusc but modern vibe. Minimal, but it’s all that was really needed. When it came to nding dresses, they both began the search online. They each booked separate appointments at a&be Bridal, where Taylor fell in love with a gown o the rack, and Kae found the bodice of one dress to combine with a skirt from another to create a one-of-a-kind gown. The night before the wedding, Kae and Taylor hosted a welcome event. It was an opportunity for everyone to get together, share some food and conversaon over drinks. It was also an opportunity for the two brides to thank everyone for coming. The wedding day couldn’t have gone any beer. Both brides got ready in separate rooms next door to one another. This meant that their families were able to come and go, and the ancipaon of the rst look mounted. There were family portraits before the ceremony, and as the open bar opened, their nearest and dearest started to gather for the proceedings. Kae’s Uncle, Andy, ociated their ceremony. Both Kae and Taylor had wrien their own vows - they laughed, and they cried their way through them. It’s safe to say, their love for one another was spilled over everyone in that space. During the ceremony, Taylors Grandpa sang ‘Granted’ by Josh Groban, which allowed the lovers to look around at their guests and really soak up all the love in the room. Once the ceremony concluded, they sat to eat dinner and had a Father-Daughter dance and their rst dance as wife and wife. The newlyweds snuck away for a few photos to catch that sunset light, some of their favorite images to look back on and admire. Heading back the venue, it was me to relax, grab a drink, and dance the night away in celebraon of their new relaonship status.

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DWH | 112SUPERBLOOMFloristSuperbloom began in 2017 as an outgrowth of event designers The Style Co, which means the creaon of good mes is in our DNA. Despite the casual vibes, we’re hopeless design geeks. Less ower children, and more ower engineers. We obsess over every brief and concept, creang maximum bang for bud.www.superbloom.com.auIN AN INSTANT PHOTO BOOTHPhoto BoothAn open air photo booth oering sweet props, killer backdrops and best of all; pure sass. In An Instant is the dream team of sweet mists turning your epic moments into the greatest of memories. Fact. www.inaninstantphotobooth.com.auPAPER JEANStaoneryPaper Jean was born from a love of paper and rened design. We are passionate about sophiscated staonery for the contemporary couple. Our current collecon serves to deliver a range of styles from romanc botanical elements to crisp typography. Let’s begin your staonery conversaon.www.paperjean.com.auTAHNEE JADE PHOTOGRAPHYPhotographyRelaxed and natural documentary-style wedding photographer obsessed with candidly capturing real life love stories. Your wedding embodies all the stories you’ve shared so far, and starts the story of your future. Think of me as providing the beauful, meaningful pictures for this chapter of YOUR story.www.tahneejadephotography.com

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DWH | 113BAKER BOYS BANDEntertainmentThe Baker Boys Band are live music experts and party starters, infusing every event with energy and full dance oors. Their customizable band size allows you to nd the right t for your style & budget. See them perform live!www.bakerboysband.com.auSTUDIO CAKE ARTCakes & DessertsStudio Cake Art based in Melbourne’s West is re-known for unconvenonal cake arstry. Chrisna and her kick-arse cake team meet with the couple to talk all things wedding before curang a design that will t perfectly within the styling of the day.www.studiocakeart.com.auAUSTRALIAALBERT TSE METALSMITHJewelryWe are specialising in non-tradional wedding and engagement rings at Albert Tse Metalsmith. We make all our rings uniquely one-of-a-kind because we believe that we are as unique as we are the same.www.albersemetalsmith.comBMF DESIGNSStaoneryWe are lovers of love, design and beauful staonery, creang aordable and bespoke designs for any occasion. We believe staonery sets the tone for any engagement or wedding and we understand the importance of bringing your ideas to life. www.bmfdesigns.net

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DWH | 114COJ EVENTSPlanner & DesignCOJ Events, owned by wives Cathy O’Connell & Dorry Wynham, specializes in creang LGBTQIA+ Weddings that celebrate love! Desnaon wedding experts based in Palm Springs, CA, COJ Events create unique, creave and joy-lled events across the world.www.cojevents.comTUX COUTUREAreHandcra custom tuxedos for women, Tux Couture oer several style jackets and pants and other accompanying pieces for any body type. Each piece can be customized with a dierent color lining, piping, embroidered message on the inside, etc. If you can dream it, Tux Couture can make it. www.tux-couture.comEPHEMORAStaoneryEphemora oers unique wedding papers, customized for you from our studio in NYC. We want your wedding to dazzle. We’ll help you get there with highly customizable, limited-edion designs that stand out from the crowd. Ephemora is a gender- and relaonship-arming studio. We celebrate love in all its forms.www.ephemora.comL.A ROOTS CATERINGCateringL.A.-based and headed by chef/owner Isaiah Seay, L.A. Roots Catering is devoted to culinary creavity, imaginave ingredients, and familiar yet fantasc avor proles. We believe in simple ingredients, sustainably and locally sourced, organic wherever possible.www.larootscatering.com

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DWH | 115BIXBY + PINEPlanner & DesignWe’re not really on earth for a long me, so it’s Bixby & Pine’s goal to make meaningful relaonships with people & make really rad experiences through their designs and planning. If their philosophy didn’t sell you, they also like tacos, margaritas, The Bachelor and graphic tanks. www.bixbyandpine.comUSASELVAFloristSELVA creates wedding and event owers that are organic, unstructured, unique and abundant. Designs are inspired by the ever-changing seasons, using owering branches and daodils for spring events, lush heirloom garden roses and cafe au lait dahlias in the summer and berries and grasses in the fall and winter.www.selvaoraldesign.comJANE ALEXANDRA EVENTS Planner & DesignJane Alexandra Events is a bouque Wedding Planning company dedicated to creang events inspired by you! We are not here to take over your day we are here to experience it with you, guide you through the process, and help you to design an event with a meless yet fresh aesthec.www.janealexandraevents.comWIDE EYES PAPER CO.StaoneryWide Eyes Paper Co. is geared towards the adventurous couple seeking a non-tradional, whimsical and creave approach to staonery. We pride ourselves in unique prinng methods such as wood-engraved invitaons and fully illustrated paneled staonery for the movers and the shakers, soulful kinda folk. www.wideeyespaperco.com

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DWH | 116VOW ARTVideographyFar from your tradional wedding videographers, the VowArt team is dedicated to creang unique and indie-inspired lms that speak to today’s modern couples. The husband and wife duo behind the brand lm and edit with arstry, carefully craing a lm that is just as special as your wedding day.www.vowart.ieGLUCK UND LICHTPhotographyLooking for a coee addicted photographer from the north of Germany, who enjoys hanging around with wild hearted humans beings? Capturing the inmate connecon between soulmates for eternity is a prey nice thing to Gluck und Licht - no maer their gender, sexuality or color of their skin.www.glueckundlicht.deMUCK FLORALSFloristDetail-oriented – quality-oriented. The Muck Floral team get just as much joy building large-scale hanging installaons as they do delicately arranging a small tabletop display, or each thoughully placed bloom in your bouquet.www.muck.co.nzTHE TYTHE BARNVenueThis exclusive, stylish and award-winning venue is set on a working farm! Tythe Barn was founded in 1998, both the venue and team are consistently praised for their impeccable aenon to detail.www.thetythebarn.co.uk

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DWH | 117ANTIBISUALPhotographyAnbisual looks for couples who live their wedding at 200%. It’s not always about perfectly posed images, rather capturing those moments that express the most of your wedding day, the emoons and sensaons of every moment.www.anbisual.comAROUND THE WORLD4 EVENTS Videography & Photography4events appreciate the details, inmate moments, and emoonal interacons that make your day unique and deliver photographs and lms that reect your one-of-a-kind love. In Spain, or anywhere across the globe, 4events is ready to create a beauful visual representaon of your wedding day. www.4events.esJENNIFER SEE STUDIOSPhotographyPraccing a true documentary approach, Jennifer See Studios travels the world, collecng inspiraon and capturing the faces of true love. We believe that photog-raphy is the documentaon of connecon; capturing a moment’s quiet interacon and the genuine emoon between people.www.jenniferseestudios.comCLAUDIA EBELINGPhotographyMy name is Claudia and I live in Germany. I’ve been shoong weddings for ve years now. I’m all about capturing the in-between moments and real emoons, the loud ones and the quiet ones and I’m lucky enough to do something I love every day.www.claudiaebeling.com

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DWH | 119A SPECIAL THANKSANDI & TOVAH

APRIL EVELYN PHOTOGRAPHYwww.aprilevelynphoto.wixsite.com/aprilevelyn
BROGEN JESSUP PHOTOGRAPHYwww.brogenjessup.com
CALDER PHOTOGRAPHYwww.calderphoto.com
CHASEWILDwww.chasewild.com
CORI TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHYwww.coritaylor.com
EMILY CHELSEA JEWELRYwww.emilychelsea.com
ERIN FRASERwww.efraserphoto.com
FAIRINA CHENGwww.fairinachengjewellery.com
FOX & KINwww.foxandkin.com
HENRY TIEU PHOTOGRAPHYwww.henry-tieu.com KAYLA

KENZ & NICKwww.kenzandnickphoto.com
MCKENZIE BIGLIAZZI PHOTOGRAPHYwww.mckenziebigliazzi.com
RAINWATER PHOTOGRAPHYwww.rainwater-photography.com
SAMANTHA LOWE PHOTOwww.samanthalowephoto.com
LIGHTSMITH IMAGESwww.lightsmithimages.com.au
THE NOOKwww.insidethenook.comDancing With Her couldn’t exist without an incredible network of humans from around the globe who supportthe publicaon. Whether you follow along on social media, have picked up a copy at a local store or you’vefound us on the world wide web, we are so grateful that you are here.
This list isn’t exhausve, but it is those who directly contributed to bringing this sixth volume ofDancing With Her magazine to life - it really couldn’t be without them.

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DWH | 122When you think about the iconic beaches in Australia, there’s probably one white sanded beach that stands out, Whitehaven Beach — located in the [almost always] sunny Whitsundays, on the east coast of Queensland. Made up of 74 islands and the mainland, the Whitsundays is most known for being host to the iconic Great Barrier Reef. There is loads of things to do so you’ll want to pack your sense of adventure. If you love the outdoors and can’t think of anything more perfect than cocktails in the sun while you celebrate your new relaonship status, this idyllic beachside, island wonderland, is perfect for newlyweds looking for an Australian honeymoon desnaon.And, although you won’t nd a parcularly large LGBTQ+ scene here, you will nd that the community celebrates diversity. There won’t be a need to hide that just married PDA!

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DWH | 123WHITSUNDAYS, AUSTRALIAWHAT TO DOGet a suntan, see the incredible reef and sip cocktails. While Airlie Beach might be small, the area is home to some of the most incredible natural wonders - including the Great Barrier Reef. Spending a day out with a local tour company will mean you get the opportunity to snorkle with the sh and see the incredible colors of the reef. It’s a natural wonder of the world, and for good reason. Taking the opportunity to see the coast from the sky is one of those ‘once-in-a -lifeme’ things. With so many islands, it’s hard to realise the sheer size of the place without seeing it from a seaplane or helicopter. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a majesc manta ray or the whales who call the area home for the winter. Don’t forget to ask the pilot to y over Heart Island, a natural formaon of a coral reef that is shaped perfectly like a heart. If you’ve always dreamt of being a pirate, or you just like boats, you can hire your own sailboat and anchor up in the ocean. If you’re not a condent captain, there are opportunies to have someone more experienced take you out and leave you for a night or three. Is there anything more romanc than willingly being lost at sea with your new spouse? Just the two of you. Also, dine out. Some of the best chefs and mixologists from around the world have found themselves in the area [for a good reason, the weather is perfect year round], you best take advantage of that! From haed restaurants to oyster bars, incredible seaside brunch spots, and harborside seafood feasts, this place has it all!You’ll come home full, sunkissed and relaxed.GETTING THERE You’ll need to y to the Whitsunday via an airport in one of Australia’s capital cies. A word of warning though, the ight in is known to always be a lile bumpy, so don’t be alarmed if this is your experience! It is easiest to organize a transfer from the airport to your accommodaon. Taxies tend to err on the more expensive side; you would expect to pay around AU$100 for a one way trip. Alternavly, hiring a car is a cheap way to get about and will allow you to get outside of the oen busy tourist spots and explore. Depending on where you choose to base yourself [Airlie Beach is the biggest town of the area and a good place to start] there is a lot that is walkable. You will probably nd yourself down at the harbor most days heading out to the islands and the sea.

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DWH | 124WHAT TO EAT & DRINKFunnily enough, even though this paradise is on the ocean it isn’t just seafood that is incredible here - although that is prey good! SHUCKZ Oyster and Champagne Bar- With Australian Oysters being shucked to order and served any way you like, along with a glass of top-shelf bubbles, is there any other way to celebrate your new status as newlywed?Mika - Brazilian BBQ sound delicious? This stu is authenc! We’d suggest the BBQ experience to really get a hold of all the incredible avors.Whitsundays Sailing Club - With classic Australian pub fare adorning the menu, grab a beer and really soak up one of the best views of the coast that the Whitsundays has to oer.WHERE TO STAYThe Whitsundays is home to world-class resorts, including resorts on private islands. However, if they’re not your style, there are plenty of other accommodaon opons to choose from. Something a lile cheaper - Mirage Whitsundays Fancy serviced apartments right on the waterfront. You’re sll in close walking proximity to the center of town, although it is just far enough out of town that you feel like you’re away from the hustle and bustle. Also, the pool will ence you - don’t say you weren’t told. Prices start at around AU$250 per night. Something a lile more - Hamilton Island, Palm Bungalows While Hamilton Island looks dreamy, it’s usually reserved for those who want to spend an arm and a leg, unl these bungalows popped up. These bungalows have a more ‘back to nature’ feel about them, and are far enough away from everyone else so you’ll feel like you’ve got the island to yourselves. Prices start at around AU$400 per night. Going all out - Bareboat You don’t need a license [just common sense] to hire these yachts and sail the mighty seas! With a bed, kitchen and bathroom on board, this is the ulmate private honeymoon luxury. Just anchor up and have a night under the stars surrounded by the Coral Sea. Prices start at around AU$700 per night.

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DWH | 126THE ANNEX Toronto, CanadaThe Annex has collaborated with the neighborhood’s best to make sure you get to live like a local. Don’t just sleep here–live here, and discover what hospitality was always meant to be. In addion to being a bouque hotel, ther’s also a variety of unique and intenonally designed spaces to host your next event. www.theannex.comHOTEL OTTILIACarlsberg City, CopenhagenStay in a luxury 4+ star bouque hotel located in the old iconic Carlsberg Brewery. Unique industrial design, and a free wine hour every day, Hotel Olia will leave you wishing you had book an extra night. Organic breakfast is served daily, and all the amenies you need on site.www.brochner-hotels.dk/hotel-oliaCAN BORDOYPalma, SpainCan Bordoy Grand House & Garden is a luxury hotel based in Palma, Majorca’s historic Old Quarter. Opened by Founder and Chairman Don Mikael Hall, alongside Managing Director Giovanni Merello, the 2,500 sqm property features a world-class spa, a secret garden, and twenty-four well-appointed suites.www.canbordoy.comAMERIKALINJENOslo, NorwayAmerikalinjen is a hotel built for the modern-day explorer. Set in a locaon that is the ideal starng point for any journey in the vibrant city of Oslo. Amerikalinjen is the perfect place for personalized, ancipang and innovave service, where the art of storytelling leaves you asking for more.www.amerikalinjen.com

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DWH | 127ACCOMMODATIONTHE BUCKLAND STUDIOSBright, AustraliaAll accommodaon opons at The Buckland come with the comforts of king beds with ne linen, superbly appointed kitchens and bathrooms, and sing rooms with designer furnishings and re hearths. Mornings begin with fully cooked breakfasts in The Buckland Breakfast Lounge, where wakefulness is merely oponal.www.thebuckland.com.auNOTEL Melbourne, AustraliaSix vintage Airstreams architecturally redesigned sing atop a Melbourne CBD rooop. Not your average funcon space. We are NOTEL. If you’re looking for tradional, go somewhere else. If you’re looking for unique and fun, then hit us up for an experience like no other!www.notelmelbourne.com.auCASA ADELASan Miguel De Allende, MexicoOriginally an arst’s residency, Casa Adela is an elegant retreat in San Miguel De Allende. Spend your days lazing by the mineral-rich pool, soaking in the enormous bathtubs and gathering under the stars for farm-fresh fare from the cocina. When you’re ready for adventure, there are plenty of opons to choose from. www.hotelcasaadela.com