How it all came to be...
THE WAY THEY MET
Dot kept hitting detours and dead ends in relationships. Paul was ready to find love again.
That's when mutual friends Gail and Graeme Churcher came up with
the (brilliant!) idea they would be a good match.
Connections were made and after a few chats, it was decided that
Clancy's would be a good spot to meet.
In she hobbled, blinded by the sun and munted in a moon boot, scanning the room for his face.
There he stood beside their booth, gentlemanly welcoming her.
They didn't stop talking until Clancy's closed.
He insisted on driving her home, walked her to the door, stole a kiss (and her heart).
The back booth at Clancy's will be their forever favourite anniversary spot.
THE FIRST DATE
Fast forward a few days and it's Valentine's Day 2021. (How appropriate!)
They thought they'd go for a ride on his Harley but it was a scorcher of a day, so they took his 'cage' to the Jarrahdale Tavern, where they enjoyed a meal, live music, got asked if they were husband and wife, and devised a plan to ride four-plus hours to Albany on his Harley the following week.
THE PROPOSAL
This is where it gets really good - Dot took a gig in South Australia, when tragically a dear friend of hers lost the love of her life suddenly to COVID. Through her grief, Ginger said, 'You love Paul, right? You want to marry him, right? Then don't waste a single second! Get down on that knee and ASK HIM!'
It planted a seed, and after asking each of his daughters for their blessings, a plan was hatched...
Dot returned to Western Australia in time to celebrate Paul's birthday in September. They stayed at the Esplanade in Freo under the guise of his day, but behind the scenes, she'd bought a ring, booked a private spin of the Freo Ferris wheel and organised a drone to capture it all. (hee hee)
The operator stopped them at the top, where she took both his hands in hers and somehow mustered the courage to ask him to marry her. HE SAID YES!
It was a magical, wonderful day.
It's really happening!
Saturday, 22 October 2022
3.30 pm
(Scroll down for more)
THE CEREMONY
All Saints Anglican Church
30 Henry Street, Henley Brook
Soak up the history as we embark upon our future in the oldest church in Western Australia.
Bubbles will flow immediately after, with small bites to tide everyone over until later.
Please park closely to one another as parking is limited.
DINNER & DANCING
Head directly up to 149 Jess Road, Bullsbrook, just twenty minutes into the hills
(We aren't pausing to take photos - we want you in them!)
THE GROOMSGIRLS
Katie
The eldest (and wisest?!) of Paul's three daughters, Katie has a huge heart and loves to create special memories for those around her. She is the Faint Family Chief Executive Organiser and has been known to start planning Christmas as early as January. At one with nature, you'll often find her tending to her indoor jungle, hunting for wildflowers, waking up to watch the sun rise or staying up late to stare at the stars. A seasoned shopper, Katie is particularly adept at op shop thrift find ganders. She loves being a big sister to her two best friends and adores being aunty to Parker and Lacey.
Sally
Sally is an incredible mother, wife, sister and daughter. She's loving, caring, kind and dependable. The first (and so far only) daughter to bless the family with two adorable little humans, Parker and Lacey, Sally is the 'get it done' one of the family - she has repainted her entire house numerous times, laid floorboards, overhauled many a garden and is always willing to step up and help. Family is everything to Sally and she's the one that keeps us all together. In her own words, she is by far the most chilled of the bunch and definitely the coolest.
Nikki
The youngest but by far the most adventurous, wanderlust is the word that best describes Nikki. First moving to Melbourne and now residing in Vancouver, Nikki's never been afraid to take risks and they've paid off. Extremely hard working, she has built an incredible career in HR. Not one to stay too long in one place, Nikki is always dreaming up her next adventure and making the most of every opportunity. Even though she lives on the other side of the world, Nikki makes sure she remains the fun, dependable and loving sister & daughter she always has been.
DOT'S MONKEYS
Grady John
Master of sarcasm and a fun conversationalist, Grady is a hoot to hang with. He's a destroyer when it comes to gaming and is looking forward to getting his license and being DONE with school (just one more year...). He's a bit of a car enthusiast, although with his height still skyrocketing, he's sad to admit he's already been disqualified as a Formula One driver before his career even began.
Riley Jo
Dot's youngest, the kooky and joyful Riley Jo. Excels at volleyball and is enjoying blocking and scoring for the basketball team. Mad about life in the USA and determined to drag us over there for more high school and college. Get her to show you her party trick and see if you can do it!
Henry James
H has just about wrapped up a degree in computer science at UWA, and already has a job waiting, having nailed a Deloitte internship last summer. Born King Henry the First, the wheels are in motion to transition to Hayley and he is finally enjoying life as it feels it always should have been. Random life skills include twinkling the keys brilliantly on a piano and counting on his fingers in binary to 1024, whatever that means!
THE BRIDE TRIBE
Kelly
A diehard Rocky Horror fanatic, Kelly is our go-to artistic events entrepreneur. Kelly brings life to life, from glittery karaoke mics to incredibly decorated cakes, to even painting live snails’ shells and returning them to the wild to the surprise and delight of strangers. She brought the first baby to our group since our own (the gorgeous little Winter, who wins all our love!).
Fiona
Princess Fiona, aka Fi Bee, is our resident cardiac nurse by day but when she isn’t busy saving lives, you might find her challenging Dot to a drinks showdown, creating wicked playlists & belting out favourite tunes, or dressing up in some crazy cool costume. Crafty with chalk and a board, she's also been known to come up with some cool party decorations. Fi met her Canadian (Marcus) in Bali and that was that!
Cherie
Where to start with Cherie?! There isn’t much this real life wonder woman can’t do — from driving big tonne trucks to coaching basketball, to climbing the corporate ladder and smashing uni, all while raising two beautiful kids. She can just about out-nap anyone (well, maybe not Dot) and her humour is a hoot (especially after a gin or two).
Sharon
You could be fooled into thinking Sharon is some quiet, gentle English rose but her crazy stories and cheeky, quick wit point to another, darker side - like how she married a drunk Santa, got punched to the floor by Jude Law, and ordered her boss to entertain Matt Damon and Madonna for a few hours! Although originally a Londoner like Paul, her happy place now is with the quokkas on Rottnest Island. Sharon kicked cancer’s butt this year and after a marathon ten-hour surgery is now one of an elite group of people with a stomaphagus. (PS You'll find drunk Santa walking Cannon down the aisle.)
BROTHER OF THE BRIDE
Andy (and his sweetheart Sue)
Dot's big (and only) brother, all the way from Minnesota, USA. She never really forgave him for sitting on her and tickling her until she wet her pants, or for the piles of buttered toast she used to have to make him after school. But for all the times he scooped her up and carried her to bed, here he is, walking her down the aisle. Andy's another computer head (professionally), is pretty impressive when he points a lens at the sky, dives with things that bite and is and about to spend a lot of time on a boat.
THE DOG
Cannon (and his human, Matt)
Cannon came into Dot's life as a rescue, from a homeless man. He is a beautiful soul and will be your friend for life for a scrap and a scratch. His party tricks include sitting down and shaking, sleeping at every opportunity and shedding hair EVERYWHERE. Paul's girls are still amazed that Dad let a dog in the house! Cannon will be walked down the aisle by his human doppelgänger, Matt, a beloved friend and Hawthorn FC tragic.
Party time!
REHEARSAL
Friday, 21 October, 2022
Bridal party and travellers. Meet to rehearse at the chapel at 5.00 with dinner afterwards at funk 2.0, 38 Swan Street (the next street south of the chapel).
ATTIRE: Casual
RECEPTION
Saturday 22 October 2022
Fire pits and bistro lights, under the moon and stars. Bring your swags, tents, caravans and stay the night. Texas-style smoked meats & sides, with live music and a DJ.
ATTIRE: Stay as you are or change into something more casual. Sturdy shoes are key.
RECOVERY
Sunday, 23 October 2022
Breakfast and caffeine in the Swan Valley
Venue TBA
Everyone welcome
10:00 until noon
ATTIRE: Hangover / comfy clothes
JAMES WILSON
Dot and friends first heard James play at our local, The Well, and instantly fell in love with his unique performance using guitar, didgeridoo, drums and vocals. He has played with many Aussie greats and we are super excited to have him play and DJ on the day.
BIG DON'S SMOKED MEATS
(Sorry Sharon!)
Big Don's has a bit of a cult following in Perth, with pop-ups selling out the moment tickets go online. He and his team will bring a bit of Texas-style smoked nosh to the party, in a nod to Dot's dad and Texas kin.
Down the hill
Explore the Swan Valley
There's so much to see and do nearby, why not make a weekend of it and enjoy the local food, wine, breweries, wildlife and more!
Up the hill
The beautiful Chittering
In the opposite direction, you'll find gorgeous, rolling hills, delicious local produce and sweet little towns & trails to explore.
WINGS
44 minutes from Bullsbrook
WHEELS
WHERE TO STAY
With us! (It's free, and you don't have to worry about driving.)
Bring your swag, tent, caravan or whatever you need to lay your head amongst the trees.
Our bedrooms are booked but there are eleven acres and we would love you to stay the night, or why not make a weekend of it?
Splurge at The Vines
$/night unknown
Book early to avoid disappointment
