“We initially wanted something very small with just two witnesses, but it very quickly turned into getting married on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge with fire dancers and drag queens at our reception!” Going from zero to epic seems to be the touchstone of John and Will’s relationship. 

The two met living in the UK dating long-distance for three years. Meeting half-way meant a 4-hour train journey for the two. John eventually moved to Cornwall to be with Will, and then the two moved together to Bath. After another three years, the couple decided to resign from their jobs to follow their dream of traveling through Southeast Asia. “We landed in Australia in 2019 and began a road-trip from Perth in our old postal van, Priscilla,” Will shared. “From diving with whale sharks in the West to working on a gay resort in the East, we met saw amazing sights and met life-long friends. The 13,000-kilometre outback journey strengthened our relationship in so many ways.”

Having made their traveling dreams come true, their intention was to return to the UK. “Everything changed when we arrived in Sydney,” John explained. “We found here a home where we could envisage a happy future, where we felt loved, accepted, and free to express ourselves.”

With 8-years together as bedrock, and a new home as inspiration, John and Will got engaged. Of the engagement, John said: “I bought the engagement ring when we still lived in the UK and carried it with me in my backpack for over 8-months while traveling through Asia. On our 8th anniversary, while at the  highest point on Magnetic Island, a small island off the coast of Townsville, I proposed. It was really special and the easiest but most nerve-wracking question I've ever asked!”

“We decided New Year’s Eve 2020 that we wanted to get married in 2021. The process was really enjoyable and relaxed,” Will said of the planning, despite them having to postpone plans 3 times thanks to COVID. But, when the time finally came, John shared: “Standing on the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge ten years after we first met, when back then we could never have imagined this day would come (we weren't out when we first met, nor was it legal for two men to get married) was so truly special. Surrounded by friends that have become family in Australia and knowing we have such a special future together was very emotional. Neither of us could get our vows out through the tears.”

The reception was at the Park Hyatt in a private dining room overlooking Sydney Harbour and the Opera House. “It was absolutely perfect from start to finish. We dined and drank until it was late. Our best man’s speech was one we'll never forget.” And speaking of unforgettable, John and Will’s friends presented them with the gift of a honeymoon to Daydream Island. John said: “We were completely blown away and hadn't even considered a honeymoon due to COVID—and the fact our budget was blown! We're so lucky to have such wonderful people around us.” 

On the experience of planning the wedding—three separate times!—we were delighted by Will’s response: “It was so easy! Why do people act like it's such hard work? It's so much fun! I want to do it all again!” But he went on to share the following advice: 

1. Enjoy it, you can do absolutely anything you want, don't follow the norm, do what works for your relationship and don't worry about other people's opinions.

2. Don't invite people out of politeness, or in fact do anything because you feel like you should—it's the one day you can be totally selfish and get away with it.

3. Spend money on the things that matter! The rings you are going to wear for the rest of your lives should take priority over fancy wedding invites for example, we designed ours ourselves.

4. Make sure your photographer is a vibe! They might produce amazing images, but do you get along? Are they someone you want at your special day? They're essentially an additional guest and ensuring they are on your wavelength will make your day so much easier. 

To the above, John added: “If you have time in the morning, take a walk or do a workout to clear your head. Once the celebrations begin it all goes by so quickly, so do something to collect your thoughts and start the day the right way. Will also did a video with how he was feeling to look back on in years to come which I think is a great idea to capture the excitement!”

The best advice, however, came from Will’s grandmother who said of the two: “They ooze even more love than they did before. The world could do with a lot more of that!”

Credits

Ceremony Venue: Sydney Harbour Bridge
Reception Venue: Park Hyatt Sydney
Photographer: Across the Forest / @across_the_forest
Planner/Designer: Us 
Officiant: Brad Birnie @abcbybrad
Cake: Black Velvet
Apparel/Accessories: ASOS
Floral Designer: Merchant & Green
DJ: Dutch Kiss @dutchkiss_