Now Marni has found love again and shared her special day with New Idea. “The day went exactly how we wanted. We had about 75 family and friends and most people stayed for the entire weekend either on the property or nearby,” Marni says.
“It was so casual and full of love and our family and friends helped us set up and clean up – they were amazing. We had three of the guys hanging fairy lights at 9am and one on the roof! It was very hands-on.
“We had Mexican and Vietnamese street food vans and lawn games. My girlfriends made us a gorgeous cheese-wheel cake and did the flowers and bouquet. Dave’s brother-in-law Ben was our officiant – everyone felt as though they were a part of a great big family! Our ceremony began at 2pm and the sun set just as we had our first dance. It was perfect.
“I was really conscious that even though it was my second wedding, it was Dave’s first; so our focus was on making it really personal to us.”
As for Archie, he was over the moon his mother was marrying Dave.
“Archie was so excited! He loves a wedding; any excuse for a party. He loves to dance and loves music, so he was in his element. We are not sure if he quite understands the difference between married and unmarried – for him nothing has changed. I know he could feel the love with so many people he knew and cared for in the same place at once.
“He said: ‘Mum, I love all our family’ – and what more could anyone want but that?”
For the full story see this weeks issue of New Idea - on sale now.