NMJ Lovers
NMJ Lovers | Maddie & Sam
Sam and Maddie's love story is one that has been marked with precious pieces of jewellery to forever keep moments and memories close. From Sam's proposal where he gifted Maddie's daughter, Emmy, an emerald necklace that matched the hidden emerald in her bespoke engagement ring, to gifting both their Mum's necklaces on their wedding day to symbolise the coming together of their families, it's these tokens of sentiment which bring their unconditional love to life.
Be inspired and join us as Sam and Maddie share the highlights from their special day (including battling a hot 45 degree day!) and the plans for their growing family...
Wedding Date: 28/11/2020
Location: Hunter Valley
Venue: The Woodhouse, Wollombi
Dress: Made With Love Bridal
Suit: Custom suit by MJ BALE
How did you both meet?
We both met through Sam's sister Hannah and were set up on a very awkward blind date, that turned into many, many more.
Tell us a little about your wedding day, what was the highlight?
Our wedding was set on a beautiful property in a small town within the Hunter Valley called Wollombi. We were very lucky to have our original date go ahead and had large bridal parties including our siblings and closest friends.
We had our ceremony by the willow trees and a gentle breeze helped us get through the 45-degree day, as did dessert before dinner from an amazing gelato company (Mr Goaty thank you for saving us from the heat).
We involved our friends and family in our ceremony by surprising our parents on the day to bless our wedding rings prior to the exchange of rings, we then also called our friends from the crowd to be our surprise witnesses. Their reactions are memories that will last a lifetime for us.
Some of the most heart-warming moments of the night included our daughter Emerson running over during our recessional for a big cuddle, we also felt incredibly lucky that our wedding coincided with the borders opening up, which meant all of our loved ones and guests made our special day. As much as the wedding was a celebration of our love, it ably demonstrated the strength and love within the family and community. Family members hadn’t seen each other for months due to COVID restrictions and guests were so grateful to be with one another.
What drew you to Natalie Marie for your wedding pieces?
My sisters helped Sam in the right direction by heading to Natalie Marie, and the so the process begun of designing a bespoke piece with Erin. It absolutely made sense to go back to Natalie Marie as the process of designing is such a pleasure and great experience. I still get teary thinking of the moment where Sam, during his proposal, gifted Emmy an emerald necklace that matched the hidden emerald in my ring. She wore it with absolute pride on our wedding day.
Sophie helped us with our wedding bands and made an heirloom piece for us using diamonds from my mum's engagement ring.
Tell us about the precious necklaces you gifted your Mums on the day. What do these pieces symbolise?
We gifted our mums on our wedding day with a Kadhi Necklace each, within the oval are three soldered circles. The necklace made sense as for us we found it symbolic in representing the joining of our three families together.
Congratulations on the announcement of your growing family! Having already told your story through jewellery, what do you hope the arrival of your little one will bring to your collection?
We feel so lucky to be past halfway in our pregnancy, Emmy has waited 8 years to meet this little baby. I know my daughter and Sam already have plans to pick something together from Natalie Marie when this little one arrives! I was lucky enough to be gifted the Mae Pendant for my 30th and have E & S on the pendants, perhaps another pendant with baby's initials on it.
At NMJ, at the heart of everything we do is love. Tough question, but tell us, what do you know about love?
For us, much like our wedding song by the National, love is that feeling of wanting to hurry home to your partner, putting on a slow dumb show and cracking each other up.
Its friendship, desire, honour and all the little things in between that we don't always have the words for.
