Clare and Erica’s Yarra Valley Wedding at Fergusson Winery

The First Look – who knew?

Their first look was pure magic and beautifully captured by the talented and highly-sought-after Belle Martin Photography. The moment Clare and Erica saw each other for the first time was packed with emotion, quickly followed by absolute laughter when they realised their gowns from Fairytales Bridal Boutique were incredibly similar. Neither had shared a single detail beforehand, so the surprise made the moment even more special. What started as teary smiles instantly turned into uncontrollable giggles as they took in just how perfectly matched, they were. Another fabulous moment for their wedding day.

Their Love Story

Clare and Erica’s story kicks off in early 2022 at the leisure centers in Wyndham. Erica was fresh on the scene, just two days into the job, when Clare came barrelling into the back office mid-meltdown, crying in front of the entire team. Later, when they were properly introduced, Erica quietly turned to her manager and whispered, “Is that the crying girl?” Fair question.

Despite the forgettable debut, the two barely crossed paths for the next six months. Then they bumped into each other in the line for a nightclub. Whatever shifted that night stuck, because a friendship grew and then, very naturally, a whole lot more.

In those early days, Clare saw Erica as the new girl who only spoke to her when something was broken. She didn’t think much of it at the time. But once they actually started talking, Clare realised Erica was hilarious, an unapologetic goofball, and surprisingly deep. Somehow a casual chat about work could end with a philosophical deep dive into the meaning of life.

Erica, meanwhile, thought Clare at work was busy, cold and unapproachable, but clearly the one who got things done. The crying incident didn’t help, but she also sensed competence and presence. Once she got to know her, though, the walls dropped. She discovered Clare was cheeky, emotionally intelligent and the kind of person you could talk with for hours without ever wanting to stop.

A few coffees on lunch breaks and a handful of footy games later, they made it official with a first date at LightScape in the botanical gardens on a freezing winter night. That one night has since become their annual tradition and one of their favourite outings of the year.

As they stepped into dating, Clare was impressed by Erica’s overthinking in the best possible way. Erica pushed for honest conversations, even uncomfortable ones, and somehow always made them feel safe. She expected they make time for each other, and instead of feeling pressured, Clare actually wanted to show up.

She also noticed that Erica laughs at her own jokes even when no one else does and holds strong to the belief she is the funniest in the relationship.

For Erica, Clare’s selflessness stood out straight away. She adored the way Clare devoted herself to making her smile, how she didn’t take life too seriously, and how she could find humour even in the darkest moments.

Clare realised she was falling in love when every conversation somehow led them back to shared values. Serious or not, they always wrapped things up with a smile, a joke or a hug. Erica made her feel warm in a way that no one else ever had. For Erica, it happened when she realised no topic was off limits. She felt safe about her opinions, seen and understood. Add in the way Clare looked at her like she was the only person in the world, and that was that.

Both had been quietly plotting the idea of getting married. Neither had a date, but both had rings. In classic them fashion, it sort of turned into a competitive race while still trying to be meaningful. Erica had been sneakily taking photos of the ring with Clare unknowingly in the background: at the shops, watering the garden, taking the dogs for a walk on the beach with her mum and even fast asleep.

She turned those photos into a book titled “I have a question”, with the final page asking, “Will you marry me?” After a dreamy day at the Hot Springs, she gave Clare the book. Clare’s response was not a simple yes but a bewildered and excited, “Wait! Me too?” before whipping her own ring out. Two women, two rings, one perfect double-proposal.

Clare describes Erica as a goofball, clumsy, and winner of literally every game or sport ever played. She loves that Erica can be her 80 percent when she’s only got 20, while also doing life side-by-side as equals. She brings her coffee in bed on the weekends, always has tissues ready for sad movies, and pushes her to be better in all the right ways.

Erica’s says Clare is affectionate, ambitious and a total smart arse. She loves that Clare makes every challenge easier simply by being in it with her, that she prioritises them above all else, and that she’s her partner in every possible sense.

Clare also credits Erica with making her more adventurous, dragging her up mountains in Bali and trying to convert her into a runner, unsuccessfully, and she no longer packs her bags 4 weeks before a holiday. Erica says Clare has taught her the importance of staying connected to their own interests, because sharing them makes everything richer.

Together, they adore the everyday routines: watching Erica play footy, going to Clare’s trivia night, Clare cooking while Erica draws. They’re equally into random adventures like comedy shows, prison tours and discovering new beaches.

Their recipe for a strong relationship is simple: communication, trust and a genuine desire to find the fun in everything.

Clare is most excited about planning all their future adventures and Erica looks forward to growing, learning and continuing to laugh at each other for the rest of their lives. They hope for a lifetime of fun, travel, a dream home, and as many dogs as they can reasonably fit into it.

Clare’s Personal Vows

I ask everyone here to witness that I, Clare, take you, Erica, to be my wedded wife.

I vow to trust and value your opinions and stand by your actions. I will ask for help when I need it and offer help when necessary. Let us be friends and lovers and grow old together. And let us make the years of our lives together the best years of our lives.

I treasure the bond we have together, and the strength of our friendship. I love your caring nature and enthusiasm. I promise to love and support you always. To say I love you is not enough. I appreciate how tender and caring you are. I appreciate the strength you give when I need it.

But if to say I love you means all these things, then let me say, I love you more each day. I am proud to be your wife.

Final notes

Erica and Clare love being together and loved getting married. It was such a brilliant day filled with love, fun and celebrations. It was a delight to work with and marry them.

Fergusson Winery weddings are fabulous and you can check out another one here: Caroline and Kagan Fergusson Winery Wedding

If you’re after a fabulous celebrant and MC to marry you on your wedding day – jump on and drop me a line HERE!