Anna & James put loved ones first at their elegant lakeside wedding

It was mutual friends that brought Anna Roberts and James Casey together, and a humble proposal that initiated plans for their lakeside wedding.

“It was on the day of my 21st birthday that James proposed to me,” recalls Anna. The couple, 23 and 26 respectively, had gone to bed the night before when James had secretly set his alarm for midnight.

“As I normally would do on a working morning when the alarm goes off, I pulled the bed covers over my face just to try and get that few more minutes’ sleep,” says Anna. “I then heard James’ voice as he was next to the bed calling out my name. I pulled the bed covers off and to my surprise James was down on one knee holding the ring in his hand!”

The couple’s stylish black and white themed day on November 23, 2013 was planned specifically around loved ones. “We are both extremely close with our families so it was very important that the venue suited all of our family members so everyone was able to attend,” explains Anna.

That venue was Kianinny Resort in Tathra, New South Wales. “It was then we planned to be married on a pontoon over the lake,” smiles Anna. “It was a unique and amazing day that we were able to share with everyone that we love and care about.”

Anna sourced her dress from Brides of Wagga and says “I picked the first dress that I tried on even after trying on several other dresses.”

The reception was in bush land, a perfect setting for photos. “Having both the ceremony and reception at the same location made it easier for our guests as they not have to travel between venues,” Anna says.