There were three in this marriage. Rebecca O’Reilly, Andrew Wroniak and their “little girl” – pet pooch Willow.

In fact, the pair’s honey-coloured Border collie was instrumental in both their wedding and their engagement. Rebecca admits: “She runs our lives.” The couple got Willow six months after moving in together and she promptly became their “little baby”.

When Andrew was set to propose, he snuck home from work before Rebecca (both are public servants), clutching three dozen red roses in anticipation. Rebecca remembers: “Willow had a red satin pouch, with the ring in its case attached to her collar. We figured because she had delivered the engagement ring, she had a bit of practise for the wedding.”

Their wedding date was set for September 16 - and it turned out to be a gorgeous 26C day.

The couple picked Houghton’s Glen Ewin Estate for their ceremony and reception.

Rebecca looked elegant in a strapless, antique gold number from Princess Collection, flanked by her bridesmaids, including sister Mandy as matron-of-honour, in raison-coloured frocks with diamante belts. The men looked sharp in black suits from Joseph Uzumcu. All were transported to the ceremony in chocolate-brown hot rods, with the ceremony situated before the property’s lake.

Rebecca made her entrance to a song from her favourite film, Braveheart, played on clarinet. Once again, Willow brought forth the rings in a pouch. Rebecca remembers, laughing: “Everyone was worried she was going to run into the lake.”

From here, the guests moved to the 1850s former jam factory, done up with Chinese lanterns and soft lighting.

The chocolate mousse wedding cake featured caricatures of the couple and, of course, Willow.

During the speeches, the couple received a Polish toast (Andrew being of Polish background), with the guests downing shots of vodka. At 9.30pm, guests were ushered outside for a 10-minute fireworks show – her present to Andrew.

“He had absolutely no idea,” Rebecca remembers. “He still says it was the best present ever.”

At midnight, like Cinderella, the loved-up couple left their guests, heading for home - and Willow.

“We wanted to spend as much time as possible with her before we went on our two-month honeymoon,” Rebecca gushes. Now that’s what you’d call puppy love.

DIRECTORY

Ceremony
Glen Ewin Estate                                                Bridal gown and veil
Princess Collection Bridalwear                               Bridesmaids’ dresses
Indubbio Fashion House                                      Bridal jewellery
Not Just Weddings                                             Rings
Andrew Mazzone Design Jewellers                  Suits
Joseph Uzumcu Clothing and Hire                         Hair
Gauci Hair and Beauty                                         Make-up
Jenni Goodenough                                              Celebrant
Barry Sherwell                                                    Music
The Amicus Strings and Vegas Promotions            Cars
Hot Rod Wedding Cars                                       Guests’ transport
Des’s Mini Buses                                                Flowers
Fabulous Functions                                             Cake
Heidelberg Cakes                                                Chair covers
Simply Elegant                                                   Photography
Creative Impressions Photography                       Videographer
White Daisies                                                     Dance classes
Dancecorp Dance Studios                                    Stationery
Unique Invitations                                               Fireworks
Howard & Sons Pyrotechnic Displays                    Honeymoon
Europe and the UK

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