LOVE STORY SERIES - Nic & Iona
Location: Tidbinbilla National Park
Iona & Nic's love story is best described as cereal. Curious? Read on…
Iona and Nic wanted to get married in Canberra – a city that feels natural for them, a place they’ve chosen to call home. They see themselves always gravitating back towards Canberra. They chose the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, it’s a beautifully diverse area, that will be always accessible to them.
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Nic and Iona wanted to have their private elopement surrounded by close family and days later they were at the Parlour Bar in Canberra celebrating with their nearest and dearest.
Nick shared, “We want to have a connection to the land, or the spot, the rock, the place that we choose. We want to be able to go back in future, take a thermos and biscuits and have tea in ‘our spot’ on our anniversary, and remember and continue to build our relationship with the environment where we chose to get married.”
Iona added, “Coming out into nature is important, Nic is at home in the bush, in the natural environment he thrives. And I love the juxtaposition of a legal process, an emotional moment, in a natural place. I also like to think of Hanging Rock as a signifier of the solid foundation on which we build our life together.”
For Iona + Nic, they see marriage as a partnership. It’s an agreement, to put each other first and where that isn’t possible, to explain why, and to have that conversation together. It is the agreement to always talk about their feelings, to talk about what is going on, to talk about how they are.
Marriage is choosing that person, every single day. In big ways, or small… Some days it means doing the dishes or walking the dog, other days it is buying a house together or leaving everything behind to move across the world on an adventure together. (They are soon to move overseas!!!!)
As for their love story, it all coincided with the evolution of the Covid pandemic. Iona and Nic found themselves working on a Covid taskforce of about 60 people. They hadn’t really noticed each other until the taskforce began shrinking, and the farewell morning teas increased. Somewhere in the mix, Nic recalls a chat about baking at one of these morning teas over a failed lemon cake with a British sounding woman whom he later decided was young, tall, self-important, and well, a little arrogant. Iona on the other hand, remembers the terrible COVID-beard and the biscuits that he brought in for Canada Day. However, these impressions didn’t prevent them from sharing more conversations over baked goods before progressing to walking Iona home. It was on one of these walks that Nic mentioned his recent birthday and since they were officially friends, they decided to go out for a drink to celebrate. Well the drink became dinner and a six hour conversation that had them knowing that this was to be more than a friendship. There was a spark, something electric and undeniable.
Nic and Iona have been writing their love story since that cold Canberra evening. These two are utterly content and relish in the simple things - their morning routine, walking the dog, sharing the joy of hot maple syrup over pancakes on a wintry morning, snuggled on the couch. There is a beautiful balance between these lovers... Iona brings the academic smarts and Nic the street smart, Iona is theoretical, Nic is practical. Iona enjoys the city, Nic the wilderness. But... what is ultimately more magical and profound than their balanced pairing, is their deep connection. A connection that enables them to communicate across a crowded room through a simple glance, or the lightest touch as they pass each other by. A partnership that respects and supports each other’s individuals needs and ensures that these are responded to with tenderness and love.
When I asked Nic and Iona about what the hoped for their future, Nic responded with heart felt philosphical words and Iona – she asked me to make a special comment here, that cereal is very dear to her heart... she said their future looks like breakfast cereal - It’s steady and reliable, full of energy and nutrition to carry you through the day. It’s soft with crunch, but also sweet. It can be tailored to personal preference. It can be simple on some days, and extravagant on others, adding fruits and nuts and honey and any flavours that take your fancy. Their love is the ideal start to every day.
Nic + Iona, it was our absolute pleasure in sharing a portion of your day. <3
