NMJ Lovers
NMJ Lovers | Clarissa & Devin
For Clarissa and Devin, their love story began over four years ago connecting not so coincidentally at a loved one’s engagement celebration. Fast-forward to the 22nd of December 2021 at Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Clarissa and Dev got to celebrate with a day full of laughter, love, dancing, and lots of champagne!
In celebration of the Wedding Collective, we held a competition last year with our dear friend, Tealily Weddings. With luck on her side, Clarissa won the opportunity to have Trish capture a chapter of her love story and a precious NMJ piece to share with her bridesmaids. In this beautiful interview, Clarissa and Devin share with us where their love story began, how Clarissa's bridesmaids reacted to their Eily Pendants and what love means to them.
Wedding Date - 22nd December 2021
Location - Taronga Zoo, Sydney
Venue - Gili Rooftop & N’Galawa Terrace
Dress - Galia Lahav purchased at Eternal Bridal Sydney
Can you tell us a little bit about your love story? Where did it all begin?
Our story began over four years ago with three friends from Congleton England, an engagement. Dev had recently arrived from the UK to visit his family when he caught up with Kim and Leanna, two of childhood friends from England. Kim had invited Dev to her engagement party and not-so-coincidentally mentioned a single friend of hers who would also be in attendance at the engagement celebration. The rest is history really, we were pretty much inseparable. We call our Kimmy – the ultimate match maker!
Devin, tell us about the moment you realised Clarissa was the one you wanted to spend the rest of your life with...
When I took Clarissa home to meet my parents for the first time. They absolutely hit it off instantly – and family is such an important part of my life. I knew I’d hit the jackpot!
Where and when did you get married – tell us a little about your day?
We got married at Taronga Zoo in Sydney on the 22nd December 2021. Our original date was the 22nd October 2021, but due to COVID we had to push it an extra 6 weeks and we were so lucky to get a date in 2021 that wasn’t affected at all by COVID restrictions. What a dream! We still feel so lucky!
It really was the best day ever. The reason we chose Taronga Zoo was because of the incredible view – Sydney harbour is just picture perfect. The day was slightly overcast and moody but it made for some pretty amazing photos. We got married on the Gili Rooftop looking directly over the harbour, got to have photos amongst the animals in the Zoo and danced the night away at the reception! Our day was full of laugh, love, dancing & lots of champagne! it turned out to be the most perfect way to kick off the festive season with our beautiful friends and family!
What was the highlight?
We honestly can’t choose one! One of the highlights for both of us was celebrating with our amazing bridal party. We had 5 Bridesmaids & Groomsman and they are all like family to us so it was really special having them stand up next to us on our special day. We remember coming back from the Zoo after photos, and we all did a cheers in the Bridal Room together before entering the reception and it was just so special looking around at the people who have made such an impact on your lives!
Being the winner of our Tealily x NMJ competition, how did your bridesmaids react to their Eily Pendants?
My bridesmaids have not taken them off!!! They are the most special gifts and they were absolutely blown away, One of my highlights of the day which I will remember forever was in the morning getting ready. I had my mum, my beautiful bridesmaids and dear friend Danni. and it was such a special time. I absolutely loved every minute! The Eily Pendants made that even the most so special. I love that my five beautiful best friends who are all incredible amazing women have something so special to keep forever.
At NMJ, at the heart of everything we do is love. Tough question, but tell us, what do you know about love?
The way I described it in my vows was that meeting Dev was like walking into a house and knowing your home. Love should be easy and something that always lights you up. What I know about love is that when it’s right – you never second guess anything. With the right love and support, you can get through anything. And the key is to do that whilst always having fun!
Captured by Trish from Tealily Weddings.
Clarissa's bridesmaids wear our Eily Pendants.