Fiona & Rob tee off on lifetime of love at golf course wedding

He was a shy chicken farmer and she was a single mum. Both had almost given up on finding love – until they met online.

Fiona Smith, 46, and Robert Balcers, 47, have been inseparable since their first meeting, which didn’t go quite to plan according to Fiona.

“We were supposed to meet on the Friday,” she tells. “I took ages planning what to wear and how to do my hair as it was literally my first date in over 20 years.”

But curiosity got the better of Rob, who turned up to Fiona’s mid-week, unannounced, on his motorbike.

“I was mortified!” laughs Fiona. “I had no make-up on and was wearing a singlet and gym pants! I thought he was gorgeous and we had an instant connection.”

After a picnic proposal around six months later, the pair married in an elegant golf course wedding at Eagle Ridge Golf Course in Boneo, Victoria on March 14, 2015.

Eighty friends and family were there to witness what the bride describes as her “dream come true”.

“It was beautiful romantic day, celebrating the hopes and dreams we dared to believe in,” Fiona says. “I am so grateful we each had the courage to go and find each other.”

The couple’s reception was held also held at the golf club, where the newlyweds and their guests took the chance to let their hair down and celebrate with a unique first dance choreographed by MarShere Dance Studios.

Photos courtesy of Steven Byass Photography.

“Tanya and her team are superb,” praises Fiona of Mobile Makeovers.

Fiona’s daughters were bridesmaids and wore Mr K from Ferrari Formalwear & Bridal.

“I was surrounded by a team of people who knew what they were doing and were professionals in their game,” says Fiona. “That would be the advice I’d give to others.”