Michelle & Ian’s run for love leads to fun rustic wedding

“Ian and I met when he approached me on the treadmill at the gym.” – Michelle Griffiths.

It’s not how many love stories start but with Gen Yers so keen to stay fit these days – maybe it’s one we’ll hear more of!

Thirty-one-year-old Michelle was the woman Ian Kahul, 25, was chasing down at the health club back in 2011. “We went from friendship, to a long distance relationship and then to being engaged within two years and it was clear to us both that we had found our other half,” smiles Michelle.

They planned an intimate, casual celebration for January 3, 2015. The fun rustic wedding included about 60 guests at Flowerdale Estate in Victoria on a 43-degree, windy day. “For a kiwi boy, this was pretty tough conditions,” laughs Michelle. “But it didn’t matter, it was the perfect day of celebration, so much laughter and a ridiculous amount of love.”

The Faux Fighters were employed to entertain the cosy audience. “Ian is the biggest Foo Fighters fan in the world. After the ceremony while we had nibbles and mingled the singer did an acoustic set for us as well.”

Photos courtesy of Agent 86.

“I found an image on Pinterest that I fell in love with. I took it to Lorene Harris of Love Love Lorelei and she created my own version of this stunning dress I had found.,” beams Michelle.

Ian wanted to acknowledge his Maori heritage and so had a Maori print put onto his shirt.

“The bridesmaids and I had so fun putting our bouquets together on Friday night with all of the flowers we had got from the South Melbourne Market,” says Michelle.

Video by Sebastian Oswell Photography