Nicole wears the Theodora kimono/dress
This girl and I go right back to primary school. The funny thing is, whilst we knew each other all through our school lives and were friendly, it wasn't until after high school that we became really great friends. Nicole is one of the most caring, down to earth friends you could ask for. She would do anything for you, puts others before herself, goes above and beyond to stay in touch (something I wish I was better at) and has a knack for making everyone feel special.
Recently married, Nicole talks about her amazing wedding to her husband Kade on the banks of the Murray River, life as a Newlywed and balancing her busy life as a primary school teacher in Melbourne. Introducing my beautiful friend, Nicole:
Tell us a bit about yourself
Hi there, my name is Nicole and I am 31 years old. I was born and raised in the beautiful country town of Echuca, Victoria. When I was younger, I had always hoped that I would grow up and become a teacher and I am proud to say that I fulfilled that dream and have happily been a primary school teacher for the past 9 years. I moved to Melbourne in 2012 and bought an apartment in Brunswick with my partner Kade. I was nervous to make the move from the country to the big smoke but have learned to love all that Melbourne has to offer. Being able to spend time with my family and friends is very important to me. I also love to travel and have been fortunate enough to have many wonderful overseas trips, one day I hope to teach somewhere overseas… to live and teach in NYC would be amazing! Overall, I’m a very down to earth type of person who loves the little things in life and spending my days laughing and having fun.
You are a newlywed, is married life what you expected?
Yes, married life is what I expected. I didn’t think that much would change as Kade and I had been together for 11 and half years before we tied the knot and living together for the past 5 years. Back when my parents were married they had only been together for a few years and weren’t living together, so times have definitely changed.
Nicole wears the Pru dress
What surprised you most about becoming husband and wife?
Hmm… I think just having to refer to Kade as my husband that felt really weird for quite a while. He would say the same about having to refer to me as his wife.
Tell us a bit about your wedding?
Kade and I were married in Echuca/Moama, the town that we both grew up in. We really wanted a fun and relaxed feeling to our special day and after attending 30 weddings together we definitely knew what style wedding would suit us. Our ceremony was held amongst the gum trees by the Murray River and was followed by a cocktail style reception down in the bush land. We had the most amazing day and night and felt so lucky to have been surrounded by so many of our beautiful family and friends. The day bought out so many emotions, we cried and we laughed! It was so lovely seeing our guests enjoying themselves and seeing how happy they were for both Kade and I. It is definitely a day that we will always cherish.
Nicole wears the Pru dress
What would be your advice to anyone currently planning their own wedding?
My advice would be to do things the way you truly want to do them and not what you think is expected of you because of past traditions. Also to not become so overwhelmed with all of the wedding plans and preparations. I had heard of so many people becoming stressed out when planning their wedding and I didn’t want that to be our case! Being engaged and planning our special day wasn’t overly stressful because we didn’t over think all of the details. Honestly when it comes to the actual day all that matters is the love that is celebrated between you and your partner.
Nicole wears the Pru dress
What is your favourite thing to cook?
I absolutely love spending time cooking in the kitchen as I find it very relaxing, especially after a busy day teaching. There are so many different things that I love to cook whether it be savoury or sweet. One of my favourite dishes to cook is my family’s ‘Spaghetti and Meatballs’ recipe. The recipe has been handed down by my Italian Nanna to my Mum and now to me. If we are to have friends over for dinner this dish is always a winner!
Where would we find you on the weekends?
On a Saturday morning I love nothing more than being a couch potato! We live in a great part of Brunswick that is a quick walk from lots of amazing cafes and restaurants so on some weekends I am out and about enjoying the delicious foods on offer. I also love a weekend getaway back to Echuca, catching up with family and friends and escaping the hustle and bustle of the city life.
Nicole wears the Clara blouse
How would you describe your style? Does it change when you’re at school?
I definitely choose clothing that suits my body shape and not necessarily what is a must have in the latest fashion. I love wearing a variety of styles, whether it be jeans and a tee or a pretty floral flowy dress. My style does change from teaching to non-teaching days. I always say to my friends that teachers can transform after school hours. As I definitely look different to how I do at school compared to if I was to go out. I always want to feel casual and comfortable at school, as I am constantly up and down with the little ones feeling comfortable is a must and a definite ‘what not to wear’ is white whilst teaching the younger years.
What is the best thing about being a primary school teacher?
There are so many things that I love about being a teacher. However one of the best things about teaching would be how rewarding it is. I am forever proud of my students and not only when they show academic progress but also when I see them grow emotionally and socially. It is such a beautiful moment seeing my students faces light up when they achieve new things.
What would your students be surprised to find out about you?
The students always love finding out things about me and it is amazing how good their memory is when it comes to things they know about my life. One thing that did surprise my students one day was when I told them that I got my name on the board when I was in primary school for not being a well behaved student… oops!
How do you think your students would describe you?
Funny and kind!
What is your first memory from school?
I was so excited to start primary school! My brother is two years older than me and I was always so jealous that he could to go to school and I couldn’t because I was younger. On my first day of Prep I remember just bursting with excitement and loved meeting new friends. Some of my Prep friends are still my best friends today.
Nicole wears the Clara blouse
What are some traditions or superstitions you have for the first day of school?
I always feel a bit nervous the night before the new school year begins, no doubt similar nerves to what my students have. I’m a very organsied person, so I make sure that the classroom is nicely presented in a colourful and fun way. The first day is always about having fun and making sure that the students feel comfortable. I plan the first day so that the students and I get to know each other and enjoy ourselves, this way I know that my students will feel more at ease coming back the next day and that bit more confident to take on their new school year.
Nicole wears the Poète blouse
What are your “trapped on a desert island” books or movies?
If I was trapped on a desert island I would all the help I could get hahaha! So I would say that I would need the book ‘Treasure Island’ and the movie ‘Cast Away.’
You’re a new addition to the crayon box, what colour would you be and why?
Great question! I would be a multi-coloured crayon. I use to love the multi-colour crayons when I was younger as I thought they were lots of fun to use. In life I am all about having fun and surrounding myself around others that don’t take life too seriously and are always up for a good time.
You live a very busy life, how do you balance work and home life?
It’s so important to find that balance between work and home life. I know that if I over do work commitments my body and mind will become exhausted. As a teacher it is so easy to continue on with school work well after the bell rings at the end of the day. So I always make sure that I completely switch off by a certain time each day of course there is the odd late night or extra hours on the weekend but I do try hard to make it an even balance. When it comes to the two week break between terms I have a rule to not do anything school related until the second week of the holidays. In general life is busy but the older I get the more aware of the importance of down time and finding a balance I become.
Nicole wears the Theodora kimono/dress
Neighbourhood best kept secret?
We are so lucky where we live as there are so many amazing cafes and restaurants nearby. One of our favourite places that we tell all of our friends to go to is Little Oscar on Lygon Street. It is a 10 minute stroll from our place and hands down has the best serve of calamari and delicious sliders.
Who did you last speak to on the phone?
My parents. They are the very few people that I speak to over the phone. Everyone else is now via text or chat. It’s funny if someone was to ring me now I’d be like oh no what’s wrong?