JOLENE OGLE
Nina Starkey went on 52 dates in one year.
“I should write a book about it,” she jokes as she recalls the time she climbed out the window of a cafe to avoid a less than romantic date.
Nina, 40, now a mother of two girls, said she found all 52 dates through online dating sites and was just about to give up the search for love when a message came through from a man named Scott who lived in Mackay.
“My 13-year-old daughter saw his picture and said he looked like a nice guy,” Nina said.
“She wouldn’t let me close off the computer until I had sent him a reply.”
Luckily for Nina, it would prove 53rd time a charm when after three months of talking Scott, 43, flew from Mackay to meet Nina in Brisbane.
“So, the official story is we met at the airport,” Nina laughs.
Now, four years and one baby later, Nina and Scott will marry in front of family and friends on at the Spit, Noosa this Saturday.
But not one to follow tradition, Nina said their wedding was planned within three days and she expects it will cost no more than $3,000.
“Your wedding shouldn’t be a stressful day,” Nina said.
“With a guideline of what you need, it should be an easy thing to do.”
Nina has enlisted the help of local Noosa businesses such as Noosa Florist, who will be providing the bridal bouquet, as well as Oh Sew Noosa and Noosa Jetty Builders who have helped to construct the arbour for the unique DIY wedding.
Costs have also been kept down by utilising talented family members with Nina’s mother-in-law doing her hair for the big day and kind friends Emma and Danny, whose home will host the reception.
“Weddings should not have to be a tricky or costly affair,” Nina said.
“I have used local businesses and the wedding, including everything, comes in to just under $2,200. This also includes accommodation and nannies as well as waitressing staff (for the reception).”
Nina said life and happiness comes down to creating what you want and making sure you search for your desire.
“Coco Chanel once said, ‘My life didn’t please me, so I created my life’. There is hope out there to find a beautiful life partner, one just has to look – properly.”
