weddings

For Kerrin, there was only ever one choice for flower girl: her 92yo Nanna.

Kerrin Walton and her partner Jim Parker were never planning a straight-laced, traditional wedding.

With the 28-year-old Melbourne woman’s brother serving as a ‘bridesman’, the couple chose to cherish their most important relationships over custom and convention.

So when it came time to choose a flower girl for Friday’s ceremony in the Dandenong Ranges, one very special person came to mind: Walton’s 92-year-old Nanna, Alison Walter.

Speaking to Mamamia from her Thai honeymoon, Walton recalls the moment the idea came to her.

nanna as flowergirl
"She couldn't believe it." Image: Stephen Gray. www.classicimpressions.com.au

"My husband (still getting used to calling him that!) and I were discussing our bridal party, we where trying to think of a special partner for my 1.5-year-old nephew," she said.

"I looked around the room and glanced at a photo of us and my Nanna and thought that would be so sweet and perfect. Jim loved the idea too."

Farewell naked cakes. We hardly knew ye. Post continues below.

ADVERTISEMENT

The following week, she and her partner purchased a card, chocolates and a flower crown and 'popped the question' to Walter.

"She couldn't believe it," Walton said. "[She] started telling everyone in her retirement home straight away."

The makeup artist says she has always shared a special bond with her Nanna, a woman for whom she has immense admiration, a woman whom she describes as eternally positive and someone who "spreads love wherever she goes".

nanna as flowergirl
"It meant the world to me." Image: Stephen Gray. www.classicimpressions.com.au

To have her play such a central role on such a special day is something both will cherish always.

"I am so blessed to have such a beautiful, strong and loving Nanna," Walton said, "and it meant the world to me that she led the way, with rose petals, for me to marry the love of my life."

Did you shirk convention at your wedding? Tell us about it in the comments below.