‘I’d been engaged for a month without knowing it’: Woman accepts proposal in her sleep
When the groom asked the bride for her hand in marriage a second time, he was able to reveal that she had already said yes.
QWeekend
Don't miss out on the headlines from QWeekend. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Moira Kennedy jokes she was engaged for a month without knowing it. Her groom-to-be, Erez Nusem, proposed in a most unusual way – while she was asleep.
Moira, prone to sleep talking, responded with a “yes” while still in a dream state but Erez recorded the conversation as a joke and played it a month later, during the real proposal.
“He had asked me to marry him in my sleep,” says Moira.
“By the time he played me the recording, I’d been engaged for a month without even knowing it.”
The former Queensland couple, now based in Sydney, tied the knot on their seventh anniversary at The Lussh in Woolloongabba in Brisbane’s south on June 30 this year before 106 guests. They combined their Jewish and Catholic cultures for a celebration full of family, traditions and history.
How did you meet?
Outside Queensland University of Technology, through uni friends. We were both in relationships for three years, and then when we were both single at the same time, we fell into each other. It was clear that family and food were at the heart of who we both are, so it wasn’t long before we became quite attached. Given we come from different traditions, we had a lot of big conversations that some couples might not have until later.
The proposal?
Moira: I sleep talk every now and then, and Erez likes to coax a conversation out of me and record me saying the most ridiculous things. So, one evening after work he suggested we go up to our rooftop for a wine and watch the sunset (my favourite thing). He then played me the hottest hits of “Moira Sleep Talking” recordings, but with a new one I hadn’t heard. He had asked me to marry him in my sleep. My favourite thing I’d said while asleep up to that point was “be the same kebab” but now it’s “Yes. Wheee.” It wasn’t until we’d told our family later that night we realised it was Valentine’s Day.
How did you choose your wedding venue?
It was large enough, and it’s just straight-up beautiful. We had a lot of people travelling in so we wanted something central and accessible.
How did you choose your wedding dress?
I only tried on one before I ordered my final dress. I buy all of my clothes second hand.
What did you feel seeing your bride walk down the aisle?
Erez: We walked in together, behind our parents. We wanted to represent that we entered together as equals.
Any unique details?
Our ceremony was a mix of Catholic and Jewish tradition, calling on symbolism from both. We didn’t have bridesmaids or groomsmen.
What was the standout moment of the day?
The speeches knocked it out of the park. That and the Hora (circle dance and chair lifting).
Best wedding gift you received?
We got an auto vacuum robot! Moira’s Godmother also gifted us a hamper of produce from the Mutdapilly area.
The Bride
Moira Kennedy, 30
Parents Katherine Kennedy and Jock Kennedy
Dress Karen Millen
Hair Danika Willis
Make-up Alyssa Thompson
Flowers Gather & Bundle
Engagement ring It’s a family heirloom, Erez’s Safta’s (Grandmother). Erez had asked for it from her when he was seven years old. In 2019 when she visited from Israel, she brought it with her and gave it to him, telling him to only give it to someone if you know they are the one.
Entertainment Zach and Kyle from DJs2You
The Groom
Erez Nusem, 33
Parents Simi Nusem Horowitz and Ilan Nusem
Suit P. Johnson
Celebrant Rachel Poole (good friend) and blessing performed by Fr Mark Percival
Caterer Pure Catering
Cake We didn’t have “cake” per se. We made the dessert ourselves. It was two flavours of a
Middle Eastern milk pudding dessert called Malabi. We had one with rosemary, caramel,
pomegranate and toasted sliced almonds, and a more traditional berry/rosewater one with pistachio and coconut.