Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship…
Ben and I met back in our first year of undergraduate degree studying French! I accidentally spilt a coffee all over Ben’s white T-shirt – our French tutor suggested that I should buy him coffees for the rest of the semester to make it up to him!
We started chatting and then never really stopped. We love adventure and travel. Despite both trying to be life-long students we managed to get around Europe, South and Central America, North America – and one visit to Africa. And of course our pretty big backyard in Western Australia! Everything was always on a shoe-string budget so we learnt to laugh together when things fall apart and not sweat the small stuff. Everything is a good story in hindsight!
Tell us about your special day, was there a specific theme or style? Tell us a little about the setting, the styling and some of your favourite details…
One of the reasons we picked Parry Beach Breaks is its proximity to the beach and the bush – so we were inspired by the natural surrounds. Our flowers were all native and our table decorations had eucalyptus and olive tree.
As for the day itself – we wanted to celebrate our wonderful friends and family who were there to celebrate with us. As much as the day was about us – it was also about the people who have been so important to us both. Every guest’s place card had a personal note from us with a lovely memory or personal joke!
Our wedding day was made all the more special because it was our ten year anniversary of when we started dating! It also coincided with a long weekend in Western Australia and we had planned a weekend of festivities to spend with our lovely friends and family who journeyed down to spend the whole weekend with us. We had beers and pizzas at Boston Brewery on the Friday night, and hosted a recovery session on the Sunday at the amazing villas at Parry Beach Breaks – complete with an intense backyard cricket session and emptying the remaining bottles and kegs left over.
Tell us about your main outfits…
I only tried on my dress at the insistence of my maid of honour Charlotte – sequins were never on the vision board! But as soon as I tried it on I really had the “moment” and that was that!
Ben tried to worry me by describing his outfit as “out there”. I had imagined a polytechnic rainbow suit – but the pale pink shirt from MJ Bale was a lovely (and subtle) touch!
What were some of the most memorable/unique moments from the day?
We loved our ceremony – our celebrant Bec made it so personal and lovely. Particularly memorable was when I accidentally mispronounced Ben’s surname – definitely lightened the mood. It’s hard to pick more specific moments – it’s a blur of hugs and cheers and dancing!
Any advice for other couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together?
Always remember to be grateful for each other and the people in your lives that support you (and don’t forget to tell each other!) Try and find the humour in the wild and wooly times – it’ll all add colour to your memoirs one day!
Ceremony and Reception location: Parry Beach Breaks | Photographer: Lee Griffith | Celebrant: Rebecca Robers | Entertainment: Katie White | Planner and Styling: Kim Bongogno at The Wedding Concept | Hire: Albany Events and Hire | Flora: Created by the bridal party | Catering: Kirby’s Catering | Beverages: Singlefile Wines| Cake: Entice Food | Bride’s Dress: Karen Willis Holmes | Groom’s Attire: MJ Bale | Rings: Brinkhaus Jewellers | Bride’s Shoes: Wittner | Groom’s Shoes: RM Williams | Makeup: Ruth Willmer | Hair: Kate Samiotis | Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Frankii, Saba and Fifth The Label | Groomsmen’s Attire: MJ Bale
