Ashley Sam

real life wedding inspo

venue City Beach Function Centre phone (02) 4228 3188 email sales@citybeach.events web www.citybeach.events

Whilst seeking tennis lessons at her local court in Camden, Ashley met Sam training to be a coach. One week, to celebrate her birthday Ashley brought cupcakes in for everyone to share. The following week, Sam surprised her with a single cupcake, which he claimed he made. It was later discovered that Sam’s mum had assisted him in his quest for a “Love Match”.

A few years later, whilst cruising New Zealand together Sam had formulated a show-stopping plan to again surprise Ashley. During one evening’s entertainment the guests were seated for an on-cruise game show. Sam threw his hand up when the host asked for couples to volunteer, but Ashley – feeling a bit shy – immediately pulled his arm back down. After some crowd encouragement, Ashley relented and together they made their way to the stage. The game was “Mr and Mrs” was uneventful and Sam and Ashley were doing well, when the compere came to the last question “Are you engaged?” with that Sam dropped to one knee and popped the question. Through tears Ashley said yes, elated Sam immediately celebrated the acceptance not by kissing his new fiancée, but by giving the host a hug before sitting back down to finish the game!

“We knew from the start that we both wanted to get married by the beach, we checked out a few venues along the coast but nothing really stuck out for us until we visited City Beach.” Says Sam, “It ticked so many of our boxes with a stunning backdrop and their winter package also included some amazing décor items; white dancefloor, upgraded centrepieces and table runners.” continued Ashley. We also knew they had a fantastic reputation for their food, so we knew our guests would love it. City Beach have since taken our “Wedding Caterer of the year” NSW Regional in the 2020 Restaurant and Catering Awards. “The venue’s MC Dave Entertainment was fantastic at filling the gaps in the night which would usually be spent dancing, we played “The shoe game” which raised a giggle, especially when the couple disagreed on who was the best tennis player! We planned a romantic wedding with soft pinks, silver highlights and soft florals, then threw in some Star wars details – “We loved that the wedding was a true mesh of our own individual styles. One of the most fun elements was our half and half cake, one side was traditional white with floral lace appliques and the other was star wars themes with the logo and Darth Vader. Our cake baker, Delaney’s did a fantastic job of bringing our idea to life.”. Other Star wars elements you might spot throughout the day were the boys cufflinks, socks and face masks – a forever memory of getting married in 2020.

true mesh of our own individual styles

We also knew we wanted to incorporate our much loved cavalier cross shih-tzu, Charlee, so we bought her the sweetest outfit and got some great photos in the morning. Their photographer, Events Pictures and Videography were dynamic when it came to photograph locations and whisked the couple away to so many stunning spots around the locale; Wollongong lighthouse, the cannons, down on the sand with the ocean as a backdrop and also the botanic gardens. Ashley recalls waking to find the weather cool and overcast “I was delighted as I knew I would have an opportunity to wear my customised denim jacket”.

Advice for other couples Go with what you want and not want everyone else wants you to have. It’s your day so enjoy it! And also take a moment in the reception to take it all in - the day goes so fast!

Wedding Date: 15.08.20 • Photographer: Event Photography • Videographer: Hidden Leaf • Dress Shop & Designer: Two Birds Bridal • Florals: Selah events • Cake: Delaneys • Hair: Angies Hair Care • Makeup: Kerry Howell Makeup • Celebrant: Ruths Matos • Rings: Michael Hill • Bridesmaids Boxes: Hand made by the bride with help from Dijulka Crafts • Love Letters: Light it up letters • Event Signage: City Beach & LoveLee • Bridesmaids Dresses shop/ designer: Two Brides Bridal • Grooms Suit: Ferrari Formal Ware & Bridal • Ceremony: City Beach • Reception: City Beach (Winter Package + Fireworks and Dry Ice) • DJ: Pro Sound & Lighting • MC: Dave Collins • Guests: 101 • Theme: Pink and Silver with some star wars • Bombonerie (purchased): Chocolate Bars made by brides family friend • Transport: HF wedding cars • Wedding Song: Perfect duet by Ed Sheeran & beyonce (first dance) • Menu: (alternate serve) • Entrée: Beef & caramelised onion ravioli | Harissa lamb cutlet • Main: Barramundi fillet with lemon risotto | Beef cheeks with paris mash • Dessert: Passionfruit Pannacotta/ Chocolate brownie terrine