Amy Ben

real life wedding inspo

stylist Absolute Beautiful Decor mobile 0403 304 721 email bomboniere526@hotmail.com web www.absolutebeautifuldecor.com.au

Though they were both born and grew up in Canberra, Amy and Ben only met each other by chance through an online dating site.

It was on a trip to celebrate the New Year with friends at Lakes Entrance in Victoria, that Ben decided it was time to propose to Amy. Taking her to the look out, he popped the question with the song “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran playing in the background. Theirs was a wedding before COVID, so they had many guests who travelled from all around Australia to be a part of their special day. “For us, we wanted the day to be about celebrating with our families” says Amy. Giving themselves a year and a half to plan and save for their wedding, Amy and Ben agreed that they wanted a fairly relaxed event that everyone could enjoy. They spent some time organising the big details such as their ceremony and reception venue, but they also had plenty of time to consider the finer details which brought the most meaning to their wedding. “For the reception styling I didn’t want anything too big that would take up lots of space at the table” says Amy, admitting that she preferred a minimalist feel. Both liking the outdoors and simple things, she says she was really drawn to the rustic feel which her decorator, Maria from Absolute Beautiful Décor provided on the day – simple, elegant, boho-hessian and lace.

Says Amy, “I have always loved the look of baby’s breath as centrepieces, so that was where my inspiration for the centrepieces started.” Personal elements which were particularly meaningful to both Amy and Ben centred around family. Amy wore her grandmother’s wedding ring on the day, and she remembered her grandparents who had passed away with photos of them on her bouquet. Ben also had pins with photos of his grandparents which he pinned to his suit. Another very special and distinctive moment was when Amy’s dad saw her in her wedding dress for the first time. She says, “the look on his face and his emotion was beautifully captured by our photographer and is something I will treasure forever.” Their photographer, Daniel from Keepsake Photos by the Keeffes was incredible. Their bridal party kept them laughing throughout the photo session and Daniel made them both feel very comfortable in front of the camera. “All our suppliers were amazing” says Amy. “All made the day stress-free and delivered incredible products for us.” Though it was unbelievably windy, it didn’t take the silver lining off their day. Guests had a wonderful time and agreed that it felt like a big party.

Have fun and enjoy the moment

This was exactly what Amy and Ben had set out to achieve. The moment that really stuck with Amy was the dancing at the reception. “Nick Rigby (Entertainment) did a fantastic job with the music and kept the party flowing” she says, “everyone was having an amazing time and enjoying the night.” Both Amy and Ben got lots of enjoyment just watching their families laugh and enjoy themselves. To be able to spend their day with the people they loved made it perfect for them. As the night came to an end, they spent their first night at The Burbury Hotel, surprised as most couples are, at how quickly the day went. They then continued the fun with a fantastic honeymoon to the USA and Canada for five weeks, staying in a mix of hotels and Airbnbs.

Amy’s wedding advice: Have fun and enjoy the moment. Make sure you plan the day you want, not the day you think will make other people happy.

Wedding Date: 19th October 2019 • Theme: Rustic • Number of Guests: 100 • Wedding Song/Dance: “From the Ground Up” by Dan and Shay. • Photographer: Keepsakephoto by the Keeffes • Videographer: Motion of Video • Bridal Gown: Affordable Bridal • Bridesmaids Dresses: P.S Frocks • Rings: Michael Hill Jewellers • Hair: Studio Sixty5 • Makeup: Mel Peach Makeup Artist • Groom’s Suit: yd • Groomsmen’s Suits: yd • Wedding Stylist: Absolute Beautiful Décor – simple elegant boho-hessian & lace. • Ceremony: Brassey Hotel • Celebrant: Tanya Losanno • Reception: Canberra Southern Cross Club • Entertainment: Nick Rigby • Florist: Poetry in Flowers • Cake: Vanilla & Blossom Cake • Extras: Dance lessons from Kokoloco Dance Studio