Ame + Anthony

real life wedding inspo

photos A Shot Above the Rest Photography mobile 0421 249 676 email info@AShotAbovetheRest.com.au web www.AShotAbovetheRest.com.au

Ame and Anthony were both drawn to each other from the day they first met, and to this day their life together is one of genuine connection and love.

Initially meeting at work, Ame and Anthony became friends over cheeky coffee room banter. This soon grew to include daily lunches together, and after about eight months, they started dating. It was a very romantic, private moment in the Snowy Mountains region when Anthony proposed to her. When they were ready to start planning, they worked out what aspects of a wedding were important to them. “Knowing the priorities at the start made our wedding planning process stress-free and a lovely experience together.” Ame’s wish list was for videography and fairy lights. Anthony wanted a custom suit and to have their wedding bands made by the jeweller who created Ame’s engagement ring. Together they agreed they wanted to have their ceremony and reception at the same location, and highlighted professional photography as a must-have! The venue they chose was Centennial Vineyards Restaurant, which was a winery in the Southern Highlands. “The location we chose was exactly what we were looking for, it was gorgeous” they recall.

All of their suppliers were amazing they say. Their videography, See Infinity Products; their jeweller, Harlequin Jewellers, and Roger Bartholomew who created Anthony’s custom suit. Their photographer, they agree, was “AMAZING. A Shot above the Rest are incredible. We could not recommend them more highly for any type of photography.” Ame and Anthony also had their engagement photos with them which they say were stunning! “They made our wedding day photography seamless, effortless (for us...!), natural and relaxed, while ensuring that we had enough time to capture the important aspects.” Their guests travelled from Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane, Launceston and surrounding regions to share and celebrate their special day.

It was such a beautiful and happy day for us

The weather was warm and cloudy with a little rain which prevented them from having their celebrations outside, but they admit, “the planned alternative was very beautiful too”. Their first dance was a highlight of the night for both of them. They were confident and enjoyed dancing together after taking dance lessons leading up to their wedding. They also included a father-daughter dance, with Ame and her dad, and Anthony and his daughter. “Mid-way through the song, we invited all father-daughters at the wedding to join us” they remember, “it was very special and prompted lots of happy and emotional tears from our guests.” At the end of the night they also did a bouquet toss – with a twist! It was a ‘men only’ event, and the winner was awarded a bouquet of flowers to present to his wife or partner. This was a lot of fun, they recall, and very memorable for all. At the conclusion of their reception, they spent their wedding night in a gorgeous private estate in the Southern Highlands, before heading to Port Douglas in Queensland for their honeymoon.

“Our wedding was perfect. It was such a beautiful and happy day for us. We are now also expecting a baby and are very excited about this next chapter for us too!”

Ame & Anthony’s wedding advice: “You don’t need to start wedding planning immediately. Spend some time enjoying your engagement together first! Talk with your fiancé about your shared and individual priorities for your wedding day. Then focus your planning and spending around these important things. Remember that your marriage is much more important than your wedding day. It should be a celebration of your love and life together! But I have seen many weddings that feel more like a performance for the guests. Share this experience primarily with your fiancé, communicate and make decisions jointly, compromise together (it’s both of your special days!), learn to talk openly and regularly about money choices, and try not to blow your wedding budget (remember you still need to buy food, pay rent/mortgage, etc, the week after your wedding day too!). Stay hydrated and remember to eat! It’s a busy day for the bridal couple.”

Wedding Date: 13th January 2022 • Number of Guests: 85 • Photographer: A Shot Above The Rest • Gown: Jean Fox Bridal • Bridesmaid Dresses: JJ’s House • Rings: Harlequin Jewellers • Accessories: Various • Hair: Nikitta Lauren Hair & Makeup • Makeup: Nikitta Lauren Hair & Makeup • Groom’s Suit: Roger Bartholomew • Groomsmen’s Suits: Roger Bartholomew • Ceremony: Centennial Vineyards Restaurant • Celebrant: Sandra Fay Celebrant • Reception: Centennial Vineyards Restaurant • Entertainment: Music playlists prepared by bridal couple. Family members performed sound/music and MC roles • Flowers: RealTouch Silk Flowers - Arranged by bridal couple • Cake: Exquisite Cakes (Castle Hill, NSW) • Bomboniere: Prepared by bridal couple - variety of seeds (to be planted and let love grow!) • Unique Extras: All stationary/signage was prepared by bridal couple. Hanging fairy lights sub-contracted by venue • Videography: See Infinity Productions • Transport: Private family vehicle