A M Y + R Y L A N D
Amy and Ryland's nearest and dearest flocked to the heavenly Whitsundays for an intimate and elegant wedding.
F R O M T H E B R I D E
We first met...
It was a workplace romance. Ryland sent me a work email asking me to lunch and the rest is history.
We knew it was love...
I think we always knew we were going to be in each others lives forever but after having our son it was real unconditional love.
The proposal...
Ryland proposed at my favourite boardwalk in Emerald Lakes where we love to look at the skyline, whilst Lincoln (our son) was playing aeroplanes with my hair clip next to us. It was a big surprise. Only an hour earlier I was preparing dinner when Ryland changed the plans. The ring must have been burning a hole in his pocket.
T H E W E D D I N G
Our dream wedding...
To be truthful it was the dress it dictated the style and all decisions to follow. The theme became elegant, romantic, white and ivory.
The photographer...
Norina From Iconic Bride was our photographer. Photos were extremely important to us and Norina had a lot of experience at Villa Botanica. She is very talented we love our wedding photos. For video we had Amy from Wild Bunch Weddings who was also amazing. We hardly knew she was there and we will cherish our video forever.
Ceremony and reception venue...
Villa Botanica
Pre-wedding celebrations...
We had an ice breaker dinner for all our guests a few nights before the wedding at Sorrento's on the marina at Airlie Beach. It gave everybody a chance to meet and Ryland a chance to thank everyone for traveling.
The bridal party...
We had three bridesmaids and three groomsmen. We are very blessed to share the same best friends. We are all so close we consider each other family, with friendships spanning more than 10 years, so sharing the day with them was very special. Also my cousin was a bridesmaid and my brother a groomsmen.
The bridesmaids wore...
The girls wore Miss Anne formal gowns all different styles but in the same colour. Each gown had bling and detail. I wanted the girls to feel and look amazing (and they did).
The groomsmen wore...
The groomsmen wore the Cannes Ferrari suit.
The groom wore...
Ryland wore the Zenitti tailored suit from Ferrari.
The dress...
Amazing! After trying on more than 30 gowns, I went back with my dad and got the first dress I ever tried on - the Amarni Gown from Strictly Bridal. It complemented my curves. It had a simple top with a sweetheart neckline, fuller skirt and long train. I actually didn't get to wear it down the aisle for another two years and still loved it on the day. I felt like a princess in it but I couldn't resist the chance to wear a second dress. I also had a beautiful figure hugging white J'adore gown that I found at Rosa & Mary's Bridal. They also made my amazing veil.
Wedding flowers...
My easiest decision! I always knew it was going to be white roses with ivory ribbon finished with diamante detail and The Flower Hut really didn't disappoint.
The décor...
The Event Company Did our styling and it was perfect. Elegant and romantic with white, ivory and gold as theme colours. They styling was finished with tall vases of baby's breath, hanging candles and Tiffany chairs.
On the menu...
We had canapés then a three-course meal. The entrees were mushroom tarts and san choy bau, the mains were steak with crispy fried onion or seared chicken breast with risotto, and for dessert we had double choc brownies.
Bomboniere...
One of my favourite touches to our day was our bomboniere gifts. I ordered personalised M&Ms from America. After many late night phone calls due to the time difference, we had M&Ms in our wedding colours decorated with our names, wedding date and pictures. I then filled cork bottles and made 'thank you' tags to attach.
Memorable moments...
My favourite moment was when Ryland was saying his vows and became overwhelmed with emotion so I wiped his nose for him. My heart swelled with so much love for him in that moment. Another special moment was when my brother surprised me with the bride groom trivia shoe game. It was hilarious! And finally, the moment when Lincoln (our son) saw me and said I was a princess.
Wedding soundtrack...
Prelude: 'You & Me' by Lifehouse
Bridal Processional: 'Thousand Years' by The Piano Guys
Signing 1: 'I’m Yours' by Jason Mraz
Signing 2: 'Everything' by Michael Bublé
Announcement: 'Feel so Close' by Calvin Harris
M A R R I E D L I F E
The honeymoon...
The Beautiful Palm Bungalows on Hamilton Islands
Future plans...
We are now expecting our second child, a baby girl, so enjoying our growing family.
In 40 years you hope to…
Hopefully still enjoying each others company loving like we are young and hopefully grandkids!
W E D D I N G W I S D O M
Advice for planning...
You can never be too organised and remember it’s your day. With the combination of having a wedding co-ordinator and qualified professional suppliers my day ran smoothly with no hiccups or chores for anyone. It really gave us the opportunity to take in the entire day.
Enjoying the wedding day...
It’s easier said than done but don’t stress! Enjoy the day it’s all over very fast.
MW x
Wedding Directory Weddings Whitsundays Venue Villa Botanica Photography Iconic Bride Videography Wild Bunch Weddings Bride's Gown 1 Strictly Bridal Bride's gown 2 Rosa & Mary’s Bridal Suits Ferrari Bomboniere M&M’s America Flowers Flower Hut Whitsundays Cake Sweet Ideas Decorations The Event Company Whitsundays Hair Whitsunday Wedding Hairstylists