Aishar & Ben's Wedding at Bonny Hills

THE PROPOSAL

We had spent the day surfing at Grassy Head, which is around an hour north from home. On the way home Ben took a detour up Mount Yarrahapinni, the views from the top were amazing. Being nearly 500 metres above sea level you can see the beautiful coastline of the Macleay Valley. Ben started acting strange and walking into the bush, I thought something was wrong but it turns out he was just searching for the perfect place to pop the big question. He started taking photos from the top of the look out and when I turned around he was down on one knee. It was very romantic and sweet, because there was limited service we had to wait a while before we could tell our family and friends.

CHOOSING THE WEDDING LOCATION

We both love the outdoors, especially the beach so when we started looking for possible locations it was the perfect fit, the reserve overlooks the water and was around the corner from our family home and the reception venue was right on Rainbow Beach and just around the corner from where the ceremony was held.

IF YOUR WEDDING HAD A THEME SONG..

You are the reason by Callum Scott. It was the song that local musician Chris Rose sang while I walked down the aisle with my two little boys, Nate and Aiden. The lyrics to the song are really fitting and something we both connected with.

TRADITIONS HONOURED..

We didn’t stay together before the wedding and didn’t see each other until the ceremony and I hid the wedding dress so that was a surprise on the big day. We both got each other little gifts for the morning of the wedding and wrote some words, our bridal party were great smugglers getting the notes and gifts to each other for us.

We had a very raw and touching moment with our wedding celebrant. Ben and I blended our families and after our wedding had a beautiful little girl together and wanted to include our beautiful children in the ceremony. Our kids have always been so supportive of our relationship and so loving and accepting, we included a little line about each person and what we love and appreciate about them. It was so touching to see each of their little faces light up as they were mentioned and the tears and smiles that followed. Our celebrant was amazing and voiced our feelings so perfectly, I think at one point every person there had tears in their eyes it was one of those moments we will never forget.

DIY PROJECTS

The bonboniers were a few different types of scented candles in tins, we designed the sticker that went on the candle lid and spent a few hours sticking them all on one night leading up to the wedding. We had laser cut wood name places for the tables and a gorgeous circle mirror which a friend wrote on in white for the seating chart. We also had photos of our family and loved ones scattered around the reception venue and some sentimental items, heirlooms and some rose quartz at both the ceremony and reception.

WE SPLURGED ON..

We splurged on the flowers and circle arbour, the main vibe was flowery and organic, we had long garlands with flowers and greenery running down the long trestle tables. I loved the way Sarah decorated the circle arbour it was exactly what Ben and I envisioned and looked amazing against the ocean backdrop.

WE SAVED ON..

We saved on cars and had some special family members drive us in their cars and also saved making the wedding favours.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS..

I was most looking forward to the ceremony and first dance. My favourite part was the kiss at the end of the ceremony and when Ben sang Burn for you by John Farnham at our reception. We were lucky enough to have some whales in the background just before the ceremony started and an eagle flew over at the end of the ceremony which was one of my grandmothers favourite animals so that was really special.

DID ANYTHING GO WRONG, THAT YOU CAN LAUGH ABOUT NOW?

There was a really funny part just after the ceremony Ben was telling me an unpleasant but really funny story and forgot he still had the microphone on from the videographer (it was clipped to his tie). When we remembered afterwards Ben was mortified and we were crying from laughter.