Yesterday was such a pleasure to be a part of, two of the nicest humans you could meet and one Charlie dog that has almost sold me on getting a Cavoodle! Read on below for a little about them, the team involved and of course, the sneaks!

Dream Team

Accessories: Brett’s Jewelllers
Caterer: Clyde Park
Celebrant: Kate Uren
DJ: Geelong Entertainment Services
Dress Boutique: Mariana Hardwick
Dress Designer: Mariana Hardwick
Engagement Ring: Brett’s Jewelllers
Florist: Elderberry Events
Hair Stylist: Amelia Rose Hairstylist
Live Music: Geelong Entertainment Services
MC: Kate Uren
Officiant: Kate Uren
Photographer: Wildheart Photography
Rental / Decor: Elderberry Events
Shoes: Harlo Australia
Suit Designer: Joe Black
Transport: Murrell Group
Veil: Mariana Hardwick
Venue: Clyde Park
Wedding Party Outfit: Billy J Boutique

Tell me about your The Beginning!

We met in January 2018 in the peak of summer, at a mutual friend’s BBQ. My best friend Luke (one of my groomsmen) had invited both of us separately to the same BBQ. I had been childhood friends with Luke, and Mon had met Luke through working together at Woolies and they had been friends for years. I was at the BBQ first and was already swimming in the pool when Mon arrived with two of her friends and they walked up to the edge of the balcony. She called out to Luke to say hello, which caught my attention. I turned around and looked straight at Mon and I swear she had a glowing halo around her. I thought she was the most beautiful person I had ever seen (and still do to this day). We locked eyes and stared at each other for a few seconds. That night we only talked to each other a little bit, I was embarrassed from losing to her in a classic game of beer pong, and thought she was way out of my league (both in looks and beer pong skills). Mon had to leave early to head off to another event. That was that, Mon left the BBQ and forgot about me entirely. A couple months later, I was on a Euro holiday in Italy with Luke when he said, “Hey, do you remember my friend Mon?” And I replied, “Of course I do!” Luke then told a giant porky (unbeknownst to me at the time), telling me that she really liked me from that BBQ and that she was waiting for me to message her…. which, nearly a year into us actually dating was found to be an utter fabrication. Mon hadn’t spoken to Luke about me since that BBQ, not a single mention. BUT, it did give me the false sense of confidence to ask her out when I got back from Europe. Mon was surprised to hear from me, but luckily I got the tip from Luke to mention pasta, which was a winner, so she thought she’d give me a chance. 7 years later, here we are!

When and where did you get engaged?

On the 7th of October 2023, at the very top of Tantalus Lookout which oversees all of Waikiki in Hawaii. We were watching the most breathtaking Hawaiian sunset we’d ever seen when I got down on one knee and popped the question. Afterwards we walked down to the beach to watch the fireworks. It was magical!

What style/theme have you chosen for your Wedding Day?

We’re going for a beautiful rustic country vibe, with a touch of that classic romantic, elegant and cozy feel. Our colour scheme is classic bridal whites and greens (think sage, eucalyptus, olive branches, baby’s breath, daisy’s and roses). We want to take advantage of the beautiful landscape that Clyde Park has to offer, and be surrounded by gorgeous nature (trees, bushland, river, koalas and all). Natural earthy tones is the vibe!

What are you most looking forward to on the day?

Taking in the moment that we’ve been planning for a year and a half but know will fly by on the day! We want to engross ourselves in all the little moments with our family and friends, the hugs, kisses, congratulations and thank you’s. The ‘you guys look beautiful’, ‘wow the food is so delish’ and ‘oh what a banger’ moments while we dance the night away. We adore our families and are so looking forward to sharing this monumentally special day with them as one big unforgettable party. Mon is a foodie (wog tings), so is hanging out for all the food, and Ben is looking forward to seeing how beautiful his wife to be will look.

Top Tips!

– Enjoy the planning process together, it’s so much fun! – Soak up the little moments with family and friends along the way. – Make a checklist and plan everything (especially vendors) early! Set and forget as they say.