Amanda and Matt’s grand plans for an elaborate wedding were put on hold when the pandemic struck. Initially, they had envisioned a lavish celebration with hundreds of twinkling lights, walls of fresh flowers, and over 150 guests. However, their circumstances changed dramatically, and instead of the big day, they threw an intimate house party that turned out to be just as romantic and even more sentimental than they could have ever imagined.
Always Late But Worth The Wait…
In the early stages of their relationship, Amanda and Matt discovered that love requires patience. This crucial lesson became apparent on their first date, where they had planned to meet at the Boat Builders Yard in Melbourne. However, Amanda’s tardiness threw a spanner in the works – she was over an hour late!
Despite this setback, Matt proved to be a relaxed individual who seized the opportunity to order himself a beer while waiting for his partner to arrive, allowing their relationship to take its natural course.
Easy Like A Sunday Morning…
In the early hours of January 2020, Matt popped the question in the most romantic way possible. As Amanda recalls, it was a Sunday morning and Matt had been busy cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Unbeknownst to her, he had been planning this special moment for quite some time. With breakfast ready, Matt emerged from the kitchen, got down on one knee, and asked Amanda to be his forever partner. Overwhelmed with emotions, Amanda said yes!
The newly engaged couple quickly shared their joyous news with family members, but they decided to keep it off social media for a few weeks, savoring the intimate moment and the love that surrounded them.
Dream Wedding…
Amanda and Matt’s original vision for their special day was a grand affair at Mountain Goat Brewery in Richmond. The couple had envisioned inviting 150 guests to a lavish celebration, complete with show-stopping decorations that would leave a lasting impression. The meticulous planning included M and A illuminated letters, flower walls, and an extensive installation of fairy lights that would create a magical ambiance.
According to Amanda, ‘it was going to be big and over the top, and we were both so excited.’ However, the COVID-19 pandemic had other plans, and everything changed in an instant.
Change Of Plans…
As Sunshine Emergency Department nurse Amanda and her fiancé Matt navigated the uncertainty of pandemic protocols, they made a conscious effort to prioritize safety above all else. With their initial wedding plans in disarray, they opted to reassess their big day. ‘Our wedding went from being an exuberant celebration of our love to requiring us to be flexible,’ Amanda recalls. The couple swiftly regrouped and started brainstorming alternative scenarios, determined not to delay their union.
‘If the grand wedding wasn’t meant to be, that was okay with me,’ Amanda shares. Instead, she devised a contingency plan that would allow them to adapt to any unexpected twists, ultimately planning four separate weddings on the same day – each designed to accommodate a different stage of lockdown restrictions.
Improvised Alter…
June 20th marked the special day when Amanda and her partner tied the knot at a picturesque Airbnb property in Eaglemont, Victoria. As Amanda recalls, the morning of their wedding was a whirlwind affair – friends scrambled to set up an impromptu altar on the back porch! The COVID-19 pandemic may have limited their guest list, but it didn’t dampen their style. In fact, they both went all out, dressing to impress and looking absolutely radiant.
Matt, in particular, stole the show with his sharp Hardy Aimes suit – a true dapper gent!
Modern Bride…
Amanda’s wedding day look embodied the essence of a modern bride’s glamour. She opted for a show-stopping Anna Campbell two-piece gown, boasting a pink champagne top adorned with intricate hand-beading and sparkling tulle. The daring open back added a touch of sophistication to an already breathtaking design. ‘As soon as I put it on, I knew it was my perfect dress,’ Amanda gushes about her stunning choice.
To complete the look, Amanda paired the top with a flowing ivory skirt and carried a romantic bridal bouquet that exuded Scandinavian charm, featuring soft blush hues.
Zoom Wedding…
The couple’s special day was amplified through a unique blend of technology and creativity. They live-streamed their ceremony on Zoom, allowing everyone they loved to feel included in the celebration. The guest list received a Zoom invitation, ensuring that all could virtually attend and be a part of the momentous occasion. To preserve the memories of this unforgettable day, Amanda and her partner entrusted the exceptional skills of Zoe Louise Photography.
With a keen eye for capturing life’s precious moments, Zoe managed to put smiles on everyone’s faces throughout the celebration. When looking back at their wedding photos, Amanda can’t help but smile as she reminisces about the joy and laughter that Zoe brought to their special day.
Cotton Cake…
At the Eaglemont property, Amanda and Matt entrusted one of their friends to oversee the reception decorations and dance floor, allowing them to focus on more pressing matters. The pièce de résistance was undoubtedly the breathtaking cake, crafted by the talented team at Boutique Cake Art. This edible masterpiece featured a tantalizing combination of lemon and blueberry flavours, artfully paired with delicate sea holly and cotton accents that added an extra layer of whimsy.
Family Affair…
The wedding celebration of Amanda and Matt was a collective effort from their loved ones. With family members pitching in to make the day unforgettable, it was truly a group effort. As Amanda recalls, her younger brother took on the role of bartender, crafting unique cocktails that kept the party going. Music was also an integral part of the evening, with Spotify providing the soundtrack.
What’s more, everyone got in on the action, taking turns to be the DJ and spinning their favorite tunes throughout the night.
Throwback Vibes…
The newlyweds’ intimate celebration was a far cry from the grand affair they initially envisioned, yet it proved to be an unforgettable experience for all involved. Amanda reminisces about the old-school house party vibe that permeated their special day, where guests donned their finest attire and indulged in delectable cuisine and cocktails. The added bonus of hosting at an Airbnb was the freedom to let loose and enjoy themselves well into the night without worrying about disturbing neighbors.
According to Amanda, the ladies even shed their shoes and danced the night away in socks and slippers, creating memories that will be cherished for years to come.
Love Conquers All…
While their dream honeymoon to Greece and Croatia didn’t materialize, Amanda and Matt’s wedding celebration was still a resounding success. The couple’s weekend getaway at a luxurious spa in Beechworth proved that even with constraints, you can still create an unforgettable experience. In fact, they’re well aware that many couples face challenges when planning their special day, especially during the pandemic.
According to Amanda, it’s crucial to work closely with your vendors and suppliers to ensure a spectacular wedding, regardless of the circumstances. This might mean adjusting your guest list or incorporating virtual elements, but the end result can still be breathtakingly beautiful. As they reflect on their experience, Amanda extends a heartfelt message: ‘Sending socially distanced hugs to all those lovely brides out there.’