Benjamin and Melissa: Love’s a beach
Love has a funny way of showing up when you least expect it. This was the case for lovebirds Melissa and Benjamin, who worked at the same company when they met. Melissa saw something special in Benjamin and this attraction led her to eventually ask him out.
Having embarked on an amazing journey of love, friendship and joy, it took Benjamin six years to ask Melissa for her hand in marriage. “Ben doesn’t rush things!” muses Melissa.
The proposal took place on picturesque Balmoral Beach one afternoon, where Ben decided to treat Melissa to lunch. In order to ease the nerves, he was eager to go for a walk first. The couple hiked to the end of the lush headland, enjoying the beautiful sun and blue skies. With the awe-inspiring scenery of the water and greenery as the backdrop, the moment couldn’t be more perfect, and so Benjamin went down on one knee and asked Melissa to marry him.
With wedding bells in the air, the couple spent less than a year planning their perfect day. “It took around nine months of on-and-off planning,” says Melissa. “But the last two weeks were very busy.”
The sweethearts decided on a relaxed and rustic beach theme to reflect the intimacy of Benjamin’s beachside proposal. “The ceremony was held at Clareville Beach because of its beautiful picturesque background and the reception was held at The Boathouse in Palm Beach,” explains Melissa. “We immediately fell in love with the venue and knew it was the perfect place to celebrate our special day.”
When the big day came, it was exactly as they had planned, if not for a few expected hiccups along the way. Melissa walked down the aisle in a spectacular Pronovias gown from Brides of Beecroft, which featured a finely pleated bodice and an asymmetrical neckline with an impressive 1.5m train.
The atmosphere at the wedding was calm with everyone enjoying themselves and feeling at ease, including the newlyweds. “It was amazing! I felt incredible,” reminisces Melissa. “I didn’t stop smiling.”
Joy, tears and laughter abounded as the couple wed surrounded by their closest family and friends. A standout moment for the couple was when they embraced in their first dance together as husband and wife, which took months of practise with Benjamin’s sister, Fiona, as the dance teacher. “During our dance, Fiona was still yelling out to us from the side about what step was coming up next,” remembers Melissa.
Melissa’s only advice for future brides: “No matter how much you plan, something won’t go to plan on your wedding day. Enjoy the day!”
Words: Daria Kurilo
Photography: April Mac Photography
Bride’s Gown: Pronovias from Brides by Beecroft
Bride’s Shoes: Myer
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Pia Gladys Perey
Groom’s Suit: Studio Italia
Groomsmen’s Suits: New England
Hair: Cara Leupuscek from Feature Hair Boutique
Makeup: Jade Little from A Little Makeup Studio
Jewellery: Viktoria Novak and Grandma-in-law’s pearls
Celebrant: Danielle DuBois
Videographer: Blustone Productions
Stationery: 4 Love Polka Dots
Bonbonniere: Lolly bar
Flowers & Bouquet: Justin Rose
Cake: Gracious Honey
Entertainment: Your Song
Honeymoon: New York, Las Vegas