Real Wedding: Tish & Ben - Photography by Nardia Buist - Together Journal

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship…

Beni and I met through friends. Actually, my bestie was with one of his mates and we all used to chill at the Broom Street flat. But really I was just hung out to creep on him. It worked! He is an exterior plasterer and I liked him because of his muscles and gorgeous green eyes. It didn’t take long to recognize his kindness and the fact he would always be doing favours and helping out whoever he could. I fell in love with his kind heart.

Beni liked me because I’m not your typical girl. I would (stalk) hang out with him and work on cars together. I was just finishing my mechanics pre-trade when we first met, and he has stood by me right from the beginning of my truck driving career. After only a few years we bought our first home and obviously got a dog. We didn’t even have to question how everything would all work, we always knew how well we balance each other out and work together as a team. Beni is hardworking and always a bit of a stress ball and he loves that I am a laid-back hippy chick.

Tell us about your special day, was there a specific theme or style? Tell us a little about the setting, the styling and some of your favourite details…

Our special day worked out perfectly and exactly how we imagined and it flowed so well without even trying. We wanted all our friends and family and we wanted to party. We were lucky enough to be able to have out ceremony at a friends’ residence which is a gorgeous homestead with huge old trees and the most stunning gardens. After the short and sweet ceremony, it was super easy to have our photos onsite and our 150 guests move on to The West Eyreton Hall just 10 minutes down the road.

We decided early on that we would save money by using the community hall and decorate it beautifully with the help of wedding stylists. We close Cressy Lane Event Styling who did EVERYTHING from the archway and ceremony decorations, florals, table runners, seats, lighting and more. The ladies at Cressy Lane had full creative freedom and followed through beautifully with our Bohemian theme. I had told her nothing girly or traditional and not rustic. It was a lifesaver getting an event styling package. There was zero stress and it turned out better than I imagined. My absolute favourite details were the florals.

Tell us about your main outfits:

There was no way I was ever going to wear a traditional wedding dress. After visiting a few bridal boutiques for a few laughs with my bridesmaids, we all decided to invest in a girl’s weekend to the Gold Coast where got to experience the Grace Loves Lace showroom. Nothing compares. I found ‘the one’ unexpectedly when I chose to try on the Edie Gown which was figure hugging and sophisticated – opposite to the flowy, romantic gowns which I had my eye one. I just knew that was going to be my dress.

We had a blast shopping for the groomsmen attire. We had six guys and a groom to dress so it was always going to be a bit of a mission, so we gathered the team and hatched a plan to hit up Tarocash Outlet which gave us the most options in sizing and colours with the best value for money. I supervised the boys who ran amok picking and choosing shirts with the help of the very knowledgeable shop assistant. The boys chose trusty tan pants which they can all wear time and time again. They go perfectly with patterned shirts.

Beni chose a lovely white with light blue paisley shirt to be a bit different to the rest of the boys and I was very proud of his taste, especially with the added touch of the trilby hats from Hallenstein’s. I am picking that the next wedding we go to, there will be a certain group of guys who turn up matching because they loved their outfits and are all looking forward to getting the most out of them!

What were some of the most memorable/unique moments from the day?

One of the most memorable moments was later in the evening when one of our young guests asked the band if she could sing. This ended up being a beautiful surprise for everyone. Beni and I had decided not to do a first dance but when Shannon began singing Elvis’ ‘I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You’, we both looked at each other and were like why not!? Beni dragged me up on stage which was the beautifully decorated outdoor decking. It didn’t matter that we hadn’t even attempted to practice a dance; we were both in the moment along with all our guests. It was emotional and passionate, but I was very relieved when our guests swarmed the deck and joined us.

A unique moment took place whilst getting sunset photos with our wedding party. This was a mere hour (if that) after the newlywed couple arrived at the reception and the speeches commenced. The groomsmen were untucked, some had lost their bowties, hats on backwards or completely disappeared and even hitting on the bridesmaids! Lucky Nardia our photographer got them into line and captured some amazing shots, these are some of our favourite photos and we had the best time!