Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship…
Ben and I are both country kids, Ben grew up on a large property north of Moree NSW Campdrafting and riding bulls and I grew up in Coonamble NSW riding horses and travelling with my family to compete at rodeos (roping and barrel racing).
I guess the main thing we really both have in common is we both have very close-knit families, strong morals with a strong rural background. Ben is an extremely hard working and driven person, I guess that is another thing I really admire about him. He loves the simple things in life and as long as he has his family, his dog Kevin and plenty of work he is fine. This is harder to write about yourself –I work for the NSW Police and I absolutely love my job I work with great people. I guess much the same as Ben really, as long as I have Ben, my family, my horses and my dog Lexie I’m a happy girl.
How did we meet? We had known each other for years, both split from long term relationships, started chatting a lot. I’m not going to lie I always had a bit of a crush on him. Ben was hopeless at making the first move so believe it or not I made him take me home from a night club one night. I had had a big night, and my brothers girlfriend who I was out with, had left me on my own and gone home. It was close and we were standing outside Ben asked me what I was doing now and I told him Courtney has gone and left me, so I guess I’m going home with you, and that was that. And to this day he still wears the pants, I just tell him which ones to put on.
Proposal details – We both worked long hours and we played football on weekends so between work, training and a live-in housemate/Man Child (Beau ) we had limited time to ourselves. Every afternoon we took the time to walk the dogs together. Ben proposed at the top of a hill while we were walking the dogs one afternoon. I had just got home from oztag I was all sweaty and he had already started on the rums. I didn’t realise at the time it must have been for courage. I was walking a little way in front of him and I was getting up him about something (probably working too much) and he was laughing at me so I got angrier. He was laughing and yelled Tiarni turn around, as I did (angrily mind you). He was down on one knee. I said yes lol.
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…
I wanted to elope, and spend all the money on a holiday to America and get married by Elvis to be honest. Ben wouldn’t let me, he didn’t want me to regret it later. We basically wanted something relaxed, easy like one big party but still classy. We went for a little bit of a boho/country theme.
My favourite part of our the whole day was the arch we got married under. Ben made it a couple of days before out of beautiful timber and it has both out families cattle brands burnt into the front of it. Ben designed and made it, so it could be easily converted into a baby swing when we have children.
I loved the laid back relaxed feeling of the whole day, we both had such a good time.
Tell us about your main outfits:
My dress was hand made by Atelier Rose in Newcastle, I got to design it and chose the lace. I loved the lace it was stunning. I wanted something simple, elegant, timeless and easy to dance in; I personally think it ticked all the boxes.
We chose Ben’s suit after a dress fitting, he’s not much of a shopper so I took him straight to Peter Jackson in Newcastle and the team there were amazing. We literally purchased everything for the boys at the one shop and it was all done within the hour. I honestly can’t thank them enough.
What were some of the most memorable/unique moments from the day?
I think for us, it was having all our loved ones in the one place at the one time. We have friends and family from all over the country side and it was so amazing and humbling to have all those people coming together in the one spot to help us celebrate. We honestly had the time of our lives and to have all our special people together was amazing for us.
Any advice for other couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together?
Talk to each other, I mean really talk, about everything that’s on your mind spend the rest of your life with your best friend not because they are easy to live with, but because you can’t live without them. My only regret in our relationship is that I didn’t find Ben sooner so that I could love him for longer…..
Photographer: Bonnie @ Lilly at Dawn Photography also see TJ directory Lilly Dawn | Ceremony & Reception Location: Coonamble Show Ground | Celebrant: Say Yes With Jess | Entertainment: Brad Hailing | Styling: Lucy Watson @ Mink & Me | Hire Furniture: Ivory Lane Event Styling | Flora: The Meadow Floral Design | Catering: Eat Your Greens | Cake: Sue Plank Cakes | Bride’s dress: Atelier Rose | Bride’s Shoes: Alias Mae | Groom & Groomsmen attire & shoes: Peter Jackson | Bridesmaid dresses: Kookai | Rings: Lados | Bridesmaids earrings: Lovebuds by Amy | Makeup: Brittni Cook | Hair: Shalyn Chandler
