Technically, we met back in primary school – but it wasn’t until Year 10, when our friend groups merged, that we really connected. After a bit of nudging from a friend, Bec finally made a Facebook account and started chatting with Phill online. At the time, she was in full matchmaker mode – trying to set him up with someone else! During one of those chats, Bec told him that all a girl really needs to be convinced is a good sandwich and a little appreciation.
Our friendship quickly grew, especially through the back-and-forth teasing in legal studies class. Then, on the night of 27 September 2012, during a late-night Skype call, Phill asked Bec to be his girlfriend. Her reply? ‘Only if I get a sandwich.’ So, right then and there on camera, he made one – complete with banana peel and lollies.
For context: in those early Facebook chats, while doing the classic 20 Questions game, Bec asked Phill who he had a crush on. He gave a name – and she immediately shifted into wingwoman mode. But as fate would have it, it wasn’t the girl she was matchmaking that he’d end up with. It was her!
The proposal
Our engagement took place during an unforgettable backpacking trip through Europe. Although we’d talked about getting engaged, there were no set plans – until Phill secretly packed the rings, determined to create a beautiful surprise.
Being a pair of self-confessed nerds, we’d always bonded over our shared love of Assassin’s Creed. So, Phill arranged for us to stay in a room overlooking the Duomo in Florence – right in the heart of the plaza. On our very first night, as Bec was getting ready for dinner, Phill played ‘Waltzing on Rooftops and Cobblestones’ from the Assassin’s Creed soundtrack and asked her to dance.
The song ended before he could ask the question… so he restarted it. This time, with Florence glowing behind him, he dropped to one knee and proposed.
The wedding gowns
Choosing my wedding gown wasn’t easy. I’d always imagined myself in something soft, flowy, and mystical – think fairy-meets-witchy vibes with layers of lace and whimsy. But I tried on a more traditional dress (mainly to make my mum happy), and to my surprise… I fell in love. The silhouette, the structure, the way it made me feel like an actual princess – and yes, it had pockets.
As much as I adored it, something still felt a little off – it wasn’t completely me. So I turned to accessories to weave a little of my own magic back in. I explored everything – celestial tiaras, gothic-inspired hairpieces, delicate capes and veils — but then I found her: the Rue de Seine Desert Rose Veil.
It was love at first sight. This veil brought everything together – the romance, the mysticism, the hint of the celestial. It became the perfect bridge between the gown I chose and the woman I am. The moment I put it on, everything just felt right.
One piece of advice
Phill’s tip? If you’re setting up the venue yourself – double the time you think you’ll need. Those little finishing touches take way longer than expected, and having extra time makes the whole experience way less stressful.
Bec’s advice? Always come back to you two. Everyone will have opinions about how a wedding ‘should’ be – but the truth is, there are no rules. This is your day. You don’t need a bridal party to walk down the aisle, you don’t need speeches, you don’t even need a cake if that’s not your thing. What makes a wedding truly special is you – your love, your personalities, your story.
So take time to celebrate each other. Make the day a reflection of who you are – because that’s what everyone is really there for.
The venue
We looked at so many venues in the city, but in the end, we wanted to celebrate closer to home – where we both grew up and where most of our family still lives. After checking out a few local options, we fell in love with the charm and flexibility of Jeetho Hall. It offered the perfect blank canvas with plenty of character, and the cost made it even more appealing.
Being able to bring in our own marquee and not having restrictions around catering or drinks was a huge help when it came to keeping everything within budget. Originally, we planned to hold the ceremony inside the hall, but with more guests than expected, we transformed it into a relaxed chill-out space instead.
The location just felt right – warm, welcoming, a little bit country, and full of freedom to bring our own personality into every detail.
The ceremony
Some of the most meaningful touches from our ceremony were in the little details. All the dried petals we used were lovingly picked and dried by my beautiful mum and her dear friend – they had been growing and preserving flowers for months leading up to the wedding. Among the petals tossed by our flower girl were blooms from bouquets that Phill had given me over the years – a quiet, beautiful nod to our journey together.
One of the most special parts of the ceremony was having my mum come up and literally tie the knot during our rope-tying ritual. It was such a symbolic and emotional moment for us.
And while not traditionally ‘beautiful,’ one of our favourite, most memorable parts was holding a raffle to choose our witnesses! Rather than picking ahead of time, we called out three names on the day – with the first name drawn winning a meat platter we’d put together ourselves. In the end, a new friend and someone who’s like an auntie to me were chosen. It was unexpected, fun, and perfectly us – bringing everyone into the moment and letting our personalities shine.
Favourite memories
One of the absolute highlights of our day was nailing our first dance! We had commissioned a choreographed routine through Fiverr – they sent us a video with all the steps, and we spent weeks practicing in our driveway, using chalk to mark out the size of the dance floor.
All that hard work paid off. The moment we pulled off the big lift and final spin, the crowd erupted with surprise and cheers – and it’s a sound I’ll never forget. It was the perfect way to wrap up the formalities of the night and made every minute of practice so incredibly worth it.
The vendors
Honestly, I don’t think I can pick a favourite vendor – every single person who contributed to our day was absolutely incredible and left a lasting impact on us.
Donna captured our moments more beautifully than I could have ever dreamed. Racheal had everyone laughing and crying with her words. Xander’s harp playing was pure magic – so moving and soulful. Jamie kept the energy high, played banger after banger, and even let me live out my little emo dance floor moment (thank you!). The amazing team at Trullis were total superstars – they made sure Phill and I ate, drank, and got to enjoy a little of everything.
Behind the scenes, our hair and makeup team were calm, kind, and worked their magic effortlessly – even with my oddball requests and questions.
Every single person who showed up, shared their talents, and helped bring our day to life… you were all our favourites. We’re endlessly grateful.
Vendors
Accommodation The Farmhouse at Hopwood Estate I Alterations Fairytales Bridal Boutique I Bars DIY I Bridal Gown & Veil Designer Fairytales Bridal Boutique I Cake / Sweets Cakes by Netty I Catering Trulli On Wheels I Celebrant The Ivy Aisle I Ceremony Venue Jeetho HallI Entertainment / Music Asterixx Entertainment / Xander Beach Harpist I Grooms Attire Panthers Menswear I Hair Stylist Hair by Diana Purvis I Hire Services Snap Photobooth Hire I Invitations / Stationery Canva / Zazzle I Jewellery Lovisa I Makeup Artist Batari Beauty I Marquees / Teepees Twilight Event Hire I Nails / Tan Gel by Jade I Photobooth Snap Photobooth Hire I Photographer Donna Lee Photography I Reception Venue Jeetho Hall I Robes, Sleepwear & Lingerie Shein I Transport Westernport Roadlines / 4 Door HQ Monaro / 2 Door HJ Monaro
Donna Lee Photography
Congratulations on your engagement! I’m Donna and I would love nothing more than to join you and capture your big day. I strive to capture those deep, emotive moments between you and your significant other with minimal posing and more authentic, candid imagery. I want you to reflect on your images and feel the love oozing out of them. My work is described as bold and romantic with a modern twist, but I ensure my images remain timeless and relevant. As your photographer, I love to hear what you envision for your big day and to help with pre-wedding plans to ensure your day runs smoothly. With some slight prompting and plenty of laughs, I promise our time together will be relaxed and full of fun!