After Ben finally asked Jess to be his lady friend forever, they toyed with the idea of eloping. But knowing their friends and family would be disappointed, they decided on a surprise wedding instead. “It was Ben’s idea to have a surprise wedding. It was perfect! Nobody got caught up in the stress of going to a wedding, getting the new outfit, hair, makeup etc. It was a small gathering of 50 friends and family who we wanted to share our big moment”, says Jess, who wore a beautiful Collette Dinnigan gown.
The only other person in on their secret was photographer Lara Hotz, who captured some very special moments before it was time for the lovebirds to make their grand entrance at The Grounds of Alexandria – a rustic restaurant, cafe and marketplace in Sydney, and home to Bradley the sheep (who tried to eat Jess’s bouquet) and Kevin Bacon the pig.
“On the day Ben was a man of steel”, says Jess. “He greeted everyone and told them I was running late. My dad and my sister kept coming in to check on me while I was hiding with our dog and ring bearer Winston.”
After everyone had recovered from the shock of their surprise ceremony, where Ben and Jess exchanged rings they’d handmade for each other, it was time to celebrate. Drinks were poured, music played and Hello may fave’s The White Tree caught it all on video for you to check out below, and my what a day it was!
CREDITS Photos Lara Hotz // Bridal gown Collette Dinnigan // Shoes Zomp // Flowers Florals by Silva // Rings Peppers Creek Antiques // Bridesmaids dresses Topshop // Grooms suit Dom Bagnato // Ties Marcs // Ceremony, reception and catering The Grounds of Alexandria, NSW // Stationery Minted // Hair Kayla // Makeup PM Studio // Celebrant Janet Morice // Cinematographer The White Tree // Hotel 1888 // Alterations Nelder-Jones.