Amelia and Pete’s Thredbo wedding started with a ring smuggled through airport security in a pair of headphones, and only got more adventurous from there.
The obstetrics registrar and surgical nurse have been chasing snow together for years, so when it came time to plan their Snowy Mountains wedding, there was only one place – and one activity – that made sense. “The vibe was ‘snow and play,’” says Amelia. “We wanted our wedding to reflect that – fun, playful, and a bit unconventional.”
The pair said “I do” at The Denman in Thredbo, with Amelia in a custom Bowie Rae look, a black floral embroidered bodysuit, a split skirt with pockets, and a cape for the aisle. Aand Pete in black-on-black MJ Bale, velvet jacket included. From a proposal on a whited-out mountain peak to a reception where the whole crew hit the slopes in their wedding outfits, this Thredbo wedding was built entirely around the couple’s love of the mountains. Scroll on for the full story and the seriously stunning snaps by…
A Proposal on the Mountain in Japan
“We booked a last-minute snowboarding trip to Japan. Pete smuggled the ring through airport security wrapped in headphones, even tying it to a fishing line in case he dropped it in the snow. He looped in our friend Isabella, who went into full planning mode and suggested beers at the top of the mountain. It was a perfect bluebird day… until we got to the top – total whiteout. We sat there for ages staring into the clouds, cracked our beers, and as if scripted, the clouds suddenly parted. I suggested a photo in front of a Japanese monument – and that’s when Pete dropped to one knee. I was completely floored. He pulled off the surprise of a lifetime.”
The Bride’s Edgier-Than-Expected Wedding Look for the snow
“After trying on more traditional dresses that felt too ‘bridal,’ I kept seeing edgier designs online… then Bowie Rae popped up, only 10 minutes from home. It felt like fate. Mannie was amazing, so open to designing something different. I thought I’d end up in a pantsuit, but fell in love with a black bodysuit on a whim.
The final look had multiple pieces: a black floral embroidered bodysuit, long white skirt with a split (and pockets of course), a black velvet belt, and a cape for the aisle. I later changed into a mini skirt with white boots. It felt completely like me. And the best part is I’ve already reworn pieces since.”
What’s the Best Advice for Planning a Thredbo Wedding?
“Do it for you. We didn’t want to spend our wedding day doing things we’d never normally do. We built the day around what we love – snowboarding, good food, and being together. Figure out what your ‘thing’ is, and make it part of your day.”
What Was the Favourite Moment From Their Thredbo Wedding Day?
“There were so many – it felt like five days in one. Snowboarding in our wedding outfits with the bridal party was unforgettable. It was a perfect, sunny bluebird day, and felt like something out of a movie. Stopping for a shot ski on the way down was a highlight too. Doing our favourite thing with our favourite people – with no backup plan – and having it all work out was pretty incredible.”
Standout Thredbo Wedding Vendors
“Leanne Doyle and Dion Cario Films were our first picks. We told them upfront we wanted to snowboard on the day – not realising how unusual that was. Lea had lived in Thredbo, and Dion had proposed to his wife there years before. It felt meant to be.”
Love This Thredbo Wedding? Here’s What to Do Next
If you’re vibing this wedding album – and honestly, how could you not – get in touch with Leanne Doyle about her photography offering on the Hello May directory. For help planning your own snow wedding, bookmark our NSW wedding directory for venues, planners and florists, then explore more real weddings for a tonne of inspiration.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Leanne Doyle Photography Cinematographer Dion Cario Films Florist Bloom with Beth Ceremony Venue Thredbo Golf Course Reception Venue & Catering The Denman Hotel Cake Maker Made by Mads Video Guest Book Here’s To You Table & Guest Name Holders Etsy Welcome Sign Frame & Vases Luna Wedding and Event Supplies Wishing Well Post Box Living Styles Entertainment The Fifth Whiskey Celebrant Cloudia Elder Rings Laura Miers THE BRIDE Bridal Gown & Veil Bowie Rae Getting Ready Homebodii Shoes JJ House Earrings Swarovski, Christie Nicolaides Hair Sage Hair Studio Makeup Nudie Studio Bridesmaid Dresses Effie Kats Bridesmaid Shoes Sandler Fur Jackets Bubish Luxe THE GROOM Suit, Shirt, Tie & Groomsmen Suits MJ Bale Shoes RM Williams Watch Rolex
