it’s not often that we hear stories of weddings with multiple proposals, but then again, who could refuse such a unique tale of love? We’ll start from the beginning. First, Ben popped the question on a weekend away in the forest with Natalie. Then Natalie took her turn doing the question popping.
£On Christmas Eve, I hired a snow machine and projector and covered our courtyard with candles and fairy lights. I had a huge screen showing a replayed video of the forest in the snow, while our favourite songs played in the background. Ben came home to a white Christmas, which he thought was just an early Christmas present until I got down on one knee and presented him with a watch and asked him if he’d marry me too. He said yes. Duh!
Unmistakably keen on the outdoors (and one another), Natalie and Ben looked to the beloved forest for inspiration when planning their big day at Margaret River (with reception at Lake Cave Events Deck), which was brimming blooms by Florist Gump and, of course, DIY projects (much to the bride’s liking since she’s an artist by trade).
£That was the most exciting bit about planning a wedding to me, as I’m a painter so getting crafty is the best, she tells us, having created the hanging chandelier’, place settings, bridesmaids skirts and more, following the mantra if you can’t find it…make it!’.
While Natalie says she couldn’t have been happier with her dress, it was the moment that her groom first saw it that came out on top as one of the best parts of the day.
£Seeing Ben’s face when he saw me in it for the first time was priceless! He looked so handsome and happy. He mouthed wow’ and I instantly teared up with happiness. My cheeks already hurt by the time I reached him because I was smiling so much, says Natalie, declaring that marriage means making each other feel amazing – £like I make Ben even more awesome than he already was! Haha.
Oh so evidently a couple bursting with personality, we’re fortunate that Natalie and Ben secured a great photographer (AKA James Simmons) who captured the pair perfectly. They tell us, £James is just an awesome person who is so passionate about what he does. He is against clichû?s and he loves beer – how can you go wrong? Plus, he is a crazy talent on the photographer scene.
Natalie and Ben’s WA wedding was originally featured in our third annual Real Wedding Special, on sale now and stocked in newsagents nationally. Search for your nearest stockist via suburb or postcode here, or shop online with Mag Nation or via the HM online store here.
CREDITS Photos James Simmons // Cinematographer Emotions Films // Event planner / Stylist Ferguson Valley Events // Florist Florist Gump // Printer Classic Wedding Invitations // Ceremony Boranup Forest National Park, WA // Reception Lake Cave Events Deck, WA // Catering Food By the Chef // Cake Say Cheese Towers // Decorative elements Koch & Co, Afloral and Forever Flowering // Wedding favours Australian Favors // Entertainment Ben Merito // Celebrant Joanna Grist // Rings Ross Ezekiel Jewellery // Transport Cape Thunderbirds and The Chauffeur Bus // Bridal gown designer Jennifer Naglan // Bridal Boutique Zanzis Couture// Veil Tuscany Bridal // Hair piece Bling Garden via Etsy // Robes / getting ready tees Cotton On Body // Lingerie Honey Birdette // Garter Lovisa // Shoes Novo Shoes // Accessories Samantha Wills and Pandora // Hair and makeup Angela Mee // Bridesmaid skirts made by Natalie Clark (Bride) // Tops Kookai // Suit Politix.
