Lauren and Benson’s meet-cute moment played out “one very romantic summer” as the two professional performers worked alongside each other in a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens.
The duo, who have now been together six years, saw a bunch of venues in the planning process, but nothing ticked the boxes quite like Audley Dance Hall, nestled in Royal National Park. As the newlyweds explained, “We really wanted our wedding week to feel like a bit of a getaway [whilst] also being close enough to Sydney for those who couldn’t stay.” Neighbouring both the beach and the bush, the heritage-listed dance hall also married two elements that were key to Lauren and Benson’s wedding day vision. “I was adamant I wanted to start my wedding day with a swim at the beach, and Benson wanted to get married in the bush. Audley was perfect for us!”
Scroll on to hear the couple’s tried and tested rules for stress-free wedding planning, plus see their GORGEOUS album shot by Scott Surplice (he’s a Hello May fave, folks – you’re about to see why!)
FAVE DETAILS “I loved finding something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue, as well as all the wedding traditions such as spending the last night away from each other. I went down to the beach on the morning of the wedding to write my vows on some special paper and two dolphins swam past me in a pair! It was so special!”
DIY “I have had a wedding Pinterest board since before I can remember, so I was extremely excited to do a bunch of wedding crafts. I designed and painted the wedding invitations, including a venue map of Audley Dance Hall (which is now featured in their brochure), and made the name tags, menus, seating chart, confetti cones, welcome board and an old-fashioned signpost. Poor Benson was tiptoeing around our living room full of arts and crafts for months prior! He was also roped into many weekends of woodwork and painting and collecting fun things like umbrellas, lawn games and floor cushions [for] the ceremony. Benson’s mum also hand-punched all our confetti out of gum leaves!”
TALK ABOUT TRADITION “We had my brother play the bagpipes at our wedding – a Scottish touch for Benson’s side of the family.”
A WORD OF ADVICE “Less than a year down the track, we welcomed TWINS into our world, and our wedding stands out as a last hurrah of a sexy young couple unencumbered by nappies and spew. It is all-consuming and expensive, but it is well worth it to have all of your friends and family in the one place to celebrate your love—this opportunity will never come about again! We had two rules that saved us in the planning.[Firstly,] as soon as it stops being joyful, pens down and come back to it later, planning a wedding should be 100% a joyful experience and not a stressful one in our minds! [Secondly,] we had a ‘Friday morning marital meet’. Throughout the week, we would jot down talking points and ‘to-do’s’ to discuss on a Friday morning over coffee. This stopped the planning taking over our lives and meant we always looked forward to Friday mornings.”
WE’RE GLAD WE “[Did the] rehearsal dinner and the recovery breakfast. This was an AWESOME way for us to really enjoy our guests and, in hindsight, was the highlight of the experience as the wedding day goes so fast.”
STANDOUT VENDOR “Shout out to George, the wedding coordinator from Audley, who was nothing but awesome!”
Fallen head over heels for Scott Surplice’s snaps? You’ll find his contact deets here (plus plenty more pretty pics to peruse). Or tap here to get in touch with the team from Audley Dance Hall. Keen for more inspo? Head to the blog for real bush weddings and beachy ones, too.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Scott Surplice Florist Pia & Jade Stationery & Signage DIY Printer Grace Lilley – Fast Print Services Venue & Catering Audley Dance Hall Cake Maker Art Of Baking Wedding Favours Tássia Castello via Glebe Markets Hire Items Simply Seated Entertainment DJ Lady Rose Celebrant Sandie Barnes Rings Charlie Belle (Benson), Aardvark Jewellery (Engagement) & Sarah & Sebastian (Lauren’s Wedding Band) Transport Shire Shuttle Bus THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Designer Jack Sullivan Bridal Boutique Perfect Day Bridal Veil Marry Me Brides Getting Ready PJs Piyama Accessories By Charlotte (Necklace) & Saint Valentine (Earrings) Hair Hayley Holmes Hair Makeup Bianca Brown Fragrance/Perfume M. Sentiment Bridesmaid Dresses Shona Joy, Hansen & Gretel & ids via The Iconic Bridesmaid Gifts meNom THE GROOM Suit, Jacket, Shirt, Pants Jack London Tie & Cufflinks OTAA Watch The 5th Barber / Grooming Tate & Lyle Groomsmen Suits Peppers Formalwear Groomsmen Gifts DIY
