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Behind The Scenes Of This Beautiful Highlands Wedding: Ideas, Inspiration, And Practical Tips

We love getting invited to weddings, dancing, drinks, dining and so much luuuuuurve.

And if we don’t get an actual invite, we’re more than happy with the next best thing, a little sneak peek afterwards.

Lucky for us, the lovely couple Amy and Josh, fresh from saying ‘I do’ at Bendooley Estate, have given us just that.

They even shared how their special day went and it turned out beautifully.

Okay, come on, let’s be sticky beaks together.
A joyful wedding party walks on grass with a bride in a white gown and groom in a black suit center. Bridesmaids wear colorful dresses, groomsmen in suits.
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1. Congrats Amy and Josh, tell us, how did you decide on your overall wedding style?

We’re both pretty laid-back, fun-loving people, so it was really important that the day felt like us.

A big, traditional wedding never felt right for who we are – we just wanted to throw an epic party surrounded by our nearest and dearest.

As a graphic designer who specialises in wedding stationery, I knew I wanted to bring a fun, whimsical vibe to the day and carry that style through every little detail, from the invites to the final moments of the night.

A joyous bride in a white gown dances with a groom in a black suit, surrounded by cheering guests in formal attire. The atmosphere is festive and lively.

2. What was the most useful decision you made early in planning?

Budget! We knew exactly what we were working with from day dot and stuck to that. This helped in all decision making.

 

3. Did you have any planning shortcuts that saved you time or stress?

Not exactly a planning shortcut, but one thing that really helped ease the pressure was our approach to the guest list.

We were initially overwhelmed because we wanted to invite everyone! So, we decided to host a big engagement party where we didn’t have to worry so much about numbers.

It ended up being the perfect way to celebrate with a wider group, and it made narrowing down the final wedding guest list so much easier—we felt like we’d already shared a special moment with those we couldn’t invite to the big day.

A joyful wedding party walks on grass under a sunny sky. The bride in a flowing white gown holds a bouquet, and the groom is in a black tuxedo. Bridesmaids in colorful dresses, and groomsmen in tuxedos, surround them, smiling amid tall fields and autumn trees.

4. How did you make the day feel personal to you and your guests?

This was really important to us!

Even with around 180 guests, we wanted the day to be intimate.

We included thoughtful touches like personalised shot glasses with our wedding details, custom menus that doubled as place cards with each guest’s name, and a guest book tablecloth with fabric markers – which we now use at dinner every night.

Since it was Anzac Day, we also played a version of two-up, which was such a fun way to get everyone involved.

5. Was there anything you thought you needed that you ended up skipping?

We thought we needed live music for our ceremony / canapes hour but ended up skipping this and just playing a playlist my mum made.

This actually gave us way more control over the songs we like and how we wanted them played for the BIG moments like walking down the aisle.

6. If you could give one piece of advice to couples starting to plan now, what would it be?

If I could give one piece of advice, it would be to stay true to you.

It’s so easy to get swept up in trends or feel like you need to do something just because you saw it on TikTok or Instagram. But the most memorable weddings are the ones that reflect the couple—what you love, what feels natural, and what you genuinely enjoy.

Think about what you and your partner have appreciated at other weddings and build from there. Make it your own, and don’t be afraid to skip the things that don’t feel like “you.”

A couple wearing glowing cowboy hats shares a kiss on a dance floor. They're surrounded by smiling guests in formal attire, under warm overhead lights.

The Rapid‑Fire Round

Moment you wish you could relive: The drinks with our bridal party in the bridal suite before walking out to all of our guests as Husband and Wife!

Song that got everyone on the dance floor: Our walk out song “Mother You Just Can’t Get Enough” – The New Radicals

Vendor who went above and beyond: Our Photographer and Videographer. They captured everything perfectly without us even noticing they were there.

Song that kept you sane: “I Only Smoke When I Drink” – Nimino

Song that made you cry: “This Feeling” – Alabama Shakes

MVP guest: Our MC’s – they made the whole night and looked the part in Disco Cowboy hats

Vendor who felt like a friend: Our Florist – Potter Studio

Most useful advice you received: Amy’s Uncle to Josh as he was standing at the end of the aisle waiting for Amy – “We are all here for you two.”

First thing you ate the next day: Leftover ham rolls

Most used phrase in the week before: “Ask Kelly”

One word for wedding planning: All-consuming

One word for marriage so far: Bloody-good

 

 

Reader Takeaways: What Are Your Top Tips

  1. Start the day slowly and soak it all in with your bridal party.
  2. Make time for you and your partner on the day. We had a moment to ourselves right after our bride & groom photos which helped us to relax and stay present.
  3. Make the most of the DF!
  4. Try and get around to all your guests, even if it is just to say a quick hello.
  5. Eat the food and drink the drinks!

Three women in elegant dresses enjoy drinks outdoors. The bride in white, holding flowers, stands beside two bridesmaids in colorful gowns. Joyful and relaxed.

Local vendors Amy & Josh used include:

Venue: Bendooley Estate, The Stables

Catering: Bendooley Estate, The Stables

Drinks: Bendooley Estate, The Stables

Transport: Berrima Buslines

Stationary: Amy Lomax Designs

Hair: Brides By Celeste

Wedding planner: Kelly MacNamara

A bride in a white dress and groom in a black suit smile joyfully at sunset on a country path, with rolling fields and trees in the background.

 

 

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