WEDDING STORY OF MANDY & SAM

March 28, 2024

Enter the enchanting realm of Mandy & Sam's wedding journey, where love, laughter, and delightful surprises illuminate every moment of the celebration. Read on to know how the newlyweds decided to break free from conventions, infusing their ceremony with personal flair and melding European elegance with the serenity of nature at the breathtaking Redleaf Wollombi Villa. Delve deeper into the story of their celebration, where every detail radiated authenticity and left no room for regrets.

What was the main idea behind your wedding?

Our goal was to celebrate love and joy in a uniquely fun way, breaking away from traditional expectations. We envisioned a day where everyone we loved could just enjoy themselves, immersed in laughter and memorable moments, without the constraints of customary wedding formalities. It was all about sharing those genuine, happy times together.

Describe your wedding atmosphere in three words.

Unique, joyous, vibrant.

Can you share why you chose your wedding location?

We fell for Redleaf Wollombi Villa because it offered us the freedom to craft our day from scratch. It was the perfect European backdrop for us to personalize every detail, making our wedding truly our own. Our guests felt like they were in the South of France and Italy at the same time whilst being only a 2 hours drive away from Sydney. The Venue is surrounded by nature. You could call it Monet’s garden. Stunning.

Were there personal touches in the decor or ceremony?

Absolutely. My sister, who's got this amazing design talent, took care of all our stationery, from the invites to the menu cards.

My brother-in-law pulled off a fantastic surprise announcement, and there were so many personal anecdotes shared by our best friends.

Having my father-in-law marry us? Can't get more personal than that. And of course, my parents were right there with me from Holland making the day even more special.

What was the most unforgettable moment of your wedding day?

The sheer emotion of walking up the aisle with my dad towards the love of my life, surrounded by all our loved ones, is unparalleled. It's a bit cliché, but it was genuinely the highlight for me.

What made your wedding uniquely special?

The element of surprise set our wedding apart. My husband and I decided to make this our wedding 8 weeks before the wedding date. As I come from the Netherlands most of our friends and family thought we would get married in Europe. We decided to convince our guests they were attending an engagement party, only to reveal they were actually at our wedding, this created an electrifying atmosphere that was so unexpected and fun at the same time.

Did you encounter any unexpected challenges?

Every wedding has its share of surprises, and ours was no exception.
From coordinating last-minute details to dealing with the occasional mishap, our champagne tower didn't quite stay up. But honestly? We hardly noticed the glitches. The day was perfectly imperfect.

Five tips for couples planning their wedding.

Get all your ducks in a row a month before the big day.
Wear those wedding shoes before the wedding – trust me.
Embrace the journey – despite its potential stress, the planning process can also be a wild and fun ride.
Don’t be afraid to delegate – you are not alone in this.
Be present, be in the moment, and don’t let mishaps ruin your mood. You’d barely remember these after all.

What advice do you have for future brides?

After exploring bridal shops with your loved ones, take a moment to shop alone. It’s enlightening to discover what truly speaks to you when you’re by yourself, without outside opinions.

Any regrets from your wedding day?

I view our day as a collection of perfect moments. Dwelling on regrets means wishing for changes in something that's already brought us so much joy. So, no regrets, only cherished memories.

How was your experience with Milla Nova?

Walking into that store alone was the best decision. When I spotted the Montana dress – it was a slow-burn kind of love. It was just hanging there, waiting for me, even though it wasn't what I imagined initially.

The store made an exception and sold me the sample – and just like that, I had my dream dress! I was over the moon.

The Vendors:

Venue @redleafwollombi

Coordinator @i_do_crew

Catering @simonekascatering

Photographer & cover image @annaliisaphotography_

Content creation @yourwedwoman

Florist @ensaison

Beauty @airlieandco

Italian duo @accordionplayersydney

Bar @waitersmate