Real Wedding – Samantha & Samuel, Sale VIC
In a trend made famous by Hailey Bieber, Samantha’s Kyha veil featured the words ‘two is better than one’ on the day she wed her love of almost a decade, Samuel.
The pair fused old-world elegance with contemporary choices for an affair that was both timeless and of the moment.
Whilst the silhouette of Samantha’s gown was quintessentially bridal, it was in reality a stunning two-piece Kyha set which offered a chic modern take on a classic the way the brand does best.
It was the perfect pairing to Samuel’s three-piece InStitchu ensemble, and Kinship by Kristy and Rachael Mary Films were on hand to capture – and elevate – their combined confidence and charisma with their skill behind the cameras.
Once Samantha’s Dad had escorted her down the aisle at Victoria Hall Sale Gippsland, he took up his position between them as their celebrant – much to the surprise and delight of the guests who didn’t know he would be performing double duties on the day.
Scroll on to read the finer details (including their very Swifty soundtrack) below.
The meeting.
In 2015 on a night out at Ringers (the local nightclub in Sale), Samuel thought walking around calling Samantha ‘Charlie’ (her brother’s name) was an excellent idea. On the other hand, Samantha thought this Sam guy was the most annoying person she had ever met. Despite him knowing Samantha’s brother Charlie for almost a decade, he never knew Samantha existed until her 21st birthday.
The ‘one’.
If you ask Samantha, she says that she knew early on because it just felt different. Samuel says he knew from the start, told his best friend that he was going to marry her, and it was that simple.
The proposal.
On their first big trip together, Samuel and Samantha were travelling in SA when they were told about an incredible spot where you camp on the cliffs overlooking the water. As with every single sunset of the trip, Samuel put up the drone to film. By this point, Samantha thought he was never asking (which Samuel says was the entire point). However, much to Samantha’s surprise, Samuel got down on one knee overlooking the ocean and asked her to spend the rest of her life with him. After waiting almost a decade, the answer was an easy yes.
Planning process.
Samantha did all the planning for the wedding and knew exactly what she wanted. Every time she asked Samuel a question, his response was, “Do whatever you want to because I don’t want to have to listen to you say that you should have done something different for the rest of my life.” And we wouldn’t have changed a thing!
Style inspiration.
We wanted a wedding that was elegant and timeless. Our inspiration was a mix of many different weddings that we felt matched our style. Samantha knew exactly what she wanted, which made finding inspiration or images that matched easy. Real weddings were our go-to. Plus, our venue manager Sarah was incredible at finding different images.
The ceremony.
Samantha’s Dad was the celebrant, and it was a complete surprise to our guests. Initially, Samantha’s brother, Charlie, stood up the front and did the initial introductions, etc. Then, after Samantha and her Dad walked down the aisle, he swapped with Charlie and had a full Troy McClure moment (that’s a reference from The Simpsons). It was so special. Our ceremony then continued to be complete with our own vows, some readings delivered by some of our favorite people, and our mums as our witnesses.
The outfits.
Samuel was in a custom-made three-piece suit. He went to one shop, knew exactly what he wanted, and had a second fitting. It was a different process for Samantha, who went to three wedding dress shops before finding ‘the one’. The second Samantha put on her outfit, which was a top and skirt, she knew it was for her. She asked for a veil straight away before showing her mum, aunt and sister-in-law. Everyone cried and we knew it was perfect. Samantha also had a custom veil which had their wedding quote “two is better than one”.
Favourite moments.
Samuel’s favorite was seeing Samantha walk down the aisle and finally seeing her wedding day look and Samantha in it, after trying to find out what it looked like for months. Samantha’s favorite was getting to the top of the aisle and seeing Samuel. Despite having over 150 people at the wedding, it felt like it was just the two of them.
Meaning of marriage.
For Samuel it’s about continuing to find ways to love someone for the rest of your life, through hard times, great times and as you continue to grow with each other. For Samantha, it’s having a sleepover with your best friend every night, for the rest of your life.
Wedding soundtrack.
Bridesmaids’ aisle song: Love Story by Taylor swift.
Samantha’s aisle song: Wildest Dreams by Taylor Swift and then Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley.
First dance: In Your Love by Tyler Childers.
Planning surprises.
That you had to book everything so early. It was initially so busy booking everything 12 months out, and then there was a lull where you didn’t have to do anything. That was an odd feeling.
Words of wisdom.
The day goes so quickly and if you aren’t careful, you won’t spend any time together. We made a plan to stick together the entire time and it was the best thing we did!
SAMANTHA & SAMUEL’S SUPPLIERS:
Ceremony & reception venue/styling & florist: Victoria Hall Sale Gippsland (The Ballroom for the ceremony and The Stables for the reception)
Celebrant: Scott Rossetti
Photography: Kinship by Kristy
Videography: Rachael Mary Films
Hair: Laura Walsh
Make-up: Elle James
The dress: Khya and Rosie Etienne
Veil: Khya
Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Rings: Holloway Diamonds
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Azazie
Suits: Institchu
Bow ties: Declic
Catering: Little Prince Traralgon/ Created by Bells
Cake / Cake topper: Rachy’s Sweet Treats
Signage: Sale Sign Torque
Entertainment: Laura Evans/The Soultanas
Hire: Ciao Stella
Honeymoon: USA, Aruba and Mexico
