With family and friends travelling from interstate, Amy Elia and Andrew Liddell had their heart set on a fabulous weekend celebration when they tied the knot in the beautiful southern highlands of New South Wales. The couple wanted a romantic wedding combining tradition with youthful country elegance, falling in love with a country house in Bowral almost instantly. Adding to the appeal of its gorgeous gardens and classic charm, the nearby St Jude’s Anglican Church was perfect for the ceremony.
"We both had always wanted a church wedding with the tradition of Greek Orthodox service followed by an Anglican service, and it was the most beautiful church," Amy said.
As she walked down the aisle to an a capella version of ‘My Girl' on a perfect spring day, Amy looked every bit the modern-day bride in her one-shouldered trumpet silhouette gown with exquisite layers of French lace, silk and tulle, delicate pearl beading and a cathedral-length train.
"I couldn't have been more delighted with my gown and I felt every bit like what I had imagined; like a fairytale come to life... and I think Andrew liked it too!" she smiled.
The newlyweds were showered with white rose petals as they left the church in a convertible MG with the beaming groom behind the wheel, and the bridal party followed close behind in a pair of groovy Kombis.
"Before we knew it, we were walking into the ballroom being announced as Mr and Mrs Liddell and it was breathtaking," Amy said.
Amy had ensured that her love of flowers flowed from the garden into the ballroom, and vintage vases overflowing with hydrangeas, roses, lisianthus, freesias and dahlias added to the romance. The ‘first dance' was another magical sight; guests waved sparklers as the bride and groom waltzed to the Beatles classic ‘I Want To Hold Your Hand.' Andrew then surprised Amy with an impromptu version of ‘L-O-V-E' by Nat King Cole. "I had no idea that he was going to sing - I was blown away!" she said.
The bridal party had another surprise in store: the groomsmen sang the motown hit ‘How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You' with back-up from the bridesmaids - choreographed hand movements and all! And in an energetic nod to Amy's heritage, family and friends hit the dance floor for some Greek dancing.
"It was so, so much fun - even though the majority of our guests had no idea of the steps!" she said. "It was incredible to see everything come together as we had hoped and to be able to share it all with our friends and family."
