MEETING THE PARENTS CAN BE ONE OF THE MOST NERVE-WRACKING MOMENTS OF ANY NEW relationship, but it wasn’t a problem when Amy Benson and Stuart Milne started dating; their families had been best friends for more than 30 years.
Despite annual Boxing Day catch-ups and a brief teenage crush on Amy's part, sparks didn't fly between the pair until they were both at university, and when Stuart proposed on Boxing Day 2008 during a holiday to Japan, both families were home together waiting by the phone. "It was the perfect scenario and our parents couldn't be happier; they were able to marry into the family of some of their dearest friends," Amy said.
The wedding preparations went without a hitch, with both mothers pitching in to help. "Luckily, with our mums being so close, we had a lot of assistance from both of them and never any disagreements. It took a lot of the stress out of the planning," Amy said.
When the big day arrived, Amy continued a family tradition by arriving at Gunners Barracks overlooking Sydney Harbour in her grandpa's blue Rolls Royce. Both sets of parents were on hand as she prepared to walk down the aisle. "We chose to do this because our families are so close and it really was a symbol of our two families coming together," Amy explained.
A teary Stuart was left breathless by his stunning bride-to-be in her divine, floor-length beaded gown. "I didn't have any doubt that it was the one. I wanted a dress that was striking, a slim fit and a little bit special, and I loved the sparkle in it."
The navy jersey bridesmaids' dresses not only complemented Amy's gown but inspired the navy and white colour scheme at the couple's reception inside the Tea Rooms.
"The best highlight of all was Stuart's speech at the reception... it was incredible and filled with love. All the guests were in tears and he received a standing ovation. Not only was I was touched by the beautiful things he said, but I was so proud of him."
During his speech, Stuart read extracts from old diary entries that Amy had written as a 15 year old, proving that she had a huge crush on him as a teenager.
"It was really funny to have a written proof that we'd been in each others' lives for such a long time," Amy laughed.
Finer Details
Stuart’s surname is Milne which ties in with A.A.Milne - the author of Winnie the Pooh. “Stuart’s sister had a reading by A.A.Milne at her wedding and we wanted to carry on this tradition. We asked his sister, Corinne, to read ‘Us Two’ by A.A. Milne during our ceremony.”
“Our first dance to ‘Everything’ by Michael Buble was also a very special moment, said Stuart. “We had rehearsed it many times and it worked out perfectly.”
After a week of rain, the weather cleared the day before the couple’s wedding. “The sail boats came out on Sydney Harbour and provided a wonderful backdrop for our ceremony at Gunner’s Barracks.”
Amy’s grandfather bought the blue Rolls Royce years ago in the hope that his children and grandchildren would use it for their wedding days. “My grandpa’s wife arrived in the Rolls for their marriage, my parent’s had the car at their wedding as too did my aunt and uncle, cousins and now Stuart and I. It was very special.”
A close family friend, Louise, is the principal harpist for the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and played the harp as Amy walked down the aisle.
Based on the beautiful navy of the bridesmaids’ dresses, Amy and Stuart ‘s cake, invitations, order of service and place cards all followed the chic navy and white colour palette. Tables were decorated with white rose bowls and navy and white scented candles that were especially made for guest favours.
