Amy Sheppard’s surprise song for groom at dream Whitsundays wedding

What better way for a bride to declare her love than with a new song written for her groom. Take a look inside musician Amy Sheppard’s breathtaking Whitsundays wedding.

The Groom

Lachlan Stuart, 30

Profession: Men’s performance/life coach

Parents: Elizabeth and Andrew Stuart

Groomsmen: Brad Matthews (best man); George Sheppard; Michael Valdal; Lachlan Hogan

Suit: MJ Bale

Singer/DJ/entertainment: Steven

Videographer: Marc Media (Jaden Dicky)

Celebrant: The Surfing Celebrant – Mitch Sargent

Caterer: Aquava

Wedding of Lachlan Stuart and Amy Sheppard. Picture: Florido Weddings (Callie Marshall)

The Bride

Amy Sheppard, 31

Profession: Musician

Parents: Linda and Greg Sheppard

Bridesmaids: Emma Sheppard (maid of honour); Kathleen Seagar; Olivia Sarri; Lareine Tan

Dress: Both custom
Ella Moda

Hair: Jools Purchase

Make-up: Renee Johnston

Flowers: Evoke
Floral Designs

Engagement ring: Hogans Family Jewellers

Wedding planner/stylist: Till Death Events

Wedding of Lachlan Stuart and Amy Sheppard. Picture: Florido Weddings (Callie Marshall)

What better way for a bride to declare her love than with a new song written for the groom? On the morning of the wedding of Amy Sheppard, of Brisbane band Sheppard, to Lachlan Stuart, she gifted him an iPod carrying the specially written tune, Song, on it, and later performed it at the reception.

The Newstead couple married at Paradise Cove at Airlie Beach on October 10, after Lachlan proposed last year at Mooloolaba on Amy’s 30th birthday.

The couple, who met on a night out at Alfred & Constance in Fortitude Valley, have been together seven years.

Their wedding in front of 45 guests had personal touches such as Amy’s grandmother “Baba” taking on the role of flowergirl, Lachy’s father the ring bearer, the couple’s mothers were the witnesses and the rings were made by groomsman Lachy Hogan.

Their first dance, choreographed by Sharlene Ponzo, began as Have I Told You Lately by Van Morrison and then the DJ scratched into Baby I Love Your Way (Big Mountain).

Guests enjoyed special touches such as boozy iceblocks, a fresh seafood bar during cocktail hour and surprise fireworks.

Wedding of Lachlan Stuart and Amy Sheppard. Picture: Florido Weddings (Callie Marshall)

What was the standout moment of the day?

One was during our photo hour. The photographer and videographer drove right up to one of the mountains within the venue area.

To get the right shot, I had to put on the photographer’s sneakers and climb off the cliff and on to a stand-alone rock. It was a mission but worth it because the view was sensational. After they got the shot, they gifted us a bottle of champagne and gave Lachie and I a few minutes to ourselves to enjoy the view.

What would you spend more or less on?

We probably had too much food. The late night canapes were probably overkill but no one went hungry! It was a good problem to have.

Advice for other couples planning a wedding?

Keep the list small we had 45 guests and felt as though we were still struggling to spend time with them all.

With all of the current restrictions and the cost of weddings these days, it was the best decision we made.

Wedding of Lachlan Stuart and Amy Sheppard. Picture: Florido Weddings (Callie Marshall)

It was intimate, relaxed and we were able to enjoy every moment instead of running around saying hello to everyone.

We also recommend having a moment away from everybody for just the two of you.

Also, have a recovery brunch if you can. The day goes so quickly and you spend so much time getting ready and taking photos that it passes by very fast. It was so nice to see everyone for round two!

Original wedding plans?

We’d always hoped to elope in Hawaii. That wasn’t going to be possible so we decided to plan for Airlie Beach instead. It probably worked out better that way.

Unfortunately, we lost a bridesmaid and groomsman who were both stuck in Melbourne with the lockdown.

Wedding of Lachlan Stuart and Amy Sheppard. Picture: Florido Weddings (Callie Marshall)

Advice for other couples whose weddings are impacted by Covid?

Trust your gut. If you have to postpone due to restrictions everyone will understand. Venues and vendors have Covid policies in place now.

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