Bride and her mum started ‘wedding account’ as a teen

Each fortnight since she was a teen, this bride and her mum put money away for her big day. See inside her dream day.

Amity Litfin had been dreaming of her wedding day ever since she was a little girl. She pictured the dress, the venue and theme and alongside her mum, opened a “wedding account” which they contributed to from Amity’s teen years.

On April 22 this year, Amity’s dream wedding came to life when she married her partner of eight years, Samuel Mottram, at Spicers Hidden Vale, an hour west of Brisbane.

They tied the knot in front of 67 guests who watched on as they celebrated their first dance to iconic Grease song, You’re the One that I Want. The bride picked something close to her heart to mark the tradition of “something blue” with her father restoring a 1966 HR Holden ute, which he drove her to the ceremony in before walking her down the aisle.

Amity Litfin and Samuel Mottram's wedding. Pictures: Kate Robinson Photography

How did you meet?

Amity: We were introduced by Sam’s sister-in-law Natalie, who is also my very good friend. Our first date was on April 21, 2014 over a coffee. Conversation flowed and we had a lot in common. I remember the first time we said “I love you”. For Sam’s birthday I got him tickets to A Day on the Green with Jimmy Barnes. He told me he loved me during the song, (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher. In a play on my last name, we now always write on Christmas and birthday cards “your love keeps Litfin me higher!” This is also the song we walked down the aisle to after being pronounced husband and wife.

The proposal? We had planned a trip to Tasmania for Sam’s university graduation in August 2021. The trip was cancelled last minute due to a Covid lockdown. We were devastated. Sam didn’t make his graduation and his secret plans were all thrown out for the proposal too. We were fortunate to be able to go three weeks later when the borders reopened. In his preparation for the proposal Sam read the best time to propose is at the start of a holiday and then you are in a “love bubble” for the remainder of the journey. He thought that was great advice. The perfect spot turned out to be Wineglass Bay in Tasmania. It was the start of the trip on an overcast day and we went for a hike. We were the only ones on the trail. When we got to the top, the sun opened up over the bay and Sam thought “this is it”. While I was taking shots of the view, Sam set up a camera unbeknown to me and filmed the proposal. We spent 30 minutes celebrating in a magical spot with not a soul in sight. It was perfect.

Amity Litfin and Samuel Mottram's wedding. Pictures: Kate Robinson Photography

How and why did you choose your wedding venue? I grew up in Grandchester (75km west of Brisbane) which is only 6km from Spicers Hidden Vale. I had always imagined Spicers Hidden Vale would be where I would have my dream day. It felt so homely and allowed all of our guests to stay the evening of the wedding so that we could enjoy the celebration.

Hen’s Night? My party started with a cocktail party. We then boarded a coach to The Overflow Estate 1895 winery/vineyard.

Buck’s Night?

Sam was whisked away to the Gold Coast for the night. The day began at The Star where the boys checked in and then boarded a bus which chauffeured them to activities and breweries.

Any unique or surprising details about your wedding?My “something blue” was my father’s restored 1966 HR Holden ute. Having my Dad drive, and walk me down the aisle, are two moments that I will always treasure. We also chose to have an exclusive wedding at Spicers Hidden Vale and all of our family and friends stayed the night of the wedding at the estate. We were able to continue the celebrations and reminisce over breakfast the next morning.

Amity Litfin and Samuel Mottram's wedding. Pictures: Kate Robinson Photography

What was the standout moment of the day?

Our ceremony. Our celebrant, Jake, truly captured the essence of our relationship and our values. He delivered our love story in such an authentic, fun-filled and meaningful way. We have never felt so present than in our moments exchanging our vows, rings and sharing our first kiss as husband and wife.

What would you spend more or less on?

We could not be more thrilled with our wedding video. It truly captured all of the emotions and the celebration of our love and commitment. There is never a dry eye when we watch it, even after the 100th time. We recommend adding a video to your package.

Best advice for other couples planning a wedding?It is your day. Stay true to your vision and make decisions based on what is important to you as a couple.

Amity Litfin and Samuel Mottram's wedding. Pictures: Kate Robinson Photography

Do you have a wedding hack which saved you time and money?

I have always been enchanted by weddings. I have always loved looking at the wedding images in the newspaper and reading the love stories of different couples. I had a dream dress in mind, venue and a theme from a young age. Mum and I decided to create a “wedding account” that we both contributed into from the time I was in my teens. This account created a strong foundation for our wedding budget. We did not have to compromise or say no to any of our ideas. Sam and I were grateful to have had this account to create our incredible day.

The Bride

Amity Litfin, 34

Profession Beauty therapy teacher

Parents Gary and Jennifer Litfin

Bridesmaids Anita Fulcher and Michelle Brown

Dress and veil Mariana Hardwick

Hair Bryce Edwards Hair

Make-up Jessica Peacock Makeup

Flowers Kate Dawes Flower Design

Engagement Ring and Wedding Band Canturi

Cake Vanilla Pod Specialty Cakes

The Groom

Samuel Mottram, 36

Profession Building and construction teacher

Parents Barry and Frances Mottram

Groomsmen Benjamin Hohn and Brent Mottram

Suit Tony Barlow

Entertainment Jacques Van Lill

Transport Father-of-the-bride’s restored 1966 HR Holden ute

Videographer Beloved Visuals & Kate Robinson Photography

Celebrant Jake Smith

Caterer Spicers Hidden Vale