‘Felt right to be together’: Brides choose to get ready together on wedding day

This couple were childhood sweethearts, and chose to buck tradition and get ready together on their big day.

Leanne Edmistone

3 min read

September 14, 2022 - 8:00AM

QWeekend

Danielle Ford and Ashleigh Hughes on their wedding day. Picture: Ivory and Rose Photography

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Two years after Ashleigh Hughes and Danielle Ford shared their story with Qweekend of falling in love as childhood sweethearts, breaking up and reuniting several years later, the pair
said “I do”.

A romantic fairytale-themed wedding was held at Toowoomba’s Gabbinbar Homestead on June 4, two years after their engagement, four years to the day since their first official date.

The pandemic and lockdowns had just hit as Ashleigh made her proposal plans, meaning a romantic day out pivoted to become a surprise indoor picnic at their Chermside home surrounded by rose petals and candles.

The brides’ fur-baby Ruby and 81 guests watched as they – friends for 12 years, a couple for four – shared their first dance as wives to You Are the Reason by Calum Scott and Leona Lewis.

Danielle Ford and Ashleigh Hughes at their wedding. Picture: Ivory and Rose Photography

What did you do for your Hens Nights?

Our amazing bridesmaids planned a weekend away at the Gold Coast for the last weekend of February, the same weekend the floods hit. Luckily, we were still able to enjoy a cocktail-making competition and scavenger hunt through Pacific Fair, though a planned boat cruise had to be cancelled. We made up for it another weekend with a Hen’s 2.0 Drag Brunch at Cloudland, followed by drinks at a nearby bar.

Any unique or surprising details about your wedding?

We got ready together, so were with one another all morning. We do everything together, so it only felt right to be together on the morning of our wedding. We put our dresses on separately, so we could still do a first look.

What was the standout moment of the day?

Walking back down the aisle together, knowing we were finally officially married!

Danielle Ford and Ashleigh Hughes at their wedding. Picture: Ivory and Rose Photography

What would you do differently?

Plan getting ready better – we got ready last after our mums and bridesmaids, which meant we didn’t have long between putting our dresses on and walking down the aisle. We would change this so we would get ready earlier and have more time for photos before the ceremony.

What would you spend more or less on?
We would have a second photographer to ensure absolutely no moments were missed. When we put our dresses on separately, we had to do them one after the other to ensure the photographer could get photos of both of us putting our dresses on. If we had two photographers, we could have gotten dressed at the same time, allowing for more time before the ceremony.

One thing you wish people told you about planning a wedding?

To get ready earlier in the day so there is more time for photos!

Best advice for other couples who are planning a wedding?

Plan to spend about 150 per cent of your planned budget – weddings are so expensive!

Danielle Ford and Ashleigh Hughes with bridal party. Picture: Ivory and Rose Photography

Honeymoon plans?

We did a mini-moon at Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat (in the Tweed Valley). We are planning to go to Europe next year as our real honeymoon/first wedding anniversary celebration.

Did Covid affect your plans?

When we got engaged, Covid had just started. However, we were happy with a longer engagement, as our anniversary fell on a Saturday in two years. So, we booked in that date and hoped for the best. Thankfully Covid didn’t impact our wedding at all. We booked all vendors at least 18 months out which made planning simple.

The Bride

Ashleigh Hughes, 26

Profession Administration officer

Parents Allison Kelly
and Bradley Hughes

Bridesmaids Lydia Cowan Dillon and
Zoe Baxter

Dress Ezra by
Marquise Bridal

Jacket Grace Loves Lace

Bridal Robe Le Rose

Hair Shayla from
Black Avenue

Make-up Sian Howard Bridal

Flowers Poppies
for Willow

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