Fireworks, bug rolls, Veuve champagne tower and a gelati cart: Stunning Gold Coast wedding that blew the budget
Guests loved the pyrotechnic display at this wedding that had everything the couple wated.
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Fireworks, bug rolls, a Veuve Champagne tower and a gelato cart were among the treats at this Gold Coast wedding.
But it was having their son as a groomsman that was top of the list of what this couple wanted. Sarah Lye and Ben Henry married at Braeside at Gin House Creek Estate in Merrimac, with their son Kyan, 8, by their sides on August 10 this year.
The Varsity Lakes couple who have been together 10 years had 108 guests and their first dance was to Kiss Me by Ed Sheeran.
The theme for the day was romantic, elegant and classic with the reception featuring long tables adorned with candles and flowers.
They plan to travel to Italy next European summer for their honeymoon.
How did he propose?
Burleigh Park – Ben tried to get me to the place we shared our first kiss 10 years earlier. (I stopped at a park bench in the park though!)
Where was the hen’s night?
The Darling Gold Coast – dinner and dancing
Where was the buck’s night?
Friend’s farm – motocross riding/camping.
Where did you hold your ceremony?
Outside in the circle at Braeside. It was important to us that our son played an important role during our wedding. He was a junior groomsman. He walked down with his dad and presented the rings.
How did you choose your wedding venue?
We had guests travelling from every state in Australia plus the UK. We wanted it to be convenient so additional travel wasn’t necessary. We also wanted ceremony and reception in the one location so guests could relax and just enjoy themselves.
What was the budget for your wedding? We didn’t have one in mind, I expected it would cost around $50K but it ended up being around $90K.
What would you spend more or less on?
We wouldn’t change a thing. Our caterer tried to talk us out of extra food during the pre-reception, but it was a hit! Everyone loved the food.
How did you choose your wedding dress?
I ended up buying four wedding dresses, and wore two. The first I felt pressured/rushed into by the bridal shop, it was OK, but I didn’t feel “wow” in it. Six months later and not long before the wedding my dad talked me into going and trying on one I loved more. I found a dress and really felt like a princess when I put it on. I then ordered a fun/sparkly dress from a London dress designer for dancing in, but it arrived and it was far too big to be altered. So about eight days before the wedding I tried on another and when I went to pick up my dress, the ladies cut off the big lace train and made it work! It was super fun for spinning on the dance floor!
What thoughts did you have while waiting/then seeing Sarah walk down the aisle?
Ben: I was a little nervous, I was close to tears when they opened the doors and saw Sarah, but I held them in.
What was the most stressful part of wedding planning?
Definitely the guest list, if we could have we would have easily doubled the guest list!
Any unique or surprising wedding details ?
We surprised our guests with a fireworks display just before we moved into the reception venue. We also had fountains during our first dance – when they “popped” we both forgot our choreographed dance and just laughed and carried on anyway.
What was the standout moment of the day? Definitely the fireworks. All of our guests said it was the only wedding they had been to with fireworks. I loved the Veuve Champagne tower and bug rolls we used to start the pre-reception and the gelato cart to end the night too.
What was a wedding non-negotiable for you? We didn’t have a non-negotiable. Just wanted the people we cared about all together to celebrate. Live music was pretty high on the list of wants though.
What was the best wedding gift you received?
We had a wishing well, so most guests contributed to that for our honeymoon. But a friend Shane and his dad made us a custom wooden sign with our names and wedding date which was really thoughtful.
What would you do differently? I wouldn’t let guilt/obligation affect who we invited!
Top wedding hack? Have a vision for your wedding and do your research. Choose your vendors and book early if possible.
Best advice for other couples?
Enjoy the process and don’t sweat the small stuff. We didn’t get upset or argue about anything in the lead-up to, or on the wedding day. Absolutely loved it all from the proposal to the “I do”.
The Bride
Sarah Lye, 41
Profession We own a Ducati service centre in Burleigh together
Parents Kerrie Lye and Bob Lye
Bridesmaid Kristy Vandenbroeck (flew in from London)
Dress Demetrios
Hair Kristy Jaric
Make-up Aurum Bride
Flowers Simone – the Floweress
Engagement ring Bunda Fine Jewels
Wedding planner I did the planning, organised the stationery and signage, which was done by a friend/guest. Arctic Fox set the tables, and friend Simone the florist ensured it was perfect!
The Groom
Ben Henry, 43
Profession Self- employed
Parents Brook Henry and Pat Henry
Groomsmen Kyan Henry, 8, and Bryan Staring was the best man (from Perth)
Suit Anthony Squires
Entertainment Hive Entertainment. Jayden live music. DJ Em for
the party
Transport Local limo
Videographer Fiddle Fig Films
Celebrant Ben Carlyle
Caterer Gareth Keenan
Cake Three tier from Lyn from Cakeit4U
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