Groom’s wedding speech leaves guests in fits of laughter

With the ceremony and reception in one place, this wedding went for 12 hours, including the ultimate speech gag.

A Townsville couple incorporated their love of the North Queensland city’s rugby league team into their wedding, with their first dance to the club song, Cowboys Are My Team.

The South Townsville couple, who married on September 29 last year on the lawn at Townsville’s Bridgewater restaurant, followed up with a long lunch reception for their 56 guests inside. Jane Meredith and Ben Galvin had been together just over a year when they wed, after meeting more than 10 years ago at work.

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Ben proposed at the couple’s house on his birthday on May 26 last year. “We were meant to go out to dinner with his parents,” recalls Jane. “He proposed when I got home from work and then he took me to our surprise engagement party at his parent’s penthouse apartment overlooking Magnetic Island.”

Jane Meredith and Ben Galvin’s wedding. Photography: Ros from Budd Photography

How did you choose your venue?

We wanted a venue that could host the ceremony, reception and cocktail hour all in the one place to make the most of our time with our guests. We also wanted restaurant quality food and wine and where else but Bridgewater, one of Townsville’s best chef-hatted restaurants.

What was the budget?

We were lucky enough not to have a set budget. Given it was a more intimate style wedding with a limited guest list, we wanted to indulge with great food, wine and entertainment.

How did you choose your wedding dress?

Jane:I was going to get something made and went for a look to get an idea of what style I liked. I went to three different shops in Townsville and tried on about 10 dresses. Melinda’s was the last shop we went to and the first dress I tried on. I fell in love with it off the hanger and loved it even more when I tried it on.

Jane Meredith and Ben Galvin’s wedding. Photography: Ros from Budd Photography

What thoughts did you have while waiting for Jane to walk down the aisle?

Ben:I was worried I wouldn’t been able to keep my composure. But thankfully, she was on time and she looked absolutely beautiful.

What was the most stressful part of wedding planning? Jane: We did everything in four months. Three weeks after we chose the date, my dad had unexpected open heart surgery in Brisbane. It was quite a long recovery, but nothing was going to stop him walking me down the aisle – and he did, 15 weeks after his surgery.

Any unique details about your wedding?

We thought a long lunch would mean an earlier finishing time – but our guests, and the groom, were still going 12 hours later. We also had an audio guest book.

Jane Meredith and Ben Galvin’s wedding. Photography: Ros from Budd Photography

What was the standout moment? We loved the relaxed, long lunch feel of the day. The speeches were also a highlight – they were all so funny! My husband managed to incorporate his new sleep apnoea machine into his speech.

What was a wedding non-negotiable for you?We both wanted a small intimate wedding. We wanted to spend quality time with friends and family and enjoy Bridgewater’s food and wine.

The Bride

Jane Meredith, 36

Profession Marketing and communications manager

Parents Jenny Meredith and Bruce Meredith

Bridesmaids Joanne Babao and Carmen MacQueen

Dress Wedding Gowns by Melinda

Hair Dani from Hair by Dani Flynn

Make-up Teena at the Make Up Mirror

Flowers St Floral

Engagement ring A.G. Designer Jeweller in Brisbane

Wedding planner/stylist Bride planned and St Floral and Bridgewater styled

Caterer Bridgewater

Jane Meredith and Ben Galvin’s wedding. Photography: Ros from Budd Photography

The Groom

Ben Galvin, 36

Profession Labourer

Parents Suzanne Galvin and Paul Galvin

Groomsman Gianni Zanella

Suit Brunello Cucinelli jacket and Canali shirt from Mitchell Ogilvie and chinos from Scotch and Soda

Entertainment Sneaky Beats

Transport Groom walked from the hotel (just across the road) – bridal party took a limo

Celebrant Hayley the Celebrant

Cake Sweeter than Sugar – chocolate with peanut butter filling
and vanilla with buttercream icing.