We got married 48 hours before a lockdown
After one COVID postponement, this Brisbane couple didn’t want to have to delay again - so squeezed in their nuptials two days before a snap lockdown.
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After postponing their wedding due to COVID-19 restrictions, Veronica Eggleton and Ben Allen had luck on their side the second time around.
The Milton couple breathed a sigh of relief when they wed on March 27 this year at Maleny Manor in front of 58 guests on a beautiful sunny day, wedged between days of torrential rain.
Incredibly, the couple squeezed in their celebration less than 48 hours before Queenslanders were sent into a snap lockdown following an outbreak of cases in greater Brisbane.
The pair were visibly relieved in an emotional ceremony, featuring Ben’s dad as the celebrant, the couple’s mothers as witnesses and Ben’s siblings in the bridal party.
The pair met in September 2017, when Ben spotted Veronica across the courtyard at Brisbane club, Friday’s. They didn’t speak that night but Ben managed to track Veronica down on Instagram and asked her on a date.
Two years later, Ben proposed while out on a walk near the beach while the pair were on a trip to Western Australia for his 30th birthday celebrations.
Family in Canada and New Zealand were able to celebrate from afar with the couple hosting a Facebook live stream.
What was the standout moment of the day?
Veronica: The ceremony. I was quite emotional before the walk down the aisle and it’s a decent walk to the helipad from the Manor – so my dad and I chatted about NRL to keep me distracted. But the moment I saw Ben, and he was crying, I started crying too.
It was important for us to have our families involved in the ceremony – Ben’s siblings were all in the bridal party, our mums were witnesses and Ben’s dad was celebrant.
It was a real family affair, making it more special. Another highlight was Ben’s dad and his cousin surprising him with the haka at our reception to pay tribute to their family’s heritage.
One thing you wish people told you about planning a wedding?
Don’t decide everything at once. I initially found the planning process a bit overwhelming because we didn’t have a specific idea of what we wanted, but once we found the venue and locked in a date everything flowed.
Advice for other couples planning a wedding?
Trust your vendors, they’re the experts for a reason. Give them an idea of what you want and see what they come back with. Work with them, they’ll help make your life easier.
And take a moment during the evening to spend with your partner.
Ben and I stepped outside for a bit, to have a quiet moment to look back at the party and take it all in. It’s still one of my favourite parts of the night.
What helped you get through the stress of changing plans?
Our families were really supportive which helped tremendously when I’d have the occasional panic. And we tried hard to keep perspective in the pandemic.
People were sick and dying, others were losing their livelihoods and as important and significant as it was to us to get married, we wanted everyone to stay safe and healthy. So when family and friends couldn’t come, we focused on that.
The Bride
Veronica Eggleton, 32
Profession: Sport Journalist – Ten News First
Parents: Lavinia Wood and Bob Eggleton
Bridesmaids: Kierra Champion, Erin Andrews, Giverny Allen
Dress: Remy – Chosen by Kyha, purchased from Sphere Bridal Collective. Dress is Mikardo silk, low back and has pockets.
Hair: Laura Gillham, owner of Bunny and Bohe
Make-Up: Chantel Krpan
Flowers: Mondo Floral Designs
Wedding bands: Stephen Dibbs Jewellery
Engagement ring: The ring was my Canadian great grandmothers from the 1950s.
The Groom
Ben Allen, 31
Profession: Director of Aquatics at Churchie
Parents: Donna and Brett Allen
Groomsmen: Bobby Jovanovich, Jordan Allen, Connor Allen
Suit: Michael Innis Menswear
Soloist/Guitarist: Matt from Nick Trovas Band for Ceremony and Garden Party.
DJ for reception: Daniel from G&M Event Group.
Videographer: Red Door Studios – Phil Cooper
Transport: Mystic Mountain Tours provided buses for our guests
Cake details: Confetti Whip (half lemon, half chocolate mud as we couldn’t agree on a flavour)
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