‘Why can’t we do that?!’: Bride and groom break major wedding tradition
This newlywed couple decided to do something differently at their wedding – but admit that came with a worry.
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Only a few weeks out from their wedding, Ashleigh Ferguson and Byron Thick had dinner with their close friends. They asked them what they would do differently about their own weddings.
Their answer? They would get ready together on the day. Ashleigh and Byron loved the suggestion, and decided to ditch the tradition of getting ready separately as a result.
“In the moment, Byron and I were like, why can’t we do that?! So we did. We had both of our families and bridal parties come together the morning of the wedding and it was so great,’’ Ashleigh says.
“It meant a lot to us to be together the morning before the chaos of the day started.’’
The Kedron couple have been together for six years, and married on June 9 at New Farm Park.
They held their reception at City Winery, Brisbane, and danced their first dance in front of their 50 guests to an acoustic version of You by Dan + Shay.
How did you meet?
The old fashioned way, by chance, in a bar in Fortitude Valley.
How did Byron propose?
Impromptu surprise trip to Maleny to celebrate our three-year anniversary. We spent a few nights in a lovely secluded cabin in the hinterland with fireplace, recreated a picnic from our first date, lots of wine and delicious food. We were both really excited to get away to celebrate our milestone and both left with a fiance.
Hen’s night?
Spent a few nights in Brisbane city with my nearest and dearest friends. We drank wine, took walks, attended a cocktail making class, karaoke.
Buck’s night?
Byron went to Noosa with his closest friends for a few nights.
How did you choose your wedding venue?
For our first date, Byron set up a picnic in New Farm Park. We rode down on bikes from the Teneriffe ferry to find it there and spent a lovely afternoon together. This is why we knew we had to have our wedding ceremony there. We’d also dined a few times at City Winery and loved their food and wine, which was really important to us, to give our guests a fabulous dining experience.
What was your wedding theme?
Classic, romantic.
What was the budget for your wedding?
I think originally we set it at $40k but it ended up being closer to $50k.
What would you spend more or less on?
A big chunk of our budget went on photography and videography and I would highly recommend people do the same. Our photos and wedding video are what we will cherish forever.
How did you choose your wedding dress?
I went to four dress shops in total and probably tried on upwards of 15 dresses. My experience at White Lily was head and shoulders above the others however, and I ended up finding two dresses that I really loved. I went with the one that made me feel confident and most like myself.
What thoughts did you have waiting at the altar, then seeing Ashleigh walk down the aisle?
Just nervous waiting at the altar, then seeing Ashleigh while our song played I was holding back tears as I saw how beautiful she was and how I knew I was marrying the perfect person for me.
Any unique or surprising details about your wedding?
Only a few weeks before our wedding we were having dinner with some married friends and we asked them what they would do differently if they had their time over. They said they would opt to get ready together. So we did! We had our families and bridal parties come together the morning of the wedding and it was so great. You spend so much time and resources planning your wedding day, and you actually don’t get a lot of time to spend together. It meant a lot to us to be together before the day started. We did have some reservations that it might take away from the moment he saw me walking down the aisle, but both of our emotions were still very much heightened.
What was the standout moment?
We had our first dance song all planned and ready for the DJ to play, however, our beautiful band played it for us in real time – such a nice surprise.
What was non-negotiable for you?
Not to lose sight of the reason we are all there – to spend a beautiful day with our favourite people to tell and show them how much we love each other and want to spend our lives together.
What would you do differently?
Byron: The day goes so fast and attention is split so many ways. I wish I was conscious enough to come around and visit more people who made the journey for the day. Ashleigh: I can’t fault anything on the day to be honest.
Best advice for other couples?
Don’t get caught up in all the bells and whistles; remember the reason you’re planning a wedding, to marry the love of your life. Your preferences and choices are all that matters.
Where did you honeymoon?
We spent a few nights at Broadbeach following the wedding and are currently planning a trip to Europe as a belated honeymoon.
The Bride
Ashleigh Ferguson, 32
Profession Consultant
Parents Graeme and Debbie Ferguson
Bridesmaids Amy Milburn and Casey Ferguson
Dress White Lily Couture
Hair Jasmin Lee Hair Artistry
Make-up Eliza Jade Makeup
Flowers New England Flower Co
Engagement ring Michael Arthur Diamonds
Wedding planner/stylist New England Flower Co
The Groom
Byron Thick, 34
Profession Mine control
Parents Gregory and Therese Thick
Groomsmen Luke Rissman and Brodie Gilbert
Suit Politix
Entertainment Nick Trovas Band
Videographer Salt Media
Celebrant Brooke Carlyon Ceremonies
Caterer City Winery Brisbane
Cake Vanilla Pod Specialty Cake Kitchen white chocolate and chocolate cake with flowers by New England Flower Co.
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