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There is something inherently exciting about romances that begin in secret. We love stories of stolen moments and whispered conversations, of fortuitous meetings and undeniable connections.
Claire and Ben’s story was one such tale. A working relationship that developed into something more, a romance that unfolded beneath the oblivious eyes of their friends and colleagues.
Eventually outed by suspiciously coincidental lunch breaks, the pair took their romance public and, eight years on, were married amongst the olive groves of Western Australia’s Margaret River region.
This was a wedding that settled into its surrounds. Styling was kept to a clean palette of whites and greens, Perspex finishes and luscious florals helping the setting melt into its landscape. Elegantly refined and beautifully minimalist, the space was brought to life by hints of opulence; think a statement arrival in a private helicopter, and a custom Pallas Couture gown complete with French lace and hand beading…
Photography by Katie Grant.
Our Story
Names / Claire and Ben
Wedding Date / March 4, 2017
Guests / 114
How we met…
Ben and I met at work around eight years ago. We first hit it off after work drinks one night but kept it a secret around the office until our colleagues cottoned on to our matching lunches – the rest is history!
Our Engagement story…
Ben proposed over an early morning picnic at the beach. He packed all of our favourite goodies to enjoy before popping the question – simple and perfect.
Marriage to us means…
Marriage is the next chapter of our life adventure together, and the wedding was a beautiful opportunity for our friends and family to formally celebrate this love with us.
Details
Wedding Location
The ceremony and reception were both at Meneghello Estate, a stunning private property set amongst olive groves in the south west of Western Australia. Growing up, Ben and I both spent a lot of time down south so felt fitting that we had our wedding there. We always loved the idea of a wedding away from home, as it meant a whole weekend celebrating rather than just the one wedding day. We wanted to feel like we were away from home without our guests having to travel too far. Having the ceremony and the reception at the same venue was something that was very important to us, being a destination wedding we didn’t want people to have to worry about changing venues.
Theme & Style
We wanted to create a paradise in the bush. I had my heart set on a clear roof marquee with lots of greenery and white florals. I wanted a fresh and modern but still soft and romantic.
Photography
Katie Grant – She creates the most beautiful pictures – I absolutely love the finish of photos that are shot on film, the lighting is something else. We loved how she photographed the story of our day and captured such beautiful intimate moments. I was so happy when I saw the photos as she captured so many moments that I didn’t remember on the night.
