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Bride: Samantha Holloway
Groom: Patrick Arnold
Wedding date: November, 19, 2016
The proposal: Whilst the two were away on a weekend trip to Narooma, NSW, Pat whisked Sam away for wintry walk along the beach. Up in the distance, laid out on the sand was champagne and a picnic for two. All in on the grand plan - Pat's parents were hiding behind the sand dunes, camera in hand ready to snap the big proposal (but also to stand guard quietly over the engagement ring that lay hidden among the picnic festivities).
Sam was completely taken by surprise, having not cottoned on to what was going on (which is quite clear in the 'paparazzi' photographs which followed, including fabulous shots of other passerby beach-goers celebrating the moment with them both).
The Bridal Party: Groomsmen; Pat's younger brother and three of his closest friends, Bridesmaids; Sam's older and younger sisters and two of her closest friends; and Flower Children - six of Sam and Pat's nieces and nephews (all under 6-years old).
Venue: The entire wedding took place at the Holloway family farm, where Sam grew up, just outside of Bendigo.
The nuptials were held under a huge gum adorned with vintage lace in the top paddock, (a spot which on any other occasion would be housing a large oat crop). Afterwards guests wandered down to the house, to enjoy canapes and drinks among the fox-gloves in the cottage inspired main garden. The real celebrations kicked off in the hay shed, which had been transformed from a mere shelter to a grand venue, embellished with overflowing flowers, greenery, candles and vintage touches, complete with chandeliers hanging from the trusses in the roof.
100 guests enjoyed roaming canapes and a sit down dinner catered flawlessly by Mynette and her team at Cafe Essence. Sam's Mum Tracey baked and decorated the three-tiered traditional fruit cake, finished with hand-sculpted lace icing and fragrant David Austin Roses. Melbourne band Funkstar had everyone on their feet long into the night.
Flowers: Flowers were sourced from local florists, back paddocks of Moama as well as Sam's and her grandmothers gardens, to come together in the bridal bouquets and table arrangements, with thanks to the tireless dedication of Sam's family and friends (who spent the wedding-eve together laughing and creating every single bouquet and center piece by hand).
The dress: After several visits to Raffaele Ciuca in Melbourne, Sam had all but decided on her wedding gown - or so she thought. An additional visit with her big sister on hand for a special viewing turned out to be quite an inspired decision. Sam had an immediate change of heart when she decided on a simple, yet elegant form fitting style sheath dress, with a plunging 'v' embellished back and slight train. Being the clever girl that she is – Sam crafted and hand sewed her own 1930’s juliet cap veil.