Ria & Billy

When we come across a couple who have smiles that are so infectious it brightens our week, well we know it’s always a story we have to share. Ria and Billy chose a rustic barn backdrop for their wedding day, with photographer Tom Rawlins making the most of the backdrop for their wedding day photographs.

The bride chose a beautiful Theia Couture gown from The Bridal Atelier. She tells “All I knew from the very beginning of finding the dress was I wanted something I would feel comfortable, and of course beautiful, all day and night. On the hanger, the dress did not look like much but lucky for me my best friend insisted I try it on. I got that feeling everyone says you get when you find ‘the one’. What I ended up choosing was not something I thought I would wear however I absolutely love my wedding dress and felt amazing in it all day & night.

I had a great experience finding the dress with my maid of honour, mum and mother in law. I liked that The Bridal Atelier has a range of designers and styles of dresses to choose from. The girls are extremely lovely and helpful and made the whole process seamless.”

Ria and Billy chose The Barn Wallington at the venue for their wedding, using Belco Events  for all of their styling and hire. They remark “We wanted a venue that we could have a casual, fun cocktail party with all the people we love – and that it certainly was. The rustic feel of The Barn worked perfectly to incorporate a modern, art deco feel that we were after. We gave our wedding stylist, Annabel from Bel Co Events, a brief and budget and she ran with it – creating a styling concept beyond anything we could’ve imagined.”

Ria chose “Latch” by Sam Smith for her walk down the aisle.

Ria and Billy chose Jo Betz to officiate their ceremony,  noting “Our ceremony ended up being one of the many highlights of our wedding – it was perfect! We wanted our ceremony to be happy, fun, filled with lots of love, laughter, happy tears and be an honest reflection of us. Our celebrant, Jo Betz, told our love story perfectly and gave our wedding guests all the emotions we were after. You couldn’t wipe the smile off our faces.”

Of their photographer, Ria tells “We wanted someone that was fun, would create a comfortable, cruisey vibe and we felt totally comfortable with. A few close friends had Tommy as their wedding photographer so we knew he was the man to capture our day.”

“When we were getting photos Billy picked me up and carried me in his arms along the boardwalk. Tom was snapping away and the bridal party yelled out how cute it looked. We got to the end of the boardwalk and Billy didn’t see the gap to step over onto the pathway, one of his legs fell straight through!! He fell forward yet somehow managed to place me down ‘gracefully’, just missing a big piece of duck poo. I came out with not a mark on my dress and Billy with a tear in the knee on his custom made pants. It was a typical Billy and Ria moment that had the entire bridal party, videographer and photographer in stiches.”

Ria tells “Our first dance was also our entrance song – Latch by Discloser. We’re not the slow dance type. Entering into our reception dancing like no one’s watching is more our style.”

Guests enjoyed a feast catered by Steampocket, Ria explaining “Food was such an important part of our wedding, with my side of the family being Italian, and Steampocket did not disappoint. All our guests commented on our food and there was more than enough for everyone. Espresso Martini’s later in the night was a huge hit!”

The couple chose Love Soldier Weddings to capture their wedding film!

Congratulations on your marriage Ria and Billy! Thank you for sharing your wedding day with us! Thank you also to Tom Rawlins for sharing today’s celebration with us!