Amanda & Brendan

A garden ceremony, a reception under hanging chandeliers and blooms. There are few things more beautiful to begin a day of a wedding of elegance like today’s stunner from the crew at Splendid Photos & Video.

Honouring their love of the harbour city, today’s newlyweds Amanda and Brendan said their vows in front of the stunning harbour before they celebrated at one of their favourite cafes. It’s a wedding that is so distinctly Sydney and most importantly, so distinctly reflective of the gorgeous newlyweds. There are beautiful blooms, there are iconic Sydney backdrops and there’s a reception filled with so many elegant details, elegant moments that you’ll want to don your own evening gown and join in.

It was a beautiful celebration for the couple, who met randomly one night while watching friends gig for the same band in one night. Their instant match turned into something lifelong when Brendan popped the question at home, in a candle and old jazz-filled room – the most beautiful act of romance.

The bride chose a beautiful Pronovias crepe mermaid gown from Fashions by Farina.

Amanda and Brendan chose Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney for their ceremony, saying their vows with a backdrop of Sydney Harbour. Amanda explains “We wanted to have a ceremony that captured our love for each other and who we are. An outdoor setting was a must and with spectacular views and greenery including Port Jackson Fig trees at the Tarpeian Lawn precinct of the botanic gardens a perfect balance of greenery and city life.”

The couple chose Lillian Lyon to officiate their ceremony, Amanda sharing “The ceremony was short and sweet and included personal vows. It was everything we wished for and more.”

Of their photographer, the bride and groom? Thrilled beyond measure. “Splendid Photos and Video were amazing. They were there to capture every moment and even supported us like additional members of the bridal party even helping out with my dress. The team went above and beyond what they needed to and the process before and after the wedding was so smooth.”

Guests gathered for a sit-down reception at the beautiful The Grounds of Alexandria. The venue also doubling for post-vow photographs!

The beautiful blooms on the day were styled by The Grounds Florals by Silva. Amanda sharing “We wanted the flowers to be rustic yet pull together the colours of the wedding day. I love gardening and Peonies and David Austin roses are some of my favourite flowers.”

“Every moment of wedding planning was fun for us. I think it helped that we spread the tasks over 18 months. We even made table numbers, our welcome sign and seating chart which was so enjoyable,” says Amanda.

The most important part of the day? The presence of family and friends. The bride remembers “Our friends and family witnessing our marriage to each other, was one of our favourite parts. Including having my sick grandmother being able to make it for the day (sadly passing 3 weeks after the wedding).”

The speeches? An utter surprise for the bride. She remembers “The whole day was magical – just to have all our beautiful friends and family in the one place to celebrate with, however, Brendan’s speech topped off the day – he unexpectedly sang his speech changing the lyrics of John Mayer’s Free Falling.”

The newlyweds took to the dance floor to their band performing Jacob’s Lee’s “I Belong to You”. The couple were delighted to carry their big band music throughout the evening thanks to a band made up of the groom’s colleagues and friends.

Not only on photography, but the newlyweds also enlisted Splendid Photos & Video to capture their day in motion.

Congratulations on your marriage Amanda and Brendan! Thank you for sharing the beauty of your day with us. Thank you also to Splendid Photos & Video for sharing today’s stunner of a wedding!