Garden Delight

 

  

 Mellita & Steven Bingley • 12th March, 2011 

In November 2003, Steve, a member of the Australian Armed Forces based in Darwin, was visiting Sydney to play in a water polo tournament. On his first day in town he found himself at the Coogee Bay Hotel, where he was noticed by Mellita, for whom it was love at first sight. 

After making an excuse to strike up a conversation, Mellita met Steve and the pair continued to see each other every night for the week that he was in town. Initially unwilling to put a label on their feelings, they continued their long distance ‘friendship’ following Steve’s departure. However, after several red-eye flights between Sydney and Darwin, they made their relationship official in the New Year. As luck would have it, Steve’s transfer to Sydney was approved soon after. 

Steve proposed on Remembrance Day. Having promised Mellita an after-dinner treat, which she presumed would be a decadent desert, Steve dropped a box from Swarovski into her outstretched hands. Inside Mellita found a crystal-encrusted cuff bangle which she had secretly been wanting for weeks, and the words “Marry me?” written on the bottom of the box. 

The couple’s wedding was held at Steve’s family’s property in Sutton. Dressed in her divine Maggie Sottero gown, Mellita was driven to the ceremony in a 1972 two-tone Chrysler Shadow. Her bridesmaids looked elegant in full-length silk dresses, while Steve and his groomsmen wore black suits with tails, white French cuff shirts and self-stripe fat boy ties. 

After exchanging vows in a white pagoda, the couple’s guests showered them with rose petals. While the bridal party enjoyed a relaxed photo shoot, guests were served canapés and champagne on the front lawn. Large white market umbrellas provided shade and hay bales were scattered around for additional seating. 

Mellita and Steve’s reception was held in a beautifully decorated silk lined marquee. More than 60 tea lights in glass holders were scattered around the room and each table setting included love and food themed conversation starter cards. The couple’s guests enjoyed seafood, hot roast meats and an assortment of gourmet salads, sauces and antipasto favorites prepared by Mellita’s father, a chef, and her family. 

Mellita’s gown, embroidered with delicate fabric roses, lace, and beading, was a source of inspiration for the cake, which featured a single full blossomed rose cascading down a three tier confection of lemon sponge and caramel and gluten free chocolate mud cakes. 

Photography www.eshphotography.com.au
Ceremony & Reception Venue Family property, Sutton
Celebrant www.canberracelebrant.com.au
Marquee www.barlens.com.au
Wedding Rings www.hardybrothers.com.au
Bridal Gown www.maggiesottero.com
Bridal Shoes www.mollini.com.au
Bridal Accessories www.mimco.com.au, www.lovisa.com.au
Bridesmaids' Gowns www.portmans.com.au
Men's Suits www.johnhanna.com.au
Cake Made by a friend
Jukebox www.barlens.com.au
Stationery Linen tea towels designed by the bride
Honeymoon South Coast