Ben and Loretta’s magical wedding could not have been better suited to the couple, whose romance has been magic from the very beginning.

The couple met by complete coincidence. Ben was getting a takeaway breakfast while Loretta was out walking her dog through a new neighbourhood. Only last-minute did Loretta decide to stop into a café (the same café Ben was waiting in), simply because her dog Laika stopped to take a drink out the café’s dog bowl. It was then that the two caught one another’s attention and through Ben’s weak guise of wanting to pat Laika, the pair wound up sharing phone numbers. Ben and Loretta have remained inseparable ever since. Talk about the stars aligning!

The Theme

Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream was the theme for the big event. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a tale of magic, whimsy, mystique and mischief a marvellous fit for a playful party on a warm summer’s evening. Ben and Loretta tell us “we wanted the day to be full of games, eating, drinking and dancing” and this was certainly made possible through their fun theme.

Selecting the location at Phillip Shaw was the first step in producing the A Midsummer Night’s Dream feel. The venue is naturally flush with vibrant gardens, luscious grasses and beautiful blooms making it an obvious choice for Ben and Loretta.

Rich colours of burgundy, navy and white were used to encourage the sense of decadence and richness. The couple also included many gorgeous blooms from the talented hands of Bespoke Country Weddings.

The Food

Ben and Loretta were very keen on the idea of having large share plates of food for their menu. This way of serving food was perfectly suited to their decadent party theme.

The pair’s vision was fully supported by the chefs at Phillip Shaw, who produced a luscious meal paired beautifully with the venue’s own wines. The entrees included fig and prosciutto parcels, aubergine chips and beetroot rosti with goats cheese. For mains, the kitchen provided two dishes made with rich and unexpected flavours; lemon, hazelnut and saffron roast chicken and pepper-crusted beef.

Most whimsically, the couple provided a mouth-watering dessert bar (to cater to Loretta’s sweet tooth) which went down a treat. Included in the desserts; sour cherry and pistachio nougat, chocolate pantalettes, lemon curd tarts and fruit all topped off with an indulgent wedding cake (of course!).

The Photography

Their love party was captured by none other than HOORAY! favourite, Kirsten Cunningham. With a keen eye and a flair for capturing moments as they candidly unfold, Kirsten provides a natural, yet oh-so-beautiful insight into this fun-filled celebration.

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HOORAY!-Ben-And-Loretta18Credits

Event Venue: Phillip Shaw | Photographer: Kirsten Cunningham | Event Planning and Styling: Bespoke Country Weddings| Decorations: Amesl Art | Floral Styling: Bespoke Country Weddings | Hire Items: Bespoke Country Weddings | Catering and Drinks: Phillip Shaw | Stationery: HAY | Wedding Gown: Oscar De La Renta + Made With Love Bridal | Suits: Paul Smith | Entertainment: Andy Nelson + Momentum | Brides Shoes: Aquazurra + Sophia Webster | Grooms Shoes: Aquila| Engagement Ring: Cartier | Wedding Bands: Grew & Co |

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