Real Wedding: Charlotte & Sam at Mona Farm
Photographer: Zac Graham Photography
Instagram: @zacgrahamphoto
Location & Date: Mona Farm, Braidwood NSW — 25th February 2025
Guests: 90
In September 2019, Charlotte and her sister had just landed in London after months of travel. On the hunt for a short-term rental, they spotted a sublet on the Aussies in London Facebook group. They moved in—and that’s where Charlotte met Sam, a Kiwi housemate living next door.
"His smile definitely caught my eye!" Charlotte says. Their story began in the most organic, unexpected way—and everything that followed felt like magic.
The Proposal
What was meant to be a dreamy Europe trip quickly took a turn. Hours before their flight, Charlotte ended up in hospital with appendicitis—and what she didn’t know was that Sam had a ring secretly en route with his best mate!
The trip was delayed, the flight changed to Italy, and five weeks later in Lake Como—on their final day—Sam found a quiet bench overlooking the lake and popped the question.
"We were drinking rosé out of a pump water bottle, eating cheese from the block, and I was hot and grumpy—but it was so perfectly us," Charlotte shares.
Timeless, elegant, and romantic with a modern black-tie twist. The couple leaned into soft white and green florals, candlelight, and heartfelt details to create a day that felt sophisticated yet deeply personal.
"Our ceremony," Charlotte says without hesitation. "It was the heart of the day." Their celebrant Sarah told their story with such love, humour and warmth that guests said it felt like she’d known them for years. "It wasn’t just a ceremony—it was a reflection of our journey and our love."
Charlotte found 'the one' at The Ivory Room in Paddington—Blanche Bridal’s 'Gaia' dress. With its off-white tone, corset-style bodice and dramatic train, it perfectly matched the venue and black-tie styling. She completed the look with a romantic lace veil from the same boutique.
Charlotte wore the Skylar Large Bridal Earrings in 18K Gold from Lolaknight.
One of the most important things I’d say to any bride planning her wedding is to stay true to your style and who you are as a couple. It’s so easy to get caught up in trends or the pressure to do what everyone else is doing, but the most meaningful weddings are the ones that genuinely reflect the couple at the centre of it all. Your day should feel like you, not Pinterest or Instagram.
Another big one: try to soak up every moment. The day really does fly, so build in little pauses to be present. One of the best things we did was take a few moments just the two of us, away from everyone else, to take it all in and let it sink in that we were now husband and wife. It’s something I’ll never forget.
We also wanted to include our families in a way that felt personal and special. Having our mums walk down the aisle together before the bridesmaids was one of the most meaningful moments of the day. It was our way of honouring them and involving them right from the beginning – a beautiful and emotional way to start the ceremony.
A really special touch was doing a first look with the groomsmen. Their reactions were so genuine and emotional – it added a beautiful layer of connection and excitement to the day.
We also chose to stretch our celebration over three days – a welcome dinner, the wedding day, and a recovery day. It was the best decision! It gave us time to connect with every guest, not just in a quick hello at the reception. If you’re having a destination wedding or guests travelling, I’d highly recommend it.
Above all, make it your own, be present, and don’t forget to breathe it all in. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and you deserve to enjoy every bit of it.
Makeup: Zoe Martin Makeup
Hair: Chloe Piche Hair
Celebrant: Sarah Marie Celebrancy
Florist & Styling: Boss Botanicals
Groom's Suit: Belance Tailors Paddington
Musician/DJ: Ben Morgan
Videographer: More Life Films
Social Content: Social Romance
Cake: Roseberry Cake Creations
