To be quite honest, with today's wedding I'm not even sure where to begin, or how to introduce Lucy & Andrew's phenomenal wedding. Let's just say it's b-eau-ti-ful in every way. Given Lucy and Andrew met on the set of a photoshoot, it's not that surprising how their wedding turned out. It's one picture perfect day from beginning to end. Lucy worked really hard to make her dream wedding a reality with the help of some super creative friends. Ultimately I'm just jealous of the amazing outdoor reception... it's all just a little too fabulous to be real (but it is!) We're so delighted to be able to share such an inspiring wedding courtesy of fab photographer Lara Hotz... Enjoy!

Now it's not often Oprah is given a nod for helping introduce a couple but there's a first time for everything.."In 2010 Oprah came to Sydney with her audience. I was working at Donna Hay magazine at the time as stylist and Donna had been asked to be the Creative Director of her Welcome to Sydney Party at Fleet Steps in the Botanic Gardens. We set up three scenes, one of which was a beach setting, including three of the gorgeous Bondi Lifeguards, except only 2 turned up (Hoppo and Riedy). When styling, odd numbers reign supreme, so it seemed a bad omen. I was forced to cast my eye over the site crew and landed upon an crew van with a prospective driver. Enter Andrew Tweed who was there as a Event Manager for Cambridge Events… such a man. You could see his country upbringing in his arms alone." In case you can't tell Lucy was smitten! After some flirtatious back and forths Andrew agreed to save the day and take part as lifeguard number 3, so with some encouragement from friend and florist Saskia, Lucy approached Andrew and they've been inseparable since.

With such an elaborate first meeting, we were expecting big things from the proposal story, and Andrew didn't disappoint (this will melt your heart) going back to the place they first met with a special assistant to help with the logistics. Lucy recounted... "The first image that comes to mind is my 6 year old son in the back seat next to me while I glare at him and demand to know where we are going. He put his head between his knees, grinned, hugged his legs tightly and said through gritted teeth "Hurry Andy, she's doing that thing. She's trying to get me to tell!" Andrew pulled over and blindfolded me. When we arrived all I heard was "James, you know where to go" and Andrew walked away. Having a 6 year old lead you down the concrete paths of the Botanic Gardens is scary at the best of times, add a blindfold and it's terrifying… (I heard people whisper "oh, thats a bit mean" when I tripped). When we got "there" James pulled off the scarf for me to blink and I found a smiling Andrew down on one knee, with James jumping beside us with glee. Andrew got through the words "Lucy China wi…" And already I was crying, YES!!! yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!!!! It was awesome. I wish I was more patient, but it's not a virtue of mine, so I didn't ever get to hear that terrifying rehearsed speech so many men make, but I guess that alone makes it special."  Having your son help pop the question isn't something every bride is lucky enough to have, I'll bet it's something James treasures forever.

Andrew originally proposed with a simple ring with a tiny band of diamonds, but it wasn't exactly what he imagined, so he hunted high and low for something extra special for his bride to be, finally sourcing the perfect ring in an antique shop, knowing it was just the thing for Lucy. Lucy explains "I went to see it at the antique shop (Michael Greene Antiques) and it was so incredibly me.(Andrew knows her well clearly!) Designed by their jeweller for the Argyle Diamond Awards its a mash up of eras and styles, geometric like a compass and fine like thread and steeped in history." Andrew the little romantic!

Lucy chose to get ready in an apartment at The Country Trader. The luxury and glamour of the deep colours, antique furniture and chandeliers are the perfect starting point for this opulent and stylish wedding day. Glam from the get go, what other way would be right to start this fab couple's day?

Black and blue glittering louboutins offset Lucy's pretty pink wedding dress, and work just as well with dress number 2 later in the evening as you will see...

Lucy's something borrowed is this dainty antique arrow brooch, such a delicate touch. Both her son and Dad then had silver arrow tie pins to match, creating a little glamorous mini-theme.

Being a stylist and Andrew working as an Event Manage, it's not surprising that Lucy and Andrew had a clear idea in their head of what they wanted for their wedding: fun, opulent and just a little bit fantastic. "As I started collecting things (without a big picture in mind) I realised there was an underlying style that really just reflected my personality. It should feel like the funnest, easy going most opulent casually amazing garden party you'd ever been to. We really wanted people to feel special, as they had made us feel by attending. We wanted family and friends who had travelled from overseas, or used up their last sickie for the year to feel like it was worth while. the attitude for the celebrations were to be flamboyant, playful, fun, eccentric, wild, luxurious, opulent, never boring." A wedding you would definitely get excited receiving an invite for!

And this is the place they chose to make those vows in high style. Right back where it all began, in the Botanic Gardens.

All of the flowers on the day were done by friend florist and matchmaker Saskia Havekes and they are truly breathtaking. What a room to come into to make your vows. The colour palette was kept soft, pale and romantic, allowing the sheer volume and gorgeous lush textures, add the drama to the space.

How cute is Lucy's son James, who played the important role of ring bearer and held the couple's rings in a silver antique matchbox of Lucy's mum's on a chain attached to his belt loop. The perfect way to include a very important persona at the wedding.

Lucy's favourite part of the day was just before the ceremony began "the single moment I felt calm and that the whole moment was an ethereal experience was the pause before walking into the ceremony. It was so beautiful. I could hear the hush. I could feel my dad's strong arm holding me tightly. I could only see Andrew at the end of the aisle. It was without a doubt the most special private and divine moment."

Although it might seem a lot of time and effort was put into the style of this wedding, the real heart, like all good weddings, lay in the ceremony, and to make their vows to one another Lucy and Andrew chose a very special place - they were married in Australia's oldest greenhouse, a place with a living breathing heart, and a great sense of history, not least their own, personal history in the gardens.

Making those vows was the real moment of truth for Andrew and Lucy... "I was so scared I would quiver but there was an inner strength that wanted every word to be clear. His words to me were so sound and true. No empty flourished promises. They were real." 

Their hands were bound in the tradition of handfasting and the knot of marriage was tied.

And in true movie-star style we have the first kiss, what a first kiss!

For the day the adorable James was decked out in a bespoke suit to match Andrews and a little pair of M&S brogues.

For Lucy's something old she used her darling late mums rose stone and diamond circle brooch that was pinned to the silk around her bouquet. A sentimental and subtle way to incorporate a family heirloom.

Lucy's fab dress photographs beautifully with soft hues of blush pink and a pleated tulle bodice. Bought in a local store the dress was customised adding a double layered silk tulle skirt and a custom dyed knotted organza bustle by Pepa and Karen at Shibori.

After some fun photos it was time for the reception, with which a whole lot of time and preparation was given to make sure it was just right and that everything not only looked good but that everyone had an unforgettably amazing time. With help from Lucy's business partner Jane Frosh (the pair run a style studio called Cool Edie's!) "We had been collecting velvet couches for months, having windows guilded on the favour cupboard, collecting magnolia branches after storms, dipping feathers in gold glitter, polishing and restringing chandeliers. I feel incredibly lucky to have someone so fabulous that I could trust to pull my vision together. I know Jane would have been at a loss (we are better when both brains are on board!! but I was out!) She had our fabulous assistant Katja and a huge team of mates who are all in the event industry help pull it together. I am the perfect candidate for hind site but I wouldn't change a single element in how it was styled." And once you see it for yourself you'll realise why..!

The delectable cake was made by friends Donna Hay and Steve Pearce. "3 floating layers with peonies in between. chocolate and raspberry on the bottom, vanilla lemon, passionfruit in the centre and a red velvet top." Delicious and we are always suckers for a good peonie!

The aesthetic for the reception was a cocktail garden party and it looks like everyone had a whole lot of fun.

After cutting the cake it was time for a quick dress change and Lucy and Andrew's first dance and some cocktails!

Love dress number 2! The gold glitzy number was bought in the same boutique as the ceremony dress and altered to suit Lucy just right. "it is the epitome of party - gold sequin confetti bomb! Dusty rose gold sequins, strapless, floor length, slinky. I had a thin black velvet belt added, that was all.It had that Ellie Saab feeling of just the most glamorous evening + a little bit of Jessica Rabbit. complete va va va voom and especially suited to our first dance song."

Lucy surprised Andrew in her new dress for their first dance, and once the dancing began it went on and on into the late night (so much so poor Lucy's Louboutins suffered the consequences!)

What. A. Wedding. After Lucy's planning and styling experience she has some super fun as well as practical advice "ask one unsuspecting friend to be a bridesmaid. you'll feel like your fiance did the day he asked you to marry him. drink lots of champagne. don't worry about eating the food - except the cake. don't rehearse your first dance unless its after a few drinks and in the comfort of your home (as this is exactly what the first dance should feel like!) have a dress change if you can. and boringly, but importantly bestow someone with the responsibility of collecting your wedding certificate, gift cards and gifts."

Huge congratulations to Lucy and Andrew and thank you so much for sharing your amazing day with us! A big thank you also goes to Lara Hotz for her fab photography. You can see more of her work over on larahotz.com

Check out Lucy and Andrew's amazing day in action with their fun wedding film by Light Noise Films...

Andrew + Lucy from Light Noise Films on Vimeo.

The Wedding Details

• Ceremony: Palm House
• Reception: Lion Gate Lodge
• Getting ready location: The Country Trader Residences 
• Photographer: Lara Hotz
• Videographer: Light Noise Films
• Cake: Donna Hay
• Dress: Eda Michelle
• Shoes: Christian Louboutin
• Hairpiece: Jonathan Howard 

• Hair: Dana Lambert
• Flowergirls: Tutu Du Monde
• Makeup: Sharon Farrell
• Florist: Grandiflora - Saskia Havekes
• Caterers: Alice Storey and Georgina Larby of Pure Pops
• Event Stylist: The Cool Edie's
• Groom's Suit: Burberry
• Groom's Shoes: Church's brogues by Mr Porter 
• Furniture suppliers: Harry the Hirer & Decorative Events