A Gentleman and his Princess

Carolyn and Ben

Sunday, 12 March 2017

The Romance

Ben and I became friends on social media through a mutual friend. At first we were just friends, neither of us looking for a relationship and we just clicked. Ben is the kindest human I know. I have so much love and respect for him and vice versa. We have done a lot of travelling and really truly enjoy each other's company. I knew Ben was the one probably after four months. Ben is an amazing Dad to his sons and works so hard and treated me like a princess from the beginning.


Bride, Carolyn Spanjers   Bride & Groom, Carolyn and Ben Spanjers

The Proposal

Ben proposed in Melbourne while we were away for the weekend. Totally caught me off guard and it was lovely.

 

Bride & Groom, Carolyn and Ben Spanjers   Bride & Groom, Carolyn and Ben Spanjers

The Planning

We had ten months to plan our wedding, after we got engaged. Most of the planning was left to me, with Ben incorporating a few ideas. We agreed on almost everything and Ben was happy for me to choose most things. He was very supportive attending most appointments with me. My daughter Paige was amazing, helping me organise flowers, dresses and jewelry. We were very lucky that we have a great selection of good friends. Our friend Jo was our celebrant, her daughter Jemima our make up artist, our friend Deb a magnificent photographer, and Carlo an amazing jeweller. And a friend of a friend made our spectacular wedding cake. So we were able to organise things out of working hours. I did not want a formal dress, so I visited Lace & Button in Mt Lawley and bought my beautiful dress from there.

 

Bride & Groom, Carolyn and Ben Spanjers   Bride & Groom, Carolyn and Ben Spanjers

The Wedding Day

We chose March for the beautiful weather, unfortunately it decided to rain, so plans for an outdoor wedding were thrown into disarray. We did not see each other before hand, Ben got ready at the hotel / reception centre and I got ready at Bens parents holiday house right near our venue. Ben was far more nervous than I was. I was very excited. All our family and friends were there, our parents, our 6 beautiful kids, daughter-in-law and gorgeous grandson made the day complete.

 

Bride & Groom, Carolyn and Ben Spanjers   Bride & Groom, Carolyn and Ben Spanjers

The Ceremony

It was a civil ceremony held at Mandurah Quays reception centre. Our wedding song was 'Remind me' by Conrad Sewell, Ben loves that song and he chose it. The atmosphere was quite intimate as we were planning it outdoors, but the weather had other ideas. Thankfully the reception centre organised a beautiful room indoors for us, so we were all pretty close indoors. It was really lovely. The rain stopped after the ceremony to allow for spectacular photos.

 

Bride & Groom, Carolyn and Ben Spanjers   Bride & Groom, Carolyn and Ben Spanjers

The Reception

We had a cocktail style reception, the food was amazing and there was so much of it. We had a brilliant DJ Rob from Groove masters, he played the best dance music. Our reception centre was on the water and after the rain had stopped it was so still and warm and just perfect. We did manage to mingle well and speak to all our guests.

 

Bride & Groom, Carolyn and Ben Spanjers   Bride & Groom, Carolyn and Ben Spanjers

Honeymoon

For our honeymoon we went to Kuala Lumpur for one week and travelled around Bali for 3 weeks. Had an amazing month away.

 

Wedding Advice ...

Just really enjoy the day, so much planning goes in and it goes so fast. Budget most for what you love, mine was flowers. I just can not believe how incredibly lucky I am and so privileged to have Ben as my husband. Our life it truly wonderful.


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