Even growing up on opposite sides of the world couldn’t stop Abigail and Andy from meeting. Fate brought these two together on their first day of medical school and the rest was history. Through years of long distance and living together, Abigail and Andy made the choice to fight for their love and each other. A choice to love unconditionally and commit, which they will continue to do throughout their marriage.
The Proposal
To ensure the moment was perfect, Andy surprised Abigail with a surprise Whitsundays helicopter tour on their surprise Airlie beach weekend trip. Stopping on one of the most beautiful beaches in world, Andy took the surprise even further by getting on one knee. After a wave of shock and excitement, Abigail finally said yes through many tears. She does recall, it only happened after she was made sure that the ring was real.
The Dress Shopping
When it came to finding her dream dress, Abigail describes the experience as nothing short of a dream. Planning a Sunshine Coast wedding all the way from 1,300 kilometres away could have been stressful, but Vanessa at When Freddie Met Lilly made the entire process seamless. Friendly, welcoming and effortlessly calm, she created a space where Abigail felt relaxed, confident, and truly special. Each fitting became a cherished reunion with her mum, sister, and bridesmaids, who all live in different cities.
Abigail tried on numerous styles but knew she had found the one the moment she slipped into her gown. Elegant, flattering, and completely her, it perfectly matched the romantic, whimsical aesthetic of their day. The couple also found Andy’s suit and all the bridesmaid dresses at WFML, which made styling effortless. The girls wore silky mauve dresses Abigail had always dreamed of, tying the entire wedding party together beautifully.
The Venue
Their celebration took place at the stunning Maleny Country Estate on the Sunshine Coast. Abigail recalled that they knew it was their venue once they met Amanda, the venue manager, and said it felt as though they had found their second home. The venue was decorated with a mix of whimsical and classic florals to bring their vision to life. However, it wasn’t all without some hiccups along the way. Unfortunately the weather did not comply with their plans to hold the ceremony outside under this gorgeous tree on the property. Thankfully, their vendors were able to pull together a very beautiful back up option in the form of an old European chapel and sperry tents.
To make the venue their own special design, they arranged it to be filled florals in stunning shades of mauve, lilac, plum and soft whites accented with greenery. A romantic palette that tied perfectly into the venue’s timeless charm. After the wedding, Andy surprised Abigail once again by arranging to have her bouquet pressed, preserving it forever. In the days that followed, they visited loved ones to gift them arrangements made from the wedding florals, a gesture that reflected the couple’s warmth and gratitude.
The Wedding Day
On the morning of the wedding, Abigail and Andy chose to spend their time together rather than apart, a decision that kept them grounded, calm, and connected. They added multiple personal touches throughout the day, including writing a personalised letter to every single guest. One of the most meaningful surprises came from Abigail: a huge heart-shaped display of every weekly sticky note they had written each other during their two years of long-distance love.
For Abigail and Andy, their wedding was a celebration to bring together the people they love to celebrate their part in their love story. So, it was not only special when Abigail’s family was able to make the drive across the range, but when Andy’s could make the trek from Boston to be there for them. Sadly, not all family could make it in person. To honour both of their late grandfather’s, a chair was dedicated to each of them, so their love and presence was still felt during the day.
As the celebrations unfolded, the day filled with love, joy, and laughter. Their ceremony and speeches were deeply memorable, and the dance floor, plus the afterparty, became an unforgettable highlight. When Abigail reached the end of the aisle, Andy could barely speak through tears and emotion. It was one of many moments that reflected the depth of their connection.
Their vendors, from florists to filmmakers to celebrants, came together to bring the couple’s vision to life, even when the weather challenged their plans. Every detail, intentional, heartfelt, and deeply personal, created a celebration that truly reflected who they are and the love story they’ve built.
For future brides, Abigail’s advice is to embrace imperfection. Your day might not go exactly to plan, but those moments often become the most meaningful. And when in doubt? “Just say yes — money can be replaced, but the memories are forever.”
The Couple’s Wedding Vendors
Abbey - @abigail_a97
Andy - @andy.bennie.7
Maleny Country Estate - @malenyweddings and @malenycountryestate
Vintage Bar Co - @thevintagebarco
Dan Murphy's
Good2eat - @good2eatcatering
Jam Factory Doughnuts - @jamfactorydoughnuts_
Dolci & Co - @dolciandco
Tipple & Tamper - @tippleandtamper
Brad & Brodie - @bradandbrodie
Cut a Rug DJ - @cutarugdj
Simply Style - @simplystyleco
Aesthete Film & Photo - @aesthete_film_and_photo
Willow Bud - @willowbudflowers
Lisa Carroll - @lisa.celebrant
Montville Candy - @candyaddictions
When Freddie Met Lilly - @whenfreddiemetlilly
LUX Transfers - @luxtransfers
Sunshine Coast MUA - @sunshinecoastmua
Niki Taylor Hair - @nikitaylorhair
Classy Coolrooms - @classyloos
