Simone and Sam: Their Party of a Lifetime

Posted by Vanessa Ford on June 09, 2026

From serving shifts together at Foodland in their late teens and early twenties to reconnecting years later through Tinder, these two proved that timing really is everything. Life had taken them in different directions for a while, but eventually, they found their way back to one another, and this time, it was forever.

When it came time to propose, tradition was completely flipped on its head. During a group holiday on Kangaroo Island, the couple slipped away from their friends for a walk along the shoreline. Carrying a suspicious bag, Simone was immediately questioned by Sam about what she had packed away. Panicking, she blurted out “tampons,” which thankfully ended the interrogation immediately. Halfway down the beach however, she pulled out a watch for him and a ring for herself, asking him to spend forever together.

For the couple, marriage was simple, loving each other enough to choose one another every single day and to build a life side by side.

When the planning process began, finding the right venue became less about aesthetics and more about the experience. The deciding factor? The incredible support from the venue’s event manager, Mark, who made the entire process feel seamless and stress-free from beginning to end. His calm approach and willingness to bring their vision to life made choosing the venue an easy decision. Family being able to share in their special day was something the couple felt incredibly grateful for, and having their loved ones there made the celebration even more meaningful.

When it came to finding her gown, the bride knew she wanted something that truly reflected her personality and style. The experience was made even more special because her sister was there beside her through it all, sharing every exciting moment along the way. Her final look was unapologetically sparkly, fun, glamorous, and perfectly her!

Sam, on the other hand, had always known exactly where he would get his wedding attire from. A tailor he and his father had visited for years made the choice an easy one, and she happily let him take the lead on his final look.

The styling for the day embraced rich autumn tones, with copper featuring throughout the bridal party styling and Sam making a statement in a maroon coat. Together, they worked with a colour palette that complemented both of their personalities while creating a warm and vibrant atmosphere. The florals, designed by East End Flower Market, featured stunning burnt orange and copper tones that tied everything together beautifully. Candles, flowers, and autumn-inspired details transformed the venue into the perfect celebration space.

For these two, the most important part of the day was simple: making sure everyone had fun. They envisioned the reception as one big party, which helped guide every decision throughout the planning process. Rather than getting caught up in unnecessary details, they focused on what truly mattered to them: good music, dancing, and celebrating with the people they loved most.

And dance they did!! When asked about the absolute highlight of the day, the answer came easily. Apart from marrying each other, it was spending the night on the dance floor surrounded by family and friends, partying deep into the evening inside their unforgettable rave cave!

Advice from the beautiful bride for future couples planning their wedding day:

Share the load; wedding planning works best when both people are involved and contributing equally.
Have a clear purpose for your wedding and focus your energy on what matters most to you both; if your priority is celebrating, dancing, and having fun together, let that guide your decisions.

Throughout the entire process, the bride describes her experience with When Freddie met Lilly as amazing, welcoming, and incredibly flexible. Not only did she find the perfect gown, but we also had the pleasure of creating her sister’s bridesmaid dress, making the experience feel even more special and personal.