1115 days
since we tied the knot!
How We Met
We met the way all relationships start in the 21st century - online! Our first date was over drinks at Wolfe and Malone in Bentleigh. Our second date was brunch at a cafe in Ormond, close to where we now live. Our 3rd date was at the Brighton Bay cinema to watch a confusing Finnish film Ian chose but it still resulted in our first kiss!
The Proposal
Ian proposed to Amy on Christmas Day 2019. There was a gift bag under the Christmas tree that said “To Mum and Dad, from Baxter”. There were two parcels inside – one for each of them. Amy opened hers. It was a t-shirt that said "Yes!" Ian opened his and showed it to Amy, it said "Amy, will you marry me?" He already knew the answer! Ian pulled a ring box from its hiding spot nearby and we made it official. We celebrated with our families later that day – our first Christmas in our home and our engagement!
April 22, 2022
Ceremony
4:30pm
Barn & Co - 238 Myers Road, Balnarring
On the lawnBride walked down the aisle by both her parents, Ken and Glenda Sampson.
Readings by Lyndall Thomas ('Love' by Roy Croft) and Kim Ryan (Love Lyrics for the Peas).
Ring bearer Baxter.
Witnesses: Lyndall Thomas and Luke Sampson.
Witness signing music by Imogen Thomas.
Ring bearer Baxter.
Witnesses: Lyndall Thomas and Luke Sampson.
Witness signing music by Imogen Thomas.
April 22, 2022
Cocktail Hour
5:00pm
Barn & Co - 238 Myers Road, Balnarring
Outdoor, undercover areaSignature cocktails: Sangria and Gin-gerbread mules
April 22, 2022
Reception
6:00pm
Barn & Co - 238 Myers Road, Balnarring
In the barnMC: Helen Ellis
Speeches: Ken Sampson (father of the bride), Graham Thomas (father of the groom), Toby Lim (best man), Ian Thomas (groom) and Amy Sampson (bride)
Speeches: Ken Sampson (father of the bride), Graham Thomas (father of the groom), Toby Lim (best man), Ian Thomas (groom) and Amy Sampson (bride)
April 23, 2022
Day after the Wedding
12:00pm
St Andrews Beach Brewery - 160 Sandy Rd, Fingal
Join us in the stables for a recovery lunch.
Maid of Honour
Sneza Vasilevski
Amy and I met whilst travelling through Washington D.C. back in 2004 and we have been friends ever since! During this time we have celebrated and supported each other through the different seasons of our lives. Amy has become ‘Aunty Amy’ to my children and in recent years we have the pleasure of welcoming ‘Uncle Ian’ into our family as well. We are all very excited to be celebrating your beautiful relationship on your Wedding Day. xx
Best Man
Toby Lim
"I don't remember the specific moment I met Ian but it must have been early 1984 when we were in the same grade 4 class together.
My earliest memory is Ian interrupting the class to tell everyone that a house just drove past the window.
I'm so happy Ian and Amy have found one another and have chosen to take this next step in their life together. Looking forward to celebrating the big day!"
My earliest memory is Ian interrupting the class to tell everyone that a house just drove past the window.
I'm so happy Ian and Amy have found one another and have chosen to take this next step in their life together. Looking forward to celebrating the big day!"
Bridesmaid
Carlee Sampson-Smith
"I'm Amy's older cousin. We go back, way way back in the 70s. Amy's like the little sister I never had. I'm so happy she's found her one in Ian. Can't wait to help celebrate the big day with you both."
Groomsmaid
Heidi Yardley
"I have known Ian since high school. We became frenemies around year 10 or 11. I can’t remember exactly but I’m sure he can as he has the memory of an elephant. I’ll leave other similarities aside. After leaving school we spent many weekends getting up to mischief. Gradually this changed to visits to the cinema for more years than I care to count - were we becoming more mature and settled? Not exactly. I always knew Ian was smart, but how he had the insight to wait until his 40’s to meet his perfect match is beyond my comprehension. Thank Godess for Amy!! I could not be more thrilled that he’s met such an awesome person to put up with him! "
Venue
The whole wedding day is at Barn & Co - 238 Myers Road, Balnarring
Dress Code
Semi-Formal
Think about what you might wear out to a special dinner at a fancy restaurant.
For ladies, a mid-length cocktail style dress is generally the most appropriate option, or a top and skirt combination. Maybe include a jacket or something to keep you warm.
For guys, a dress shirt and dress shoes with dress pants are recommended. Maybe add a tie, vest or jacket?
Think about what you might wear out to a special dinner at a fancy restaurant.
For ladies, a mid-length cocktail style dress is generally the most appropriate option, or a top and skirt combination. Maybe include a jacket or something to keep you warm.
For guys, a dress shirt and dress shoes with dress pants are recommended. Maybe add a tie, vest or jacket?
Social pages
We invite you to be fully present during our ceremony, and ask you turn off your phones and put away your cameras, and enjoy the moment with us.
We would like to be the first ones to announce our marriage on our social pages. So please no posting of photos of our special day on our special day.
Thank you.
Photos can be posted after we have posted using #amyandian22042022
We would like to be the first ones to announce our marriage on our social pages. So please no posting of photos of our special day on our special day.
Thank you.
Photos can be posted after we have posted using #amyandian22042022
Wishing well
We found out when we moved in together that we have everything we need, in some cases two of everything we need!
Gifts are not expected but of course will be gratefully accepted. If you would like to help us save for our future, look out for the wishing well.
If you'd prefer not to bring cash on the day, here are our bank details.
Account name: Ian C Thomas
BSB: 704191
Account number: 163430
Gifts are not expected but of course will be gratefully accepted. If you would like to help us save for our future, look out for the wishing well.
If you'd prefer not to bring cash on the day, here are our bank details.
Account name: Ian C Thomas
BSB: 704191
Account number: 163430
Accommodation
Why not make a long weekend of it and stay on the Mornington Peninsula!
There are so many towns close by - Balnarring, Somers, Red Hill, Cape Schanck, Merricks... but the whole of the peninsula is beautiful.
Check out Airbnb, Stayz, RACV Cape Schanck Resort, Jackolope or BIG4 Caravan Park.
There are so many towns close by - Balnarring, Somers, Red Hill, Cape Schanck, Merricks... but the whole of the peninsula is beautiful.
Check out Airbnb, Stayz, RACV Cape Schanck Resort, Jackolope or BIG4 Caravan Park.
Transport
Our Wedding Music
We included songs in our playlists from guests suggestions with the 2021 invite RSVP.
Ceremony playlist
Aisle song - Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars
Exit song - Magic by Kylie Minogue
Cocktail Hour playlist
Bridal Party Entrance song - The Best by Tina Turner
Bride and Groom Entrance song - On a Night Like This by Kylie Minogue
Ian song to Amy - At Last by Etta James
First Dance song - All of Me by John Legend
Reception playlist
Sparkler end song - This the Beginning by Ru Paul
Aisle song - Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars
Exit song - Magic by Kylie Minogue
Cocktail Hour playlist
Bridal Party Entrance song - The Best by Tina Turner
Bride and Groom Entrance song - On a Night Like This by Kylie Minogue
Ian song to Amy - At Last by Etta James
First Dance song - All of Me by John Legend
Reception playlist
Sparkler end song - This the Beginning by Ru Paul
Suppliers
Thank you to all our lovely vendors.
Venue: Barn & Co, Rach and her team
Celebrant: Dimitrios The Stellarbrant
Photographer: Matt Elliott Photography
Flowers: Peninsula Wildflower
Cake: Sweets for Tilly
Cake Topper: Total Laser Crafts
DJ: Michael from Collective Entertainment
Styling and Coordination: Sonya from Evenio
Amy’s Dress: LeahS Designs with special thanks to Georgina, and Amy from Ginger Pins
Sneza, Carlee and Heidi's dresses: Love Affair
Venue: Barn & Co, Rach and her team
Celebrant: Dimitrios The Stellarbrant
Photographer: Matt Elliott Photography
Flowers: Peninsula Wildflower
Cake: Sweets for Tilly
Cake Topper: Total Laser Crafts
DJ: Michael from Collective Entertainment
Styling and Coordination: Sonya from Evenio
Amy’s Dress: LeahS Designs with special thanks to Georgina, and Amy from Ginger Pins
Sneza, Carlee and Heidi's dresses: Love Affair
Rings: Wes Betts Fine Jewellery - 0438 313 500
Accommodation: The Gate House, Balnarring
Cars: Mornington Chauffeured Limousines
Motif Design: Vivian Schöpfer from v-studio
Stationery: the goddess Sarah Carter
Website: Wedsites
Baxter's Dog Sitter: Marg from Madpaws
First Dance: teachers Ilona and Heidi at Arthur Murray Dance Centre, Brighton
Ian's singing: Justin at Vox Singing Academy
Accommodation: The Gate House, Balnarring
Cars: Mornington Chauffeured Limousines
Motif Design: Vivian Schöpfer from v-studio
Stationery: the goddess Sarah Carter
Website: Wedsites
Baxter's Dog Sitter: Marg from Madpaws
First Dance: teachers Ilona and Heidi at Arthur Murray Dance Centre, Brighton
Ian's singing: Justin at Vox Singing Academy
