Lia Healy Photography

My journey with Melissa began a very long time ago, before our littlest bebe came along.  Melissa had asked about my availability for her wedding and I had said that I was unable to be her photographer, as I was about to embark on an around Australia trip with my family.  Shortly after this, we were blessed with news of a new family member and change of plans.  So I was thrilled to receive an email from Melissa last year, asking if I was now able to photograph her wedding and of course replied with a resounding YES!

The first thing I noticed when I went to meet with Ben and Liss in their home, was their brand new family member, who was a little hard to avoid.  Luckily I adore fur babies of all kinds and was showered with sloppy kisses before Ben sent the baby out.   From there, it was down to wedding business.   I was thrilled to learn that the ceremony would be at Scotch College, being that I attended Scotch for the first part of my secondary schooling, before we moved to the Country.  It is truly one of the most breathtaking buildings in Adelaide and one I was looking forward to seeing again.

Ben and Liss met while in London, at the insistence of chief bridesmaid, Em.  As they told me about their first, second and subsequent meetings and proposal, I was happily surprised to notice a softening of Ben’s tough exterior as it became quite clear early on what a softy he actually is where Liss is concerned.  (As time wore on it became apparent that Ben is actually a softy most of the time but don’t tell anyone that)!

As we progressed further into the planning, I learnt of Liss’s broken heart when she found out that her bestie, Em, was now not going to be able to make it from London.  When I asked her if there would be a new member of the bridal party, Liss replied “people asked me if I was going to ask anyone else in Em’s place… but how can you replace your best friend?!”

While you can’t replace a best friend, you can have two of the most perfect bridesmaids ever around, to take care of every possible need.  Being that Lou is Ben’s sister, we could see that Liss felt as welcomed as possible into the Dolan family.  She was well looked after Em, and it was lovely to meet you on Skype.

The girls were looked after superbly by the staff at The Crowne Plaza in Adelaide,  while the team from Erdelyi Hair and Body added some polish to the naturally beautiful Melissa, Louise and Shannon.

I was blown away to learn that Mel’s flowers were done by a close friend of hers with a beautiful talent, Kasey.  (For real, young lady, you must follow this)!

If you can’t tell, Mel’s perfect, wonderful, gorgeous dress was designed by Liza Emanuele and drew gasps and admiration from all corners.  Although we could be a little biased in thinking she wears it well!

The ceremony at Scotch College was performed by Mel’s cousin, Emily Davis, from One Perfect Day Ceremonies.  I meet lots of lovely people in this industry, but I just couldn’t speak highly enough of Emily.  Thanks for making our life easier and Ben and Melissa’s day amazing. 

I’m not sure if anyone remembers a day recently which was a touch warm – this was it.  And while I could go on about exactly how far into the 40′s it went – truthfully, we were all too busy looking on at Ben and Liss to notice much.  When we arrived at the Belair Railway and National Park – it was very pleasant indeed and by the time we arrived at The Bridgewater Mill, it was a pleasure to be outside on such a lovely day.

Laura and team at The Bridgewater Mill Restaurant  outdid themselves – as usual.   The reception was spectacular, with tunes provided by Zoe Alford (Thank You Zoe, you were amazing).

We all learnt a thing or two during the speeches, including a Gavin and Stacey reference that had several people gasping with laughter and gave this reaction from Ben and Liss.

Followed by a speech written by Emily for Melissa and read by Em’s Dad.

I know I have been collecting brides this year, but it’s absolutely not my fault that I have had the pleasure of working with such beautiful souls.  I often wish couples luck in their future, but there is no need in this case.  It is certain that you will have a rock solid future together and Isabel and I Thank You from the bottom our hearts for letting us be there for the start of it.

Lia