When Meg moved to the Northern Territory in 2018 to work as a Governess for Amanda (the fabulous wedding MC) and Tossa Murphy, Sam had already been out there for 10 years working as a helicopter pilot. Meg shared that when they first met she thought he was ‘wayyy out of my reach and would never consider me’. But this couldn’t have been further from the truth and within a few months they were an item. Megs ‘absolute favourite’ memory from their courtship ‘would be the day we said I love you for the first time. I can still remember how I felt and still get butterflies thinking about it.’
It was an easy decision for Meg & Sam to have the wedding at Sam’s family property near Springsure.
This piece of paradise was settled by Sam’s ancestor in 1886 and has been home to his family ever since. ‘Burnside’, blue ribbon country framed by hills and also home to the Old Rainworth Stone Store, a heritage-listed storehouse and now museum, is a remarkable & unique place. Sam & Meg will live there with his Aunty Col, Sam’s parents, and his sister, brother-in-law and young family. Given Sam spent so long in the Territory, his family are delighted to have him back and there is great anticipation at the arrival of the newest addition to the family.
Meg’s family are very special to me personally as her Mum Gillian is my cousin and very dear friend and her Dad Warren was my neighbour when we were in our 20’s and we worked (and had the odd pub session) in shearing sheds together for some years. It is truly a privilege to be a part of weddings for people that I love, there is no greater satisfaction than to deliver images that will allow them to revisit the magic and emotion of one of the most important days for any family.
As with all bush weddings, the work that went into creating the day is eye-watering. This one was no exception and it was truly spectacular. Even the weather was perfect, maximising the conditions for capturing it all. And oh that pink. It was somethin’ else!
What do you love most about each other?
M: he can always calm me down and make me smile. He always makes me feel so loved and special. And he loves kids!!
S: I love Meg’s smile. Her bold yet quietly insecure personality. And the way she is with kids, patient, caring and able to handle what every they throw at her.
What Does Marriage Mean To You?
M: I have found my person to spend my life with. It means I will always have a supporter by my side through easy and tough times. It means that my chosen person knows me, for me and accepts me completely without judgement. I think Sam does that pretty well! It also means that I also get to love someone unconditionally forever.
S: From someone who finds it hard to form relationships with people, being married to Meg means I have found the person I can be myself with. Meg knows me and I’m comfortable with that. She is someone who supports me and compliments me, I’d like to think we compliment each other. I knows that’s all very cliche but Meg is the start of my day and the end of my day.
What was the main inspiration behind your wedding day?
M: I wanted the day to be simple, easy and stress free. If anything or any decision was going to cause stress, I didn’t want it. I love the mix/matched look and the casual relaxed setting. It ended up being stunning, and when I walked in I was so amazed that somehow my vision came together. There are so many talented people to thank for helping my vision come together. I have little direction, and it just worked! The candles were even lit!! I didn’t expect them to be lit, so that was so beautiful to see.
S: My inspiration was to bring all the people from the different parts of our lives together to show our appreciation for how they have shaped us and helped us get to where we are now as people. And to have a hell of a party!
How would you describe your day? How did you feel?
M: My day was effortlessly perfect. I got to spend a whole day with some of my closest, favourite people, and that was so special. It was such an emotional day for so many of us, but I loved every minute of it. There were definitely some parts that didn’t go as smoothly, but Sam and I were unaware of them at the time, and that’s all that matters! I felt so loved and supported all day by everyone around me. I remember being so so excited to walk down the aisle and get to my man!
S: The day was a mixture of waiting, suspense, a little bit of panic, euphoria, dancing and lots of fun.
What was your favourite part of the wedding day?
M: My favourite part was the ceremony. I was so excited to walk down the aisle to Sam. Dad had to slow me down haha Standing there in front of Sam, confessing our love, was so so special. I was very nervous about having to stand in front of a everyone and confess our love, and kiss, but I don’t remember anyone else being there! In those moments it was just Sam and me.
S: Definitely the ceremony. Seeing the future Mrs Abdy walking down the aisle will be a hard image to remove from my mind. Being able to have a laugh with each other during what could have been a pretty nerve-wracking experience.
How does it feel to be Mr & Mrs?!
M: It feels crazy to think!! It is now so surreal To say we are married and expecting a baby in 3 months!! I think it will take me a while to get my head around it all. I am just bursting with love for Sam, all over again, and I am soaking up this feeling hoping it never ends!
S: It feels natural. Meg seems like a part of me that has been missing for a long time and now she’s back.
Bride’s dress: Chosen By KYHA
Groom & Groomsmen’s outfit: Michaels Menswear, Ayr
Bridesmaids: Alamour The Label
Makeup & beauty: Grace Studios
Hair: Cut Loose Emerald
Shoes: Tony Bianco Shoes
Rings: Mystique Jewellers
Flowers: Evie Batt
Cake: Cas’ Cakery
Celebrant: Judy Edgar
Caterer: Charlie’s Smokehouse
MC: Amanda Murphy
