Delighted guests treated to surprise wedding of Bonnie & Ben

It’s a tough one to pull off, but if successful, a surprise wedding can be a special treat for all involved.

Bonnie Taylor and Benjamin Cheverall, both 31, knew it was the perfect way to celebrate their love with their 50 closest family and friends on October 18, 2013.

“The thought of planning a wedding and walking down the aisle with everyone looking at me absolutely terrified me,” laughs bride Bonnie. “With this fear in the back of my mind but desperately wanting to marry my best friend, we decided on a surprise wedding.”

The pair chose a stunning rural property in New South Wales which was inspiration for their French Provincial-themed event – which guests thought was an engagement party. “The only people who knew were our parents and the bridal party. It was perfect, relaxed, intimate, fun but most of all it was ‘us’,” says Bonnie.

Despite her nerves, Bonnie says all her guests were surprised and she made it down the aisle. “As soon as I laid eyes on Ben my nerves settled – this may have something to do with the fact he was crying like a baby!” she smiles.

She said the highlight was her husband’s words the next morning. “He was laying flicking through photos of our big day and asking me if we can do it all again as it was the best day of his life.”

Bonnie says the pair “got lucky”, finding all of Ben’s and the groomsmen’s attire in the one store – YD Menswear.

Bonnie wore an elegant Maggie Sottero layered lace gown which laced up at the back and finished with a simple bow.

Julie from De Lisser Photography highlighted aspects of the 25 acre property in Bonnie and Ben’s images.

Like many brides these days, Bonnie opted for a cupcake stack as their wedding cake. “They were delish!” she says.

Photos courtesy of De Lisser Photography.