Li-Ann and Els win $2500 for planning magical Royal Botanic Gardens wedding

Li-Ann and Els’ love story began in high school, but it wasn’t until university that they started dating. Their journey from friends to romance set a strong foundation for their relationship. The pair wed on 10 March, 2024, in Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens with 140 guests in attendance — and won $2500 for their incredible celebration.

“Els proposed to me at a private winery tour in Hunter Valley,” Li-Ann shared. “There was a little trickery involved as I thought the tour was a company-paid gift for their employees. So the proposal completely took me by surprise. There may have also been a little serenading involved, but I’ll leave it at that,” she added with a smile.

Their ceremony took place at the Royal Botanical Gardens, a location that perfectly matched Li-Ann’s dream of an outdoor wedding surrounded by greenery. “It was a very simple setup with some chairs and an arch, with the harbour in the background. Honestly, the venue spoke for itself, which is why I was quite minimal in the decorations,” Li-Ann explained. To add a personal touch, they offered non-alcoholic sparkling juice and snacks like curry puffs and egg tarts. Singer Anthony Hughes provided live music adding to the atmosphere.

For the reception, Zest Mosman provided the ideal vibe with its warm wood interior and balcony overlooking the water. The reception didn’t follow the traditional cocktail hour format but instead featured extended roaming canapes and a dumpling bar, which was a big hit among the guests. Dinner was served with mains and mini dessert canapes, interspersed with speeches and games like “Who Knows the Bride and Groom Best” trivia and a scavenger hunt. The night concluded with an hour of dancing and a magical sparkler exit.

Selecting the perfect venue was crucial for Li-Ann and Els. “The inclusion of a styling package was important to me so I wouldn’t need to source my own,” Li-Ann mentioned. Zest Mosman catered the menu, ensuring a delightful culinary experience for their guests.

Reflecting on their wedding day, Li-Ann shared, “I wouldn’t have done it any different aside from taking more time to soak the whole day in.” They also hosted a traditional tea ceremony before the wedding at the Langham Observatory Suite, emphasising the importance of cultural traditions. “I highly recommend getting an additional traditional wedding dress and someone knowledgeable to host the ceremony to prevent any confusion. In our case, it was Katrina Lai,” Li-Ann advised.

Li-Ann’s name was one of 11195 entries we drew in our latest Wedding Cash Giveaway competition. Every three months, Easy Weddings gives $2,500 cash to one lucky winner just for doing what they’re doing — planning their wedding!

This gorgeous wedding was photographed by Kevin Lue Photography. 

This gorgeous wedding was photographed by Kevin Lue Photography.