Megghan + Ben’s Newcastle Coastal Wedding | King Edward Park | Little Black Bow Photography
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From Big Plans to Simple Magic: How Ben + Megghan Chose Love Over Frills
When Ben + Megghan came to me about getting married, they were crystal clear on one thing: keep it simple. No fuss, no frills—just love for their Newcastle Coastal Wedding at King Edward Park. 💕
But it wasn’t always that way! After their engagement, they couldn’t quite agree on the type of wedding they wanted. At first, they were heading toward a big celebration, but they hit the pause button on wedding planning until they could figure out exactly what they both wanted (instead of jumping on the wedding planning train 🚂).
As life unfolded and especially after welcoming their beautiful boy, Ryley, their priorities shifted. They were already all in—a piece of paper wasn’t going to change the love and commitment they had for each other. ❤️ Their partnership is built on friendship, trust, and a shared outlook on love and life.
So, what finally changed their minds? Their son! 💛 Ryley encouraged them to take that step. And after 16 years together, I had the absolute pleasure of marrying them at King Edward Park with just their two friends, Trav + Steph, as witnesses, and of course, Ryley by their side.
It was magic ✨—we laughed, we cried, and everything felt so real and authentic. I’d say we nailed the brief! 😉
A Hidden Gem on the Hill: Megghan + Ben’s Perfectly Simple Ceremony Spot
I’ve married dozens of couples at King Edward Park—usually at the Rotunda or up on Shepherds Hill near the ruins—but this was a first for me at this gorgeous spot up on a hill that the couple chose. It doesn’t have a name but I know where it is and I bet it wont be the last couple I marry there now that I know about it. Bride Megghan was going for relaxed boho vibes so she laid down a lovely rug with some dried flowers, and honestly, that’s all we needed. Simple, yet so perfect.
The sun was shining, the ocean view behind us was breath-taking, and the whole afternoon had this laid-back, effortless vibe… except for one tiny detail: the wind. 🌬 Let’s just say, I seriously regretted not packing a hair tie for this Newcastle coastal wedding! 😂 But hey, if a windswept look is the biggest challenge, I’ll take it!
Ring Warming
I love giving guests the chance to hold the couple’s wedding rings and make a wish for their future. 💍 At bigger weddings, the guests usually make their wish silently as the rings are passed along during the ceremony. But since there were only three guests at this wedding, I decided to switch things up and invited them to share their well wishes out loud.
And wow—did they seize the moment with gusto! 🎤 Their friends came up with the most heartfelt, thoughtful words for the couple, turning a simple gesture into something so meaningful and unforgettable. 💖
Ben’s Hilarious Ring Moment
With over 400 weddings under my belt, I like to think I’ve seen it all… but this was a first! 😄
Just as bride Megghan was about to slip Ben’s wedding ring onto his finger, he casually pulled out a miniature tub of Vaseline from his pocket to lube up his ring finger! 😂 We had just finished the legal vow—one of those nice, semi-serious moments—and then BAM 💥, the tone changed in an instant. I’m not sure if Ben had a recent hand injury or the wedding shred hadn’t gone to plan! Regardless, everyone was cracking up, and I’m sure the laughter travelled all the way to the beach below.
This is what I love about weddings: they’re a beautiful mix of light and shade. It’s not just about the serious stuff or the perfect moments—it’s the surprises, the laughter, and the realness that make it unforgettable. ❤️
Ryley’s Perfect Role in Mum and Dad’s Big Day
Their son, Ryley (age 12), is definitely his parents’ kid—no fuss, limelight avoiding, just like them. He was happy to be there, watching his mum and dad tie the knot, but he wasn’t keen on playing an active role in the ceremony, preferring to stay out of the limelight which we totally respected.
But there was one idea I suggested that he did like: at the very end of the ceremony, he got to announce his parents as Mr. and Mrs. Hayes! 🎉 It was such a sweet and simple moment, and the perfect way to wrap up a day that was all about love, family, and keeping things real for this Newcastle coastal wedding.
A Toast to Love
No good elopement or “legals only” wedding is complete without a drink! 🍾 Honestly, I almost insist that couples bring a bottle of something to toast the occasion—and I always remind them not to forget to pack a glass for me so that I can join in the celebrations! 😉
It normally doesn’t take much arm twisting, though. Even the smallest, most intimate weddings deserve to be celebrated in style, and a little bubbly never hurts. 🥂 Because no matter the size, every love story is worth raising a glass to. 💛
Little Black Bow Photography- perfect choice for a Newcastle Coastal Wedding
Dea from Little Black Bow Photography has been the wedding photographer of choice for many of Megghan + Ben’s friends, so when it came to their own wedding, she was the only one they wanted. Her vibrant, lively photography style captures the energy of the day beautifully, and she has a natural way of putting everyone at ease to reveal their best moments. Dea’s personality is just as bright—she’s genuine, attentive, and always knows what to say, whether it’s a word of support, a funny story, or a perfectly timed joke. Her humour and warmth make her an instant favourite with everyone she meets.
For me, Dea is more than a colleague; she was my first friend in the wedding industry. Through my own struggles with fertility, she was a constant source of support and encouragement. Watching her raise her two sons with so much love and laughter inspires me every day. She’s always cheering me on, both online and in life, and knows exactly how to lift others up. Our chats about motherhood, business, and everything in between keep us grounded, laughing, and real—it’s the perfect work friendship. Simply put, Dea is a one-of-a-kind legend.
Review
“The moment we heard Julies Irish accent we knew we had to have her considering our Irish heritage. Julie was sunshine and rainbows, she made our elopement ceremony fun, relaxed and beautifully intimate and meaningful. Thankyou Julie, you were everything and more. “
-Megghan + Ben
Thinking of getting married in a simple and sweet ceremony somewhere in Newcastle? Want a Newcastle coastal wedding on or near one of the gorgeous beaches? Not sure where or how to go about it? As your celebrant, I’ve got you covered! I’ve helped many couples who just wanted a no-fuss wedding find the perfect way to make it feel special without overthinking or over-planning. Let’s keep it easy and memorable—just the way you want it.
Get inspired by real couples I’ve married in intimate, ‘legals only’ registry-style weddings and heartfelt elopements across Newcastle and the Hunter Valley. Check out some blogs here.
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