In fine voice: Mandy and Matt’s elegant garden wedding

Former opera singer Amanda Wescombe had a surprise in store for groom Matthew Osmond at their elegant garden wedding.

The South Australian bride, 25, spent her formative years singing opera, winning eisteddfods and training under mentor Jonathan Welch, notable for his work with the Choir of Hard Knocks.

At 18 Mandy’s nursing aspirations took centre stage and her vocal talents remained largely hidden. That is, until her wedding day, where she stunned her new husband and 105 guests, with her own rendition of Mariah Carey’s “Hero.”

“I surprised my husband with a song… not even the guests knew about it,” she recalls. “This was an amazing moment, and yes, he cried!”

Millicent-based Mandy and partner of seven years Matt, 31, wed on a scorching summer’s day at Mount Gambier’s Sherrifmuir Gardens on February 21, 2015.

“Our day was very simple, we didn’t want anything over the top,” Mandy says. “Cornflower blue and navy with a touch of pink were our chosen colours. My weakness was bling but I knew I couldn’t go overboard.”

The reception celebrations were held at Mount Gambier’s Commodore on the Park, which was decorated in a simple, elegant style.

“We didn’t forget what the importance of the day was all about,” Mandy says. “To us it was about celebrating our day filled with laughter and jokes.”

Photos courtesy of Jessica Abby Photography

Mandy, who has lost 35 kilograms over several years, wowed in an embellished gown with sweetheart neckline and cap sleeves. When it came choosing the bridesmaids’ dresses, Mandy opted for cornflower blue, belted gowns.

Matt and his groomsmen kept with the colour theme with his stylish navy suits from Joseph Uzumcu.