Melburnians Amanda and Chris go wild at Montsalvat wedding

There was a definite ‘big cat’ theme at the Montsalvat wedding of Amanda Buttress and Christopher Schwinghamer.

First off, Chris proposed to veterinary nurse Amanda at the Werribee Zoo where he’d arranged with the zookeeper for an African wildcat to deliver the ring on her collar! Then at the big day on March 4, 2016, the couple made a grand entrance into the reception to the song Eye of the Tiger. “There were even sugar replicas of our cats Pinot and Minou on the bridal table,” smiles Amanda. “We love animals.”

The Melbourne pair, aged 33 and 29 respectively, married a few days before their eight-year anniversary in the presence of 90 guests. Their ceremony at the historic Montsalvat in Eltham was followed by an elegant waterside reception at Leonda by the Yarra.

Fiona Garrivan married the lovebirds, the bride commenting she was “immediately struck by how approachable and easy to talk to she was. She gave us the most beautiful ceremony.”

There were many highlights at the reception including the first-dance to Shut Up and Dance, heartfelt speeches and the photo booth from Say Monkey Group. “It was full for most of the night,” smiles Amanda.

“At the end of the night, guests gathered in the courtyard with sparklers and farewelled us as we departed by boat down The Yarra.”

Photos courtesy of Lost in Love Photography.

Groom Chris was dressed in a smart navy tux by Calibre, and his groomsmen in matching attire from Roger David.

The Montsalvat windows were a distinctive photo backdrop for bride Amanda in her classic strapless gown from Be A Star Bridal.

Music by Mercury DJ Hire was “amazing” according to the bride – “complimented by both young and old which is an incredible feat,” she says.

The delicious menu by Leonda on the Yarra was a highlight for the couple. “Incredible!”

 

 

The newlyweds left their Yarra River reception by boat to the sounds of Somewhere Over the Rainbow.