A Sydney Soirée for Mrs Ridley ♥️

Think champagne, custom details and a weekend of pure love — this Sydney hens was nothing short of perfection.

How did you and your partner meet and what drew you to each other?

We actually met through bumble, which obviously means I had to initiate conversation first. We set up a date within a few days, and I was instantly drawn towards him because of how much he made me laugh, and how safe I felt around him.

Tell us your engagement story — when did it happen and how did it all unfold?

I knew the proposal was coming a few days before, as my fiancé isn’t exactly the best at hiding things from me haha! He took me to the Crown Hotel in Barangaroo, with a beautiful view and then we went for a “walk to get snacks” which is very on brand for us.
However on said walk, my partner was silent and constantly on his phone. I knew it was coming any moment.
Then as we approached a little area before the harbour bridge, he pulled me in and popped the question! The reason he was on his phone.. his brother was hiding in the bushes to take photos! We celebrated back at the hotel with Veuve and a beautiful dinner at Woodcut.

Tell us everything about your hen’s celebration — from your bridal party and outfit to the theme, styling, activities and other special moments.

On Friday night, I was surprised with the most gorgeous little Airbnb in Paddington, filled with balloons and photos of my fiancé’s face. One of my bridesmaids (who is an absolute CHEF) cooked up the most beautiful dinner with some of my favourite foods, and we finished the night with fun bridal party games that left me feeling so loved and excited for the weekend ahead.

On Saturday, we started with a hot girl walk to the cutest café, Barbetta, before heading back to get ready. A lovely makeup artist came to make me feel my best, and I got to wear all my custom details! A custom dress, a custom mini veil with my favourite colour with matching nails, and of course my custom MIM necklace featuring my new last name.

Once we were ready to go, I had no clue where we were headed, but we arrived at Vaucluse House. They have a stunning private dining space, which my maid of honour decorated so beautifully with help from one of my bridesmaids. Every detail was so thoughtful — from personalised cookies to more of my fiancés face to handmade flower arrangements and hand-drawn signage. Since my favourite colour is deep red, I wasn’t surprised (but was so delighted!) to see red, black, and white incorporated into the theme, tying in perfectly with my custom pieces.

The food at Vaucluse House was UNREAL — I can’t recommend this venue enough. Surrounded by my beautiful friends, we had such a wholesome lunch before heading off to party at Watson’s Bay Hotel. Of course, the night ended perfectly back in our PJs at the Airbnb with Uber Eats pizza.

On Sunday morning, we grabbed coffee before my girls surprised me with a private pilates class, complete with custom pilates socks! It was honestly the most special weekend, where my girls made me feel incredibly loved and even more excited for the wedding than I already was.

What’s been the most memorable or meaningful part of your bridal journey so far?

I think the most memorable moments have been finding my dream dress with some of my most loved women by my side, trying on wedding rings with my fiancé, and of course, my hens weekend!

When’s the big day, and where are you saying “I do”? Any sneak peeks?

It’s in about 7 weeks! We’re getting married at Stonehurst Cedar Creek, which is a gorgeous private vineyard in the Hunter Valley. We’ve been able to add lots of custom details to make it more special to us. You can check out their venue at @stonehurstweddings !

And of course, what’s your favourite MIM piece?

My custom MIM necklace is so special to me. I am a little extra, so having a statement piece like this is so on brand!

However… I am so excited to see what MIM brings out next. I really wish the singlets and apparel came out before my wedding but I will definitely be using them as gift ideas for my friends bridal eras!

Got a hens edit to share? Tag us or get in touch to be featured — we love celebrating your moments.