Love Ever After

ELIZABETH DUDDRIDGE AND BRADLEY PHYLAND

By Kelly Lucas-Carmody

May 29, 2026

STORY: KELLY LUCAS-CARMODY // PHOTOGRAPHY: REBECCA DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY FROM THE GV WEDDING COLLECTIVE

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OCTOBER 2, 2025 // SHEPPARTON

Meeting in high school, Elizabeth Duddridge and Bradley Phyland had an undeniable connection that has now seen them together for nine years.

Engaged in 2023 on the beach in Aireys Inlet, Elizabeth said Bradley still talks about the moment to this day.

“He always talks about how he was so nervous and was waiting for a man and his dog to leave before he proposed, but I was too fixated on the dog to notice,” she said.

Taking a couple of years to enjoy being engaged before jumping into wedding planning in 2025, the couple said their special day was always going to be small and intimate.

Green, white and soft pinks made up the colour palette given to the florist, and with no overspending needed, Elizabeth’s bridal gown was purchased from The Iconic for just $200, while Bradley wore a classic black tux.

The restored 1930s Modern Country Estate in Shepparton, with its white farmhouse charm and two acres of lush gardens, set the tone as their nearest and dearest — just 20 guests — gathered to celebrate.

“My vision for the day was something close and intimate, really minimal and classic, not overly trendy, so we would love all the photos forever,” Elizabeth said.

“I love the gardens at the Modern Country Estate, so wanted that to shine through in the pictures.”

Nerves and excitement surrounded the couple on the morning of their wedding, but once the ceremony began, so did the tears.

“It was special to be able to walk down the aisle to a piano instrumental version of Brad’s favourite song, Drops of Jupiter,” Elizabeth said.

“Plenty of tears shed from the both of us.”

Elizabeth said she and Bradley put a lot of thought and effort into their vows, which became the most cherished part of their day, adding that hearing them spoken out loud was a very special moment in time.

However, it was the intimacy of the celebration that remained a standout.

“I have a couple of friends that never even considered how small and intimate a wedding could be and are now excited to have something similar in the future,” Elizabeth said.

“I’d definitely relive those moments just after the ceremony when it was just Brad and I taking our photos with Bec.

“The excitement and giddy feeling, and Bec making us feel so comfortable, walking around the gardens and just enjoying our first few moments married.”

Elizabeth also took on the task of baking her own wedding cake — something she is well known for — saying it wasn’t anything fancy, but it was made with so much love.

The couple added another personal touch by writing individual notes to each guest, thanking them for the role they had played in their lives.

“Little things like those felt so special on the day and is one of the many perks about a small wedding,” Elizabeth said.

“Once you break away from what others think a wedding should look like and instead think about what you would like, the planning feels effortless.

“Such a freeing feeling to break away from the norm and do whatever you want.

“The whole atmosphere of having our closest people around us, feeling the love and being so comfortable and relaxed on our day is something we will remember forever.”