Australian swim star Bronte Campbell has revealed how she organised her wedding ‘at the last minute’ before tying the knot with partner Benfield Lainchbury near Sydney’s Palm Beach recently.
Campbell and business owner Lainchbury met when Bronte’s family moved to Australia from Malawi in 2001.
He played a pivotal part in the swimmer’s decision to return to the pool after an 18-month break following the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
The couple had two celebrations with the first being an intimate ceremony at Palm Beach’s Lilypad, a boat villa that floats on Pittwater Bay.
Only family and the bridal party attended, but the White Party occurred a week later at North Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club.
‘The aisle walk of my dreams. Brought in by boat to my waiting friends, family and husband to be,’ Campbell wrote on Instagram.
Bronte Campbell was all smiles on her wedding day in Sydney
Campbell arrived at her wedding by boat with big sister Kate
Campbell and Benfield Lainchbury are pictured after they exchanged vows
‘All of this came together quite last minute. The flowers I ordered the day before, the microphone got left behind, the shoes purchased with two days left. But it came together better than I could have imagined.’
Melbourne-based bridal studio Lola Varma supplied the wedding dress for the triple Olympic gold medallist.
‘I felt like myself, but my absolute most elevated self,’ she told Vogue Australia.
The location of the White Party ensured Campbell’s wish for a swim halfway through the occasion.
‘After the swim, I wore a gold sequin Shona Joy set that I saw two days before and knew would be perfect,’ Campbell said.
‘The White Party was all about fun and joy, hence yellow and lots of sequins.’
Sports presenter Mel McLaughlin wrote on Campbell’s Instagram: ‘Pure joy. Congrats girlfriend x.’
Fellow swim star Shayna Jack said: ‘Absolutely gorgeous. You are glowing.’
The pair have known each other for many years since Campbell arrived in Australia from Malawi in 2001
Lainchbury and his groomsmen are pictured celebrating the occasion near Sydney’s famous Palm Beach
The ceremony took place at Palm Beach in Sydney
Campbell waves to her guests as she makes a stunning entrance
The second event of the wedding was held at North Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club
The ceremony was described as real, intimate and beautiful
Olympic great Anna Mears said: ‘Love this! So real, intimate and beautiful. Congratulations.’
Last July, Campbell revealed she broke the unusual diamond engagement ring she received from Lainchbury, joking that she ‘might need some help wedding planning’ after the distressing incident.
Campbell is a triple Olympic gold medallist and a former World Champion in the 50 and 100m freestyle, having won both titles in 2015.
The wedding photos were taken by www.coastalcreatives.com.au.
