They were reacquainted when Samantha returned home to Wagga for a holiday in 2006 and were later married in an intimate ceremony at The Lagoon at Opal Cove Resort in Coffs Harbour.

The couple said “I do” in front of 42 close family and friends before a reception at Opal Cove Resort, where their lifelong friend Matthew Barlow was emcee.

Guests enjoyed an Australian barbecue buffet dinner and a dessert platter of seasonal fruit, cheesecake and gateaux before taking a piece of wedding cake to enjoy with tea or coffee.

Samantha, the middle child of Carmel Montgomery of Coffs Harbour but originally from Wagga, wore an elegant strapless A-framed white gown embellished with sequins and beading on the bodice and floral embroidery.

The gown was complete with a scalloped embroidered hem, a medium-length train and her mother’s white, double-tiered, chapel-style veil.

Samantha carried a teardrop bouquet of hot pink Singapore orchids and mauve freesias with loops of greenery as she was walked down the aisle by her grandfather, Patrick Kane.

Samantha was attended to by her older sister Amanda Montgomery of Sydney and Jacinta Turner of Condobolin, who wore purple chiffon dresses with a brush train and a brooch on the bodice.

Christopher, the youngest son of Lyn Thomas-Watts of Wagga, was joined by Matt Spargo of Wagga and James Montgomery of Coffs Harbour.

The couple’s son, Lachlan, was the pageboy. 

The most memorable part of the wedding was the unity candle lighting with their son to symbolise their undivided love as a family.

Samantha, a small business owner, and Christopher, a customer service officer/employment advisor, honeymooned on the Gold Coast before returning to their home in Coffs Harbour.

Photo: Kerri Klaus-Ryan Photography