Sam Armytage reveals she planned her ‘lovely’ wedding to Richard Lavender in just three days – as she speaks about her nuptials for the first time on Sunrise
Sam Armytage has revealed she planned her Southern Highlands wedding to businessman Richard Lavender in just three days.
The TV presenter, 44, spoke about her last-minute nuptials on Monday after returning to work on Channel Seven breakfast show Sunrise.
She said of the ‘hastily arranged’ ceremony: ‘Three days before we decided that we’d do it for New Year’s Eve, and we did it, we got it done and it was lovely.’
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‘Hastily arranged’: Sam Armytage has revealed she planned her Southern Highlands wedding to Richard Lavender in just three days. Pictured on her wedding day on December 31
Sam said it was her father’s idea for the couple to get married on New Year’s Eve.
‘We were all sitting outside as you do around Christmas time, having a champagne and beer on the verandah,’ she revealed.
‘Dad said, “Just do it, for God’s sake, just do it.” So we did it! It was nice, there was 12 of us there, we organised it in three days and it was fun.’
Sam was also introduced on Monday by her married name, Samantha Lavender.
The Lavenders tied the knot at Richard’s 40-hectare property in the picturesque Southern Highlands on December 31.
They exchanged vows at his home shortly before midday, then moved to a luncheon at the Centennial Vineyards Restaurant in Bowral.
New surname: Sam was also introduced on Monday by her married name, Samantha Lavender. Pictured: Sam and Richard on October 3, 2020, in Sydney
Sam looked stunning on her special day in a white long-sleeve dress by Carla Zampatti with a matching ribbon in her hair.
The intimate ceremony only featured a small number of guests due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with Richard’s daughters, Sasha and Grace, believed to be in attendance.
Sam’s father, Mac, was seated at the head of the table at the reception, while her younger brother, Charlie, sat nearby.
Wedded bliss: Sam and Richard tied the knot at his 40-hectare property in the picturesque Southern Highlands on New Year’s Eve. Pictured at their wedding reception
A source told Daily Mail Australia of the nuptials: ‘Champagne was flowing, and at one point they had several waiters attending to their every need.
‘However, they didn’t get any VIP treatment, and while they were away from other guests, they were sitting among locals and tourists.’
Sam and Richard started dating in April 2019, and announced their engagement in June last year.
Love story: The Lavenders started dating in April 2019, and announced their engagement in June last year (pictured)