Inside Samantha Armytage’s surprise low-key wedding on New Year’s Eve

As 2020 wound down, Samantha Armytage tied the knot with millionaire businessman Richard Lavender on New Year’s Eve.

The couple were married at Richard’s sprawling country property in Bowral on Thursday, before celebrating with a reception nearby.

The 44-year-old Sunrise host only announced her engagement to Richard in late June, with the couple walking down the aisle just six months later.  

Just married: As 2020 wound down, Samantha Armytage tied the knot with millionaire businessman Richard Lavender on New Year’s Eve

Sam and Richard, 61, tied the knot at his 40-hectare property in the picturesque Southern Highlands in NSW.

The pair married at his home around midday, and then moved to a luncheon at the Centennial Vineyards Restaurant in Bowral. 

The venue features a picturesque and rustic setting, a gorgeous outdoor courtyard, and even a helicopter landing site. 

Newlyweds: The couple were married at Richard's sprawling country property in Bowral on Thursday, before celebrating with a reception nearby

Newlyweds: The couple were married at Richard’s sprawling country property in Bowral on Thursday, before celebrating with a reception nearby

The happy couple: Sam and Richard, 61, tied the knot at his 40-hectare property in the picturesque Southern Highlands in NSW

The happy couple: Sam and Richard, 61, tied the knot at his 40-hectare property in the picturesque Southern Highlands in NSW

Put a ring on it: The 44-year-old Sunrise host only announced her engagement to Richard in late June, with the couple walking down the aisle just six months later

Put a ring on it: The 44-year-old Sunrise host only announced her engagement to Richard in late June, with the couple walking down the aisle just six months later

According to a local wedding photographer, Jack Chauvel Photography, ‘most premium wedding venues in the Southern Highlands region charge $160 per pax. 

Centennial Vineyards offers a decadent and unique menu, created by owner chef Robin Murray.

Some of the tasty food includes dukkah-crusted barramundi, sage crumbed pork cutlets, and aged rib eye steaks. 

Part two: The pair married at his home around midday, and then moved to a luncheon at the Centennial Vineyards Restaurant in Bowral

Part two: The pair married at his home around midday, and then moved to a luncheon at the Centennial Vineyards Restaurant in Bowral

Stunning: The venue features a picturesque and rustic setting, a gorgeous outdoor courtyard, and even a helicopter landing site

Stunning: The venue features a picturesque and rustic setting, a gorgeous outdoor courtyard, and even a helicopter landing site

Dessert includes apple and rhubarb crumble, affogato and a cheese plate. 

Of the event, a source told Daily Mail Australia: ‘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.’

On hand: Of the event, a source told Daily Mail Australia: 'Champagne was flowing, and at one point they had several waiters attending to their every need'

On hand: Of the event, a source told Daily Mail Australia: ‘Champagne was flowing, and at one point they had several waiters attending to their every need’

Rustic elegance: Centennial Vineyards offers a decadent and unique menu, created by owner chef Robin Murray

Rustic elegance: Centennial Vineyards offers a decadent and unique menu, created by owner chef Robin Murray

A local from Burradoo said it was ‘pretty much a “slap-on” lunch’, and Sam looked relaxed while she ‘rubbed Richard’s back, chatting to guests’. 

The TV star looked elegant for the nuptials in a white long-sleeve dress and a matching ribbon in her hair. 

She opted for minimal makeup for the big day, enhancing her eyes with a sweep of brown shadow and adding a touch of bronzer on her already sun-kissed skin. 

Chic: The TV star looked elegant for the nuptials in a white long-sleeve dress and a matching ribbon in her hair

Chic: The TV star looked elegant for the nuptials in a white long-sleeve dress and a matching ribbon in her hair

Delicious: Some of the tasty food includes dukkah crusted barramundi, sage crumbed pork cutlets, and aged rib eye steaks

Delicious: Some of the tasty food includes dukkah crusted barramundi, sage crumbed pork cutlets, and aged rib eye steaks

She had her hair styled in a half-up, half-down ‘do and had a navy blazer draped over her shoulders as she arrived at the restaurant.

In her hands she carried a stunning bouquet of white flowers, matching perfectly with her ribbon and Richard’s flower in his lapel.

He looked dapper in a charcoal suit and blue tie, and was in high spirits as he walked with his new wife to dine with guests at the luxury venue.

Going rate: According to a local wedding photographer, Jack Chauvel Photography , 'most premium wedding venues in the Southern Highlands region charge $160 per pax

Going rate: According to a local wedding photographer, Jack Chauvel Photography , ‘most premium wedding venues in the Southern Highlands region charge $160 per pax

Making an entrance: She had her hair styled in a half-up, half-down 'do and had a navy blazer draped over her shoulders as she arrived at the restaurant

Making an entrance: She had her hair styled in a half-up, half-down ‘do and had a navy blazer draped over her shoulders as she arrived at the restaurant

Once inside, Sam removed her navy blazer to unveil her figure-hugging frock as she she sat down beside her new husband for the celebratory meal.

It’s said to have been an intimate ceremony with a ‘small number of guests’ due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Richard’s daughters, Sasha and Grace, and Sam’s beloved dog, Banjo, were also believed to be in attendance.

Mixing and mingling: A local from Burradoo said it was 'pretty much a "slap-on" lunch', and Sam looked relaxed while she 'rubbed Richard's back, chatting to guests'

Mixing and mingling: A local from Burradoo said it was ‘pretty much a “slap-on” lunch’, and Sam looked relaxed while she ‘rubbed Richard’s back, chatting to guests’

Stylish: Her dress of choice was by designer Carla Zampatti, who she is known to wear on a regular basis

Stylish: Her dress of choice was by designer Carla Zampatti, who she is known to wear on a regular basis

Sam’s father, Mac, sat at the head of the table at the luncheon, while her younger brother, Charlie, sat nearby.   

Her dress of choice was by designer Carla Zampatti, whose outfits she has often worn in the past.

Sam and Richard, who have been dating since April 2019, officially confirmed their romance in November that year.

Together: Sam and Richard, who have been dating since April 2019, officially confirmed their romance in November that year

Together: Sam and Richard, who have been dating since April 2019, officially confirmed their romance in November that year