Samantha Armytage reveals the best man at her wedding was her beloved dog Banjo

She tied the knot with millionaire businessman Richard Lavender on New Year’s Eve, in a quaint ceremony at his Southern Highlands home.

And on Thursday, Sunrise host Samantha Armytage revealed more details of her beautifully ‘simple’ wedding ceremony, after a fan asked her for advice on how to plan a big day.

The 44-year-old shared an unseen photo of her stunning wedding by photographer Abbie Mellé, confirming her best man on the day was in fact, her beloved dog Banjo.

She had re-posted the image from Banjo the Labrador’s very own Instagram account, which has managed to rack up over 8,000 followers.

In response to a fan’s query about their big day, Sam said that while she’s ‘no wedding planner’, she did have a few top tips on how to make the event as special as possible. 

‘Keep it simple,’ she said. ‘Good quality Champagne, good quality food, good music (find a fabulous 14-year-old who can arrange a kick-ass playlist).

‘Love them all lots. The husband, the food and the Champagne.’

Sam, who wore a stunning Carla Zampatti gown on her big day with makeup by Rosemary Saffioti, added: ‘Wear whatever you bloody like. And fine the best photographer and make-up person you can afford.

‘Concentrate on the important things; have the people you love there (the ones who aren’t in lockdown). The true friends.’

She signed off: ‘Above all, love and be loved on the day. Hope this helps?! Sam.’

She captioned the photo with ‘I am NOT a wedding planner…’ followed by a crying with laughter emoji.

Sam and Richard started dating in April 2019, and announced their engagement in June last year.

The intimate ceremony featured only a small number of guests due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with Richard’s daughters, Sasha and Grace, believed to be in attendance.