Jessica and Brad’s wedding in the rolling hills of country Queensland is full of elegance and natural beauty.
Jessica tells their story “My husband and I met seven years ago. The proposal didn't go exactly to plan. My husband-to-be, who is an amateur creative writer, devised a plan to have a picnic lunch on top of Mt Tamborine and surprise me with a story he had written which ends with the line “Will you marry me?” He planned to get down on one knee and offer the ring as I read that final line, however, our dingy old car broke down half way up the mountain and we had to retreat home. He still asked me to read his story, he still got down on one knee, I still said “yes!”, but I didn't get my picnic. Oh well, it didn't matter, it was a beautiful end to a tiresome day, I was so excited I couldn't think of anything except how happy we were.”
“My husband and I wanted a small and intimate, cute and unpretentious wedding. Once we found the venue everything fell into place, there was still a lot of planning but it was much easier to visualise what we wanted. Our venue was a winery set on a beautifully natural acreage in the Gold Coast hinterland with views of the rolling hills and surrounding farmlands, the only buildings in sight being the tiny, cute chapel we had our ceremony in, and the neighbouring old farmhouse where we had the reception.”
Jessica was fortunate enough to be able to create a lot of things herself for the wedding. “The invitations, bonbonnieres, and programs were all homemade, I was able to source a lot of items like signage, bubbles, and games for the kids etc. through cheap knick-knack stores, and the venue allowed us to set up our own dessert bar. I spent hours looking through wedding ideas and getting inspired on Pinterest (highly recommend) and also Southern Weddings Magazine Blog (www.iloveswmag.com).
“The styling of the day was soft elegance with a touch of vintage. Lace was a strong theme used from the wedding invitations through to the table overlays. As it was the first day of winter in the pre-dinner drinks area we had a suitcase of pashmina's for all the ladies to keep warm. The bonbonnieres were homemade strawberry and rhubarb jam.”
Jessica has this advice for brides-to-be “Honestly the whole day was so special and amazing. Whatever happens on the day just embrace it. Nothing will ever just go smoothly but you need to remember that the day is about you and the one you are marrying and nothing else. Basically ENJOY your day!”
Wishing you a very happy marriage Jessica and Brad! Thank you for sharing your wedding story with us.
Photography: Naomi V, Venue: Albert River Winery, Baggaley's Florist: (07) 3220 0910, Cake: Cake Tiers and Sugar Blooms - Diane does the most intricate and amazing cakes.
By Ingrid Szajer
Kira