Carri + Parker by Maegan Brown Moments - Together Journal

We envisioned an outdoor garden setting that felt like the ultimate classy getaway with our favorite people.

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

We’ve been together for over ten years, feeling married long before we officially tied the knot. We just love spending time together and are honestly the best of friends; any opportunity to spend quality time together is amazing. Carri is a clinical psychologist who loves hosting events and is deeply connected with our circle of friends, while Parker runs a cryptocurrency trading firm and loves his hobbies. Knowing we didn’t want to compromise on our wedding, we were happy to wait until we could celebrate exactly as we imagined only took us 12 short years. We wanted a celebration that truly represented us—full of laughter, love, and our favourite people being a bit fancy. Carri’s incredible wedding vision came to life, transforming her passion of hosting truly spectacular events. Parker was fully invested, loving every moment of helping bring Carri’s visions into reality as we crafted the wedding of our dreams.

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions? 

We crossed paths in 2010 at a party thrown by mutual friends, where sparks flew on the dance floor. There’s a classic photo of Carri giving me a side hug that captures the moment perfectly. From the first glance, I thought she was stunning—confident, cute, and honestly, the girl of my dreams.

But it took a while for us to truly connect. About a year later, we found ourselves at another friend’s house, finally having our first real conversation. Once we reconnected, we’ve barely spent a day apart since, bonding over our shared sense of humour and tendency to romanticize and really commit to whatever we are doing so that even mundane things become amazing memories.

When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?

Carri: When I realised that Parker not only goes along with all of my crazy ideas but is fully committed to making them happen. If I mention we need a new set of dining chairs for a single evening because our current ones don’t match my planned aesthetic, he’ll head to IKEA without hesitation. If I decide last minute that the groomsmen should have mismatched suits at our wedding, he’ll drive around Sydney to find suits that fit my vision. He’s someone who always shows up for people; if you need him, he’ll be there. His unwavering support and willingness to dive into my adventures made me realize he’s my perfect partner. 

Parker: For me, it was love at first sight. From the moment I laid eyes on Carri, I knew she was the one. I’m captivated by everything about her—from that radiant smile to her generous heart. We make a powerhouse team, fueled by humor and a connection that turns everyday moments into unforgettable experiences. It’s the little things—her loyalty to friends and her knack for making life exciting—that sealed the deal for me.

Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it… 

Parker: After 11 incredible years together, I knew the proposal had to be something truly special. I designed an epic scavenger hunt for Carri that would lead her to me. The whole day was all about her getting ready for the big moment. She kicked things off with a mani-pedi alongside one of her best friends, followed by high tea with family and hair styling with another best friend. To add a twist, her Uber driver for one of the clues was another bestie, decked out as a chauffeur.

Every detail involved the people who mattered most to us. The final clue brought her to a dock where she caught a boat ride across Sydney Harbour to a private island I had rented just for the proposal. When she arrived, I popped the question, there wasn’t even a hint of hesitation—just a resounding yes. Our photographer friend captured every moment while my best mate helped set up the proposal spot, sneaking around in the bushes until the perfect moment.

Afterward, we had a quick sunset photoshoot as the sailing boats floated by, creating a stunning backdrop. Then we headed back home, where a whole crew of friends and family was waiting to celebrate with champagne. It was a truly amazing day if not completely exhausting.

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood or style of your wedding.

Our vision for the wedding was rooted in our love for travel, especially those unforgettable moments we’ve shared in the European countryside. We wanted that same enchanting vibe, but closer to home. The idea was to create a space where all our guests could stay onsite and immerse themselves in several days of celebration.

To kick it off, we hosted a pre-wedding dinner that captured the essence of a Sicilian dinner party, complete with Italian spreads and flowing wine, reminiscent of those long, enchanting Italian nights. It was the perfect way to set the tone for the celebrations ahead.

Our wedding day was designed to be a relaxed, long lunch with friends, accented by our signature formal flair and a touch of elegance—think old-world classic charm. We envisioned an outdoor garden setting that felt like the ultimate classy getaway with our favorite people. Since we were basically already married, we just wanted to have a massive celebration.

Incorporating elements from our cultures and family traditions was essential to us. We wanted the day to feel deeply personal and reflective of who we are. To achieve this, we had two of our closest friends officiate the ceremony and included meaningful rituals like family members tying the Celtic knot, drinking from a family heirloom, stamping on the glass and the all time favorite dancing of the Horah. Every detail was designed to celebrate love, connection, and the incredible people who have shaped our lives.

What was one element you were happy to splurge on? 

For us, splurging on the venue was a must. We wanted a place that radiated that enchanting European countryside vibe while also exuding classic elegance. It needed to be spacious enough to host our entire wedding party for a few days of celebrations, delivering that old-world charm that set the perfect backdrop for our festivities.

The photographer was another key area where we were happy to invest. We sought someone who could genuinely capture the spirit and energy of the day. Maegan was the ideal fit—she didn’t just take photos; she brought our vision to life, capturing each moment and emotion beautifully. We felt confident that she was the perfect person to document our story.

We also made a meaningful investment in our wedding planners, Kath and Annie from Bow Creative. Their expertise was invaluable in bringing our ideas to fruition, ensuring that everything looked stunning. With their support, we could focus on enjoying the celebration without worrying about the details, making their contribution an investment we were truly grateful for.

Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?

Honestly, nothing really went wrong on our wedding day that left us feeling stressed. We had both made a conscious decision to embrace the day fully and stay present in the moment. This mindset allowed us to let go and simply enjoy everything as it unfolded. It truly couldn’t have turned out better, and we feel grateful that we were able to savor every moment without worrying about the little details.

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?

Carri has always adored the look of mismatched bridesmaids, but we never intended for the groomsmen suits to follow suit—pun intended! A production mishap led to a rather stressful situation, but it ultimately turned into a happy accident. Instead of uniform suits, we embraced the mismatched look for the groomsmen as well, and it added a fun, eclectic vibe that we absolutely loved.

Carri had a clear vision for her wedding day outfits, wanting two distinct looks. For the ceremony, she chose a stunning tulle gown that exuded a summery elegance, and for the evening, she opted for a more comfortable, silky ensemble. Both dresses were custom-made by an incredibly talented dressmaker in Sydney who truly brought Carri’s vision to life.

As for my outfit, I went for a custom-made three-piece suit from a fantastic tailor in Sydney. I chose a beige-grey color that complemented Carri’s palette beautifully. The suit was handmade in Italy, which added an extra layer of elegance, perfectly aligning with our old-world European aesthetic. To make it even more personal, I had the word “lady,” a sweet nickname for my beautiful wife, embroidered on the back of the lapel. It was a special touch that made my look feel uniquely ours.