Hannah & Sam by Mallory Sparkles

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship…

Both of us grew up in small beach towns on opposite sides of the world. This is what sparked both of our love for all things beach, nature, travel, and adventure.

Being raised 8000 miles away from each other, seemingly we were two individuals never meant to meet. Against all odds, we found each other; soulmates. Together, we enjoy exploring, are major foodies, and have a laid back lifestyle. Sam is a contractor and enjoys using his creative side to build beautiful homes. Together, we have started our own business that takes us all over the coast. It’s a mobile bar we built out of a horse float that we call “the pour horse”. We have had a lot of business doing weddings, birthdays, etc., it’s a fun way to spend time together doing something we enjoy. We love the fact that we come from different backgrounds and enjoy learning about each others countries and cultures, It makes our love all the more special.

Tell us about your special day, was there a specific theme or style? Tell us a little about the setting, the styling and some of your favourite details…

We wanted our special day to feel like the celebration it was. It was our goal to make it feel like a big party. Because we wanted to be the ones throwing the party, we were very involved in every aspect. We took advantage of the blessing of where we live and decided to have an outdoor ceremony and reception. It all took place on a private property in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast, complete with green fields that stretched out among beautifully situated trees and tranquil waters. That being said, we only had to add some rustic wooden benches and an arbor covered in dewey white roses, and we had the perfect place to say I do. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect as the sun just hid behind the trees. Even the wild alpacas that roamed the property seemed to have a wonderful time as the sound of the peaceful live music filled the warm air. Just down the hill from the ceremony, candles and olive branches decorated the wooden tables that sat under strings of beautiful twinkling lights. Two food trucks (cause we couldn’t just have one!) and our very own pour horse bar surrounded the area, as well as a bonfire and games like horseshoe, creating that party feel we were hoping for. It was truly a night to remember.

Tell us about your main outfits:

My vision for a wedding dress was something classy but not too extra. I’m not really a lace or frills girl so I was looking for something simple and elegant. When I was visiting home in California, I found it. The one. I had it imported to Australia and personally altered to fit me. Pure white, with a long train and fitted to my body, this dress labeled “sleek silhouette” was the dress of my dreams. I paired it with natural looking makeup, a fancy up do, and a white veil gently tucked into my hair. Sam wore a classic, dashing, navy suit complete with a traditional navy thin tie, and brown leather dress shoes.

What were some of the most memorable/unique moments from the day?

The fact we wrote personalised vows to each other that came from the purest part of our hearts was more special than we could say. Hannah’s dad ( a pastor in California) being the officiant was also such a significant and special part of our ceremony. We loved sitting at our wedding party table looking at all the people who loved us and were there to support and celebrate our love. The pure joy we felt in coming together as one was multiplied as we encountered our friends and family celebrating us.

Any advice for other couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together?

Be upfront about expectations for each other. Although it’s a cliche, communication really is key. Complete honesty in even the smallest situations is vital. Most importantly, continue to date each other!

Photography: Mallory Sparkles | Ceremony and Reception location: Private Property (Landershoot, Sunshine Coast) | Celebrant: Chad Amico ( Brides Father) + Local Pastor, Ryan Smith | Bride’s gown: Nordstrom | Groom’s outfit: ASOS | Shoes: Free People | Makeup: Melina Dee Makeup | Hair: Major Makeup and Hair | Entertainment: The Famos | Catering and beverages: The beauty and the beard, That pizza guy, The pour horse | Cake: Bree Nield | Flora: Oh Darling Flowers