Our story began like so many modern romances do, with a swipe right. Tim had actually ‘super-liked’ me, and I was pleasantly surprised to see such a handsome guy, as I usually didn’t find many on the app. We were both in our mid-20s, living in share houses on opposite sides of Brisbane. Tim wasted no time and asked me out on a date in our first few messages. I appreciated his directness and lack of mind games, and we met for lunch at a halfway point not long after. From the moment we met, there was an undeniable connection. Tim’s charming Kiwi accent certainly didn’t hurt either. Our lunches quickly turned into dinners, and soon we were spending entire weekends together, knowing that we had found something truly special.
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
I’m Tim, and I work as a recruiter. I originally came to Australia to pursue a career in rugby, but unfortunately, I had to pivot due to injuries. Health and wellness is something I’m passionate about, and I love spending time outdoors and watching any sport.
I’m Jess, and I’m a Brisbane native working in marketing. I have a real love for bringing people together and am always looking for a reason to plan or host something. In my free time, I enjoy focusing on health and wellness, as well as working on creative projects and finding the latest restaurants to try.
When did you first realise that this was someone, you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?
For both of us, it was pretty clear early on that we were meant to be together for the long haul. But it was our first trip to New Zealand that was truly special and it definitely sealed the deal for me. Tim had booked a trip to introduce me to his family, about six months into our relationship. From the moment I stepped off the plane, I felt so at home. We spent time exploring the beautiful landscapes and getting to know his family over fish n chips in front of the fire. It was during that trip that I realised that Tim was not only the love of my life but also my best friend. I knew without a doubt that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him.
Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…
Our engagement was on a crazy hot December day in Brisbane, just before Christmas. My husband, Tim, knew that I would be suspicious if he planned anything out of the ordinary, so he told me that we were heading to New Farm Park to kick the footy and have some drinks with friends – nothing out of the ordinary. He gave me just 30 minutes notice that we were catching the ferry, which is our favourite mode of Brisbane transport, and off we went!
We jumped off the ferry, and I started powering ahead trying to locate our friends because I don’t like to be late anywhere. Suddenly, Tim called out to me, and to my surprise, he was down on one knee! I thought he was about to ask me to try and fit one more thing into my bag, but I was wrong. Tim asked me to marry him, and of course, I said ‘yes’!
After the proposal, we headed to a bar just a few metres away at the iconic Brisbane Powerhouse, where Tim had arranged for our closest friends to be waiting. We popped some champagne and FaceTimed loved ones to share the good news. It was such a special and memorable moment, and we were so happy to be able to share it with good friends. Tim really went the extra mile to make the proposal a surprise and to make it a special moment that we will never forget.
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?
For my wedding dress, I was after something simple, timeless, and fitting for the natural landscape of Tim’s family farm. After visiting four wedding dress shops in Brisbane, I finally found the perfect dress at Karen Willis Holmes. The dress was a beautiful and elegant fit, which complemented the relaxed and laid-back vibe we wanted for our special day.
To add a personal touch to my wedding dress, I decided to customize it with an Oval Train from Karen Willis Holmes. The train added a unique touch to my dress and allowed me to create two different looks for the day. I wore the train during the ceremony and for some photos but removed it later in the day for the beginning of our reception. The Oval Train featured different-sized oval-shaped organza petals with a fine trim on the hem, giving my dress a soft and elegant statement. I loved the idea of customizing my dress to create a unique look that reflected my personal style, and the train was the perfect way to achieve that.
As the dancefloor began to fill up, I knew it was time to slip into my reception dress. For this second look, I wanted something that truly captured my fun-loving, unique personal style – and I found it in a stunning, custom-made mini dress crafted by the skilled hands of Lou, my brilliant Brisbane-based dressmaker. Working together, we selected the perfect fabric and design elements to bring my vision to life, resulting in a look that was not only comfortable and easy to dance in but also a true reflection of my personality and style. And for a touch of practicality and flair, I opted for boots over heels, ensuring I could move freely and dance the night away without sinking into the lush grass beneath our feet. It was the perfect way to transition from the formalities of the day to a night filled with pure joy and celebration.
Lou also designed the bridesmaid outfits, working closely with each girl to ensure their personal styles were reflected in the design, and that they felt comfortable and their absolute best on the big day. The beautiful champagne colour fabric, with a slight pink tone, perfectly complemented the natural surroundings.
Tim opted for a classic yet versatile look for himself and his groomsmen by selecting navy blazers woven in a lightweight cotton-linen Prince of Wales pattern and sand-coloured chinos from MJ Bale, which will allow them to wear them again in the future. With limited time for fittings due to his groomsmen being from New Zealand, MJ Bale was a convenient option for Tim and his wedding party.
VENUE: Private Property / PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER: George & Jane, @georgeandjane__ / CELEBRANT: Victoria Thomas, @victoriathomas.celebrant / ENTERTAINMENT: Corner Sounds, @cornersoundsband / PLANNER & GLASSWARE HIRE: Blank Space Events, @blank_spaceevents / MARQUEE & HIRE: Truly Yours Events, @trulyyours_events / FLORA: The Flower Press, @theflowerpressnz / CATERING & BEVERAGE: Moveable Feasts, @moveablefeastsnz / CAKE: The Cake Eating Co, @thecakeeatingco / STATIONERY: Minted, @minted / SIGNAGE: Make Your Mark Signs, @makeyourmarksigns / DRESS, VEIL & OVERSKIRT: Karen Willis Holmes, @kwhbridal / SUIT: M.J. Bale, @mjbale / RINGS: Amour Jewellery, @amour_jewellery / SHOES: By Far, @byfar_official / BRIDE EARRINGS: Natasha Schweitzer, @natashaschweitzer / SUNGLASSES: Ochre Lane, @ochrelane; Ray-Ban, @rayban / MAKEUP: Stacey Banfield, @staceybanfieldmakeup / HAIR: Graceful Hair Art, @gracefulhairart / FRAGRANCE: AERIN, @aerin / GROOMSMENS’ ATTIRE: M.J. Bale, @mjbale / BRIDESMAIDS’ ATTIRE: Louise Bateman, fabrics from Selective Fine Fabrics, @selectivefinefabrics / TAN: Bronzed Goddess, @bronzedgoddess.co / NAILS: BHAVA, @bhava_nails_and_beauty / TRANSPORT: Bentley Coachlines / BATHROOMS: Outback Bathrooms / BRIDE’S GETTING READY OUTFIT: Jasmine and Will, @jasmineandwill
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