I wanted a relaxed yet elegant vibe that felt personal and meaningful.
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
We’re Kayla and Connor, living on ten beautiful acres in Northern NSW with our energetic two-year-old daughter, Vera. Together, we run our own business, Chaii Living, where we create stunning microcement homes and furniture. We love getting our hands dirty and turning creative ideas into reality! When we’re not working, you’ll find us exploring local food spots, enjoying beach days, or snuggling up for movie nights. We met back in high school and just clicked; the way we make each other laugh until our bellies hurt keeps our relationship feeling fresh and fun. It really feels like we never left that honeymoon phase! We’re so grateful for the life we’ve built together, surrounded by nature and filled with love.
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
Connor and I first crossed paths in high school, where we quickly became mates. I remember thinking he was such a genuine guy with an amazing energy. He always knew how to make me laugh, which drew me in straight away. Our friendship blossomed, and before long, we were practically inseparable! It felt like we could talk about anything, and I loved his sense of humour. Those early days were carefree, and it was clear there was something special between us. It’s pretty wild to think that those teenage years laid the groundwork for this amazing life we share now. Looking back, I can see how those first impressions turned into our beautiful love story.
When did you first realise that this was someone, you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?
The moment I realised Connor was “the one” was during a relaxing beach day, just the two of us watching the sunset. I felt this overwhelming sense of happiness and comfort like I’d found my perfect match. It hit me that my feelings for him went beyond just a teenage crush; this was real love. We had so much fun together, and the way he supported me made my feelings grow even stronger. When we welcomed Vera into our lives, I just knew I wanted to spend forever with him. Our bond has deepened over time, and it felt completely natural to envision our future side by side.
Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…
Connor proposed at Byron Bay on our five-year anniversary, and it was such a sweet moment, especially since we were only 18 at the time. I had a little feeling something was up because he was so nervous, but I never expected him to get down on one knee. He had saved up for over a year to buy the ring, which made it even more special. The sunset set a beautiful backdrop as he shared his feelings and our hopes for the future. After I said yes, we celebrated with some dancing and a bottle of wine, really soaking in the moment. Looking back, it was one of those evenings where everything just clicked, and I still feel grateful for how it all came together.
Tell us about the vision you had for the mood or style of your wedding.
For our wedding, I wanted a relaxed yet elegant vibe that felt personal and meaningful. We chose Farm and Co in Cudgen because it’s such a stunning spot that captures the natural beauty of the area. The ceremony was sunny and warm, creating the perfect atmosphere. Having Vera Walk down the aisle was one of my favourite touches, adding a sweet family moment. And even when the rain came for our couple photos, I loved it! It made for some unique, playful shots and gave us a chance to embrace the unexpected. The whole day was filled with love, laughter, and those intimate moments that made it truly special for us and our guests.
What was one element you were happy to splurge on?
We were super excited to splurge on live music for our wedding, as music is such an important part of our lives. The musicians we hired created an incredible atmosphere with soulful tunes that really resonated with everyone. It was so touching to see our family and friends moved to tears during some of the songs. The live music brought everything together and created a magical vibe throughout the day, encouraging everyone to dance and celebrate, which made it feel like a true party!
Another highlight for us and our guests was the flowers and table settings. They were simply stunning and added such a beautiful touch to the whole event. The combination of the live music and the incredible decor made for an unforgettable experience, and looking back, those moments really stood out as some of our favourites. It all contributed to the emotional depth of our special day.
Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?
Oh, definitely! The rain during our couple of photos was a surprise that turned into a funny memory. At first, I was a bit stressed about the weather, but then we decided to just go with it. We ended up laughing and dancing under an umbrella, splashing in the rain (sorry to my dress haha), and it made for some amazing candid shots! It was such a fun moment that reminded us not to take things too seriously. Now, when we look back at those rainy photos, we can’t help but laugh at how we turned what could have been a stressful situation into one of our favourite memories. It showed us that it’s really all about the love and joy we feel on our big day!
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?
I wore a stunning two-piece set from Grace Loves Lace called “The Behati,” and it was everything I dreamed of! The burnout silk with the feminine floral motif felt so uniquely me. The moment I slipped it on, I felt comfortable and beautiful, and it perfectly matched the relaxed vibe of our wedding. Connor looked dapper in his tailored suit, which complemented my outfit effortlessly. One of my favourite moments was seeing his face when I walked down the aisle—his reaction was priceless! Our outfits really reflected our personalities and the love we share, making the day feel even more special. It was all about being true to ourselves while celebrating our love, and I wouldn’t change a thing!
BRIDE Kayla Gane, @kaylaaaellieee VENUE Farm & Co, @farm.and.co PHOTOGRAPHER Rachel Gray, @rachelgray___ CONTENT CREATOR Taylor – Honey I Got You, @honey_igotyou FLORIST Tiana-Lee Wilson – Ivy & Fleur, @ivyandfleur_ CELEBRANT Kassidy Livesey, @kassidyliveseycelebrant ENTERTAINMENT The Onyx Duo, @theonyxduo CATERING Farm & Co, @farm.and.co CAKE The Clumsy Baker, @the.clumsy.baker SIGNAGE Aglow Studio, @aglowstudio__ RINGS YCL, @ycl BRIDAL DRESS & VEIL The Behati – Grace Loves Lace, @grace_loves_lace BRIDE’S ACCESSORIES YCL, @ycl MAKEUP Candice September, @candiceseptember HAIR Creative Hair Co, @creative_hair_co SUIT M.J. Bale, @mjbale GROOM’S SHOE Blundstone, @blundstoneau DAUGHTER’S DRESS Illoura the Label, @illoura.thelabel
