KRISTI + CHRIS by Aisling Bourke Photography

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

Chris and I met at a personal development course. We both have a love for being our best selves, this is how our story started and how it continues today.

Chris and I both had a love for fitness, our first date was at the kangaroo point stairs and that was the start of our amazing love story. We found so many things in common instantly like our values, our life goals, which is important to us and this has kept us strong ever since. In our time together, we’ve gone on many adventurous holidays, bought motorbikes, opened a fitness business, gotten married and have just welcomed our first baby together and Chris’s third child. 

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

Both Chris and I had never wanted a big wedding. Our relationship is so intimate and that’s the way we wanted our day to go. I loved the neutral colour palette for the bouquet, the styling in the park and this came down to the colours in Chris’s suit and my dress. It was beautiful and classy yet simple. Styling it simply allowed us to really be present on the day. I arranged this wedding in only 10 weeks, while pregnant and running the fitness business with Chris. Convenience played a big part in our day and our incredible vendors helped us make this happen. 

Tell us about your main outfits: 

We chose not to have a wedding party so that our friends and family could really enjoy the beautiful afternoon and take it all in. Instead, we included our children, Ellie and Flynn, to help us with the rings and walk down the aisle. I got my wedding dress online. I was pregnant so this was a big risk for me but when it arrived, it was a perfect fit. It was meant to be. Chris’s suit was from MJ Bale who was amazing at helping Chris feel incredible.

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

Seeing Chris standing at the altar was the most special part of the day. Locking eyes on each other knowing we were going to be saying our vows in front of our beautiful friends and family and becoming one was the most special moment of all. Seeing Ellie and Flynn dressed up looking so amazing made both Chris and I emotional. Our photographer made us feel so comfortable. As a bride, it’s nerve-wracking wondering what kind of shots you want or how to pose, but Aisling really helped us to relax and I think it shows in all our photos. She captured our love perfectly.

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

Set your foundations first. Know what each other really wants in life and how they like to be loved. You cannot build without solid foundations. Mutual respect for each other and loving each other so deeply that you couldn’t bear to see each other hurt. Communicate often, don’t go a day without saying “I Love You” and work on your relationship for ever. It’s not a destination, it’s a journey. Grow together, not apart, and you will have a lifetime of love and happiness. 

Getting ready location: Art series – The Fantauzzo | Ceremony location: Brisbane City Botanical Gardens | Reception location: Paw Paw Café | Photographer: Aisling Bourke Photography | Styling + Hire: Sweet Petite Weddings | Flora: Unveiling Poppy Weddings | Cake: Monique Franich Cakes | Celebrant: Natasha Hill | Chris’s Suit: MJ Bale | Kristi’s Gown: Still White | Rings: Temple & Grace