Tell us how you met each other?
A complete set-up by our family! I (Laura) was having dinner at Vince’s Brothers/Sister-in-laws place, as I was friends with his sister-in-law (lived next to my parents). We were having a girl’s night when Vince rocked up unannounced to fix a plumbing issue in the bathroom, his Dachshund Dolly in tow to break the ice and to start the conversation.
This is where the set-up comes into play, little did I know this was a complete set-up by my dad and Vince’s sister-in-law. A few sneaky stalks later on the socials (including Tinder) we finally made contact with each other and started chatting and as they say the rest is history…
Tell us about the proposal?
The morning started with a phone call to say that cattle at school had managed to escape, a few repairs to the fence and we were on our way to my Grandparents property at Silverdale. During the drought it wasn’t uncommon to have to head to the farm to pump water. We had just finished, we grabbed the quad bikes and drove around a few paddocks. We stopped at one of our favourite places on the property, a hill with 360 degree views overlooking the Scenic Rim. Vince got down on one knee and this is where and when the magic happened.
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship…
We enjoy the simple things in life, like being outdoors, time spent with our families, wide open spaces, road trips around Australia and camping under the stars. Vince is a plumber by trade but also an axillary fire fighter and farmer on the side, whist I wear one hat I am Agriculture Science teacher. So it is only natural that our free time is spent working with cattle, bailing hay, spending time with our farm dogs (a Dachshund and two Maltese) and even trying to fit in a pub meal for a sneaky parmy. Amongst the chaos, there are always laughs, fun and plenty of memories made along the way. We once were crazy enough to drive around Australia (to Uluru) in 10 days, one of the best trips we have ever been on.
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…
Our wedding was held at my grandparents family property in Silverdale, the same property which we became engaged. With some last minute ceremony changes due to Covid, instead of Sacred Heart Church at Harrisville both the ceremony and reception were held at the family property. Following the drought and no rain in sight, the gardens were all replanted and bought back to life to make it a beautiful backdrop for the ceremony. For the reception, the hay shed was converted into a Pinterest dream thanks to help from our nearest and dearest. The many festoon lights and the hanging floral chandelier in the centre of the hay shed, made this reception space truly extra special. The theme “Romantic Country” was really bought to life by the countless decorations handmade by the bride’s mother. We even had jars of jam for everyone at their seat, made by a parent at the school I teach at. These little touches really added to the overall day and it is these memories that will last a lifetime. Especially the surprise on my bridal bouquet of a brooch that included my favourite photo of my Pa and I, who had passed away. In the reception it was the sign “all that we are and all that we hope to be we owe to our parents and grandparents” and wedding photos that sat proudly on the table of our parents and grandparents that really captured the importance of family in our lives and we wanted to covey this on the day.
Tell us about your main outfits:
My dress was by Maddi Lane Bridal from Luv Bridal and was the first dress I tried on. I loved the lace details, including the embroidered flowers, however it was the ivory and mocha colour that sold it for me. Vince decided on his outfit just as fast, especially since he isn’t much of a suit wearing guy. He decided to go for a classic look with a navy suit and a crisp white shirt. This looked amazing next to the bridesmaids burgundy Shona Joy dresses.
What were some of the most memorable/unique moments from the day?
To be honest, after six months from our original date, having our family and friends all in the same place and even there at all to celebrate our love and commitment to one another was by far the highlight. Aside from that some of the best memories we have from the day are spending time at our family homes getting ready with our parents and bridal party before becoming Mr and Mrs. On the way to the ceremony, I organised to drop a replica of my bridal bouquet on my Pa’s grave. Even though he couldn’t be there in person, I was able to share a little bit of the wedding with him too. After the wedding it was fun spending some downtime with our bridal party, walking the main street of Harrisville meeting locals and with the many car horns also beeping. It was extra special to also spend time as husband and wife watching the sunset at the top of the hill where Vince proposed overlooking the Scenic Rim. The weather really was spectacular, even down to the lightning and thunder that rolled over the ridges as we walked into the reception.
Any advice for other couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together?
Don’t get wrapped up in the hype of planning a wedding, keep it simple and make the day all about celebrating your love. This includes not sweating the small things, plans change (and can change multiple times if you are planning a wedding in a pandemic) and things will go wrong but at the end your day will be perfect as you will get to begin your life together as husband and wife.
Photography: @nicoleorlowskiphotography | Videography: @sunnydayfilms | Ceremony and Reception location: Family Property | Celebrant: Father John Fitz-Herbert | Bride’s gown: @madilanebridal and @luvbridal | Groom’s attire: @connor_clothing | Bride’s rings: Brilliant Earth | Groom’s ring: @michaelhillj | Bride’s shoes: @jomercershoes | Groom’s shoes: @connor_clothing | Jewellery: @pure_elements_jewellery | Makeup: @emmaashleamua | Hair: @country_edge_hair | Bridesmaid’s attire: @shonajoy_ | Groomsmen’s attire: @connor_clothing | Entertainment: @alexharrismusic | Planner: @storybookandco | Flora: @lavenderandlaceflorist | Catering and Beverages: @fentons_fired_up | Cake: Michelle Welge
