LISA + TOM by Peppermint Photography

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

Tom and I consider ourselves the perfect example of Yin and Yang. Tom, a plumber by trade is confident, outspoken and rough around the edges, a boy from the bush of Western Queensland. I, an interior stylist am more of an introvert, particular, the creative type, a city girl brought up in the suburbs of Sydney.

Despite our contrasting personalities and upbringings, there are a few common interests that bond us together. We share a passion for alternative music, are obsessed with dogs (and all animals) and hold similar core/life values.

Our story is one of those ‘when you know, you know’ scenarios after discovering very quickly (8 months in) that we wanted to be a part of each other’s lives, indefinitely. Apart from generally “hitting it off” we were both experiencing events that reminded us that life is short.

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:

It was a typical humid, 30-degree day in Brisbane (we wouldn’t have it any other way). The sky was blue and the sun was shining. And as everyone told us, the day flew by too quickly and we wish that we could relive it all again.

It was the perfect mix of traditional meets new-age and I feel the day was a true reflection of who Tom and I are as a couple. I was a little nervous about not hiring a wedding planner, but when the big day rolled around everything went off without a hitch and it felt like a big accomplishment!

We were incredibly excited about our reception venue choice – The Joinery at West End is a fantastic space. An edgy, modern, warehouse conversion which became our own blank canvas to create whatever look and feel we wanted. Working within the furniture industry I had a few favourite pieces in mind that I wanted to incorporate. The styling concept grew from a particular “French Birdcage Chandelier” that had a slight industrial edge which seemed fitting to The Joinery.

We narrowed down on a theme of Romantic/French/Industrial with a few modern touches. We wanted to create something unique and eventually realised that we needed some more feminine elements to soften the raw, industrial vibes.

Initially, I found it difficult to decide on a particular colour. I wanted to have a meeting with the florist first to discuss some ideas and to see what flowers would be in season. I always loved the idea of having white bridesmaids dresses and let the colour from the bouquets stand out and tell their own story. The star of the show was the blush phalaenopsis orchid – used in my bouquet and our hanging installation at the reception. We had a mixed palette of soft pink and peach tones harmonising with dark burgundy.

Between the soaring high ceilings and the glorious polished concrete floor of the Joinery, I wanted to cozy the space up a bit. The main focal point was the hanging installation created by AV Ideas and Kate Dawes which was complemented by an incredible octopus formation of fairy lights. For the table centrepieces, we kept it simple – alternating ceramic vessels and concrete urns holding gorgeous floral arrangements. Tealight votives scattered about of course.

Tell us about your main outfits:

Finding the dress was one of the more challenging parts of the planning process for me. This was because what I thought would be my ideal style, turned out to be something completely different! I think this may be the experience of many other brides too.

I was searching for that amazing, structured, oh-so figure-flattering gown sent from the bridal dress heavens. Something that was imagined and dreamt about from a young age. I tried many incredibly beautiful gowns and I appreciated all the work that had clearly gone into creating them but sadly none of them felt right for me.

And then came the day I visited the Grace Loves Lace boutique at Burleigh Heads. The moment I walked through the doors I knew I was going to find my dress here. The whole experience was so lovely and peaceful. Un-pretentious and no pressure.

I realised a few things. I needed my dress to be simple, understated and elegant – and still have the wow-factor. Something I could wear comfortably all day and dance all night in. I’m happy to say, my gown was all of these things.

I would love to tell you that Tom went on an exciting adventure for his perfect groom outfit but this isn’t the case. He’s not a fashion guy and had a very no-fuss attitude towards his attire. Comfort was really his only requirement. “Nothing too flash” would have been his words. We found a stylish, classic, navy suit at M.J. Bale.

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

The day was filled with precious moments and memories of course. The simple act of standing at the altar, holding hands and looking into each other’s eyes is a standout. It was a little nerve-racking at the time, but it really was the most intense, raw experience. You can’t compare anything to it. Pledging our love for one another in front of all the most important people in our lives, what a special thing.

We had a surprise speech given by Toms late father’s partner during the reception. Her words were so beautiful and very meaningful to us. Our emotions truly started to overflow when we were showered with petals specially picked from Tom’s fathers rose garden.

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

Well, we certainly don’t have all the answers. We are learning as we go and find comfort knowing our partner has our back. At the end of the day, it’s about you and your partner loving and supporting one another through the chaos of life.

Lisa + Tom from The Four Elements on Vimeo.

Photographer: Peppermint Photography | Videographer: The Four Elements | Ceremony location: High Church Brisbane | Reception location: The Joinery | Celebrant: Jen Arhanic | Hire: Berry Vintage Hire & AVIdeas | Entertainment: Cut a Rug DJ | Flora: Kate Dawes Flower Design | Catering + Beverages: Chez Nous Corporate Catering | Cake: Marylou’s Custom Cake Creations | Wedding favours: New Farm Confectionery | Bride’s gown: Grace Loves Lace | Groom’s suit: M.J. Bale | Bride’s shoes: Bella Belles Shoes | Bride’s jewellery: Samantha Will’s Bridal & Tania Mara’s Bridal | Makeup: The Ballerina Bride | Hair: Paula Maree Hair | Bridesmaid’s attire: Shona Joy