Monique + Liam Wedding Day by Love Wilder - Together Journal

Our color palette was inspired by the ocean—soft whites, sandy neutrals, and hints of blue.

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

We met just before COVID struck in late January of 2020, and from the very start, we knew we had something special. Liam is calm, collected, and deeply caring, while I am passionate, driven, and always looking toward the next big goal. Together, we balance each other perfectly.

I run an aesthetics business, Bare Facial Aesthetics, and am incredibly dedicated to growing it into the leading aesthetics clinic in Western Victoria. Liam is my biggest supporter, always encouraging me to chase my ambitions while we build a beautiful life together.

Beyond our careers, we both love adventure, the ocean, and creating lasting memories with our two little girls. Family is everything to us, and we cherish the simple, meaningful moments—whether it’s a beachside picnic, traveling together, or just cozy nights at home. Our wedding reflected who we are as a couple: deeply in love, drawn to beauty and nature, and wanting a day that was entirely about us.

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

We met just before COVID struck in late January 2020, and from that moment, everything just clicked.

Monique: My first impression of Liam was that he was incredibly handsome, with a calm and stoic presence. But what stood out to me the most were his eyes—so kind, so caring. There was a warmth in them that made me feel safe, like I could trust him completely from the start.

Liam: From the moment I met Monique, it felt like I had always known her. She was beautiful, easygoing, and there was this instant connection between us. We just clicked in a way that didn’t need explanation—it felt natural, eﬀortless, like we had been meant to find each other all along.

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 almost immediate. Within a few weeks of knowing each other, it became clear that what we had was diﬀerent. It wasn’t just the excitement of something new—it was the comfort, the understanding, the way we just fit. We could talk for hours and never run out of things to say, but we were just as happy sitting in silence, simply enjoying each other’s company. There was an ease between us, a natural flow that made everything feel right. From that early stage, we both knew this was it—this was forever.

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes etc.).

We wanted our day to be about us—intimate, meaningful, and surrounded by nature’s beauty. The ocean has always been a place of peace and joy for us, so it was important to have it near. We kept things relaxed yet elegant, allowing the natural beauty of Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef to shine.

Our color palette was inspired by the ocean—soft whites, sandy neutrals, and hints of blue. We focused on minimal yet timeless styling, with simple but beautiful florals and natural textures that blended seamlessly with the scenery. It was never about grandeur but about creating an atmosphere that felt authentic to us as a couple.

What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).

The scenic beauty of Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef was everything we had dreamed of. We didn’t need elaborate décor—the breathtaking landscape did all the work for us.

The ceremony at Rex Smeal Park, with its stunning waterfront views and lush greenery, was the perfect backdrop for our vows. Our private beach picnic reception, set up by The Event Tent, was intimate and eﬀortlessly romantic. The simplicity of it all allowed us to be fully present, soaking in every moment without distractions.

What did you enjoy most about the planning process and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?

What we loved most was that it was all about us. There was no stress about seating charts, no pressure to meet expectations—just the two of us planning a day that reflected our love.

Our advice to couples planning their wedding: focus on what truly matters. It’s easy to get caught up in trends or what others think a wedding should be, but at the end of the day, it’s about you and your partner. Stay true to your vision, and don’t be afraid to make it uniquely yours. If that means eloping, do it!

Also, choose vendors you genuinely connect with. We were lucky to collaborate with Rochelle and Linden, who brought our vision to life seamlessly. Working with people who understand and support your dream makes all the diﬀerence.

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?

My wedding dress was custom-made by Hope & Harvest, a designer who brought my vision to life with such care and attention to detail. Every stitch, every fabric choice was intentional, making the dress feel uniquely mine. It wasn’t just a gown—it was a reflection of me, designed to move eﬀortlessly in the ocean breeze and fit the intimate, romantic feel of our day.

Liam’s outfit was equally thoughtful—classic and refined yet relaxed, perfectly complementing our surroundings and the tone of our elopement. Together, our looks weren’t just about style but about feeling completely ourselves on the most special day of our lives.

What was one, or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).

Photography was a big one for us. We knew we wanted Love Wilder to capture our day because their style is so natural, emotional, and timeless. Our elopement was intimate, with just the two of us, so having photos that could transport us back to those moments was priceless.

Our private catamaran experience on the Great Barrier Reef was another splurge that we don’t regret for a second. Sailing across the water, just the two of us, with nothing but the ocean around—it was pure magic. It made our wedding feel like an adventure, something truly once-in-a-lifetime.

Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?

Honestly, nothing really comes to mind! Our day unfolded so seamlessly, and everything felt eﬀortless. Our photographers from Love Wilder were incredible—they kept things flowing naturally, making sure every moment was captured without us ever feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Their calm and professional approach allowed us to simply enjoy the day without a single worry.