Penny: The details of how we met when we were 15 or 16 are very blurry, but we started going out when we were 17 and haven’t looked back.
We live in Brisbane where Tom works as a construction manager and I’m a lawyer. We are so similar that we often accidentally dress in matching outfits. Tom proposed while we were on a short holiday to Byron Bay. We had an amazing morning walk together, a long boozy lunch and finished off with a proposal. I was taken by surprise, despite Tom’s odd behaviour. He’d rushed up and down to the lighthouse in an attempt to find a secluded spot in one of Australia’s busiest sunset spots, all with one hand in his pocket to keep the ring secure.
When planning our wedding, a fairly consistent theme emerged on our Pinterest board that centered around a big clear marquee, timber tables and a good dancefloor. Once that was locked in, the next thing that was important to us was a smart table layout. We wanted to be in the middle of the party, surrounded by our guests, so we could make everyone feel part of the celebration. Our styling was bright, white, leafy and a little bit coastal, but still formal enough to suit the day, created using a combination of items we and our family sourced, made and hired.
A few wedding traditions didn’t suit us, so we just didn’t do them — simple as that! The rollercoaster weather was something we’ll never forget. We always knew it was a gamble having an outdoor wedding and the forecast was for rain all week, but it ended up being an amazingly sunny day with moody clouds and a beautiful sunset over the Glass House Mountains. Our guests were blown away by what The Van Fine Street Food produced on top of a hill in a paddock in the middle of winter — it was warm, hearty and delicious.
Our MC and our family and friends’ speeches were so special. They were well- timed, hilarious, meaningful and heartfelt. It was clear they’d all invested a lot of time in them. The dance floor was definitely memorable as well. We spent a lot of time with Aaron Duncan from Cut a Rug, tailoring the DJ set and it did not disappoint. The dancefloor was so good that Aaron even came to the afterparty. Tom’s mum is a very talented embroiderer and embroidered my veil to match my dress. It’s so beautiful and will hopefully become a family heirloom.
Marriage to us is an acknowledgment of the importance of our relationship and a commitment to each other forever, whatever life might throw at us. It’s treating us very well so far! Our advice for other couples is to take your time — there’s no hurry. Planning a wedding is a stressful process but it really is worth it in the end.
Photography: Janneke Storm | Bride’s dress: Needle & Thread | Groom’s attire & groomsmen’s suits: Oxford | Celebrant: Carly Slade | Rings: Carbon Contemporary Jewellery | Bride’s fragrance: Kenzo Flower Jewellery | Entertainment: Cut A Rug DJ | Bride’s veil: Embroidered by the groom’s mother | Bride’s earrings: Isabella’s Fine & Antique Jewellery | Hair: PS I Love Hair | Makeup: Ginelle Dale | Stationery: Lilac & White | Bride’s shoes: Senso | Planning & styling: CL Weddings & Events | Flora: Willow Bud | Ceremony & reception venue: Maleny Retreat Weddings | Bridesmaids’ dresses: Ellery | Bridesmaids’ shoes: Chloé | Hire: Hampton Event Hire & The Hire Department | Catering: The Van Fine Street Food | Cake: Something by Sarah
