Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love, what is unique about you and your relationship… Rachael and Jed met while four wheel driving to Cape York in Far North Queensland, and ended up setting up camp side by side at Eliot Falls. Rachael first noticed Jed for his smile, as he greeted her and her friends as they were walking past.
Later in the day, they met again at a waterfall and sat at the top in the running water talking and getting to know each other. The following day, Jed asked Rachael to come for a drive with him, and she agreed. However, they were in remote Australia, with no phone reception, so Rachael made a quick safety plan with her friends, to meet at a specific time in case she was getting being abducted!
They spent the rest of the day four wheel driving the Old Telegraph Track, famous in Australia to be pretty rough, so Rachael was trying to keep her cool while Jed navigated the steep descents and river crossings.
That night, Jed parted from the group he was travelling with to stay an extra night at Eliot Falls where Rachael was. The next day they parted to go with their travelling groups, not knowing if they would see each other again, and with no phone reception, how they would get in contact.
However, their paths crossed multiple times for the next few weeks, sometimes loosely planned, sometimes by coincidence. They shared some really special experiences of Australia’s beautiful scenery together, and some thrilling four wheel driving.
Once they got home from their trips, they developed a strong relationship that stretched over two states, with Jed in Canberra and Rachael in Queensland, soon to be relocating to Victoria. Jed’s genuine and caring personality is what is most important to Rachael, the unconditional love that he provides her, and their joint interest in adventure and exploring.
Jed was instantly drawn in by Rach’s big smile and genuine laugh (it lights up his room). Her caring, easy going and explorative nature, and her smart brain made it easy to talk to her and get to know her.
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… Due to the way that Jed and Rachael met, it only seemed fitting that they got married in the environment that brought them together. They aspired for a day that was relaxed, with minimal fuss which included the things that were most important to them. With a holiday to the Kimberley planned, it seemed that this was the best opportunity to have a day that was best suited to them.
The raw and stark environment that the Kimberley provided, in particular the red dirt that was so prominent in their trip to Cape York where the met, and the opportunity for adventure was perfect for them to remember as their wedding day. The day felt normal and relaxed, except for pulling on a white dress and suit! The morning was spent getting up early to see the sunrise at Saddleback Ridge, and swimming in the warm Zebedee Springs, one of El Questro’s famous attractions. Joined only by their parents for the wedding, the rest of the day was gradually getting ready, with hair, makeup and getting dressed.
Taking place looking out over the Pentecost River, the ceremony took place at Pigeon Hole Lookout, in the hot Kimberley sun. After the ceremony that was genuine and personal, a few cold drinks were shared in the shade. Then the greatest part of the day followed – exploring El Questro and getting great photos that were going to represent the day for Jed and Rachael. From kicking up the red dirt on the airstrip, to standing on top of the car in an amazing Kimberley sunset, this time was spent doing just what Rachael and Jed enjoy.
Then joining parents and guests at the restaurant for a meal down by the Pentecost River by candlelight. Before bed, a short drive in the dark to get some night photos featuring the stars.
Tell us about your main outfits: Rachael wore a simple, floor length lace dress by Spell Designs with flat comfortable shoes for ease of walking in the red dirt! Safe to say the dress wasn’t the same at the end of the day, re-coloured with wonderful shades of red dust.
Jed wore a dark blue suit with a checked shirt and navy bow tie. Jed wore an Akubra Cattleman in some of the photos as these hats were a prominent feature of their holiday.
What were some of the most memorable/unique moments from the day?The part of the day that will stay in Jed and Rachael’s memory is the uniqueness of the marriage ceremony. It was relaxed, informal and spoken mostly from Jed, Rachael and their parents, with plenty of laughing and tears.
Any advice for other couples planning to spend the rest of their lives together? When it comes to getting married – do it your own way! This day is an expression of your decision to make an official commitment to each other and shouldn’t be influenced by other people’s wishes and desires.
It may be hard to go against expectations, but you will walk away from a day that represents a marriage you want to live.
Photographer: Lina Hayes | Ceremony location: Pigeon Hole Lookout | Reception location: The Steakhouse | Celebrant: Judy Hughes | Flora: Oria Orchards Florist | Catering: El Questro | Hair and makeup: Hair and Beauty Retreat | Wedding dress: Spell Designs | Shoes: Country Road | Ring: Burlington Antiques | Groom’s suit: MJ Bale | Shirt: Trenery | Shoes: Florsheim | Ring: Linneys | Hat: Akubra
