S H A Y L I & H A Y D N
8.4.2015
A classic friends to lovers story that began in their hometown of Bendigo turned a new leaf with a romantic outdoor wedding in country Queensland.
F R O M T H E B R I D E . . .
We first met...
In our hometown Bendigo, Victoria through Facebook. We started off as friends then out of nowhere this connection sparked and that was it from there! I just knew he was the one. It's unexplainable really. He isn't just my husband but most importantly my best friend.
The proposal...
We got engaged on our two year anniversary. Haydn was going to propose at our favourite restaurant, Georges Paragon but he got a little to nervous for that so proposed at home before we went out for dinner.
Wedding style...
For the wedding I was looking for that rustic/outdoor style with a light natural colour theme. At first we looked at having our wedding at an old cattle farm in Yandina which was stunning although when we went and had a look at Gabbinbar Homestead in Toowoomba we just couldn't resist. It was everything and more that we wanted and there is a lot of history behind Gabbinbar which we loved too.
The bridal party...
We only had 20 guests so no bridal party as we wanted to keep it nice & intimate.
Photography...
We chose Finch & Oak purely because his work was the only one we kept going back to. His style is just so creative & unique & we LOVE absolutley everything about our wedding photos. We couldn't have chosen a better photographer for this occasion.
The dress...
My wedding gown was a strapless mermaid silhouette in lace with a button up back. In my head that is what I wanted and I didn't plan on buying a dress when I did. My mother-in-law and I went to a bridal expo and thought that we might as well have a look at a bridal store on the way home and as soon as I tried it on I knew. I got it from Sugar & Spice Bridal in Chermside.
The Venue...
We had our ceremony under a beautiful tree at the Gabbinbar Homestead and the reception inside. We also had dinner the night before with family and friends for a small celebration.
The flowers...
The choice of flowers were very soft apricots and cream roses with baby's breath. A Lust For Flowers did a phenomenal job! I even kept the bouquet and got it preserved. It was just too beautiful to throw away!
Wedding day decor...
We didn't have to do much decorating at the venue as most of the decor was already there. We put a chandelier in the tree and had a canvas welcoming everyone to our wedding. We had one long table with candles and jars with our flowers in it so we kept it nice and simple.
The cake...
The cake was by Say It With Cake.
On the menu...
We had sit down meals including Pork loin and vegetables and rib eye steak - the chef did a fabulous job!
Wedding playlist...
Ceremony song : 'Higher Love' - James Vincent Mc Morrow
Signing song - 'Grizzly Bear' - Angus and Julia stone
Processional: 'Real love' - Clean Bandit
First dance: 'Kiss me' - Ed Sheeran.
Memorable moments...
The whole day was just so special! Although I must say it went far to quickly sometimes it feels like just a dream.
The Future...
We didn't have a honeymoon as we wanted to get straight back into work and save for our first home and set up our own business. We are hoping to do a bit of travelling over the next few years too.
In 40 years...
I have no idea! But as long as we both have our health and happiness that is all that matters!
Tips for future brides...
Try not to stress over the small things too much (I know its hard) but honestly the day is your memory and will turn out perfect either way. Just let it happen.
MW x
Photography Finch & Oak Venue Gabbinbar Homestead Wedding Dress Sugar & Spice Wedding Flowers A Lust For Flowers Wedding Cake Say It With Cake