Get a load of this picturesque proposal, people. “It was a hot morning and the sky was a burnt amber colour from the lingering bush fires,” says Shannon of her beachside engagement. “We spent the morning playing in the water with our little boy, Flynn, and as we were about to start packing up to leave, Sam got down on his knee and asked me to marry him.”
After champagne and oysters to celebrate, it was straight into planning for these two, who decided on an “elegant and fresh” vibe for their nups – “lots of emerald green, white and gold”, they share, “and with a venue like The Calile Hotel, it was easy to achieve the modern, sophisticated vibe we were after.” Which you can see with your own peepers, thanks to the beautiful pics by the talented Janneke Storm.
Mrs Gibbons Flowers brought the floral finery, Karen Willis Holmes is the gal behind the glam gown, and shoutout to M.J. Bale for the boys’ suave suits. All in all, this was one flippin’ epic big day. “I honestly couldn’t choose a favourite detail,” says Shannon. “I loved it all! It was so special seeing our vision come to life on the day.”
THE VENUE “I had always imagined being married by the ocean however due to COVID-19 and border closures we decided it would be best to choose a venue in Brisbane and we are so happy we did. Being at The Calile Hotel made the day a whole lot more relaxed knowing our guests didn’t have to travel far, and a lot easier logistically with our son.”
THE DRESS “My dress was the beautiful Lola gown from Karen Willis Holmes. The overall experience was wonderful and surprisingly effortless. The girls at Paddington boutique in Brisbane were so genuine and warm with their approach to helping me find the perfect dress, and allowed me to take my time. As soon as I put on Lola, I knew she was the one. She fit me like a glove and I love how classic and timeless she is.”
THE SUIT “The boys got their suits from M.J. Bale. They made a day of it on the morning of Sam’s bucks’ party and visited the city store for their fittings, followed by many beers and a good time I’m sure! Memories they will cherish for a lifetime.”
MEMORABLE MOMENT “Our favourite memory of the day was hands-down the ceremony, of which our son Flynn was the star. He had the time of his life running up and down the aisle, standing between our legs, pulling and pushing us apart, yanking my head back by my veil, and throwing our ring box, which Sam’s brother and best man Brad managed to save. This was hilarious and such a perfect portrayal of the crazy beautiful home life we share with our now three-year-old boy. We wouldn’t have had it any other way.”
A WORD OF ADVICE… “Be open to new ideas as you may be surprised at how wonderful they turn out, and do not lose sight of the true meaning of the day – to marry the love of your life and have your family and friends there to celebrate!”
STANDOUT VENDOR “The Calile Hotel. Kate, our wedding planner there, seriously went above and beyond to make sure our day was special and everything we dreamed of. I love that we can visit the hotel for anniversaries or special occasions and will always have those amazing memories of our wedding day there.”
Shannon and Sam’s big day first appeared in issue 33 of Hello May, which you can grab over on our online store for even more wedding-day inspo. (Psst – while you’re there, grab a copy of our first-ever Wedding Planning Guide, it’s pretty darn good if we do say so ourselves.) We’ve also got a directory that’s chock-full of amazing vendors to help you bring your wedding dreams to life, including some of the peeps who made Shannon and Sam’s day so special – Janneke Storm, Mrs Gibbons Flowers, The Calile Hotel, Karen Willis Holmes and M.J. Bale are all ready for your call!
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Janneke Storm Florist Mrs Gibbons Flowers Stationery Laura Elizabeth Design Ceremony, Reception & Catering The Calile Hotel Cake Jocelyn’s Provisions Wedding favours Kokopod (chocolate bars) Hire Items AVIdeas Photo Booth Click Click Photo Booth Signage Laura Elizabeth Design Entertainment Fonoti Brothers Celebrant Cara Hodge via Brisbane City Celebrants THE BRIDE Gown & Veil Karen Willis Holmes Shoes Tony Bianco Earrings Christie Nicolaides Bangle Mimco Hair Blow Salon Makeup Brooke Treby MUA Bridesmaid dresses Shona Joy THE GROOM Suit M.J. Bale Shoes Aquila Watch TAG Heuer Barber Pinnacle Barber Shop Groomsmen suits M.J. Bale
