Wanna know something? Kate and Lewis initially didn’t think their venue Gabbinbar, or even the town of Toowoomba, would be the right place for their wedding. Thankfully, curiosity compelled them to check it out anyway and, well, “We fell in love instantly,” they say, reflecting on their visit to the iconic Darling Downs address.
Guests experienced a chic, open-air photobooth, live sax and piano serenaded the space, and white floral arrangements made everything feel even more romantic. But ultimately, Kate and Lewis didn’t add too much, intentionally opting for a simple, traditional, elevated aesthetic.
Setting the tone, these newlyweds embodied modern sophistication: the groom in a Ferrari Formal, M.J. Bale mix; the bride in Resrvd Hire gown and drape scarf, complemented by Bared Footwear and Mirror Mirror beauty on hair and makeup duties.
Catch our chat with Kate and Lewis below, along with gorgeous imagery and videography from the day captured by Focus First Studios.
The winery proposal
“We were at a winery in Maleny with our 16-month-old, taking cute photos together and Lewis dropped down onto one knee. It was December on a 35-degree day – it was hot, sweaty and not extremely romantic due to conditions (heat and toddler).”
DIY wedding day stationery and signage
“I made all the save-the-dates, invitations, menus and signage for the day – signage on the day included fabric welcome sign, custom ‘selfie mirror’, reception entry sign, seating chart and all bar signage.”
Simplistic, elegant wedding styling at Gabbinbar
“Walking into our reception space was purely breathtaking. The simplicity of the floral styling with the combination of table lamps, candle and ceiling fairy lights was everything we had dreamed of. The Gabbinbar conservatory is stunning in its own right and didn’t need much help to be spectacular. When I look back at photos of the day, I find myself gravitating to the pictures of our reception space and fantasising about doing it all again. We also added a live piano player to our reception which made the mood of the room super romantic, calm and sophisticated. To us this took the vibe to a new level.”
A memorable moment
“There are so many special memories from our day but the highlight would have to be standing at the altar, looking at all our guests, listening to our celebrant and sharing our personal vows with each other.”
A garden party cocktail hour with live sax
“Having Mr Sax (Jeff) at our garden party really created an epic vibe for the last hour of the casual setting before our guests moved into reception. That is absolutely when the saxophone felt most fitting for us during our day. It changed the energy and gave our guests something else to experience and talk about during a long garden party period.”
Standout Toowoomba and QLD vendors
“All of our vendors were unreal. Matt and Jess Focus First Studios, our photographers and videographers, made us feel so comfortable and there was zero awkwardness with them throughout the day. The team and staff at Gabbinbar couldn’t have been more accommodating, helpful and resourceful for us on the day. The team would have moved heaven and earth to make sure we had the day we wanted. Savannah from Resrvd Hire went above and beyond for me as a bride. She came on the day to style me (even coming early to steam and assist in the bridal suite) and stayed back until after the garden party was complete to make sure my look for reception was on point.”
More Gabbinbar weddings
Visit the directory to explore more weddings hosted at Gabbinbar, Toowoomba. While you’re there, check out more of our fave wedding pros, like Mirror Mirror Makeup Artistry (also Toowoomba based), as well as Bared Footwear and M.J. Bale (both great wedding-day wardrobe options). After more ideas? Snag a copy of our latest Real Wedding Special here.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer & Cinematographer Focus First Studios Stylist & Florist New Romantic Florals Venue Gabbinbar Cake Maker Cakes by Katrina Hire Items Emunah Events Entertainment Mr Sax Celebrant Naomi Lea Celebrant Rings Bert Jewellery Photobooth Studio Paparazzi THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Designer & Veil Resrvd Hire Getting Ready Kat The Label, Piyama Shoes Bared Footwear Hair Sarah Neill Hair Makeup Mirror Mirror Makeup Artistry Fragranc Jo Malone Bridesmaid Dresses Review THE GROOM Suit & Groomsmen Suits Ferrari Formal Shirt, Tie & Cufflinks M.J. Bale Shoes & Groomsmen Gifts R.M. Williams Watch Armani
FAQs
Toowoomba offers couples a garden-estate setting on the Darling Downs, with heritage venues, a cooler tablelands climate, and easy access from Brisbane – making it a popular alternative to coastal or city wedding locations.
Gabbinbar, on the Darling Downs in Toowoomba, is a heritage wedding venue known for its light-filled conservatory and beautiful garden grounds – a favourite for couples wanting an elegant reception space.
A pared-back palette of white florals, candlelight and warm lighting creates an elegant, romantic reception without needing elaborate styling, allowing a venue’s existing architecture and greenery to shine.
