Healthcare heroes and high school sweethearts Molly and Jacob have been together a whopping 12 years. For these two, it was a school trip to Cambodia where sparks first flew: “In a truly full circle moment, we asked one of our high school teachers who was on this very trip to be our wedding celebrant,” share the newlyweds whose Gabbinbar wedding was a delight. “She was able to tell our story in such a unique and personal way, having been there since the very beginning.” Cute!
M&J’s soiree was beautifully captured by Janneke Storm (who received a glowing testimonial from the couple below). If you can manage to drag your eyeballs away from these stunning snaps, you’ll want to take particular note of the talented team behind this summery dream day. Our buds Bec + Bridge were in the mix, and of course THE Gabbinbar Homestead – quite the industry icon in our opinion, and the only spot Molly and Jacob viewed in person.
THE VENUE “We did a few searches online, but Gabbinbar in Toowoomba was the only venue we viewed in person, and we booked it on the same day. It was important to us to have both the ceremony and reception at the same venue. We really wanted to be present for as much of the day as possible, without the need to travel between venues or offsite for photos. Many people commented on how relaxed we were throughout the whole planning process, which is really just a testament to the amazing Gabbinbar team. Their professionalism and detail-oriented nature throughout the whole planning process, and on our wedding day, was second to none.”
THE VIBE “We just wanted the day to be relaxed, and reflect us and our personal style. The Gabbinbar Homestead and grounds are so beautiful already during any season—we loved that all of our touches could be quite simplistic to just elevate the already beautiful backdrop. Our wedding was the first weekend in summer, so it really felt like the start of the festive season, particularly during the afternoon garden party in the sunshine.”
FAVE DETAILS We integrated a few personal details into the day. Jacob has an ever-growing collection of bonsai trees, so we displayed one of them next to the seating chart [at the entrance to] the reception. His motorbike was also parked on the lawn during the garden party in lieu of a traditional wedding car. Our stationery designer, Teniele, incorporated her incredible illustrations of the venue into our invitations and place cards and our florist, Tamara (Toowoomba White Weddings), was able to complement this with her stunning tablescape florals.
MEMORABLE MOMENT “We decided to do our signing privately after our ceremony in a building called ‘The Old Schoolhouse’ (a bit symbolic for high school sweethearts!). It was so special to be able to have a moment to ourselves straight after the ceremony, before greeting our guests for the congratulations. Both of our mums were our witnesses, so having them a part of that moment made it all the more special too.”
STANDOUT VENDOR “Our amazing photographer, Janneke. We caught up for a coffee date before the wedding and left feeling like we’d been friends for years. As just a sole photographer, we are still in awe of how she was able to capture the entire day so seamlessly. She also wore many more hats than just photographer – a crowd controller to coordinate large family shots, a project manager to ensure we stuck to schedule, a fashion stylist to have everyone looking their best and an absolute athlete (at one point, sprinting after a moving motorbike just to capture the shot). The comfort we felt in Janneke’s presence is evident in the photos she captured. Above and beyond is an understatement, and we are so grateful.”
Molly and Jacob are just one of MANY Hello May couples who can vouch for Janneke’s awesomeness. Hit her up here. Click here to get the ball rolling on your Gabbinbar nuptials. Or if you’re searching for a modern bridal frock/engagement party dress/bridesmaid ‘fit/getting ready look or all of the above, see more from Bec + Bridge on the Hello May directory. You can also browse their Wedding Edit here.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Janneke Storm Florist Toowoomba White Weddings Stationery & Signage Teniele Ashlee Venue & Catering Gabbinbar Cake Leanne Brown (Friend), Kathy Blain (Family) Entertainment Mr Sax Celebrant Love Worx Rings Simon Curwood, Natasha Schweitzer THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Designer KYHA via Stillwhite, Rachel Gilbert via Gumtree Veil KYHA Getting Ready SIR., Bec + Bridge, Hansen & Gretel Shoes Jimmy Choo Accessories & Bridesmaid Gifts Mejuri Hair The Hair Artist Collective Makeup Grace Talbot (Friend) Fragrance Diptyque Bridesmaid Dresses Shona Joy THE GROOM Suit, Shirt, Tie, Shoes & Groomsmen Suits Reuben F Scarf Watch Seiko Grooming Tommy Gun’s Groomsmen Gifts Elegant Planet via Etsy
