We all know those ‘typical’ things that bring couples together, whether it be crossing paths at school, work or a drunken night at the bar (this story first featured in issue 13). But it was fate that worked its magic for Renee and Luke, whose parents were good friends, having attended the same church and each others weddings. Flash forward 25 years, Renee was at a family friend’s barbecue with none other than Luke’s parents. “They sussed out that I was single, and then proceeded to show me photos of their single son, Luke. A few months later I saw Luke two weekends in a row at other events (after not seeing him for years) and Luke asked me out on a date. And the rest, as they say, is history.”
With a clear vision in mind of what they’d want for their day (from Renee passively trawling Pinterest for a few solid years), the pair set out to find their perfect venue. “I wanted an outdoor ceremony with rolling hills in the background, a venue that I could do a lot of DIY, and where I was allowed to use external caterers,” explains Renee, who stumbled upon Obi Obi Hall online, which ticked all her boxes.
“We both just wanted a fun and relaxed day that was really special and family-oriented.” Family was definitely a big part of Renee and Luke’s day, serving as important members of their ultimate DIY team. In only six months, the couple and their crew created an arbour, stationery, signage, table decor, a guestbook and more. Despite heaps of work, the bride tells us things kept pretty cool and calm. “The best thing about our day (and the lead up) was how stress-free it was,” she says, advising other brides to ‘take it easy’. “My mantra was ‘it’s just one day’. Your wedding doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t have to be the best wedding in the world. Your wedding does not define your wedding, so just have fun with it.”
Though their special day was filled with memories, all captured by photographer Stories by Ash, there was one moment in particular that stood out to Renee. “Walking down the aisle to see Luke sobbing down the other end, and then when my dad and I arrived at the end of the aisle, Luke said ‘thank you’ to my dad in such a genuine, heartfelt way. I just knew he really loved and valued me, and saw me being ‘given to him’ as his bride as a really huge thing to be grateful for. Major heart melt.”
You can check out issue 13 here, or purchase one of our past issues at the online store.
CREDITS
Photos Stories by Ash // Florist Heavenly Blooms // Printer Kwik Kopy // Ceremony and Reception Venue Obi Obi Hall // Catering Roamin Pizza // Cake topper CommunicakeIt // Prop or Furniture // Hire Brisbane Backyard Games // Lighting Perry?s Hire // Sound Brisbane Sound Group // Rings Verragio // Transport Kombi Celebrations // Ceremony Grown Jennifer Gifford // Reception Gown Jadore // Robes Peter Alexander // Lingerie Bra?s n Things // Hair Beyoutiful // Makeup Claire Louise Leonard // Bridesmaid Shoes Famous Footwear // Bridesmaid Gifts Night away at Hotel Urban // Jacket Myer // Shirt Geoffrey Beene // Pants Dr Denim // Shoes Florsheim // Socks Happy Socks // Watch Seiko