Aaron Schoupp (an NRL star with the Manly Sea Eagles) and Tahner (who works in management for a disability company) kicked off married life in NSW’s South Coast, celebrating with 120 of their faves, including baby Reave (who naturally triggered dad’s happy tears as he came down the aisle).
They picked a spot that never fails to charm – The Lodge Jamberoo – an uber-cool country locale nestled amongst the pine forest. Plus, being a hotel too, The Lodge lent itself to multi-day celebrations with most guests staying on-site.
The groom scrubbed up superb in Van Heusen, and the bride had only good things to say about her experience working with Gabrielle Pagano (aka GP Creative) on a custom bridal gown. Drop-dead-gorg!
Below, get a load of T+A’s breathtaking wedding album (captured by the legends at Anemotion).
THE PROPOSAL
“It was whilst we lived in the Gold Coast on Father’s Day actually. We had family visiting to celebrate Aaron’s 50th NRL game. We went to breakfast that morning with our families, and Aaron asked me to follow him to look at something down by the water in Burleigh. He anxiously said, ‘I love you infinitely and before two becomes three, I need to ask… Will you marry me?’ Most of our loved ones were there, and our best friends, so it was special to share it with them also.”
THE DRESS
“Believe it or not, Gab (GP Creatives) made my dress in just a very short four months. We sat down for two hours one day, discussed my design idea, and she seriously brought it to life without any dramas. I am a very stubborn person who has always loved going ‘against the grain’. I went and tried on some stunning pieces at Hope X Page, which I loved, but just couldn’t imagine myself on my wedding day in any. There are so many pieces I’ve seen that I adore, but I seriously admire the work of my dress and the uniqueness of the details.”
THE SUIT
“Aaron had previously done some work with [stylist] Jamie Azzopardi and had reached out to him in confidence that he could assist him and his groomsman. The boys organised a fitting day where they tried on a few different suits in David Jones, of which they all loved the fit and colour of the Van Heusen.
MEMORABLE MOMENT
“I loved the whole morning getting ready with my girls and reading a book of letters they all prepared for me. Walking down the aisle with my father and grandfather was also really special for me. Pop is 87. My sister had the most beautiful speech, I cried for most of it, and of course, Aaron’s best man, Nelson, shared a very funny quote in his speech that’s hard to forget: ‘Heres some advice from Aaron’s coaches throughout the years, keep throwing him around in different positions to hide his fitness… if that doesn’t work, pull him off’! (Aaron) “Spending the day getting ready with the boys was special. But when Reave, our son, came down the aisle with a sign saying ‘let’s give mummy our last name,’ followed by Tahner, I cried more than expected. Along with Nelson’s speech, also.”
LITTLE LOL
“When the girls woke up for makeup at 5.30am some of the groomsman were still going from the the night before welcome party… Wasn’t funny on the day but we can laugh now.”
STANDOUT VENDOR
“Brent, the manager of The Lodge, was amazing. He was so easy to talk to, coordinate with, and we honestly felt like he was an old friend of ours. Anything we needed, he made happen. Honestly, all of our vendors were amazing, and they’re all just great humans too.
After a stunning South Coast location where you and your people can party all weekend long? Three words for you: The Lodge Jamberoo. See more from this gem of a venue. Or if you’re looking for a talented gown designer who can bring your bespoke vision to life, get in contact with GP Creatives. Getting wed in NSW? Here’s a list of local vendors you simply need to suss out. Or if you’re a sucker for a proposal story (um, same), we’ve got more for you here.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer & Cinematographer Anemotion Florist Leo and Bloom Stationery DIY, Greenvelope, Canva Venue The Lodge Jamberoo Catering Lulu’s Restaurant via The Lodge Jamberoo Cake Charleechewsdays Hire Items The Lodge Jamberoo, Borrowed Event Hire Signage Borrowed Event Hire Entertainment Voli K Music, Arthur Meredith Celebrant Leonie Sharp Rings Affinity Diamonds THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Designer Gabrielle Pagano, GP Creatives Robes Le Rose Shoes Nina Accessories Affinity Diamonds Hair Cherie Cowan – Sloans Makeup Zoe Martin Fragrance A.N OTHER Bridesmaid Dresses Sheike Bridesmaid Shoes Novo Bridesmaid Gifts Dior THE GROOM Suit, Jacket, Shirt, Pants, Tie & Groomsmen Suits Van Heusen Styling Jamie Azzopardi Shoes R.M. Williams Grooming Barber Brothers Groomsmen Gifts Gorgio Amarni
