After meeting at a local rock climbing gym, Steve asked Zoe out on a date… but there was just one catch – it wouldn’t happen til months later once he’d finished his studies to become a psychiatrist. “We had chatted casually a few times before Steve asked me out for a drink, only it would have to be in four months time once he finished his final exams,” Zoe says. “The day after his last exam he sent me message and from our first date onwards he’s been The One.”
They later got engaged on an (inactive) volcano in Hawaii and eight months later became Mr and Mrs on Steve’s parents’ property in Brissie: “The property holds countless memories and emotions, and we both had this shared understanding that it was where we wanted our wedding to take place.”
On the big day, the pair killed it in the fashion stakes – we are just a wee bit obsessed with Zoe’s Grace Loves Lace gown; Steve was suave in M.J. Bale, and the pair both had ring bling from the legends at The Moissanite Company – and also (thankfully) had one of the best in the biz Sophie from Salt Media along for the ride to take some beautiful photos. That’s enough from us, take a squiz for yourself…
THE DRESS “My wedding dress journey wasn’t as smooth as I anticipated. The initial two choices I had purchased didn’t pan out as expected, and after the mess with the second dress I was just seven weeks away from the big day. It goes without saying, it was a stressful situation. In a bid to salvage the situation, I got in touch with a few bridal boutiques in and around Brisbane, including Grace Loves Lace on the Gold Coast. Their immediate reassurances calmed my nerves, and they were confident that there was ample time to find a dress that truly resonated. Going into the appointment, I was honestly worried that I wouldn’t find a dress I truly loved, and in the end I left with my dream dress! The entire experience with Grace Loves Lace was nothing short of incredible. From the moment I walked in, the worry melted away. They made the process so comfortable and exciting that I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”
THE SUIT “Zoe took me to M.J. Bale, and it turned out to be a solid choice. The guy helping us was really friendly and easy to talk to. He knew his stuff without overwhelming us. What stood out was his honesty. He wasn’t just pushing the pricey options; he actually gave us practical advice on how to save a bit without sacrificing quality. The process was so smooth that I didn’t even realise I’d already done measurements and fittings by our next store visit. But the best part was when I tried on the suit during that first visit, and Zoe got a bit teary-eyed. It was an unexpected and heartwarming moment that added a special touch to the whole experience.”
FAVE DEETS “The cake was a definite standout; my cousin’s creation surpassed anything we had imagined. The effort and care she put in was incredible. A smaller but really special detail was our placecards from Laura Elizabeth Design. We had them printed on seeded paper, which had a dual function as favours as well. It’s a beautiful thought that our guests can take a piece of our day and grow some beautiful blooms with that memory.”
WE’RE GLAD WE… “Went with the idea of having the wedding on family property. The level of freedom we had in designing the space was amazing. Plus, having both our families there pitching in made it even more meaningful. Every time we head back there, it’s like a little flashback to the big day.”
STANDOUT VENDOR “Honestly, all the vendors we collaborated with were fantastic! One standout, though, was our photographer Sophie from Salt Media. Her photos were beyond amazing – they captured every moment of our day perfectly. She made both of us and all our guests feel so comfortable. But it was more than that. Sophie went above and beyond to make the experience truly special. She helped me arrange a surprise for Steve: a family photo from our wedding day edited so that it included his late father, who had passed away just over a year before.”
If Zoe’s gown made you swoon and you want one just like it, get in touch with Grace Loves Lace over on our directory – they’ll have you sorted with one of their many showrooms around the country or you can shop online. If it’s suits you’re after, head here to get in touch with M.J. Bale. Rings, you say? The Moissanite Company have you covered. And finally, if you’re head over heels for these gorgeous snaps shoot off an enquiry to Salt Media here.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Salt Media Event Planner & Stylist The Other Bridesmaid Florist Moons Lane Flowers Stationery & signage Blush Paperie Shop via Etsy Seeded Place Cards Laura Elizabeth Design Printer Ultraprint Ceremony & reception venue Family property Catering Paco’s Paella, Bertino Brothers Food Trucks Head Over Wheels Cake Bride’s Cousin – Emily Stefan Cake Topper Florette Preserves via Etsy Hire Items Don’t Stop The Party Brisbane Barrel Hire, Hampton Event Hire Entertainment/DJ Allan Bremner Celebrant Tarnya Bennett Rings The Moissanite Company THE BRIDE Bridal gown designer Grace Loves Lace Getting ready Piyama Accessories La Lune Collective Hair Alyssa Stewart Hair Makeup Stacie Parmenter Bridesmaid dresses Billy J, Sndys, Azazie, ASOS Bridesmaid shoes NOVO, Forever New THE GROOM Suit, shirt & groomsmen suits M.J. Bale Tie Blaq via Myer Shoes
