3 inspired ways this couple made their wedding unique

Tips + Advice // by QB

High-school sweethearts Grace and Michael knew they didn’t want to do things strictly by the book when planning their dream day at Preston Peak Winery. Designed around their Classic Elegance theme, we love these 3 inspired ways that made their wedding unique – creating surprise moments (check out #2!) and a deeply personal experience.

Photos: E.L Simpson Photography

The first look

Planning a wedding through the height of Covid (including a postponement, thoughts of eloping, and a Plan B, C & D) ended up creating a special pre-ceremony moment, as Grace explains. 

“Instead of seeing each other at the end of the aisle, we did a first look — and I’m so glad we did. After 12 years together and months of uncertainty and stress, seeing each other at the cellar door was completely overwhelming. We both broke down into tears and held each other for a few minutes. We made it. It was my favourite moment of the day by far.”

2. The surprise ceremony moment

Aisle style has had a shake-up of late, with brides inviting mothers, grandparents, children and even fur babies to hold their hand as they levitate towards “I do”. But this couple took it one step further

“Since Michael and I had been together so long, we decided to buck tradition and walk down the aisle together. It was a little bit controversial, but we’re so glad we did it! I was nervous about so many eyes on me as I walked down the aisle and to have Michael by my side made it so much easier. After all, he is the most important man in my life, and I felt the honour of walking me down the aisle should fall to him.”

3. The sneaky dance break

A few hours into the reception, the couple snuck away into the crisp night air with their photographer and videographer for a star-spangled photo session. Michael walks us through the experience …

“The night air was beautiful and the fairylights across the venue were magical. We took amazing photos down the alleyway of lights and then took shots in front of the courtyard surrounded by twinkling lights. We decided to practice our first dance before we re-entered the reception, slow and without music. It was a moment just for us and it ended up being one of the most special moments of the entire day.”

Check out Grace & Michael’s Queensland wedding here