– As featured in Queensland Brides Spring/Summer 2019 –
What happens when two spreadsheet-obsessed engineers – who happen to have an incredible sense of fun and style – tie the knot? A perfectly planned black-tie wedding on the Sunshine Coast with all the trimmings – and a real party vibe!
Nature-loving high achievers Bridget Goldsworthy (a civil engineer studying law) and Knox Hart (a mechanical engineer with a finance degree) first crossed paths while working in Toowoomba. The usually outgoing Knox admits to being slightly intimated by the blonde beauty until he found an unexpected connection. Although he had tried it once — and swore never again — when Bridget asked if he did trail running, the quick-thinking Knox answered “yes, all the time. We should train together.” The things you do for love. That weekend the stars aligned: they smashed out 16 kilometres on their first run together, and never looked back!
For a couple who loves riding electric skateboards to work, space trivia, and exploring the great outdoors, a post-hike proposal on New Zealand’s Queenstown Hill was perfection. Knox popped the question as they gazed over Lake Wakatipu, and although her answer was “a million times, yes!!” Bridget needed a minute to take in the perfect cushion-cut diamond (precisely the same length each side, very rare) which Knox had searched the world to secure. It really is all about the angles for this detail-minded duo! A helicopter then whisked the giddy sweethearts away to Queenstown’s highest peak. Aced it!
With Knox growing up on a beef cattle farm and Bridget a dedicated beach babe, it was “a no brainer to have our wedding at a working cattle station just ten minutes from the beach” says Bridget. As well as an unparalleled backdrop, Yandina Station offered the freedom to create a sumptuous styling plan. Unfazed by trends, the couple opted for a classic palette and lavish styling, reaching out to boutique vendors who understood their timeless aesthetic, including a photographer and a videographer they’d spied at friends’ weddings. “We were so, so happy with them!” says Bridget. “They made everything very easy, calm, and so much fun!” Extra special for the bride was having close friend (from preschool no less) Chantelle Maree tend to her gorgeous tresses.
On the ‘morning of’, when many grooms confess to a few nerves, Knox savoured the moment. “The hours leading up to the moment you have been waiting nearly 12 months for are the most exciting,” he says. It was matching tuxes all round for the groomsmen (Knox defined his look with a velvet bow tie) complemented by bridesmaids in full-length gowns, with pearls to match the bride. Speaking of which, that gown! After an exhaustive search, Bridget took her mother’s advice and visited Darb Bridal Couture. “It was the best decision,” she says of her collaboration with designer Brad Webb to create the gorgeous organza sheath with hand-beaded tulle overlay, plunging back and detachable kick train. “One of the highlights was when Dad saw me in my dress,” says Bridget. “He literally stopped in his tracks and the tears started. This also made me cry. It was very sweet.”
The emotions spilled over into a heartfelt ceremony in front of 101 loved ones before guests enjoyed cocktails and canapes on the lawn and the newlyweds grabbed a few moments alone for their photoshoot. Then the party moved barn-side, to a scene that was part movie set, part fairytale in the Old Dairy Barn. Florals were a major touchstone, with masses of lush white blooms, a touch of blush, and deep greens. Opulent suspended floral curtains, strings of fairy lights, and pillar candles everywhere created a magical intimacy. The couple wanted “something that would take people’s breath away”. Mission accomplished! “Everyone is still talking about the florals!” laughs Bridget.
In hosting an epic bridal party entrance, Bridget’s brother channelled Hugh Jackman in The Greatest Showman (the pair’s favourite movie) and had everyone up dancing to the theme song. With the newly minted couple announced (welcome, The Harts!), festivities soon spilled onto the dance floor. Because although the dress code was formal, these kids know how to party! “By the end of the night there were even breakdancing wars,” laughs bust-a-move enthusiast Bridget, who literally let her hair down for the reception, swapping a chic updo for tousled waves. For a feast of favourite dishes, guests were seated at long tables dressed in elegant tones of ivory and blush. “Enjoying a delicious meal surrounded by my closest family, friends and my wife was magical,” says Knox. “I felt on top of the world.”
Their wedding photos sing with joy and laughter, and Bridget and Knox agree their clearest memory is just how much fun they had together. “We could not stop smiling the entire day,” says Bridget. “The happiness in the room was contagious.” They also admit some of their favourite moments happened after they’d said goodbye to their guests: being the last two left in the barn; eating chips and chocolate in bed and reminiscing; filming short videos detailing their highlights of the day. Priceless.
Bridget + Knox’s Wedding Story | Yandina Station | Sunshine Coast from Your Wedding Story on Vimeo.
[Little Black Book]
Venue: Yandina Station // Dress: Darb Couture // Shoes: Christian Louboutin //Engagement & Wedding Rings: Canturi Brisbane // Photographer: Florido Weddings // Videographer: Your Wedding Story // Florist: Willowbud //Styling: Splash Events // Coordination: Blush Weddings & Events // Hair: Chantelle Maree Hair // MUA: Brooke Treby // Cake: Chocolate2Chilli // DJ: Cut-A-Rug // Musician: Alex Mills // Guest Transport: Noosa Hinterland Tours // Neon sign: Neon Republic // Boys suits: Black Jacket Suiting // Mother-of-the-Bride skirt: White Label Noba
