A game of chance brought Celia and Lachlan together. Or, more specifically, a game of cricket and an end-of-season dinner where Celia was working and Lachlan was attending as a coach. Accidently spilling food on her future-husband (yes, that really happened) may not seem like the most fortuitous way to start a relationship, but it was just a prelude to the following week when they found themselves in the same uni class!
After recognising each other from the dinner, they were paired up for an ice-breaker activity, introducing your partner to the class. Lachlan’s take? “This is Cecelia, like Ceceliac”.
Lachlan’s cheeky humour captured Celia’s attention and the couple’s bubbly personalities immediately clicked. After discovering a shared love of dogs, they arranged to take Celia’s family dog Wesley for a walk and talk around UQ — little knowing years later they’d be taking their own golden retrievers, Archie and Rudy, on similar walks! “We cherish our connection,” says Celia of their down-to-earth love story. “We’ve built a house and love going to the footy, travelling, eating out and just spending time together.”
And Lachlan’s ‘surprise’ proposal? He went back to where it all began … uni. Celia called it early though, after Lachlan asked her what she was doing that weekend. His savvy love replied: “Why? Are you going to propose?” which took Lachlan completely off guard to the point where he couldn’t hide those best-laid plans. Lucky they can laugh about it now!
With the couple drawn to an elegant, country-style wedding, Celia’s best friend gave them a tip on Braeside, a sprawling Gold Coast Hinterland estate and the perfect setting to host their 98 guests. “Having worked in the wedding industry I knew I wanted my Plan A for the ceremony location to be weatherproof,” says Celia. “Braeside was the perfect combination of classic and modern with crisp white backdrops and lush green gardens. Braeside exceeded every expectation and no request was too much to ask.” The couple’s bold palette captured the joy and celebration of the day, with black accents to tie in with the Hamptons-style aesthetic.
Knowing she wasn’t going to wear a veil, Celia took a clever approach to her custom bridal gown, complementing the sleek silhouette with an airy organza overskirt. After the ‘formalities’ of the ceremony and family photos, she whisked it off to reveal the more fitted crepe gown. Two looks in one! “It felt like a nod to tradition with a modern twist,” says Celia. Something that could be said about this entire glorious event, which honoured both the couple’s deep commitment and their playful personalities.
The bride also had a creative way to organise her support team. “Rather than having a maid of honour, I chose to give everyone a different role on the day,” she says. “It was a really special way to incorporate those most important to me in a way that was most meaningful to each person.” One key player was bridesmaid Jordyn, an event coordinator IRL, who helped ensure a stress-free day for her bestie.
Within a dream team of vendors, the couple save special mention for their celebrant Carly Slade and Rob at the Elevation Band. And for others about to step into the wedding whirlwind? “Take a moment to yourselves,” says Celia. “We had a quiet moment inside our ceremony venue before entering the reception. It was really precious.”
With their sun-soaked Bali honeymoon now a blissful memory, the newlyweds are keen to embrace married life. “We are looking forward to getting back to a bit of normality,” says Celia. “Planning a wedding is such a special time and we will always cherish the time we got to celebrate us — but we are excited to return to a routine and focus on the day-to-day pleasures of life.”
DREAM TEAM
Photography & videography: Pelizzari Photography and Film // Ceremony & reception: Braeside Estate (Chapel and The Pavilion) // Gown: Custom-made by Destiny Chic // Celebrant: Carly Slade // Bridesmaids: Shona Joy // Wedding Coordinator: Braeside with special mention to bridesmaid Jordyn // Florals: New England Flower Company // Cake: Gareth Keenan Catering // Rings: Cullen Jewellery // Stationery: Little Event Boutique // Fairy Floss Cart: Flossy Byron Bay // Band: Elevation Band // Lightup Letters: Event Letters
