Venue: Private Family Residence Photography: Amy Philip Photography
When Jamie-Lee walked down the aisle toward her soon-to-be husband, William, she was wrapped not only in the most exquisite gown but in a lifetime of love, family traditions, and memories that had been quietly building for years. Surrounded by 179 of their closest friends and family, the moment was a perfect blend of elegance and heartfelt intimacy.
Set against the rolling Queensland countryside at a purpose-built venue created by Jamie-Lee’s parents just for their daughters’ weddings, the atmosphere of Jamie-Lee and William’s celebration was warm, joyful, and unmistakably personal.
Every detail, from the delicate floral arrangements to the soft golden light spilling across the lawn, spoke of a celebration that was as much about family as it was about the couple themselves.
The couple’s love story began in classic country style: through mutual friends at a local race day. “It wasn’t long before we were driving to visit each other in any spare moment we had,” Jamie-Lee recalls. These days, home is a little slice of paradise in Boonah, surrounded by their dogs, horses, and cattle, where they nurture their love and shared country lifestyle.
The proposal was nothing short of magical. In November 2024, William got down on one knee during a golden sunset on his family property, at the very spot Jamie-Lee had always imagined he would ask. With a stunning custom ring by Hogan’s Family Jewellers, he caught her completely off guard. “It was perfect,” she says. “The moment felt intimate, just us and the horizon, even though we were surrounded by so much love.”
Leading up to the wedding, celebrations kept the joy rolling. An engagement party at their Boonah property in January 2025 set the tone with close friends and family. William’s bucks weekend included an NRL trip to Townsville, while Jamie-Lee’s hens was a three-day Royal Caribbean cruise from Brisbane. She also enjoyed a beautiful bridal shower with high tea and cocktails at her family home, all of it layering memories before the big day.
By September 2025, the scene was set for a Black-Tie-meets-country celebration that perfectly blended their personalities.
But perhaps the most special detail of all? The venue. With seven daughters, Jamie-Lee’s parents had decided years ago to build a purpose-built wedding venue on their Cooyar property. It wasn’t just a practical decision; it was a labour of love. Every timber beam, every landscaped garden, every open-air marquee reflected their care and devotion. “They’ve gone above and beyond,” says Jamie-Lee. “It’s the most unreal venue any couple could ask for, and it made the day even more special.”
As for the dress: it was always destined to be one of Erin Clare Bridal’s creations. Both of Jamie-Lee’s sisters had worn Erin’s designs before her, and years earlier, she had already spotted the one in Erin’s Noosa boutique. “I told Mum, ‘this is going to be my dress one day!” she laughs — and she meant it.
When she returned to the boutique as a bride, she slipped into that same gown first, and everything fell into place. It was exactly how she had imagined she would feel: comfortable, confident, and completely herself. From there, Erin worked closely with her to further elevate the look. Jamie-Lee arrived with inspiration photos of romantic sleeves she’d been dreaming about, and Erin brought them to life with a custom design that blended seamlessly into the gown.
What made the experience truly special, Jamie-Lee says, was Erin’s uncanny ability to understand each bride’s shape, style, and personality. “Erin is so talented and knows exactly what suits each individual bride. She made my vision come to life and then some,” she shares. “Walking out in that dress felt like a full-circle moment; years of dreaming wrapped into something even more perfect than I imagined. I honestly can’t recommend her enough.”
The day itself was filled with heart. From the emotional aisle moment to their first dance to Growing Old With You by Restless Road, every detail reflected their love story. Guests dined on incredible barbecue from local caterers 2m8s BBQ, while Jamie-Lee’s aunt added personal flair with DIY stationery and signage that saved on costs without sacrificing style. Little touches, like family portraits displayed around the venue and personalised messages on the welcome boards, made it feel intimate, even with a large guest list. Laughter, happy tears, and the occasional dance-off filled the night, making it a day everyone will remember for years to come.
Their advice? “Take it all in as it goes by so quickly! Have a plan, but be ready to go with the flow. Just enjoy your day.”
After the celebrations, the newlyweds jetted off for a blissful five-night honeymoon in Fiji, which made for the perfect ending to a family-made fairytale.
DATE: 13 SEPTEMBER 2025 GUESTS: 180 BUDGET: (NOT DISCLOSED)
PHOTOGRAPHY Amy Philp Photography // VENUE Private Residence // DRESS Erin Clare Bridal // GROOMS SUIT Ferrari Formalwear Toowoomba // VIDEOGRAPHY Short Flix Media // FLORALS Follow the Flowers // HAIR The Base Hair Lab // MAKEUP Chantel’s Makeup and Beauty // RINGS Hogans Family Jewellers // BRIDAL CATERING 2m8’s BBQ Kalbar // BRIDAL ACCOMMODATION The Cooyar Hotel // STATIONERY & WELCOME SIGNS Bride’s Aunty