Wedding date: 29 October 2018 // Number of guests: 63
It just took one look, and Meagan and Josh instantly knew the quaint The Chapel Montville & Reception was the perfect place for their I do. With their October date locked, the couple set forth to create an enchanting day full of touching moments and beautiful DIY elements alongside close family and friends. And, we can’t help but agree that the hilltop position, unique features, and striking architecture set the scene perfectly. Say, hello, to a romantic day of fairytale proportions!
QB: All good love stories start somewhere; tell us how and when you met …
It was the match-making of a mutual friend in October 2011 that first set the wheels in motion. I knew that she had given my number to Josh, and when he didn’t call straightway, I took matters into my own hands and called him. Our wedding day was exactly seven years after we met, to the date.
QB: Tell us about your lives together …
Prior to our engagement, we dated for almost six years. We had set up a life together and lived with our four cats, two dogs and a bird (I am a Veterinary Nurse so we’re lucky we don’t have more animals! 😂) We love the outdoors, travelling, and spending time with family and friends.
QB: What does marriage mean to you?
A lifetime partnership with your best friend full of love, trust, support, commitment and compromise.
QB: Make us laugh, make us cry: who proposed to who, and how?
In October 2017, we took off to Maleny in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland for a short break getaway, and Josh took this as the perfect opportunity for a romantic proposal. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t go to plan for Josh; it was raining, windy and cold. Wondering if the weather was going to clear up that day, Josh redesigned his proposal and instead proposed in our room before we headed out. Funnily enough, it was only 1-hour following that the weather cleared and it turned in to a beautiful day. A prediction for our life together, we think so!
QB: How and why did you choose your venue?
We instantly fell in love with The Chapel Montville & Reception when we saw it. The position, the style, and the natural materials it is crafted from (especially the carved animals) all combine to make it simply amazing. We also loved that we could host both our ceremony and reception in the one location, making it convenient for us and our guests. Wanting a whimsical wedding with lots of enchantment, it was the ideal place for us.
QB: Did you incorporate any traditions or perhaps do something a little different?
We did a few things our own way, starting with my mum walking me down the aisle in honour of my dad who passed away nine years earlier (I carried a special photo of him in my bouquet which was a touching and thoughtful gift from a close friend). We also mixed up the traditional father/daughter dance to include the important male figures in our lives (Josh’s dad, and the partners of my three sisters). Continuing with the dance theme, Josh also enjoyed a mother/son dance with his mum! I was also so touched with my sister’s Maid of Honour speech which she sang to the tune of ‘Under the Sea’ from The Little Mermaid. So special!
- Something old: Meagan’s late Grandmother’s ring
- Something new: Meagan’s opal and diamond earrings (a gift from Josh and made from Opals gifted from Meagan’s brother-in-law)
- Something borrowed: Meagan’s mum’s engagement, wedding and eternity rings
- Something blue: a garter made by Meagan’s mum and featuring a surprise touch of ribbon-like blue police tape (in honour of Josh’s job)
And, to top off the collection of special touches, I wore a silver sixpence in my shoe which was made the year my dad was born.
QB: Were there any standout suppliers?
All of our suppliers did an amazing job, they went above and beyond and helped make our day run smoothly. We are forever grateful to have such a memorable day that we will cherish forever.
QB: Do you have any words of wisdom to offer other couples?
As is always said (but it is so true!), be sure to savour a moment to take it all in, as the day really does fly by so fast. Make sure you find moments together during the day, nothing matters except the love you have for each other.
QB: Did you enjoy a honeymoon? If so, how and why did you choose your destination?
We travelled to Italy for our honeymoon which is one of my favourite destinations which I wanted to share with Josh. We spent three-and-a-half weeks working our way from Lake Como down to the Amalfi Coast.
LITTLE BLACK BOOK
Photography: Ben Connolly // Ceremony & reception venue:The Chapel Montville & Reception // Canapes at the venue: Cupids // Dress: Design by White April and purchased from Pearl Bridal in the Gold Coast // Veil: A Veiled Affair, Brisbane // Suits: Navy blue suits by New England purchased through Mark Bunt’s Menswear in Rockhampton // Groomsmen’s suits: Stewarts Suits in Brisbane // Bridesmaids: ASOS // Hair: Jacinta @ Coastal Style Mobile Hairdressing // Makeup: Martina @ Backstage Beauty // Engagement & Wedding Ring: Custom-made by Mystique Jewellers in Rockhampton // Groom’s Ring: Infinity // Florals: created by bride using a mix of garden succulents and artificial flowers // Cake: Vegan and Gluten-Free vanilla with buttercream icing cake and cupcakes (made by our friend who was our matchmaker, Anja of HANC in Rockhampton.) // Styling accessories: Josh made the wood centrepieces and the wood pots for the wedding favours. The favours were succulents from the couple’s garden. Lanterns from Dusk // Stationery: menus, name tags and table seating signs were homemade by Meagan // Videographer: Paul Donnelly from MyFilm // Celebrant: Murray Hunter (Meagan’s primary school teacher) //DJ: John Boyle Entertainment // Harpist: Kim Kirkman // Transport: 1976 LE Monaro (provided through a Monara Fan Facebook page and in honour of Meagan’s dad’s avid fondness of Monaro cars).
