We have to admit that this wedding is a little special to us here at Queensland Brides. When Sean (the son of our lovely account manager, Suzi) tied the knot with his teenage sweetheart Lisa, we just had to share it with our readers – we’re having a little bit of a proud mama moment here.
To tell their romantic story we have to go back to the beginning, when Lisa met Sean at a mutual friend’s party when they were sweet 16. After their chance meeting and seeing him around the TAFE campus where they were both studying, the shy Lisa struck up a conversation with Sean on good ol’ MSN messenger. “We started talking every day and hanging out a lot, then Sean invited me along to a family party – where his mum introduced me as his girlfriend,” says Lisa. “I think that was his way of asking me out!”
Going on to date and bond over classic cars and motorbike riding, the two were on a motorbike trail some years later when Sean planned a not-so glamorous surprise. After freeing her bike from a muddy ditch, Lisa (covered in mud and exhausted from the 30-degree heat) was caught totally off-guard when Sean popped the question. “We made it up to the lookout at the top of the trail and I was a complete mess,” says Lisa. “When I saw Sean on one knee and holding out a ring I was so completely shocked!” We say, if a guy asks you to marry him while you’re covered in mud, he’s a keeper.
Thankfully, the climate was a little more bearable when Lisa and Sean’s wedding day (4 March, 2017) arrived. After waking up to rainy weather, the skies were clear when Lisa made her way to the ceremony at Flaxton Gardens in Sean’s ’63 Chevy Impala. “Sean and I love cruising around on weekends, so the car is a big part of our relationship and holds a lot of memories,” says Lisa. “It added an extra-special touch to our big day.”
Surrounded by the venue’s mountain views, the two said “I do” in a heartfelt ceremony before exploring the gardens and taking photos with their bridal party… plus Sean and his best man’s Impalas, of course. Keeping the vibe laid-back and fun, guests were treated to canapés and some unique entertainment. “We had a magician roaming around and everyone had a great time watching him perform,” says Lisa.
As the sun set, Lisa and Sean joined their 90 guests in the venue’s Barrel Room, lit with fairy lights and candelabras. To really get the party started, the bridal party decided to compete for the best entry and had everyone in fits of laughter. “One bridesmaid swung her bouquet around in the air while a groomsman carried her in; another groomsman piggy-backed one of the other bridesmaids,” laughs Lisa. “Our best man and maid of honour took the cake though when they entered the reception room doing the ‘wheelbarrow’!”
With everyone in high spirits, the party vibes were certainly alive throughout the night thanks to live music and a seriously impressive lolly bar. “I wanted it to be big and for my guests to take as many treats as their hearts desired,” says Lisa.
The sugar high and fabulous tunes soon had everyone hitting the dance floor, capping off a beautiful day. “Our guests were all up dancing and laughing together,” recalls Lisa. “Everyone was together and having a good time – it’s a memory we’ll always love.”
Brides little black book:
Photography: The White Tree Ceremony and reception: Flaxton Gardens Wedding dress: Allure Romance Bridesmaids’ dresses: Ferrari Formalwear & Bridal Shoes: Novo Shoes Hair: Sally Wilson Makeup: Natalie Hunter Makeup Suits: Male Manor Rings: Michael Hill and David Parums Design Flowers: Poppy Lane Flowers by Design Cake: Adorn Your Bakes Magician: Nathan Hedger Band: The Decoys
