This couple embraced reimagining their dream day – and it paid off!
Taylah and Carey had always imagined that their wedding day would be held at luxury private Gold Coast estate Gilston Manor, which just happened to be owned by Taylah’s parents’ close friends – a dream that makes complete sense to us! Of course, COVID-19 was not part of this idyllic vision, and when the couple discovered that hosting a self-catered wedding at the manor was impossible due to restrictions complicating the logistics, they faced the heartbreaking decision of postponing their big day, or bringing it forward – without their dream venue in the mix. “We made a major decision to bring our wedding forward a week and changed locations,” says Taylah, who admits that while the manor was a dream venue, ensuring everyone could attend their wedding was far more precious. With a sick grandmother to cater for and the unknowns of lockdown ahead, the couple knew that this was the right decision. And, looking at the joyous photos of their day, we have to agree!
Of course, Taylah and Carey’s love story started long before coronavirus restrictions became part of everyday life. The couple first noticed each other in 2015 while attending Christmas Carols on the Gold Coast. Still, it wasn’t until a year later that their love story properly began, when coincidently at the same event, they noticed each other again – only this time they weren’t about to let the moment pass by. Christmas came early that year for the instantly smitten duo!
Fast forward a few happy years together, and it was on Taylah’s birthday that Carey popped the big question. Sitting on the beach together following a romantic seafood dinner, Taylah couldn’t help but notice Carey’s nervous disposition – but quickly decided that this, along with her family’s odd behaviour that day, could probably be put down to secret birthday plans being hatched between the two parties. “On our drive home he was quiet, but I just thought my family had a surprise at home for me for my birthday,” Taylah recalls. “When we got home, however, he went straight inside, and my sister met me at the front door with a blindfold.” At that point, she knew a surprise was definitely looming.
Once inside, Taylah heard the song ‘Why I Love You’ come on the stereo – which was also the cue for her sister to remove the blindfold, revealing an unbelievable sight: Carey, surrounded by candles and rose petals (and close family and friends), ready to ask for her hand in marriage. So romantic!
After COVID forced them to reimagine their wedding vision, the couple were thrilled to quickly find an alternative all-in-one resort venue that ticked all their requirements. The chic Island Gold Coast at Surfers Paradise allowed them to host their dream celebration.
“We wanted a very formal wedding. I love white roses and greenery, so we followed that theme throughout the entire wedding,” says Taylah. With styling help from her mum and close family friend Loretta, Taylah ensured lush foliage and elegant florals transformed the boutique spaces into a picture-perfect backdrop that enhanced the beauty of the ceremony and reception areas.
While the whole day was jam-packed with wonderful moments, the couple is quick to remark that one stands out in their memories. “Our [reception] entrance is our favourite memory. It was the best five minutes of our lives,” says Taylah of the dramatic, firecracker-lit arrival. And the funniest moment? Well, that easily goes to the bouquet toss and one cousin’s spectacular catch effort. “She came from out of nowhere, and there was no chance anyone else was catching it,” Taylah laughs.
It may not have gone entirely smoothly for this couple, but the wedding planning period remains full of sweet memories for Taylah and Carey. “The lead-up to the wedding holds memories you’ll cherish forever, so take it all in and don’t stress about the small things because once it’s all over, the small things don’t matter,” Taylah shares. Perfect advice for our post-pandemic world.
DREAM TEAM
Photography: Danielle Webster Photography // Venue The Island Gold Coast // Dress: Luv Bridal // Bridesmaids dresses: Luv Bridal // Makeup: Morgan Jean Makeup // Hair: Hair By Karissa // Suits: Connor // Styling: Loretta Sheerin and the bride’s mother // Music: Djpats // Celebrant: Daniel Kahika
