This love story started in the bride’s home country of Belgium, where the groom was playing professional hockey. Fast-forward six years, and these two are as in love as ever (their favourite memory was seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony) and our talented friend and photographer, Janneke Storm caught it all on camera. But a quick word of advice from the bride who designed the invites, did the signage and personalised those leather jackets? “Get a wedding package. The stress of getting the decorations, setting up and packing up with a hangover tested our marriage… eight hours in!” Well judging by the below, we can confirm it was all worth it, that’s for sure.
THE PROPOSAL We went on holidays to the South of France where my family have a bed and breakfast. One day we decided to take family pictures in the breathtaking lavender fields that the Provence is well known for. Cale surprised me by dropping one knee, in the middle of the lavender field and asking me to marry him with a beautiful rock. It was just perfect. I was surrounded by the people I love the most, with the lovely smells of lavender and an amazing view. I loved everything.
THE DRESS The first shop I went into was with a few girlfriends, the other two times I went by myself, as I was very indecisive with what I was going for with the budget I had. But, then I found Grace Loves Lace. I made an appointment and headed off to the Gold Coast. The shop is just beautiful and the staff are so friendly. I felt comfortable straight away and had a great feeling. I could pick out five dresses that I wanted to try and the first one I tried on was the one I bought. They are so amazing. And the dresses are so easy to put on. Mine had no zip, no buttons, was stretchy and made me feel fabulous.
REFERENCES My favourite place to look at was Instagram. I found Grace Loves Lace and I always had Janneke Storm in my Pinterest and Instagram, but never actually looked at where she was located. I thought she was from America, because the first pictures I saw was from Ainsley & Sebastien’s Las Vegas wedding. But, it was by looking at the Real Brides section of the Grace Loves Lace website that I fell in love with the pictures of Anna & Harry from Gympie. I looked at who the photographer was (Gympie is kind of close to Bundaberg) and saw it was Janneke, looked at her website which said she was from the Sunshine Coast and it was meant to be.
WE’RE GLAD WE… Took two hours for our pictures. We were doubting how long we wanted to take for those, as we didn’t want to make our guests wait too long. But in the end, it’s our day and that’s what we will have at the end. I am very happy we took that time. It was also good to have each other- just the two of us- and Janneke to take in what just happened.
STANDOUT VENDORS Of course, Janneke Storm. She is so professional and we love her work. She makes you comfortable, after two minutes meeting her it feels like she has been a friend for ages. She captures the right and raw moments. It’s like a documentary and I love that it is all natural. She captures every couple how they are and their personalties. She is just amazing. Also, Melissa from Flower Fusion Bundaberg– I contacted her three weeks before the wedding asking if she could do the flowers at my reception, as well as the flower arch at my ceremony. Melissa was easy to talk to, great at problem solving and finding the right flowers for your budget. As well as Kira from The Place Hairdressing and Selina Baldry Makeup Artistry – everyone looked stunning.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Janneke Storm Florist Flower Fusion Bundaberg Stationery, Signage & Personalised Leather Jackets Inshula Ceremony Private Property Reception Bagara Cultural & Community Centre Catering Indulge Cafe Entertainment & Sound Matthew Barker BRIDE Bridal Gown Grace Loves Lace Shoes Tony Bianco Hair The Place Hairdressing Makeup Selina Baldry Makeup Artistry Bridesmaid Dresses Asos GROOM Jacket M.J. Bale Shirt & Pants Church in The Wild Shoes Politix