Steph and Tom’s story began one night at a bar when they realised they shared mutual friends. Despite attending the same high school, they never crossed paths because Steph was a year ahead of Tom. After that evening, Tom asked their mutual friend for Steph’s contact, and soon they planned their first date – a bush walk, perfect for their shared love of staying active. Steph recalls being nervous on the drive over, but as soon as she saw Tom, all her nerves disappeared. On the other hand, Tom was calm until the moment he saw Steph, and then the nerves kicked in! Since that first date, they’ve been inseparable.
Tom recreated one of our first dates in the most thoughtful way. Early in our relationship, we went hiking at Wilson’s Prom and ended the day with a picnic lunch. For the proposal, he was set on recreating that same picnic. We hiked to the top of Mt. Bishop, and it was there that he proposed. It was perfect—every detail thoughtfully planned to mirror our first adventure. We were so overwhelmed with emotion that we couldn’t even eat! Wilson’s Prom now holds an even more special place in our hearts.
Go with the flow!
Timelines are great
to go off roughly
but nothing goes
to schedule. Soak it
up, enjoy the day!
Go with the flow.
We’ve always loved a minimalist style, so we aimed for something classic and elegant, yet modern. My wedding gown captured all of that perfectly. We chose timeless black suits for a touch of class, and the overall look was exactly what we envisioned. I especially loved the split in my dress, which added a modern edge to the classic design. It all came together beautifully!
We wanted a venue close to home, and Mewburn Park Homestead was impossible to pass up. The stunning landscape, charming brickwork, and the clear view marquee were exactly what we envisioned. It had everything we wanted, just a short drive away. Our day was flawless, and Julia and Adam went above and beyond to make it perfect.
It’s honestly so hard to choose a favorite moment. Nothing compares to having all your loved ones together, celebrating your marriage. We made sure to get the formalities out of the way early so we could fully enjoy the day. One moment that stands out is dancing to “Dancing In The Moonlight” with all our favorite people—it was such a surreal feeling of pure gratitude.
It’s impossible to pick a favourite – they were all incredible in their own way. I truly believe we had ‘the dream team’ by our side!
Accessories Saint Valentine Jewellery I Accommodation Mewburn Park Homestead I Bar Mewburn Park Homestead I Bridal Gown & Veil Designer Curator The Label I Bridesmaid Dresses Hello Molly I Catering Duart Events & Catering I Celebrant Kellie Eddy Celebrant I Ceremony Venue Mewburn Park Homestead I Entertainment / Music DJ Nige I Florist Pollen & Patina I Grooms Attire Panthers Menswear I Hair Stylist Pure Envy and Co I Honeymoon Europe I Jewellery Saint Valentine Jewellery I Makeup Artist Maddison Whykes Makeup I Nails / Tan Nails on Raymond and Edge Beauty I Photographer Lisa Hayman Photo & Film I Reception Venue Mewburn Park Homestead I Signage Signed by Bess I Robes, Sleepwear & Lingerie Shein I Wedding Stylist Pollen & Patina I Videographer Four by Four Films
Hi! I’m Lisa. I live in Central Gippsland with my husband Derek, our two sweet girls, and our fur baby Elliot the cat. I have an unhealthy addiction to “The Block”, buy far too many indoor plants, and I have a secret obsession with the “Guilty Pleasures” playlist on Spotify. It is important that you find someone whose work you love, but I believe it is just as important to find someone who will bring out the best of who you are in your photos. The truth is, your wedding is a once in a lifetime occasion – the two of you are about to start the most challenging, rewarding, and exciting experience of your lives together – and choosing someone to capture that day through photography is a big decision. My approach to wedding photography is to tell your story – as it happens. On the day, I’ll be your cheerleader, your seamstress (if ever required, ha!), your level-headed support person and your dance floor comrade. Your day is about celebrating your love story and I’ll joyfully be coming along for the ride. From run sheets to location scouting, I do a whole heap of prep in the lead up to ensure the day runs as smoothly as possible and we can get the very best out of your wedding day photography coverage.
I am so thrilled you are considering me to document your special day!
Posted by ido-admin in Engagement on October 16th, 2024
Steph & Reece’s love story began back in high school. They became friends around Year 9, but life took them on different paths when Reece left school. A few years later, fate stepped in when Reece reached out during a night out, asking Steph if she could give him a lift home. That one message sparked a reconnection, and soon they found themselves spending more and more time together. Eventually, they both had to admit there was something more than friendship brewing.
Their first ‘official’ date? Well, Steph was feeling pretty hungover and all she craved was fish and chips. So, they drove to Tooradin, where they enjoyed fish and chips by the water. It wasn’t the fancy dinner Reece had in mind, but it was exactly what Steph wanted – and it turned out to be the perfect start to their love story.
Sometimes, the most unexpected moments turn out to be the most memorable.
Falling in love is honestly the most beautiful feeling, no matter how cheesy that sounds. Being with your best friend every day, learning, growing, and sharing new experiences together is something we never take for granted. Just when you think it’s impossible to love your person any more than you already do, you find yourself falling even deeper.
Steph was in Cairns for a week attending a work conference, and Reece had planned to fly up on Friday so we could spend the weekend together and then head home on Sunday. When he arrived, he mentioned how surprised he was that there weren’t many beaches around. He started Googling and found a beach about an hour away that he thought would be perfect for watching the sunrise. I wasn’t too keen on the idea since we didn’t have a car, and I didn’t really want to take an Uber that far, so I brushed it off.
But Reece didn’t give up and kept suggesting we go for a sunrise drive. Finally, we agreed to head to Palm Cove on Sunday morning before we needed to leave. So, we got up super early, caught an Uber, and made our way there. We grabbed coffee and took a walk along the beach, stopping to admire a boat out on the horizon. Reece was standing behind me, and suddenly I felt him tap my leg. I turned around, and there he was—down on one knee. It was the most perfect proposal, just the two of us with no one else around.
Honestly, our relationship keeps growing stronger, and every day we feel incredibly lucky to have each other. Since the proposal, we’ve been busy planning our wedding and are now eagerly counting down the months. We can’t wait to continue building our life together and making so many more amazing memories along the way.
All the emotions hit me at once! My heart was racing a mile a minute, I couldn’t stop smiling, and I was in complete disbelief. I had no idea it was coming, but I was absolutely over the moon with happiness!
The only person who knew about Reece’s proposal plans was my dad! After Reece popped the question, he couldn’t resist and ended up telling his brother. We decided to keep it a secret from everyone else until we got back home. As soon as we arrived, we made trips to share the news with my family and then Reece’s. I’ll never forget their smiles and excitement—especially since no one had a clue! It was so special for us to have those precious moments to ourselves, soaking in all the joy before sharing our big news with everyone.
Photographer Courtney Dwyer Photography
I’m COURTNEY AND I JUST BLOODY LOVE A WEDDING. The vibes, the resounding yell from the rooftop celebration of love, the people, but most of all? I love being able to capture the most special day of your life the best way I know how – with laughs, some serious moves on the dance floor, my third arm (my camera), and immersing myself completely into your day. I love love. Watching two humans promise forever to each other gives me the warm fuzzies, and getting to immortalise that for you? Well, that takes the cake as the best job ever and I’m so bloody glad I get to do it. I’m warm and energetic, fun and love a laugh and I promise that you’ll get the very best of me, amazing dance moves included.