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.
Posted by Robyn Bull in Engagement on July 30th, 2024
It was meant to be! Benn and I first crossed paths on Facebook, where he sent me a message that sparked a conversation that would change everything. We chatted for a while, and I was excited to finally meet him in person. But fate had other plans – our first meeting got cancelled, and I thought maybe it wasn’t meant to be. But Benn didn’t give up. He rescheduled, and when we met again, something magical happened. Despite the initial setbacks, our connection was instantaneous, and I knew in that moment that our chance encounter was truly special.
Our proposal story is one I’ll treasure forever. Benn took me to my favourite beach, a place where I feel carefree and at peace. As we strolled along the shoreline, hand in hand, I had no idea what was coming next. But Benn had a plan. He led me to a spot where the sun was setting over the water, casting a golden glow over everything. And then, on one knee, he asked me the question that changed everything: ‘Will you marry me?’ It was a moment of pure magic, one that I’ll always remember as a reminder of the love we share.
After 6.5 incredible years together, Benn and I had built a foundation of love and trust that only deepened with time. While our relationship hadn’t changed, our connection had continued to grow stronger with each passing day. We’d weathered life’s ups and downs together, laughing and crying, growing and evolving as individuals and as a couple. So, when Benn proposed, it wasn’t a surprise that our love had reached this moment. Instead, it was a celebration of the bond we’d nurtured and the future we were building together.
Falling in love is about finding that special someone who becomes your safe haven, your rock, and your partner in every sense of the word. It’s about sharing the joys and sorrows, the highs and lows, and being there for each other through it all. For Benn and me, that someone is each other.
Makeup Artist The MakeUp Hub I Photographer Strattan Photography
Annmaree Strattan is a Gippsland wedding photographer renowned for her unique ability to capture the authentic emotions and intricate details of a couple’s most cherished day. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Annmaree has developed a distinctive style that blends photojournalism with fine art photography, resulting in images that are both timeless and evocative.
Posted by Robyn Bull in Engagement on July 30th, 2024
It was a cold, wet, winter night in May 2022, so literally winter was just happening. My gorgeous kids went to bed, my hubby and I were binge watching the last season of Peaky Blinders. So, me being me, multi-tasking (tv, eating chocolate, browsing Instagram and Pinterest) and as you do I suddenly decided I was going to do a styled shoot for my ideal elopement.
I told hubby the plans mid episode and went crazy working on my mood board.
70’s-flowers in the hair- bright bursts of colour- ‘non-traditional’ were all screaming out to me and from there my “70’s inspired elopement with a modern twist” became my goal.
With the 70’s goal in mind, I instantly thought of a friend of mine, Vanessa. Ness is a free spirited, gorgeous and unique sense of style that she completely owns (she really was born in the wrong era!) I immediately pitched the idea to her, and she was KEEN! knowing her boyfriend Lachie had a glorious mop of hair on him, he too looked like he had just stepped out of the 70’s so they were PERFECT!
Unable to hear what was being said, it was an obvious YES from Ness and these two love birds were ENGAGED! And what a gorgeous moment in time for me to capture the ‘Love Story’ of Ness and Lachie.
A few weeks after pitching the idea…Lachie sent me a sneaky DM which read something (or exactly like this)
‘Omg I’ve been meaning to msg you about doing a shoot for Ness and I, and I would propose and then she said you wanted to do a couple shoot of us!!!!! this is perfect.’
My photoshoot was now going to be a proposal…and I was all for it!!
On the day, Ness came over early whilst my hubby raced down to pick up the gorgeous florals from April at The Fig & Willow Flower Bar. Beautiful Lachie was frantically rushing around Melbourne picking up the engagement ring and getting himself sorted for a long anxious day ahead of him.
Our gorgeous venue allowed enough sun and shade to create the intensity of the photographs. Once inside, we were welcomed with the most industrial and rustic setting. It was raw and glorious and it was so beautiful to explore and capture the stunning and intricate aspects of this beautiful space.
By 4pm we were on our way to Kitty Miller Bay, Phillip Island and walked up a windy track and up to the stunning cliff tops just in time for the most breathtaking golden hour.
From there, Lachie’s nerves kicked in and while I tried my best to keep Ness’s eyes forward, all she kept thinking was ‘omg is Lachie drunk, what is he doing?!’ while he nervously paced behind her. It was both hilarious and painful to watch at the same time, now knowing what was going on in each of their heads!
And I had the most beautiful moment in my photography career to capture the most gorgeous moment between two people I love and adore and the photographs are pure elegance, beauty and LOVE.
Florist The Fig & Willow Flower Bar I Gown Wild Ruby I Makeup Makeup Art by Kate I Models / Couple in Love Ness & Lachie I Photography Donna Lee Photography I Venue The Silo House, Inverloch
Congratulations on your engagement! I’m Donna and I would love nothing more than to join you and capture your big day. I strive to capture those deep, emotive moments between you and your significant other with minimal posing and more authentic, candid imagery. I want you to reflect on your images and feel the love oozing out of them. My work is described as bold and romantic with a modern twist, but I ensure my images remain timeless and relevant. As your photographer, I love to hear what you envision for your big day and to help with pre-wedding plans to ensure your day runs smoothly. With some slight prompting and plenty of laughs, I promise our time together will be relaxed and full of fun!
Posted by Robyn Bull in Engagement on July 30th, 2024
As we navigated the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Marcus and I found ourselves stuck together 24/7. It was a unique experience, to say the least. But despite the isolation, our bond grew stronger. I realized that Marcus had a way of making me feel like I was the only person in the world. His presence was my safe haven, my constant source of comfort and reassurance. Every moment with him left me feeling giddy and carefree, like a kid who’d discovered a lifelong treasure. When we were apart, I felt lost and incomplete. It was as if my world was incomplete without him in it. That’s when I knew, deep down, that I was head over heels in love with Marcus. The thought of being without him was unbearable, and that’s when I knew he was the one for me.
Our first international getaway to Dubai was a memorable one. He had meticulously planned every detail, from the stunning dinner reservations in front of the majestic Burj Khalifa to the breathtaking water fountain show. He even arranged for someone to capture the moment on camera and take photos to cherish forever. As we awaited the spectacle, he excused himself to use the restroom, leaving me lost in the mesmerizing display of lights and music. Little did I know, he was actually setting the stage for a proposal that would leave me speechless. When he returned, he got down on one knee behind me, his eyes locked on mine, and asked me to be his forever. The sound of the water and music faded into the background as I said yes, our love shining brighter than any fireworks display.
As the sweltering Dubai heat seemed to melt away, I couldn’t quite discern whether Marcus’s tears were tears of joy or sweat-inducing humidity 😂. But in that moment, it didn’t matter – all that mattered was the love and vulnerability shining through his eyes. We were transported to our own little bubble, oblivious to the world around us, as he got down on one knee. My heart was racing with nervous excitement, yet simultaneously overflowing with affection and euphoria. It was as if a kaleidoscope of emotions had taken over – a beautiful mess of feelings that left me breathless and elated. In that instant, nothing else existed except for the two of us, lost in the whirlwind of our own little world.
That unforgettable day marked the beginning of our new chapter together, and what a journey it has been! Since then, we’ve built a life filled with milestones and adventures. We’ve taken the next step by purchasing our first home, where we’re now working together to renovate and make it our own. We celebrated our engagement with our loved ones, surrounded by laughter and joy. As we look back, we’ve also made a conscious effort to prioritize each other, promising to take more time off from work to appreciate the little things and cherish our time together. Whether it’s simply taking our beloved golden girl, Honey, for a stroll or discussing our future goals and aspirations, we’re committed to nurturing our relationship and building a life filled with love, laughter, and happiness.”
As I look back, I can still feel the thoughtful planning that went into Marcus’s proposal. He wanted to create a moment we could treasure forever, and he succeeded in making it a reality. Before our romantic dinner, he arranged for our hotel room to be transformed into a fairytale setting, complete with rose petals and a decadent cake waiting for us when we returned. And then, the pièce de résistance: his heartfelt words, spoken from his heart as he got down on one knee. I’ll always treasure the memory of those moments, reliving the emotions that swirled inside me like a whirlwind of happiness and love. And as I reflect on that special night, I feel grateful to be the lucky recipient of such a thoughtful and romantic gesture.
Engagement Outfit Billy J Boutique I Makeup Artist C2 Makeup I Photographer Hannah Gilbert Photographer
Photography for the adventurous, the sunset chasers and those who want something that is authentic and timeless. I’m an easy going, soft-spoken, lover of light and a photographer of people, places and moments that you’ll cherish. Nothing soothes my soul more than that golden light from a sunset and a wildly rugged and romantic mountain top view. On your wedding day, I’m all about blending in with your guests and capturing your wedding story in the most natural and unscripted way possible, so you can feel calm and relaxed. If you feel a connection to my work, then please be in touch, so we can start planning something amazing together!
Posted by Robyn Bull in Engagement on July 30th, 2024
We met at TAFE, of all places, while studying certificates in fitness and personal training. Our friendship grew, and we started dating a year later. We always joke that we bonded over our love of push-ups and burpees. It’s hard to remember our first date because we’ve had so many wonderful dates and adventures over the years. But we think it was the classic dinner and a movie date, watching the kids’ movie “Megamind,” of all things!
We’ve been together for 13 years. We got engaged on our 9th anniversary and were married a year later. We’ve now been married for 3 years. Honestly, it’s all gone by so fast, and it’s hard to remember a time when we weren’t together.
The best way to describe it is that it was just easy and right. We got along really well at the start of our course and formed a solid friendship from the beginning. We always laughed a lot and enjoyed each other’s company. Since we lived about 1.5 hours apart, we only saw each other while we were at school. Once the course ended, we made an effort to stay in touch, and our relationship blossomed not too long after.
Harley had been planning the proposal for over a year. He recreated our first-anniversary celebration, making it incredibly special! The entire weekend in Melbourne was a surprise, as he wanted it to be unforgettable. We stayed at The Langham hotel and had dinner on the Yarra dinner cruise. He said he was incredibly nervous all night, but I was completely oblivious.
We got married a year later after a lot of juggling and constantly changing plans due to COVID. We’ve since renovated our home to accommodate our two beautiful children. Our life has grown and is filled with joy from the many adventures and memories we create daily. We’re both enjoying growing individually and together as we continue to learn from each other and navigate parenthood.
He took me to the front of the boat to get a photo (I love capturing special moments). Unbeknownst to me, he had informed the crew about his plan to propose, so they were all in on it. Our waiter came over to “take our photo” but actually videoed the entire proposal. When we returned to our seats, they had prepared special desserts with the messages “she said yes” and “Mrs. Right.” It was truly perfect!
I think I was in shock and a nice surprise as I thought we were just having our photo taken. After he got down onto one knee and I realised he was proposing my emotions changed to happiness and joy. Harley’s emotions were a mixture of hope, happiness and a ball of nerves
It was very special because of the work Harley went into to keeping it a surprise but also recreating our first anniversary ever. We have agreed it is something we should continue to do on our anniversary every 10 years.
Photographer Rebecca Farley Photography
Congratulations on your engagement !!!Every wedding is so different and beautiful. I love, love, love everything about them. As your photographer I make sure you have fun, enjoy yourself and have meaningful wedding photos that feel like you in every way for this new chapter of your life. My style is a mixture of candid moments, capturing the real connection you have with each other, also including with a few gently guided posed photographs as well. Definitely no awkward posing here I love to get creative by using different light to create interesting and stunning works of art. During the reception I like to be a fly on the wall and take more documentary style photographs of you celebrating with being family and friends. I would love to be part of your wedding.