LOVE STORIES SHARED WITH
HONESTY, BEAUTY & HEART
HONESTY, BEAUTY & HEART
Posted by ido-admin in Engagement on June 3rd, 2025
Our families were friends through another family, so we kind of grew up together – spending time on a few road trips over the years. We weren’t exactly friends outside of those holidays, but we’d always hang out during the trips.
Then came Fraser Island in 2017… and that’s when the sparks started to fly. The flirting kicked off, and something shifted between us.
Our very first date was at the movies. The film? Honestly – terrible. But we both lied and said it was great so we wouldn’t hurt each other’s feelings. Safe to say, we’ve come a long way since then!
Falling in love with Darcy felt so natural and easy – especially considering how young we were. From the beginning, we were inseparable and just never gave failure a chance. There was no awkward stage between us because we’d already built such a strong friendship, talking every single day. Now, we’re truly best friends, which is something really special. It’s been such a beautiful thing to grow up together and grow into our relationship at the same time.
We were in Hamilton Island on a trip our family had planned for Darcy’s birthday. I’d been before, but it was his first time – so I was excited to show him around. Earlier, he’d spotted a lookout from the pub, and later that day I took him to check it out. It was a quiet, tucked-away spot by the marina – perfectly private, just like Darcy wanted.
Right before it happened, I had actually asked him, completely out of the blue, why he thought I was the one. We’d talked about marriage for a while, always knowing it was in our future, but we’d agreed to wait until our house was finished before really thinking about that next step.
Then, out of nowhere, Darcy got down on one knee.
My question turned out to be perfect timing – and totally unplanned.
Honestly, the planning has probably brought more stress than anything else! Juggling a house and a wedding – plus having a partner like Darcy who’s happy to give me whatever I want – makes it tricky to set any real limits!
But through it all, our relationship hasn’t really changed. At the heart of it, we’re just best friends who know each other inside out. We still miss each other when we’re apart, and over the past seven years, we’ve quietly built a life together that we hope will last forever.
I think deep down, I walked away from our very first date knowing we’d end up married one day. And ever since, we’ve just lived each day knowing there’s nowhere else we’d rather be than right beside each other.
I was in complete shock. I just kept asking if he was serious – laughing, swearing, and completely overwhelmed. He was holding the ring out in front of me, and even though I instinctively stuck out my hand, I still hadn’t said yes – I was too stunned to form the words!
The second he slipped the ring onto my finger, the emotions hit me all at once. I started bawling like a baby. I’d imagined this moment so many times since we first started dating, and now it was real – more beautiful and surprising than I ever could’ve planned.
Darcy is a man of very few words – so there was no big speech, no rehearsed lines. In fact, my spontaneous question gave him the perfect opening to ask me to marry him! And while he may not say much, he knows how to create a moment – and I do love surprises. This one was massive. I truly had no idea it was coming.
What made it even more special was seeing Darcy cry. It made me feel a little less like a sook for bawling my eyes out! He might not always find the words, but he has the softest heart, and that means the world to me.
It was really lovely to be in a quiet, private spot – just the two of us. We got to enjoy being secretly engaged for a few hours before sharing the news with our families, who were two states away. That time together felt like bliss, like we had this magical little secret just for us.
FaceTiming our parents later to tell them was such a joyful moment. Our mums have been just as excited for this day as we have, and of course, there were more happy tears. It was all just really, really beautiful.
Jewellers Jeremy Fleming Jewellers I Photographer J.L. Watson Photography
Based in stunning Gippsland, Victoria, Jodie is a passionate wedding photographer who adores capturing romantic stories and special moments. A self-confessed Disney fan, lover of travel, Jodie found her true calling and hasn’t looked back since.
With a cozy studio and a heart full of creativity, Jodie is here to celebrate your milestones and create unforgettable memories. Ready to capture your love story? She can’t wait to meet you!
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
This photoshoot / slash proposal of Ness & Lachie is so beautiful…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
For real wedding inspiration, explore our heartfelt Real Love Stories, where beautiful Gippsland couples share their heartfelt love stories and wedding day journeys. Discover how local brides and grooms brought their unique vision to life, from breathtaking floral designs and meaningful styling details to the special moments that made their celebrations unforgettable.
For even more expert advice, planning tips and creative ideas, wander through the I Do I Do Gippsland Planning Section and enjoy all the inspiration waiting for you.
Plus check out Ness & Lachie’s Real Wedding.
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
Say hello to Gabby & Marcus. 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
For real wedding inspiration, explore our heartfelt Real Love Stories, where beautiful Gippsland couples share their heartfelt love stories and wedding day journeys. Discover how local brides and grooms brought their unique vision to life, from breathtaking floral designs and meaningful styling details to the special moments that made their celebrations unforgettable.
For even more expert advice, planning tips and creative ideas, wander through the I Do I Do Gippsland Planning Section and enjoy all the inspiration waiting for you.
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
Erinn & Harley met at TAFE, here is their story “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
For real wedding inspiration, explore our heartfelt Real Love Stories, where beautiful Gippsland couples share their heartfelt love stories and wedding day journeys. Discover how local brides and grooms brought their unique vision to life, from breathtaking floral designs and meaningful styling details to the special moments that made their celebrations unforgettable.
For even more expert advice, planning tips and creative ideas, wander through the I Do I Do Gippsland Planning Section and enjoy all the inspiration waiting for you.
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.