The love story
Olivia and Josh had a long history together, as we’ve been friends since we were 14 and 16 which is over 13 years and counting!! With so many shared moments and experiences, it’s hard to pinpoint an exact “first date” – it feels like we’ve been crossing paths and growing closer all along.
The engagement
On a gloomy COVID-ridden day, we decided to take a spontaneous drive to the beach with our two beloved sausage dogs, Pippa and Maggie. Little did I know, that an impromptu adventure would lead to a beautiful proposal on the sand. The sun broke through the clouds, and I found myself surrounded by a stunning setup that left me breathless.
The wedding gown
When it came to choosing my wedding dress, I knew I wanted something that would make a statement. I tried on several dresses, but as soon as I slipped into this one, I knew it was the perfect fit. It’s a little bit extra and a little bit different, just like me! I loved how it made me feel – confident, elegant, and like the best version of myself. The combination of its unique design and the way it shone in the sunlight was truly magical.
One piece of advice
“As the day unfolds, remember to savour every moment – it flies by in an instant! Before you know it, three years will have passed and you’ll be yearning to relive that unforgettable day all over again. Don’t stress about the little things, because trust us, no one will even notice if something goes awry. Instead, focus on the love you share with your partner and remind each other every day why you fell in love in the first place, even when life gets tough. Open and honest communication is the key to a strong and lasting relationship – make sure to keep the lines of communication open and talk through everything that comes your way.”
The venue
Immediately after getting engaged, we decided to take a look at some venues for our special day. I casually suggested we check out one place for lunch, and as fate would have it, it was the exact spot we had envisioned for our wedding. The dates they offered were even more ideal, matching our original plan perfectly. And let’s be real, the food and atmosphere were incredible, so it was an easy decision. We initially had our hearts set on a destination wedding, but with the pandemic in full swing, we realized that Phillip Island, technically considered ‘overseas’ from where we live, was the perfect compromise. It felt like a getaway, but still close enough to home for our loved ones to join us.
Beautiful details from the ceremony
One of the most magical aspects of our wedding was sharing it with our closest friends and family. We felt so grateful to have everyone there to celebrate our love with us. It was especially meaningful to reflect on our journey together, from our early days as tiny kids to now, as we stood before each other as husband and wife. A particularly memorable moment for me was when Liv’s cousin, Joel, sang a beautiful rendition of ‘It’s Always Been You by Caleb Hearn’ as I walked down the aisle. It was a truly special moment, and I’ll always treasure this magical moment.
Favourite memories
It’s impossible to pinpoint a single highlight from our wedding day – every moment was truly unforgettable. It’s cheesy, but it was genuinely the best day of our lives. From start to finish, everything flowed smoothly and effortlessly, with a contagious atmosphere of joy and celebration. And the cherry on top was seeing our guests having an amazing time too – we’re still receiving rave reviews and messages from friends and family saying it was the best wedding they’ve ever been to, even months later! It’s a memory we’ll cherish forever.
Favourite vendors
We had the ultimate dream wedding experience, and it was all thanks to our incredible vendors. With my hair and makeup team, I knew I was in good hands – they’ve been styling me for years, and I didn’t even need a full trial run – they just knew what to do! It made the morning of the wedding so relaxing and set the tone for a stress-free day. The same went for our florist, photographer, and videographer – they were all professionals who knew exactly what they were doing. They worked seamlessly together to capture every moment, and even joined in on the fun – laughing and partying with us as we celebrated our special day. And the results? Absolutely stunning flowers, incredible photos, and unforgettable videos that I’ll treasure forever. From the moment I got engaged, I knew exactly who I wanted to work with, and it showed in every aspect of our wedding day.
Vendors
Accessories Amelie George Bridal I Alterations Rita Turpin I Bridal Gown & Veil Designer I Twelve South Bridal I Bridesmaid Dresses Billy J Boutique I Cake / Sweets Cake Me Melbourne I Catering Phillip Island Winery I Celebrant Lisaanne Celebrant I Ceremony Venue Phillip Island Winery I Entertainment / Music Three Oak Road Reception, Joel Bowditch Ceremony I Favours / Gifts DIY I Florist Style Lush I Grooms Attire Tarocash I Hair Stylist Bronde Honeymoon Port Douglas I Invitations / Stationery DIY I Jewellery Wynelle & Paul Bram I Makeup Artist Alarna Bell Makeup I Nails / Tan Many Faces Aesthetics I Photographer Hannah Gilbert Photographer I Reception Venue Phillip Island Winery I Robes, Sleepwear & Lingerie Midnight Mischief I Videographer Moon & Back Co
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!