The love story
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.
Tell us about falling in love
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.
The engagement
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.
Since our engagement
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.
Beautiful emotions
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!
Favourite details
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.
Vendors
Photographer Courtney Dwyer Photography
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.