Picture this: you’ve just knocked off work for the week and decide to pop into a crowded pub for drinks with friends. You’re probably not expecting to meet your future husband then and there, right? Well, life works in mysterious ways, and this was exactly how sweethearts Emma and Mitchell first crossed paths in Brisbane. “We met through mutual friends and clicked straight away,” recalls Emma. “We originally agreed to keep things casual, which obviously didn’t last! It sounds cliché, but nothing feels more right than being together.”
Falling head over heels in love and enjoying four adventure-filled years together, the couple were on a ski holiday in New Zealand’s scenic Queenstown when Mitchell planned a surprise for Emma. After sharing dinner at a winery they’d visited a year earlier and playing a game of bocce under the stars, the two went for a stroll and reached a spot close to their hearts. “Mitch proposed near the little red tractor where we had stood before, talking about our futures,” explains Emma. “He organised for our friends and my brother to arrive shortly after to celebrate! After a few glasses of Champagne, we headed back into town and stumbled across an amazing band playing in [cocktail bar] Little Blackwood. We spent the rest of the night dancing, laughing and crying happy tears!” Two words: perfect proposal.
With a clear vision of their ideal celebration in mind, Emma and Mitchell spent a year planning one seriously incredible wedding. Searching for a ‘blank canvas’ in the countryside that didn’t feel overly rustic, the pair found their perfect venue when family friends suggested their Samford Valley property, ‘Bronyde’. “It was everything we had been searching for,” says Emma. “Bronyde allowed us to create the relaxed, classically elegant country wedding that we’d been dreaming of.”
The rest of the details fell into place and it didn’t take long for their special day on 9 September, 2017, to come around. With 116 loved ones gathered from across Australia and New Zealand for the celebration, Emma and Mitchell were overwhelmed with love as they exchanged their vows in the sunshine. “It really felt like we were one very large family, who were all ready to celebrate our love and party the night away,” remembers Emma. “We felt so much happiness in those moments.”
After being showered with rose petals and cuddling up to their fur-baby, Winnie, the newlyweds prepared to really let their hair down. The property’s renovated barn was transformed for the event, filled with long tables draped in white linen, flickering candles and masses of gorgeous blooms and foliage. “We trusted Wilderness Flowers and The Event Co to create something pretty that would wow our guests when entering the reception,” says Emma. “We couldn’t have been more impressed with what they created. It was breathtaking!” We’ll second that.
Ready to party, Emma swapped her dreamy Monique Lhuillier ceremony gown for a super-chic reception dress from House of Ezis. The couple toasted the occasion and celebrated in fabulous style with their guests. A live band, al fresco drinks, a cute kombi photobooth and giant chess created a party atmosphere, keeping spirits high among family and friends.
“A real highlight was when about 50 of us formed a conga line, and when the bridesmaids joined the band,” laughs Emma. Another standout moment? “I’ll never forget my dad’s speech, which he had pre-recorded with our videographers (he’s not a massive fan of the spotlight). He then played Axiom’s A Little Ray of Sunshine – most of our guests and myself were in tears.” Nailed it.
The couple spoiled guests with a delicious lemon poppyseed and vanilla cake, and sent them home with mini soy wax candle wedding favours handmade by the bride and her sister. “We created three scents – cigar and brandy, vanilla, and caramel,” says Emma. We’ll take one of each, thanks!
Looking back on their spectacular celebration, Emma and Mitchell are still filled with emotion – “probably more so as time passes,” Emma admits. “It was like a once-in-a-lifetime party with all of our favourite people,” she explains. “It truly felt magical on the day, like everything we had imagined and so much more.”
LITTLE BLACK BOOK:
Photography: Jessie Dains Photography // Videography: Momento Films // Ceremony and reception: Private property, Samford Valley // Wedding dress: Monique Lhullier and House of Ezis // Bride’s shoes: Mimco // Bridesmaids’ dresses: White Runway // Hair: Globe Creative Paddington // Makeup: Jessica Peacock // Suits: T.M. Lewin // Rings: Michael Hill // Flowers: Wilderness Flowers // Cake: Hansel and Gretel Cakes // Celebrant: Sandra Rerrie // Wedding planner: The Events Co. // Styling: The Events Co. and AVIdeas // Furniture hire: The Events Co., AVIdeas, Innovative Hiring and Moreton Hire // Signage: Ingrained and The Events Co. // Lighting: Mr Festoon Lights // Stationery: State of Elliott, Ingrained and Bliss Paper Boutique // Catering: Wine & Dine’m // Photobooth: Insta Kombi // Entertainment: The White Tree // Honeymoon: USA and Bora Bora
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