Good vibes and good people – at the end of the day, that’s all you need for a truly fantastic wedding. These two essential elements were at the heart of Kimberley and Jesse’s special day. Tying the knot at Albert River Wines in the Gold Coast hinterland, the couple put together an extraordinary celebration brimming with love, from the handmade details to the heartfelt speeches.
It all started with a chance encounter in paradise. Both Kimberley and Jesse escaped to the glorious Whitsundays just after graduating high school, which is where the pair crossed paths for the first time – and instantly connected. “We quickly found ourselves in each other’s pockets,” remembers Kimberley. “We’ve been head-over-heels for each other ever since.”
The two were enjoying another idyllic Aussie location, Fingal Head in Northern NSW, when Jesse popped the question in simple, from-the-heart style. “After a beautiful day spent exploring nearby towns, we went for a stroll on our favourite beach at Fingal Head, where Jesse had taught me to surf,” shares Kimberley. “He professed his love for me, got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife.”
Excited to make things official, the two set the date for a year later and threw themselves into planning their dream wedding. Enlisting the help of friends, Kimberley and Jesse brought their love to life in a spectacular celebration at the picturesque Albert River Wines. “My best friend and I styled the venue with gum leaves from my backyard for the table runners and we hand-painted and wrote place-cards and wedding favours,” Kimberley says. “A friend with a floristry background made our bouquets and flower arrangements, another volunteered to be our videographer and we DIY-ed pretty much anything we could! We wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Thanks to the superstar team of friends and family helping out, preparations ran smoothly in the run-up to Kimberley and Jesse’s wedding day on 13 April, 2018. “My bridesmaids and I stayed on the property and we woke to misty mountains, cute farm animals and giggles of excitement,” recalls Kimberley.
Dressed in a sweet vintage dress and some of the prettiest shoes we’ve seen, Kimberley met Jesse under the shade of a giant fig tree later that day for an enchanting outdoor ceremony. Surrounded by 60 guests and sweeping hinterland views, the two exchanged vows and sealed their love with a kiss. “There was an overwhelming atmosphere of sheer joy,” says Kimberley.
Exploring the venue’s elegant grounds for a fun photo session among the vines, the couple later joined guests for a relaxed reception. Adorned with native Australian blooms, greenery and twinkling fairy lights, Albert River Wines’ verandah offered an ideal setting for sharing laughs and indulging in delicious food. “We went for a rustic, slightly boho-inspired look with a touch of glamour,” explains Kimberley. “It was all so romantic and relaxed.”
Before tucking into an indulgent macaron tower with friends and family, Kimberley and Jesse shared an intimate ‘just the two of us’ moment. “We snuck off to the side and watched the sun set between the mountains and hugged each other, in awe of the magical day we were having,” remembers Kimberley. “We still talk about that moment all the time.” So sweet!
Dancing and a hilarious round of ‘the shoe game’ capped off a wonderful day – one the couple says they wouldn’t change at all. “Everything came together perfectly,” says Kimberley. “We had brilliant weather, an amazing venue, delicious food and a whole lot of love. The entire day felt like a dream!”
LITTLE BLACK BOOK:
Photography: About Time Co. // Videography: Lachlan J. Hood // Ceremony and reception: Albert River Wines, Tamborine // Wedding dress: Vintage with alterations from Faun Creations // Shoes: ASOS // Bridesmaids’ dresses: Faun Creations // Hair: Hair by Lacey // Makeup: Jasmine Lei Creations // Suits: Politix // Rings: Clayfield Jewellery // Flowers: Nat Lopez Floristry // Macaron tower: Whiskey Business // Stylist: Caitlin August // Honeymoon: New Zealand
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