Photography: Lauren Joy Photography Venue: Braeside Estate Guests: 80
You know you’re in for a treat when the bride is a former wedding stylist! This couple celebrated love and priceless family memories with this gorgeous Gold Coast soirée at Braeside Estate. We asked Kyla about everything from her cinematic moment running through the casino in a big white dress to styling her own wedding to the heartfelt ways the couple honoured her beloved late sister.
All good love stories start somewhere; tell us how you met …
A little swipe right. And little did we know that one Tinder swipe had the ability to unite two people who fit so well together.
Give us a glimpse into your lives together.
Michael and I are the best of friends, we don’t really do anything apart. What does a typical week/weekend look like for us? We absolutely love getting a coffee together (Michael never drank coffee until he met me, now he can’t go a day without it). Every morning we make a cup of coffee together and talk about what the day is going to look like. We also love getting away for a weekend or a scenic adventure.
Make us laugh, make us cry: who proposed to who, and how?
From Michael: I only received the ring from the jeweller on the day we were to leave for our weekend getaway in Stanthorpe. So, it was cutting it fine for things to keep going to plan. The ring was wrapped in a big box (proving quite hard to keep hidden) and coming straight home, I could only hide it in the car. So, I chucked it in the glove box under a few things. After a couple of close calls (Kyla opened the glove box at one point to grab a Chapstick), we managed to reach Stanthorpe.
We had Kyla’s parents with us and, of course, I brought them in on the proposal. So, I had some great help! We planned a nice evening at a winery and no one else was there (I was very pleased with no audience). We went to get photos in the vineyard and unsuspecting Kyla was surprised by me on one knee, ring in hand, asking her to spend the rest of her life with me.
How did you celebrate your hens/bucks?
We both held them on the same weekend. My hens was an absolute blast. It began with a bridal shower at Mum’s house, then on to a surprise location: the Star Casino apartments. The first night was a scavenger hunt of all things relating to Michael and myself. We bar-hopped, went dancing, and drank a lot. The next day, we sobered up at Soak — I highly recommend it; I think the steam helped! Then we boarded a yacht and sailed into the sunset. Michael had a typical boys’ weekend of top golf, bar crawling, games, and enjoying a drink or many!!
How & why did you choose your venue?
My dad found Braeside online. I think the moment those gates opened, and we drove along the white pebbled driveway to the space that would host our ceremony, we both looked at each other and said: this is the one. Braeside is simply stunning. The venue captured our hearts, from the beautiful landscapes and ceremony area to the breathtaking pavilion. Central for all our guests, it is picturesque in every way, and the staff is exceptional.
What was the inspiration behind your wedding style?
I used to style weddings back in my early twenties, so after seeing 100s of weddings, choosing my own style would be a little tricky. I knew I wanted timeless, yet a style I had yet to see. I knew I loved texture, pottery, and candlelight and took inspiration from my venue, noting how the walls were painted, the black trims on the windows, and the tones of the property. I wanted something to complement and enhance the beauty of what was already there. My colour palette was mocha, white, and soft tones of blush.
Tell us about your dress/suit choices …
Kyla: I never quite knew what I envisioned myself in on my wedding day. I knew I wasn’t one for lace or sparkly gowns. So, I tried ‘simple’ gowns; the third dress was the one. The corset detailing, the way the top draped… I’ve never seen a gown like it. It’s Milla Nova’s ‘Beata’.
Michael: We wanted a colour to match our theme and our venue, and we found the perfect one at Politix.
Did you incorporate any traditions or perhaps do something a little different?
Something that was captured beautifully on our wedding day was the way we honoured my late sister. From using her favourite flower, the protea, as the main floral component in my bouquet to reserving her a seat at the ceremony, the little hints throughout the day really made it feel like her presence was there.
Was there a funny/most memorable moment of the day?
I was the late one. Normally I give Michael grief for always being late, but on this day it was me. We didn’t know a conference at the casino (our getting-ready location) would be let out at the same time I needed to leave. I always said to Michael: I don’t want to get ready in the main casino — can you imagine all the people staring at you in a big white wedding dress in the foyer? No, thank you. So, we booked their apartments/residences instead.
But our wedding cars were held up in the carpark, and I was getting panicked. Not knowing how long it would take them to reach the residences, we decided to meet them in the main foyer. It felt like a movie. I ran (I mean, RAN) through the casino in this huge wedding dress, with all the conference-goers leaving simultaneously.
Weaving my way through, we arrived at the venue 15 minutes late. So, my advice? Check with your getting-ready venue if any other events are being held that day.
What was your ‘first dance’ song?
Dressed in White by Cal
Best splurge/investment?
Our venue was definitely the highlight of our day, as was choosing the best photographer and videographer!
Best saving?
I worked on creating all our décor myself, from sourcing our vessels to printing the menus. I also made our wedding signage — this helped me see the vision for the day, and I knew it would save a lot. We also were lucky to have our cars supplied to us by a family friend.
Do you have a special mention for any stand-out vendors/suppliers?
I definitely would say my florist, photographer and videographer were great. Also, our DJ. I loved every single vendor and would highly recommend them all again.
Any words of wisdom to offer other couples?
Besides my getting ready advice (see above), soak in the day’s goodness. Find the goodness in each moment, whether it is rain, hail or shine. You’re getting married!! Enjoy it.
How did you honeymoon?
We loved our honeymoon. We went to Fiji and stayed at the Marriott at Momi Bay …. I highly recommend it.
DREAM TEAM
Date: 17.08.2023 // Photography: Lauren Joy Photography // Videography: White Wedding Film Co // Ceremony & reception venue: Braeside Estate // Celebrant: Ceremonies by Leisa (Leisa Ottley) // Gown: Milla Nova ‘Beata’ // Accessories: CTJ Jewellery // Groom’s outfit: Politix // Groomsmen outfits: Politix // Hair & Make Up: Amanda Higl Hair and Makeup // Wedding Rings: CTJ Jewellery // Flowers: Opium Wedding Flowers // Signage: KM Collective Designs // Cake: Family Friend // Catering: Braeside // Music: G&M Events