– As featured in Queensland Brides Autum / Winter 2020 –
First, he stole her lunch. Then he stole her heart.
These best friends didn’t know that one day they’d be saying “I do”, even though looking back, all the clues were there. Meeting at the tender age of 13, Madison and Ryan became fast friends, although it would be years later before any romance developed between them. They ended up attending the same high school, where Ryan made a habit of stealing his bestie’s lunch and throwing her school bag in the bin! “He thought it was hilarious,” Madison groans.
Over the next few years Madison and Ryan continued to grow as best friends while they dated other people. Then, when fate saw them single at the same time, their regular catch-ups turned romantic and within weeks, Ryan had asked Madison to be his girlfriend. A few years later, Madison was 36 weeks pregnant with their daughter, Harper, and had finally made it to a well-deserved bath when Ryan told her to get ready to drive down to the waterfront. Confused – and a bit annoyed – Madison refused to get out of the car with her boyfriend and their dog, Bronx. Ryan eventually sweet-talked Madison out of the car, then retrieved a ring he’d hidden in the driver’s side door and proposed. “I was so shocked, I said ‘No!’ several times,” Madison laughs. It wasn’t until they were driving home that Ryan asked, “So, did you mean ‘no, yes’ or ‘no, no’?”
The bride-to-be most definitely meant yes, and the two officially tied the knot on 11 October 2019 at Preston Peak Wines in Toowoomba. “We looked at a few venues but nothing compared to Preston Peak,” says Madison. “We fell in love with it the minute we arrived.”
Madison and Ryan focused on creating a timeless, classic feel for their wedding by sticking to a simple, monochrome palette and native flowers. “I really wanted something clean, crisp and minimalist, that wouldn’t date too quickly,” explains Madison. “I have always loved the black-and-white look and loved the idea of adding some greenery and Australian natives into our florals to add a bit of colour.” The pair enlisted the expert help of wedding stylist Erlinda Espinoza from White Lace & Promises, whom Madison exclaims is “an absolute angel! She brought all of my visions to life.”
After years of unintentional practice through their close friendship, the two were ready for their interpretation of marriage: an unconditional, loving and respectful commitment through the good and the bad. They also exchanged adorable love letters before the ceremony, reminding each other that they were truly excited to be marrying their best friend.
Later, as they performed a choreographed first dance routine surrounded by greenery and twinkling lights, Madison and Ryan focused only on each other – a lesson they discovered was vital on their wedding planning journey. “It’s easy to forget about each other and put your relationship on the bottom of the to-do list when planning a wedding as it gets extremely overwhelming and busy,” explains Madison. “We started dance lessons a few months out from our wedding, so for an hour every week we had to step away from our busy schedules and make time for the both of us. We would always go out for dinner after and make it a date.”
Staying true to that philosophy as newlyweds, the two are planning to visit the US in 2020 for their official honeymoon, and even squeezed in a mini-moon in beautiful Vanuatu just after the big day. After all, there’s no such thing as too much love!
[Little Black Book]
Photography and videography: Peter & Mae Photography & Videography // Venue: Preston Peak Wines // Dress and veil: Luv Bridal // Accessories: Ruby & Sage Jewellery // Shoes: Jimmy Choo // Suits: Tarocash, Zara // Bridesmaid dresses: Wallis Boutique // Bridesmaid shoes: Guess // Rings: Michael Hill //Wedding planner: Preston Peak // Wedding stylist: Erlinda Espinoza, White Lace & Promises // Flowers: The Gathered Bunch // Cake: Story Book Cakes // Signage: The Moser Design Studio // Celebrant: Will Dredge // Singer: Michael Eötvös, Me Music // Bridal robe: Le Rose // Chandeliers: Marry Me Events & Styling // Neon signs, lighting and dry ice: Impact Lighting Co // Polaroid booth: Frankie & Mavis Caravan Photobooth // Hair: Hair by Beck // Makeup: Makeup by Madison // Dancing lessons: Strictly Bridal // Honeymoon: Vanuatu and USA
