Wedding date: 1 May 2021 // Number of guests: 68
Not even the rain could dampen the spirits of this happy-go-lucky couple who celebrated amidst the charm and seclusion of Hideaway Weddings on the Sunshine Coast. There was lots of love, laughter – and some serious flower power!
QB: All good love stories start somewhere; tell us how and when you met:
We first met 13 years ago when we worked at our part-time high school jobs in retail. Under fluorescent lights, love slowly bloomed (it took a year to start chatting!). And the rest, as they say, is history!
QB: What does marriage mean to you?
Rhiain: Marriage means being there and supporting Chris more than anyone else ever could. I want to be there for him when he’s stressed about work, celebrating his birthday, when he’s taking up a new hobby – even when he wants to go to Bunnings for the fifth time that week. I believe in him and know he supports me just as much.
Chris: A big part of marriage is making sure you’re the best you can be, so you can help your partner be the best they can be. You support each other in individual and shared goals and trust that you both have each other’s best interest at heart.
QB: Make us laugh, make us cry: who proposed to who, and how?
We spent the day at the Brisbane Botanical Gardens visiting a limited-time sunflower installation (the sunflower happens to be my favourite flower!).
It was a hot and humid day, and it took us entirely too long to find the flowers, and to make things even worse, it started bucketing down with rain. Luckily, we had thought to bring an umbrella, so we decided to hold up where we were. And then, surrounded by sunflowers, huddled under a teddy bear umbrella, Chris crouched down on one knee and popped the question. It was so sweet! In a very befitting way, it rained on our wedding day, and our ceremony was spent surrounded by sunflowers, under umbrellas – meant to be!
QB: How and why did you choose your venues?
We weren’t interested in taking years to plan a big fancy wedding, so the first thing that attracted us to Hideaway Weddings is that they are an all-in-one package. After talking to Melissa and Amanda and seeing how beautiful the grounds are, we knew this was our place. The all-inclusive nature of the package meant we could cut down on the number of decisions we needed to make, the research involved, and the stress of coordinating it all. We quickly trusted the recommended suppliers’ quality and just let the professionals do what they do best.
QB: What was the inspiration behind your wedding style?
Our wedding planning research uncovered this gem of an idea; pick three things that we felt were most important to us for the day. So we set our non-negotiables: a photo booth, good music, flowers and good vibes, and everything we came to fruition bigger and better than we hoped for, thanks to the Hideaway! Additionally, if you want the day to be super simple, do what we did and choose not to have a bridal party – we highly recommend this.
QB: Were there any standout suppliers?
Aside from Hideaway Weddings and their recommended team of suppliers, we can highly recommend suit specialist MJ Bale. And, both our wedding rings and my engagement ring were handmade by Natalie Marie Jewellery in Sydney. She has beautiful designs, high-quality craftsmanship and uses ethical and sustainable materials.
QB: Do you have any words of wisdom to offer other couples?
Don’t stress! It’s your day, and you can do whatever you want to do. It will go fast, so spend a few seconds to take in what is happening. Also, remember to breathe, ask for help when you need it, and enjoy all the moments together as a newly married couple.
QB: Did you (or will you) enjoy a honeymoon? If so, how and why did you choose your destination?
Yes! For years our dream was to go to Hawaii; however, due to Covid, we were worried about even leaving the state. So we visited Cairns instead, and we’re glad we did! It’s a beautiful place. The fresh smell in the air, the tropical trees, the warm weather, everything about it was terrific.
QB: Highlights of the day?
Rhiain: The vows! I still go all warm and fuzzy inside when I think of our exchange.
Chris: It was perfect to see my beautiful wife Rhiain walking down the aisle and how happy all of our guests were, followed by everyone having the best time on the dance floor – so many smiles, and hugs, and moves. It was so good.
DREAM TEAM
Wedding Venue & Coordination: Hideaway Weddings // Photographer Gavin James Photography // Celebrant: Paula Koda // Florals: The Posy Co // HMUA: Backstage Beauty // Musician: Luke Churchill // Photobooth: Allstar Photobooths // Cake: Cake Yard // Gown: Custom made using the lace from bride’s mother’s wedding gown // Grooms Suit: MJ Bale // Rings: Natalie Marie Jewellery
