JESSICA X SAM

danielle webster photography weddings gold coast bridal gowns bouquet vow renewal to the aisle australia

images by danielle webster photography
vow renewal date 17 june 2020

How did the two of you meet? They say you never meet your husband in a bar, but in this case ‘they’ were wrong! Sam and I were both bartenders at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre back in our university days, and we met at the tender age of nineteen. We were hired on the same day, built a strong friendship first, and the rest – as they say – is history!

When and where was your Wedding? We were married at the Botanical Restaurant and Function centre in Mt Coot-tha, Brisbane, overlooking the lake. The venue itself has since changed hands, but the luscious Mt Coot Tha Botanical Gardens still holds a special place in our hearts!

What led you to decide on your renewal location? We’d originally planned to renew our vows on the beach in Thailand – however coronavirus meant that we had to stay a little closer to home. We feel very grateful to have been able to book the charming Forget Me Not Cottage in Mt Tamborine for a long weekend’s stay, and we renewed our wedding vows in the English style country garden there. Everything felt relaxed, whimsical, and truly memorable – which is exactly what we hoped for, regardless of the location!

How long were you married before your vow renewal? 2020 felt like the right time to renew our wedding vows for a number of reasons. Firstly, because Sam and I have now been together for ten
whole years! And secondly, because we both turn 30 this year in June and July respectively. Lots of milestones!

We’d initially planned to combine our birthdays and anniversary into one celebration – and had booked a beachfront stay in Khao Lak, Thailand. Of course, this year hasn’t turned out as anybody anticipated, so we adjusted our plans to include a smaller, local celebration in the Gold Coast Hinterland.

I think 2020 has taught all of us not to take our lives or loves for granted. Even though it wasn’t what we’d first expected – Sam and I felt particularly grateful to have the opportunity to celebrate ten years of togetherness in a simple, relaxed and whimsical setting, in the picturesque Mt Tamborine.

What was the inspiration behind renewing your vows: Sam and I celebrated with a non-traditional vow renewal – we wanted the event to reflect our interpretation of the occasion. Rather than
repeating spoken wedding vows (which were perfect the first time) we exchanged written cards that allowed us to express what a decade together has meant for us both.

We also did a ‘first look’, where I surprised Sam in my bespoke When Freddie Met Lilly gown! Rather than repeating the experience of wearing a white wedding dress, I opted for a blush gown that was decorated with 3D lace flowers. For our vow renewal, I wanted my gown to be a reflection of myself at 30 – it had to feel comfortable, elegant, and a little more grown-up.

Your most favourite moment/s of the day: Our vow renewal and anniversary celebration ended with a stunning sunset at Mt Tamborine Lookout, which overlooks the gorgeous valley below. Our photographer, Danielle Webster, captured some sensational sunset photographs here, and we’re laughing or hugging in about every second shot!

What is your most favourite thing about your marriage? Sam and I have each other’s back no matter what. We’re a true team, and for the last decade we’d tackled every challenge and triumph together as one unit.

Any stand out vendors for the day? Someone that went above and beyond? Every vendor who helped us to celebrate our anniversary-and-vow renewal was incredible, particularly given the challenges facing the event industry at the moment. From the dress, to the hair, make-up, photography and videography – everyone went above and beyond to help ensure that Sam and I had a special day.

Due to the nature of 2020, some of our plans had to be made very last minute (for example, my flowers were arranged with less than 48 hours’ notice) but everything came together perfectly. We’re so appreciative!

Extra big shout-outs have to go to Vanessa and the design team at When Freddie Met Lilly, who created a timeless gown that helped me to feel poised and relaxed. Also, my heartfelt thanks to Dani (Danielle Webster Photography) and Maleika (Calika Co) who captured all the special memories on camera.