MODERN RUSTIC

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This particular shoot was about community and getting in to support our local area - this shoot was all about drought proofing a property so the families and farm could continue to survive, then along comes COVID... we are so spoilt for choice in the Toowoomba region but the venues on the outskirts get the spectacular views and landscapes like Greenvalley.

Just a 35 minute drive from Toowoomba, you'll discover a modern country wedding location with an indoor Barn Reception venue with mountain views, wide open spaces… Greenvalley Barn was purchased 8 years ago by the Jenkins and Thorncraft families. Over the past few years it has been severely affected by drought, Co-owner Emma Thorncraft said ‘At the beginning of 2019 we had no choice but to sell 90% of our stock and reconsider our plans.’

It has always been the family’s dream to convert the farm into a rustic but elegant venue, this gave them the opportunity. The renovations to the Barn began in 2019 and completed with a launch night on 29th August 2020. The barn features it’s original structure (massive timber columns!) installed fairy lights for that twinkle of emotion and an amazing Windmill light right in the centre!

It’s been a physical and emotional journey but as I arrived to this shoot I caught Emma’s smile, it was excitement and relief all rolled into one. ‘Let me show you around…’ she said. I’ve followed along the Greenvalley journey right from the start but COVID put back my plans to head out and see the venue for myself… it was worth the wait!

Let’s fast forward along to where we currently are, in the middle of COVID. Here in Queensland due to our low numbers we have been able to open internally and let me tell you, the Wedding Industry in Toowoomba is just BOOMING! Words fail me to describe just how wonderfully, thrilled and excited we all are in the region! So in case you are wondering, yes Greenvalley Barn has a COVIDsafe plan and under current restriction levels have a 72 person capacity indoors and 500 person capacity outdoors.

I am delighted to shine a spotlight on this wonderful location, as A Makeup Artist I travel far and wide (I love rural destination Weddings too!) But it is really special to walk into a venue and feel this kind of warmth. Our shoot features a real life couple, Chloe and James who were married earlier in the year, in the Lockyer Valley. Our glorious sister region also suffering in drought.

Kept separate to get ready in the Bridal and Groom Suites at Greenvalley, Chloe prepared with the Hair and Makeup Team, it was hard not to glance over at her magnificent gown by Valentine Bride. Cassie created a bouncy wave hairstyle and I decided on a feature eye and lash and glowy complexion for Chloe. Pastel blooms by Le Sans Souci complimented the look perfectly. After the Ceremony, Inspired Focus Photography wandered the fields with the couple for those magical moments before returning to the Barn for their Reception meal prepared by The Popup Chef (it looked an amazing spread!).

Bringing the community together to support this Venue and drought proof the place they call home was truly a wonderful experience. There is an underlying need for the sense of community in everything we do; drought, flood, COVID-19… If you are unsure of where to have your perfect day, I’d definitely consider the Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley regions.

We are the perfect balance of small town country values and City opportunities – we’re also equipped with so many amazing wedding businesses! But for now, have a look through the images and enjoy our home - Tyneale Hahn Makeup Artist