LIFESTYLE
Alicia And Chris’s DREAM WEDDING
WORDS: Ocean Road Magazine PHOTOGRAPHY Kristy from Figtree Pictures
HOW DID YOU BOTH MEET?:
We met on New Year’s Eve 2020 through mutual friends. If you ask Chris it was love at first sight and he knew he would marry me one day. I was completely oblivious and not looking for a relationship at all. He was working away and once he met me he took every chance he could to come back to the Gold Coast and organise group dinners and catch-ups so hopefully, I would be there. It took a few months but finally, he got the courage to ask me out on a date. He went above and beyond organising a special dinner and a massive box filled with presents from Victoria’s Secret. I was blown away and after our first date we were pretty inseparable.
HOW DID THE PROPOSAL OCCUR?
Alicia was 20 weeks pregnant and we were about to have our gender reveal. I thought it was the perfect time to propose. I organised a room at the Marriott and had it beautifully decorated by a stylist with flowers and candles and chocolates. I organised it all to be captured by a videographer. The next day I surprised her again with booking high tea with our family and close friends to celebrate.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE VALLEY ESTATE?
I had seen photos of the Valley Estate on Instagram and thought it was absolutely stunning. It was the first venue we went to look at and as soon as the big gorgeous gates opened and we drove through I got shivers everywhere. I looked at Chris with tears in my eyes and said this is the place. It was even more amazing in person and every space is so well thought out. We were just wowed not only by the venue but the incredible staff. We never looked at any other places after that and couldn’t wait to pick our date.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO DECIDE ON THE LOCATION?
We chose the greenhouse. It just took our breath away.
YOUR FONDEST MEMORY?
Turning around and seeing Alicia walk towards me down the aisle. It was a feeling I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR STYLING?
I have always wanted to have a classic but glamorous black-and-white wedding. The Valley Estate supplies the most gorgeous table setting that suited my theme so I really didn’t need to add much. My friend Eriza from The Bright Candle Styling helped with all my extra styling adding white table runners, white flowers and romantic candles throughout to bring my vision to life.
DETAILS OF THE DRESSES — BRAND, STYLE, THE PROCESS?
My dress was Milla Nova. I bought it from Luv Bridal. Choosing my wedding dress was daunting for me because I had only just had my baby when I had to order my dress. I tried on a lot of my “dream dresses” but I wasn’t happy. After a trip to Sydney, dress shops all over Brisbane and the Gold Coast I finally tried on something totally different. As soon as I put that dress on I knew it was the one. I felt so comfortable in it and when it arrived before the wedding and I had lost all the baby weight I felt even better. I ended up buying a reception dress to get changed into as well so I could dance the night away. My bridesmaids wore House of CB dresses. All four of them loved the dresses and felt amazing in them!
DETAILS OF THE SUIT — BRAND AND STYLE?
Suits were by Bruno’s Suits Custom Tailor. My wife gave me limited options with the selection process. Black and white, I was very happy with them.
FAVOURITE DISH FOR THE WEDDING NIGHT?
This is hard, it was all amazing. I would have to say that the canapés were my favourite. The mushroom arancini balls and karaage chicken sliders – yum!
FAVOURITE PHOTO LOCATION?
Again we loved the greenhouse. The photos turned out to be absolutely amazing.
ADVICE FOR COUPLES PLANNING THEIR WEDDING?
Get married at the Valley Estate! They made the process so seamless. Lauren our on-site coordinator was fantastic and so were all the staff. The day ran so smoothly and they took all the stress off us. All our guests were blown away by the gorgeous venue and amazing food.
PHOTOGRAPHER’S NAME AND COMPANY?
Kristy from Figtree Pictures
Venue @thevalleyestategc
Celebrant @amweddings.co
Florist @flowerstudiogoldcoast
Stylist @thebrightcandlestyling
Dress @mlanova @luvbridal
Bridesmaid dresses @cbhire_
Makeup @lenisepattini_makeup
Hair @bwhairstudios
Signage @redvisualgc
Entertainment @chrishutchison @ryanlivingssax
Visit: The Valley Estate: 393 Currumbin Waters QLD 4223
T: 1800 908090
