Chloe & Josh -A Love Story Framed by The Valley Estate: A Romance Years in the Making

WORDS: Ocean Road Editorial Staff PHOTOGRAPHY Andy Zheng - Evernew Studio

Some love stories unfold in a moment; others bloom over decades. For this couple, what began as two teenagers working side-by-side at Cavill Avenue McDonald’s in 2003 evolved into a slow-burn romance defined by humour, loyalty, and a shared sense of adventure. Twenty years, countless memories, and one unforgettable Amalfi Coast proposal later, they found themselves standing at the gates of The Valley Estate — a venue that felt less like a choice and more like destiny.

Their wedding became a celebration of everything The Valley Estate does best: timeless beauty, refined luxury, and that rare, almost cinematic sense of place. Here, their story found its perfect setting. 

Here is a peek inside the elegant and loved-up wedding of Chloe & Josh.

Please provide a short back story of how you both met:
We first met working at Cavill Avenue McDonald’s back in 2003. We started dating in 2004 and after a beautiful journey together, tied the knot in 2024. (We don’t like to rush things).

How did the proposal occur?
During a six-week trip through Europe in 2017, Josh made a few attempts in different locations before finding the perfect moment. One evening, as the sun set over Maiori on the Amalfi Coast, we wandered down to the beach on our way to dinner. We stopped for a photo and, to my complete surprise, Josh dropped to one knee. The answer was always going to be YES!

Why did you choose The Valley Estate to host your amazing wedding?
We first heard about The Valley Estate and visited the location in Currumbin together before it was even completed. Even then, with its striking design, and breathtaking grounds taking shape, we left thinking it was perfect. Since it was the very first venue we’d seen, we decided to continue looking – but low and behold, NOTHING else on our search compared. I couldn’t stop thinking about The Valley Estate as our wedding location; the mix of timeless romance, refined luxury, and the natural beauty of its surrounds truly stole our hearts from the very beginning.

What inspired you to choose the ceremony location at The Valley Estate?
We wanted the feeling of a Chapel wedding without being overly traditional, and The Valley Estate Chapel offered exactly that. With its soaring timber beams, soft natural light pouring through the arched windows, and a design that feels both timeless and contemporary, it created the perfect atmosphere for our ceremony. With our own celebrant, Gary Hourigan, it was the perfect match. The space was stunning, the views beyond the Chapel were incredible, and the acoustics for our musician, Michael Vos, were flawless as he played me down the aisle. It was everything we could have hoped for.

What is your fondest memory of the wedding?
Honestly, the fun of it all. We both had an absolute ball! From the moment we stepped foot onto the property, we were looked after so beautifully – the team anticipated everything before we even thought of it, and every detail was seamless. That level of care allowed us to simply relax, enjoy every second, stay present, and soak it all in (something so many people had advised us to do). The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter, love, and those little in-between moments that made the day feel so “us.” We truly had the time of our lives and will cherish the memories forever.

What was the inspiration behind your styling?
We envisioned something elegant, modern, and timeless, which The Valley Estate already embodies so effortlessly. The venue itself is such a statement that styling felt natural, simply enhancing what was already there. Mutya from LadyBlooms Gold Coast brought our vision to life so beautifully, going above and beyond to make every detail perfect.

Details of the dresses, brand, style, the process:
My gown was a Jessica Coutures design from Pearl Bridal. It was only the second dress I ever tried on, yet after trying around a hundred others across six different stores, I found myself coming back to it. I knew it was the one. The moment I wore it, I felt absolutely perfect.

Details of the suit, brand, and style:
Josh wore Hugo Boss, his long-time favourite. The team provided their usual exceptional service and quality, ensuring he felt comfortable and sharp on the day.

Your favourite dish of the night?
The oysters were a crowd favourite, but it was the Roasted Australian Rack of Lamb with baby beetroot salad, kefalograviera, and apple dressing that truly stood out – unforgettable and absolutely delicious.

Favourite photo location?
The Glasshouse was incredible. With its floor-to-ceiling glass panels and beautiful natural light, it created the perfect backdrop for our photos. The lush greenery surrounding the space added a touch of magic, making it feel bright, airy, and alive. Sharing that space with our wedding party was so much fun and quickly became one of the most memorable parts of our day.

Words of advice for future couples who are planning their wedding:
Trust your venue and vendors – they are the experts, and their advice is invaluable. Let them do what they do best. One of the best decisions I made was booking a content creator, CreativeHaus. Tanya offered so many tips and recommendations, and I’m so grateful for her guidance throughout the process.

Photographer’s name and company:
Andy from Evernew Studio was my non-negotiable. Every image I loved online seemed to be his, and I knew he had to be the one. I’m so glad I trusted my instincts – the photos are everything I dreamed of and more.

The Valley Estate 393 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters QLD 1800 908 090 Click here: www.thevalleyestate.com.au