Some love stories begin with a spark, others with a mischievous swap of pen inks. For Samantha and Kieran, fate brought them together in 2018 at a work course at the QPS Academy, where his charming blue eyes and playful sense of humour caught her attention instantly. Despite living in different cities, Kieran in Townsville and Samantha on the Gold Coast, their connection grew stronger with every visit, and soon, distance was no match for love. Before long, Kieran made the move to be with her, beginning a new chapter side by side.
Four years later, Kieran planned a romantic getaway to Tamborine Mountain to celebrate their anniversary; an evening that would change their lives forever. After sharing a sunset picnic on Hang Gliders Hill and a few laughs over some memorable people-watching, the couple returned to their accommodation nestled amongst lush gardens and a serene creek. There, under the soft glow of twilight, Kieran handed Samantha a wooden box. Expecting a simple anniversary gift, she opened it to find a ring inside and when he dropped to one knee, it was an easy, joy-filled yes. The evening ended perfectly with Mexican food and cocktails, their favourite simple pleasures.
For Samantha, marriage means spending forever with her best friend. After five wonderful years together, she says there’s a unique magic in marriage that feels different. A quiet, joyful shift that makes everything feel even more meaningful.
When it came to finding their dream venue, the couple knew instantly that Mavis Kitchen was “the one.” With its breathtaking mountain backdrop, charming on-site accommodation, and exceptional food and wine, the venue encapsulated everything they had dreamed of; romantic, natural, and relaxed.
Samantha’s gown journey was one filled with creativity and trust. After visiting two bridal boutiques, she found herself loving completely different styles than she had expected. When she realised that When Freddie Met Lilly could bring her dream gown to life as a bespoke design, everything fell into place. Drawing inspiration from elements of multiple dresses she adored, Samantha worked with Vanessa to design a gown that was uniquely hers. “It was a little scary not knowing exactly how it would turn out,” she admits, “but it was exactly what I had pictured. It came out perfectly!”
Reflecting on her bridal journey, Samantha shares, “I had such a great experience, Vanessa was so helpful and really saw my vision. The studio was so calm and welcoming, and all my guests felt right at home. And of course, Coco is the star employee!”
Kieran opted for a timeless vest-and-pants combination that radiated understated elegance. With Samantha’s input on colour tones and textures, the final look was entirely his vision. Classic, confident, and effortlessly refined. What made it even more special was the personalised lining inside Kieran’s vest, featuring a subtle nod to their story together. It was a heartfelt detail that perfectly captured his personality and the love they share; thoughtful, meaningful, and entirely one-of-a-kind.
Set against the stunning natural beauty of Mavis Kitchen, their wedding was the picture of love and laughter. Samantha and Kieran wanted their day to feel laid-back and joy-filled and it truly was. Surrounded by family and friends (with Kieran’s mum joining via livestream), the celebration overflowed with warmth, laughter, and heartfelt moments.
They exchanged handwritten vows, read letters from one another that morning, and even incorporated a beautiful wine boxing ceremony. Sealing a bottle from their favorite winery, Pyramids Road in Stanthorpe, to open on their 10-year anniversary. The bottle’s 2018 vintage marked the year they met, making the tradition even more meaningful.
Adding to the romance, Kieran handcrafted the pen they used to sign their marriage certificate, turning it from a block of wood just before the wedding weekend. A small but deeply special touch that perfectly reflected their love story.
Their color palette of dusty blue and gold tied everything together, from the bridesmaid dresses to the table décor. Inspired by Pinterest, Samantha styled the reception with rustic elegance: wood rounds, greenery, and soft candlelight throughout. Their beloved dogs made a sweet appearance too, not in person, but as the stars of the table number cards!
Although a little rain meant their reception moved indoors, the romantic glow of candlelight in the old Queenslander-style restaurant made it even more intimate and magical. The ceremony, held outdoors among nature, needed very little styling, just a beautiful floral arbor and the breathtaking mountain views beyond.
Samantha carried a bouquet of native Australian blooms, while her bridesmaid held a bouquet of soft baby’s breath. The groomsmen wore matching boutonnieres with sprigs of baby’s breath and greenery. Their arbor, signage, and reception tables featured a mix of native flowers, eucalyptus, and delicate fresh touches that brought the natural beauty of the day to life.
Her advice for future brides? “Enjoy the day, it goes by so quickly. You spend so long planning every detail, but once it’s here, just soak it all in and have fun. This day is about you and your partner, so don’t stress about the little things. Just embrace it all.”
Samantha and Kieran, your story is the perfect blend of love, laughter, and genuine connection. We are so honoured to have played a small part in your journey and wish you a lifetime of sunsets, laughter, and beautiful adventures together.
