Some love stories begin with grand gestures or childhood sweethearts—this one started with a chance encounter on the other side of the world. When Michael, originally from Scotland, arrived in Sydney on a Working Holiday visa in 2016, he had no idea he'd meet the love of his life. What was supposed to be a two-year Australian adventure turned into a beautiful love story spanning over a decade (with a detour to New Zealand along the way).
Michael always joked that he’d propose in 2020. True to his word—and with impeccable timing—he popped the question on New Year’s Eve 2020, just before midnight. His reason?
“Just to keep me on my toes,” his now-wife laughed. A playful and heartfelt start to their next chapter.
For these two, marriage wasn’t always part of the plan. They were happily engaged for quite some time before even thinking about a wedding. In fact, their initial plan was to elope in Las Vegas and keep it hush-hush. But a piece of advice changed everything:
“There aren’t many times in your life that you have all the people you love in one room, together.” That sentiment struck a chord—and their dream day began to take shape.
The venue discovery was nothing short of serendipitous. While enjoying a casual wine on a Saturday afternoon at a bar next door, they saw a couple walking past in their wedding attire. Curious, they peeked into the venue—and instantly knew it was perfect. Within a week, they had it booked.
The couple was overwhelmed with gratitude as friends and family traveled from all corners of the world—Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, England, and America—to celebrate with them.
“It was something we never expected. So many people making the effort to be there made the day even more special.”
Like many brides, the dress journey wasn’t straightforward. She didn’t know what she wanted—but she knew what didn’t feel right. Her first appointment was at When Freddie met Lilly (WFML), and though she didn’t find the one that day, it planted the seed. Eventually, sitting down with Vanessa from WFML, they pieced together a custom gown that captured every bit of her essence.
“I trusted Vanessa’s vision completely. It still gives me goosebumps thinking about it. But my favourite moment? Trying on the finished gown for the first time, after seeing it start as mere fabric draped around me. It was everything I could have dreamed of.”
When it came to her groom, there was no debate—Michael would be wearing a kilt. It was a non-negotiable and totally fitting for his heritage. As for her own bridal style? She completed her look with... sneakers! A decision Michael teasingly questioned at the altar:
“Why do you get to wear sneakers and I have to wear uncomfortable shoes?” But when he saw her in the gown? “It’s so perfectly you,” he told her.
The bridal party embraced a chic and timeless aesthetic, with the groomsmen also in kilts and bridesmaids in sleek black dresses. The venue handled most of the styling, allowing the couple to relax and be surprised by how it all came together—beautifully.
Opting for dried, pastel-toned florals, the bride ensured her bouquet—and those of her bridesmaids—were keepsakes. A deeply thoughtful gesture was gifting those bouquets to her mother and mother-in-law. “So much of the day is about dads—walking down the aisle, the father-daughter dance—I really wanted our mums to feel special too.”
For this couple, it wasn’t about tradition—it was about fun. The priority was clear: feed the guests, keep the drinks flowing, and make sure everyone had a blast. And they did. They even discovered, just before the wedding, that their date coincided with Michael’s parents’ wedding anniversary. In a sweet nod, they shared their first dance to “Caledonia” by Dougie MacLean and invited his parents to join—a spontaneous but heartfelt moment.
The best advice they received? That same piece of wisdom that changed their minds about eloping: cherish the rarity of having everyone you love in one room.
And for future brides, this bride’s advice is simple but powerful:
“Take a moment for just you and your partner. We did our personal vows before the ceremony, and had two hours together before the whirlwind began. It’s one of my favourite memories.”
Reflecting on her time with When Freddie met Lilly, Kristyn said,
“I couldn’t speak more highly of the experience. Vanessa was supportive every step of the way. I even miss our Friday catch-ups!”.
Photographer: @joshuamikhaiel
Dress: @whenfreddiemetlilly
Flowers: @gather.store
Flower girl dresses: @chloe_and_amelie
Makeup: @jlsmakeup
Hair: @hairby.bonita
Reception venue: @theblackbrisbane
Catering: @thatpizzaguyaustralia
