Fates destined for each other will always find a way.
Jane and Corey’s paths first intertwined in mid November in 2022, when the pair took their initial Hinge meeting offline in a cute game of Putt Putt. With some friendly competition and cheeky flirting, the adorable first date activity became a memory that they will cherish forever.
Several holes into the game and scoring a massive lead above Corey, the duo made a flirty bet: if Corey won, he would get a kiss from Jane. Surprised that he didn’t bet on a second date, Jane threw in some light-hearted banter - which might have been the best decision that sparked their relationship. On the last hole, Corey was terribly far behind and had to restrategize from his losing streak.
“If I get this challenge in one shot, with my eyes closed, I’d get a kiss AND a second date.”
To both of their surprise, Corey made the shot and won. Which could have been pure luck of the Irish, or destiny leading them together.
Almost 2 years later on Christmas Eve, the couple was heading out to Tangalooma Resort in Moreton Island when their lives were about to change for the better. A huge storm was lingering and the pair even had a tumultuous arrival. But despite that, Corey insisted on a beach swim. It was weird… but there weren't bells ringing, maybe only that it was out of character? So, his antics went over Jane’s head. On the beach, Corey set up his phone to record their swim and when they got back, he dashed ahead towards his backpack. When Jane got to their spot, Corey pulled out a box, got down on one knee and the rest was history. It made the perfect proposal since the couple had a deep association with the place… and Jane got to wake up on Christmas morning as a finacée. What a special gift!
“ Marriage means supporting each other, unconditionally and marriage solidifies that commitment. It is the beginning of a lifelong adventure with your best friend.”
Wedding Planning: From a Type A Bride
Being an organized bride, coupled with the fact that they needed to accommodate for friends and family from across the globe, Jane had to be on top of the entire wedding planning. And GOSH did her efforts paid off! In a picturesque, quaint canopy, Jane and Corey were surrounded by their loved ones while professing their love for each other.
Here’s a rundown of her planning process:
Have a vision and stick to it. The pair knew that they wanted a very timeless, classic and elegant look. By narrowing down the ambience you want for your wedding, it helps you make more effective decisions for your wedding vendors. Also, be responsible and honest with yourself on which vendor is the most important for you.
Words of Advice from Jane: "Enjoy the planning process and don’t shy away from it. And keep a spreadsheet for your finances to help stay on track."
Venue |
Since the couple had company from Ireland, England and all around Australia, the location needed to check off several criteria: (1) Has to accommodate overnight stays for their guests Shortlisting vendors that achieve all these speeds up your research! And being clear on your spendings helps you prioritise your budget: save or splurge. |
Styling |
Classic. Elegant. Romantic. But also keeping with modern trends. This vision manifested itself in a backdrop that framed the couple. Three 20-meter drapes that hung from beams, circling around wooden frames that they had specifically sourced. They wanted it to look stylish... nothing that “looks like a hangmans arbor”. Doing a wedding moodboard can be as simple as pulling inspiration from Pinterest/ Instagram and assembling it on Canva.
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Outfit |
All black for the wedding party! Black, satin maxi dress with modern accents for the bridesmaids. And black tuxedos for the groomsmen. Chic!
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Florals |
Jane and Corey’s florals were extremely customised and personal, making it more unique than anything on Pinterest. Hailing from Ireland and Waratah in Newcastle, the pair found florals that paid homage to their heritage and birth place. Notably, white waratahs and green Bells of Ireland were used throughout the bridal bouquets and around the reception venue. And tying into her wedding theme, white orchids, roses and lilies elevated the entire look, speckling it around the boutonniers and the bridal bouquet. With the florist’s styling, the venue was wonderfully adorned with waterfalls of white and greens.
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Be clear with what you want and communicate them with your vendors. Wedding vendors are usually more than keen to be a part of your special day, but it requires collaboration and transparency!
Wedding Looks: Finding the ‘One’
With her eye set on a modern gown, Jane knew exactly what she wanted (with some dress suggestions from Corey). And like most brides, she came into the bridal gown shopping with high expectations and hope, but it turned out to be tougher than expected. She visited several ateliers and poured out her vision to them… but was faced with disappointment time and time again.
“They all tried to dissuade me from the style and shape that I wanted in my corset.”
However, when she came to When Freddie Met Lilly, her worries disappeared. She poured her heart out to our bridal designer, Vanessa, and laid out her specifications. The corset had to be extremely precise to fit Jane’s proportions and preferences… and as a bridal atelier that specialises in custom wear, we were able to pull it off.
“Vanessa supported all of my choices and used her expertise to execute all requirements perfectly. The height of the bust and the neckline were one of the main complicated factors. Vanessa was careful not to go too low around my cleavage or too high near my arms. She measured perfectly. I also wanted my waist to be cinched in and my hips to be accentuated. The base of the corset needed to have a slight point rather than straight or rounded.”
And although it was a tall order, our made-to-measure service allowed us to personalise Jane’s outfit to her exact measurements and style – making it completely unique. Ultimately, her final two-piece wedding gown comprises a sleek lace corset and a mermaid skirt that she could mix and match with her daily outfits.
Corey's suit, on the other hand, was less of a hassle as they chose it together at tailoring shop, Black Jacket Suiting.
“The studio was a beautiful environment that felt very exclusive and personal. You knew you were in safe hands with an expert. Getting to see the completed gown for the first time and trying it on was a standout moment. It is something that I have never experienced before so it was a bit of a surreal moment. It is such a gift to be able to go through the process of designing something and seeing it come to fruition. I feel incredibly blessed and thankful.”
Wedding Day: Let the Celebration Begin
As most brides will tell you, your wedding day will pass by in a blur. While you might feel the need to oversee all your efforts paying off, Jane and Corey shares that what’s truly important is having each other. As long as they got married, it’s all that matters. That’s what the day is for, isn’t it?
And of course, nobody likes a party pooper. Sp, while Jane was an ambitious planner, she also made sure to enjoy herself, revelling in the joyful and outrageously fun event she had created for her guests.
The day was nothing short of adorable intimate moments as well. The couple exchanged sweet gestures that symbolises welcoming each other into their lives.
Corey’s mum gifted Jane a ivory brooch to use on her bouquet, one that has been passed down through generations of women in the family. And Corey hand wrote individual letters to all of Jane’s bridesmaids, thanking them for how much they have contributed to her life.
Tips from a Well-Prepped Couple
To Future Brides: Remember to plan an afterparty outfit. Even if it is just a comfy non-bridal look. Make sure you have something to change into that makes you feel fabulous. The celebration ended up having a huge spontaneous after party and Jane was not prepared.
To Future Grooms: The wedding day is your time to shine. Any hiccups, issues or adjustments, is up to you to fix. Your bride is busy, so improvise, adapt and overcome. Be prepared and know the plan.
We couldn’t have said it better! Jane and Corey, it was such a delight to have been part of your special day. We can see how much you care for each other and you two make the most endearing couple. We wish you happiness and love to last a lifetime, you two truly deserve it! Thank you for trusting us for your wedding xx
Vendors:
Photographer & Videographer: Love By Lee
Musician/Band: McGee Entertainment
Celebrant: The Rolling Celebrant @the_rolling_celebrant
Hair: @candice_stylecreations
Makeup: @rachelleferraramakeup
Florist: @enchantinglove_
Cake: @kingofcakesbrisbane
Bride’s Dress: @whenfreddiemetlilly
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: @meshki
Groom & Groomsmen Suit: @blackjacketsuiting
Drapes Remnant Warehouse @theremnantwarehouse
Rings Simon Curwood: @simoncurwoodjewellers
