“Marriage is choosing one another every day, in the public moments of a wedding ceremony and in quieter ones.”
The epitome of modern-day romance, Rachel and Rheeder met on Tinder in 2021. Going into the date with an open mind and optimistic faith that they would both find their special person, it turned out to be more than a success. And so begins the couple’s love story. The two shared an informal yet memorable first date, as they admired the Christmas lights in their hometown of Mackay.
Fast forward a few years, a proposal was due – and it did not fall short of perfection. Rheeder planned for the special day in advance, making sure everything happened according to plan. Reminiscing their first holiday in Rome, Rheeder already knew that Rachel was the one – even joking that they found his “wedding cologne” while shopping. Now, the couple is back in the same city, and Rheeder, waiting for the perfect moment to pop the question. Wanting to propose on Rachel’s 30th birthday, he aligned the time zones with her dad and arranged with her mum to pick up the engagement ring they designed together. After the long anticipation of everything falling into place, Rheeder proposed to Rachel that morning in the heart of Monti District. Talk about a double celebration!
“Marriage is an interesting concept in our relationship. Rachel, a realist, sees marriage as a solidification of what already was. However, Rheeder sees it as a proclaimed vow and bond that commits two people to one another, in a way that allows our families (and ourselves) to witness our love for one another!”
Like their relationship, Rachel and Rheeder were intentional with their wedding choices, wanting the ceremony to be an intimate reflection of them. Everything was planned around featuring the couple’s home near the Whitsundays, backgrounds, personalities and most importantly, a sense of calm.
Even the venue holds special meaning for the couple. While they knew they wanted an all-inclusive venue that complemented their intimate ceremony, there was one non-negotiable – a ceremony by the water to pay homage to Rheeder’s 6-year service in the Royal Australian Navy. When they came across Coral Sea Events, it seemed like the perfect place. Celebrating their union at one of the most picturesque locations in Whitsundays that has lodging, a diverse range of photo backdrops, and an organised and professional service team? It seemed like a no-brainer, especially for Rachel, who could sit back and truly enjoy her special day.
The wedding decor was kept simple yet elegant, allowing the natural beauty of Whitsunday and Coral Sea Events to shine. The colours of the bridal party, also cohesively complemented the scenery. Filled with meaningful intricacies and countless opportunities to take stunning wedding photos against diverse backdrops, it was truly a day to remember.
Choosing what to wear was eminently one of the priorities for the couple. As a Type A planner and plus-sized curvier bride who had little clue about the wedding dress she wanted, Rachel was incredibly anxious about dress shopping.
“I knew I wanted comfort, support and flattering cuts! Something that was classic and elegant, with sleeves and an A-line skirt which cut at the waist in the right spot – in an off white of course (pale skin girlies will understand!)!”
However, when she arrived at When Freddie Met Lilly, her worries disappeared. Immediately, she felt a sense of comfort and ease, knowing that creating a completely bespoke gown that suited all body, preferences and personality was more than possible. Guiding her through the multitude of gown options in the studio, Rachel found her dream dress in the Houston Gown – highlighting her elevated elegance. Tying in the blue theme with a sapphire and diamond necklace and earrings gifted to her as an anniversary gift by Rheeder, Rachel looked absolutely gorgeous!
“From fitting me in last minute, to consulting and measuring to perfection, the team was great. Knowing I could make any adaptations to Vanessa’s already stunning designs, and have the dress made to my measurements, was a surreal experience that I didn’t think was possible in the bridal field! Knowing I had no expensive alterations hanging above my head was also reassuring.”
Though the suit was more challenging than expected. Who knew there were so many colours, patterns, cuts and styles? Hoping to embrace the venue’s colour scheme, the pair decided a natural colour palette and blue-green ocean tones were the way to go. They ended up purchasing several suits and pieced together a mini ‘try-on dress rehearsal’ at home, making the process less daunting and leaving Rheeder feeling more reassured and confident. Going with a comfortable and breathable 2-piece suit, Rheeder shone in his cobalt-navy checkered pattern suit with an ivory shirt that shows beautifully in photographs. He also sported his personalised cufflinks and the special fragrance from their first holiday in Rome to tie in the entire look.
Twirling around in the bridal suite in her beautiful beaded skirt that catches the light, Rachel knew it was going to be a day to remember. Surrounded by gorgeous unstructured bouquets of florals with the same colour palette, everything came together in unison. For the couple, their wedding could not have turned out better for their family and loved ones to witness their union in person.
“We wanted a symbol which truly showed how two individuals' lives were combining and complementing rather than being all encompassing and blending identities. Creating the sand frame in the sand ritual allowed us to recognise who we were as individuals and who we are as a married couple in a beautiful keepsake that we can add a wedding photo to.”
If there is any advice Rachel would give to future brides, it’s to enjoy the wedding and surround yourself with people who bring you peace. No matter how busy, stressed or chaotic you might feel, all that matters in the end is the bond between you and your partner. Also, she highlights being authentic to yourself.
“It is your wedding. We did many things in a non-traditional way and when the day ended there was nothing we regretted. We chose our vendors together, DIY’d only those things we knew would add value to an already stunning backdrop, and didn’t sweat too much on the decor. We built our wedding our way together.”
Vendor Tags:
Bride: @rach_mckenzie11
Groom: @uncle_rheedah
Venue: @coralsearesort
Florals: @sofiandflora
Cake: @ambitiouscakes_whitsundays
Celebrant: @idowhitsundaywedding
Photographer: @brookmilesphotography
Hair and Makeup: @airliebeachmakeup
Rings: @philipsjewellery, @angus.coote, @michaelhillj
Suit: @johnnybigg, @ydaustralia
Ties: @otaa
Shoes: @foreversoles
Bag:@thewholebride
