Sometimes, love finds you in the most unexpected places. For Sarah and Niall, it was a swipe right on Bumble just days after Sarah’s 40th birthday in 2022. What started as a simple connection soon turned into a journey that would lead them to an intimate wedding full of laughter, love, and deeply meaningful details.
When it came time to pop the question, Niall took Sarah by surprise in the most romantic way possible.
“He proposed in a bungalow over the water in Koh Samui, Thailand, setting the perfect backdrop for such an important moment. The serenity of the island, combined with the breathtaking beauty of the location”, made fora proposal she would never forget.
For Sarah, marriage is about building a partnership grounded in grace, respect, and a lot of fun.
"It’s about showing each other grace during tough times, respecting one another, and making time for each other, even when life gets busy with work and family commitments," she explains. But perhaps most importantly, it’s about laughing together—inside jokes and silly moments that keep their connection alive and strong”.
They were married at a stunning property in Samsonvale, owned by a close family friend. This beautiful, tranquil location felt like the perfect setting for their ceremony. With just immediate family, a celebrant, a friend playing music, and their photographer present, the ceremony was small but deeply personal.
Later, the celebration continued at Amore Events Albion, a lively, informal venue where 70 of their friends and family came together for a fun-filled evening. With finger food, an open bar,( I’m not sure that you should say – open bar) and their favourite band providing the soundtrack, the night was all about good company, great music, and even better memories.
A standout moment of the day? Having their families there to witness the ceremony, including Sarah’s 93-year-old grandmother. It was a true testament to the love and joy shared across generations, and she feels incredibly lucky to have had her closest family members with her on such an important day.
As Sarah searched for the perfect wedding gown, she knew she wanted something that reflected her vibrant personality.
"I wanted my dress to be gold, and I really wanted flowers in my hair," she says. A quick Google search led her to a Freddie Met Lilly dress that took her breath away. The dress, which perfectly captured her whimsical vibe, was custom designed in Brisbane, so Sarah booked an appointment right away. “I had some weight to lose and didn’t want to shop off the rack,” Sarah explains.Vanessa, was warm and kind, and the entire process felt incredibly special”.
To make the day even more meaningful, Vanessa worked with Niall to create a suit that complemented Sarah’s dress.
As for Niall’s suit, Sarah had one clear request: “I didn’t want us to look like we were representing Australia in the Olympic Games!"
When she heard the suit was green, she was a bit nervous, but trusted Vanessa’s vision. In the end, Niall’s suit was a perfect match to Sarah’s gown, and she couldn’t have been happier with how handsome he looked.
The most important thing for Sarah and Niall on their wedding day was, “Ensuring it wasn’t about stress or perfection—it was about being in the moment with loved ones. We wanted it to be informal but also meaningful," Sarah explains.While the day was perfect in so many ways, she admits she wished she could’ve spent more time with her guests, especially those who travelled from interstate. Still, having all their favourite people in one room was an unforgettable experience.
Sarah and Niall included some deeply personal touches to honour their family. Niall had roses embroidered on the inside of his jacket as a nod to their late daughter, Orla Rose.
“It was a special way to include her in our day,” Sarah reflects. She also had the initials MLOML (Married the Love of My Life) stitched inside Niall’s jacket, a sweet reminder of their love and the start of this new chapter.
Sarah has some great advice for brides-to-be:
“Don’t get too caught up in the extras. Keep it simple and streamlined. Don’t stress over things like cake or decorations. What matters is the connection between you, your partner, and the people who show up to celebrate you. Everything else is just fluff.”
When it came to style, Sarah’s flair for vibrant, unique fashion really shone through. For the ceremony, she wore Dorothy red sparkly shoes, which she swapped for ballet flats during the reception. And for the dancing part of the evening, she donned a gorgeous pink and orange wrap dress paired with bright pink high-top sneakers. It was the perfect reflection of her bold, fun-loving personality.
For the bridal party, things stayed simple but meaningful. Sarah’s daughter served as the maid of honour, wearing a satin shimmering coral dress with flowers in her hair. The minimalistic but beautiful floral arrangements included Sarah and her daughter’s bouquets, while Niall sported a rose boutonniere.
At the end of the day, Sarah and Niall’s wedding wasn’t about perfection—it was about authenticity, love, and shared joy. From the heartfelt tributes to the fun-filled reception, every detail reflected their personalities and the love they share. Their day was simple, joyful, and unforgettable, and it was exactly what they wanted.
For Sarah, marrying Niall wasn’t just about finding a partner—it was about building a life with someone who makes her laugh, supports her through hard times, and shares in the beauty of life’s little moments. As they continue their journey together, one thing is clear, they’ve created something truly special, and their love will only grow stronger with each passing year.
