It’s a classic tale of two highschool sweethearts wed in a marquee backyard wedding. Johanna and Chris have been best friends since they were 16 years old, so this classic romantic story definitely needed to be told here on Valentine’s Day.
The pair share a mutual love of dogs, and Johanna says since Chris has seen her at her worst and still loves her, it’s without a doubt truly, madly, deeply. Their wedding was planned for their sixth anniversary in a backyard wedding stamped with the couple’s own personal touches.
A clear marquee was set up for their backyard wedding so everyone could stay on and celebrate under the stars.
As a chef, Johanna made sure everyone attending her wedding would be well fed with nothing short of amazing catered food, and the prettiest cake and donuts to finish.
Images by Roy Byrne.
“My dad, who is also a chef, helped prepare food for the reception, my sisters helped with the set up and finer details I may have overlooked, and my mother-in-law and sister helped create some very potent punch for the guests upon arrival.”
“We went through so many themes, I was addicted to Pinterest so I kept changing my mind. In the end we went with slate, marble, gold and natural greens. Our centrepieces were from the surrounding gardens so we had kafir lime leave branches, peaches and jasmine sprawled across tables setting off a fabulous aroma.”
“The best thing about our wedding was being surrounded by so much love. I’ve never felt that loved before, it was the most beautiful feeling.”
“I forgot my underwear and had to wear a spare pair of my mother in laws spanx… Yep.”
“Remember that the day is about you and your husband, don’t let anyone or anything take that away. Also remember to pack underwear, maybe pack two just in case.”
Wedding Secrets for a Backyard Wedding
Biggest splurge: Our honeymoon.
Best money-saver: Focusing more on the food, alcohol and music. It’s all your guests will care about in the end.
Bridal gown: Grace Loves Lace
Accessories: Mimco, borrowed Armani
Shoes: Nine West
Bridesmaid dresses: Vintage
Bridesmaids’ accessories: Forever New, Mimco
Groom’s suit and shoes: Clay Rondo Menswear, Aquila
Groomsmens’ suits and shoes: Roger David, Politix
Rings: Michael Hill Jeweller
DIY: We did the whole wedding ourselves. From the set up to the anti pasto platters for reception. It’s alot of work but so rewarding.
Honeymoon: We went to NYC and then on a 12-night cruise of the Caribbean, coming back from that was hard.
Wedding budget: $43,000
Who paid: We paid, with some help from our parents.
Photographer: Roy Byrne | Caterer: The Canape Project | Cake: Tome | Transport: Champers Rolls Royce Hire | Makeup Artist: Sally Townsend Makeup Artistry | Hair Stylist: Joel Reilly | Rentals: Noosa Party Hire, Hamptons Hire | Entertainment: Jackson Clayton | Gift registry: Envelope Registry | Celebrant: Kath Tilly Marriage Celebrant | Wedding Night Accommodation: Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort
Thank you for supporting our A-List Vendors, who helped make this wedding so darn special…
Learn more about… Sally Townsend Makeup Artistry + Kath Tilly Marriage Celebrant + Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort + Politix
