Holly and Blake, the high school sweethearts, embarked on a romantic journey by exchanging vows in a classically elegant garden wedding that effortlessly blended modern charm with timeless tradition. Each carefully curated element of their special day was designed to create a visually stunning and memorable celebration that seamlessly merged contemporary flair with nostalgic romance.
Cosy Engagement…
Holly and Blake’s relationship began to blossom when they crossed paths in high school, where they quickly formed an unbreakable bond. As their friendship deepened, romance crept in, and before long, the couple found themselves inseparable. The tender moments that followed were just as sweet, with a low-key engagement taking place at home, surrounded by warmth and love.
Holly fondly recalls the evening: ‘Blake paced back and forth for a bit, then got down on one knee, asking me to be his forever partner.’ With hearts full of joy, they shared their news with those closest to them over a celebratory dinner, before spreading the word far and wide through a classic Instagram post.
Capturing Candids…
Holly and Blake’s outdoor wedding was a deliberate choice to soak up the sunshine and natural beauty. To achieve their desired balance of modern and classic vibes, they opted for a crisp white colour scheme that brought elegance to their garden celebration. Photographer Lauren Olivia played a crucial role in capturing the special moments, even making the newlyweds feel at ease despite their initial discomfort with posing for photos.
According to Holly, ‘Lauren made us feel so relaxed, and it’s the candid shots she took that we love the most – she did an incredible job of capturing moments we didn’t even realize were happening!’
High School Posse…
Holly and Blake’s wedding party was comprised of close friends who had been privy to the couple’s relationship growth since high school. This inner circle of loved ones included five groomsmen donning navy MJ Bale suits, which they wore with a playful twist courtesy of Blake – a pair of matching socks given as a token when he asked them to stand by his side. Meanwhile, Holly’s five bridesmaids, her ‘bride tribe’, looked stunning in their elegant powder pink Shona Joy dresses.
Classic Bride…
Holly’s wedding dress was a masterclass in understated elegance. The two-piece gown, though designed to be worn separately, merged seamlessly to create the illusion of an A-line dress when worn together. Its sleeveless design boasted a flattering V-neckline and exuded sophistication from every angle. According to Holly herself, her primary concern was finding a dress that would remain timeless in 20 years’ time.
And so, she opted for a design free from excessive embellishments, allowing the simplicity of the gown’s lines to shine through. The finishing touches came in the form of a flowing veil and an enchanting bouquet featuring delicate white blooms and lush greenery, which perfectly complemented Holly’s overall aesthetic.
At First Sight…
In a picturesque setting, the Botanic Gardens in Brisbane’s CBD provided the idyllic backdrop for Holly and Blake’s wedding ceremony. The moment they locked eyes as Holly began her stroll down the aisle to Ed Sheeran’s romantic tune, Tenerife Sea, was truly unforgettable. According to Holly, sharing this special moment with her groom-to-be was a highlight of their big day: ‘Seeing each other for the first time down the aisle was really special for both of us,’ she gushes.
Lost In Florals…
The festivities at Darling and Co in Paddington didn’t stop there. As guests arrived, they were greeted by a breathtaking floral archway that later became a stunning photo opportunity. The reception venue itself was transformed into an intimate setting with delicate white flowers mirroring Holly’s elegant bridal bouquet. Soft candlelight added to the warm ambiance, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for all.
Sweet Treat…
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of ‘cake time’ at a wedding! For us, it’s always a highlight – and for Holly and Blake, it was no exception. Their stunning cake perfectly captured the essence of their elegant and refined wedding theme. The show-stopping centerpiece boasted luxurious gold leaf accents and an arrangement of fresh flowers that beautifully mirrored the reception decor and Holly’s own bridal bouquet.
Dance ‘Til You Drop…
As the evening wore on and the cake was safely out of harm’s way, Holly and Blake seized the moment to take centre stage for their highly anticipated first dance as a married couple. The sentimental choice of ‘Love Someone’ by Lukas Graham brought tears to the eyes of many in attendance, and the newlyweds’ joyful expressions only added to the emotional atmosphere.
But the romantic interlude was just the beginning, as Holly and Blake then kicked off their dancing shoes and took to the floor with all their guests, partying the night away in a celebration that would be remembered for years to come.
Here’s To Forever…
As newlyweds Holly and Blake settled into their life together with their dalmatian by their side, they reflected on the lessons learned from planning their special day. The couple’s advice to future brides and grooms is to remember that it’s their own unique story to tell, rather than trying to live up to others’ expectations. ‘You can’t please everybody,’ Holly emphasizes, ‘so just do what you want to do!
‘ By taking a relaxed approach to wedding planning, they found the experience to be much more enjoyable. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by the process, they focused on one thing at a time, which they believe was key to their stress-free journey. As we gaze upon their breathtaking wedding photos, it’s clear that their love story is only just beginning. We wish them all the best as they embark on this new chapter in their lives.