Jennifer & Dion

16 April 2016
Stokehouse Q, South Brisbane, QLD
Photography by Studio Impressions

Dion and Jennifer wanted a wedding with minimal fuss that was polished yet relaxed. They chose a morning wedding and lunch reception. "I think this was the most unique part of our wedding. It was really up our alley as Dion and I are not known for being night owls!" Planning was a smooth and enjoyable process for the couple. "I was so impressed with the work of our photographer, stationery and florist at the weddings of my three older brothers that I decided to use the same suppliers at our wedding," Jennifer said. "Our wedding was the most amazing day filled with love, laughter and many happy tears. We shared our love story with our nearest and dearest family and friends."

Spots, sequins and lace

Dion wore a white shirt, blue spot tie and tailored navy suit with a large but subtle check pattern.
"Malisa, my maid of honour, wore a short sequinned dress from Parker in New York. We knew she would wear it again and it added a sparkle to the day," Jennifer said. Jennifer wore a sweet lace gown that suited the morning wedding. "I knew I didn't want something too overwhelming or difficult to wear. It had the most magical lace and consisted of five layers, two lining, two silk and 2 lace." The night before the wedding, Jennifer's mother stitched a precious pendant of hers with a diamond and sapphire into the gown. "I felt immediately closer to her and found my something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue all in one!" Jennifer also wore Viktoria Novak's Gracie crown. "I felt very special."

Floral free rein

"I was happy for our florist to work her magic and had complete faith in her work. We chose a natural, free-flowing look for the arrangements with masses of David Austin roses and peonies that were sourced from Israel!" Jennifer held a bouquet of soft cream and white coloured blooms as well as trailing jasmine. Jennifer's maid of honour carried a bouquet with brighter colours of pink and and red hues that complemented the reception centrepieces. "Our florist came up with the clever idea of the table centrepieces being made up of individual hand-ties posies for our guests to take home at the end of the reception. She also suggested using clear vases for the daytime event as they would allow more light through and keep the overall look airy and fresh."

Riverside reception

"The fact that we chose a morning wedding and lunch reception really dictated what type of venue we needed. It had to be a place with presence during the day, with a wonderful vista and a relaxed feel. We didn't think dark, expansive ballrooms with elaborate chandeliers would be right for our daytime event." Located beside the Brisbane River, Stokehouse Q was the ideal reception venue. "The restaurant provided a wonderful view of our home city and the river snaking around it." Stokehouse Q had long ticked the boxes of deliciousness and professionalism for Jennifer, Dion and their families. "After meeting with the event manager and owner the decision was easy! We enjoyed exclusive use of the venue from noon until twilight and following the reception, we stayed on to enjoy drinks at the in-house Stoke Bar. We received lots of congratulations from well-wishing patrons!"

Love and laughter

"I loved mingling with our guests and made an effort to stop by every table to talk to everyone. I wanted them to know they were there because we really wanted them to share our special day Dion and I were so thankful to those who have helped us become who we are both individually and as a couple."

Special moments

One of the highlights for Jennifer was the drive to the church with her big brother at the wheel. "Unusually for a wedding we were early, so around the block we went!" Dion and Jennifer then drove the restored two door roadster 1958 TR3A Triumph to the reception. "That was so much fun because people waved and honked their horns at us." Another highlight came during the ceremony, "I remember Dion holding my hands tightly at the altar with the biggest smile on his face, and when he went to slide the ring on my finger he almost dropped it! We had a good giggle when that happened."