Being an event enthusiast herself, Kate made sure that she's a bridechilla come her wedding day. She and Ryan don't want anything over the top but for them to enjoy this milestone they've reached and for guests to just relax in a laid-back setting at Kirra Hill Community Centre.

While the night was still young, all refreshments were available to guests served by our bartenders from our Caravan Bar together with food trucks from Abbiocco and Rolls Pho Mi to ensure guests were well fed. Kate and Ryan created a fun vibe and relaxed environment for everyone so that they could mingle and engage with guests the entire time of their intimate celebration.

Take time to relive the moment of their Gold Coast wedding full of love, fun, and laughter!

How and when did you both meet?

I went through high school with Ryan's sister Phoebe however they lived in different towns an hour away so I had never met Ryan. At Phoebe's 18th birthday party Ryan and I met, he asked his sister for my number the next day and the rest is history!

What type of vibe were you looking to create for your wedding?

We wanted a no-fuss wedding, we wanted everyone to be relaxed, be well-fed, listen to some great music, and have the drinks flowing. We wanted to get back to basics and focus on the love and energy of our family and friends.

How and why did you choose your wedding venue?

Ryan actually came across the venue as part of his job and couldn't wait to show me. Once we looked at the venue together we knew it was exactly what we wanted. Being able to have the ceremony and reception in one space was perfect, allowing us more time to spend with everyone. We were so thankful that the weather was perfect and that we could enjoy the reception under a sky full of stars and a full moon!

Ceremony song?

I walked down the aisle to an acoustic version of "500 miles" and we walked back down the aisle together to "Bohemian Like You" by the Dandy Warhols. It was a great song to set the mood for the reception!

What was the most unforgettable part of the day?

Definitely being able to see each other before the ceremony as we did a first look. Both bridal parties came along and Ryan had his back turned to me until I reached him and he then turned around. It was such a special moment and we were so glad we did this. It was amazing to connect and enjoy some time together before the ceremony. It made the ceremony so much more enjoyable as the nerves were gone and we were focused on each other.

Tell us about some of the special little details and special touches you made or planned?

We really tried to avoid getting caught up in the details and worrying about little things that, lets be honest, no one really notices. So instead we focused on trying to create a fun and comfortable environment for everyone. The food trucks were such a great way to do something special and different!

There was one detail which was important to us and that was having our Grandmothers sign our marriage certificate. This was one detail we were determined to have and we are so glad we have this special moment recorded to show future generations.

Why did you choose to work with Gathering Events, and tell us what inspired your bar menu?

Jen was so helpful with the entire process so it was an easy choice! It was hard to know where to begin with the bar menu and she offered some great suggestions that definitely kept our guests happy!

With your wedding (and wedding planning) all wrapped up, how do you feel?

We feel great! Our wedding day was honestly the best day of our lives, what a way to celebrate love together with your family and friends under the stars! It is also somewhat exciting once the wedding process is over to look ahead to your future together and know that there are many more "best days" to come.

Any wise advice you would offer other couples leading up to their wedding?

Try to enjoy the process as much as possible, it is very rewarding to see your hard work and love displayed on the night through your creation. Keep the end goal in mind and remember that really nothing else matters other then marrying your partner and sharing the moment with family and friends. It is such an important day so make the decisions with no one else in mind but yourselves!

First dance song?

The band played our first song "You look wonderful tonight" by Eric Clapton.

Any funny/ memorable/ silly/ unexpected stories you can share from the day?

I would encourage everyone to have some fun at your wedding! One of the best memories I have is dancing away on top of the shoulders of friends! Ryan was then also lifted up and everyone soon followed suit. It was great to not worry about endlessly walking around thanking everyone and instead creating memories with everyone on the dancefloor.

CREDITS:

Photographer: Tom Judson

Venue: Kirra Hill Community Centre

Celebrant: Angela Galantai, No Fuss Marriages

Event Coordinators: Event Stylist and Co.

Flowers: Cassie's Rosie Posies

Vietnamese Food Truck: Rolls Pho Mi

Italian Food Truck: Abbiocco

Caravan Bar Hire: Gathering Events