Chris and Brooke in the Goldie
Brooke and Chris chose the breathtaking Tallebudgera Valley on the Gold Coast for their relaxed and minimalistic wedding day. The venue was a stunning property surrounded by grassy hills and tall trees with a beautiful white cottage and large barn. It was the perfect Spring day, soaked in sunshine and natural florals.
A Tale of Love and Waves
Chris and Brooke’s love story began during the iconic ‘Single Fin’ surf contest held at Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast. After their initial eye contact, Brooke engaged in a conversation with Chris just as he was preparing to compete in his surfing heat. As fate would have it, the couple ran into each other again and again until Chris asked Brooke on a date. “Everything with him just came so naturally; we both had the same goals, interests, and always have so much fun together,” Brooke shares.
It took little time for Brooke to know he was ‘The One’. Chris not only was her number one supporter but spending time with him brought pure happiness. As their bond developed over time, knowing he would be there for her through anything allowed her to express her true self around him.
Given the couple’s love for surfing, organizing a proposal during a surf trip couldn’t get more special. Chris surprised Brooke during a holiday to the Maldives in 2022. “We arrived in absolute paradise, and I was sipping a cocktail, watching him surf perfect waves all afternoon,” Brooke recalls.
Later in the day, the couple went for a walk along the beach to watch the dolphins. It was then that Chris proposed. “It was the start of the most incredible holiday of our lives (as you can imagine, the Maldives is),” Brooke reminisces.
A Relaxed and Minimalistic Wedding in Tallebudgera Valley, Gold Coast
The couple tied the knot in Tallebudgera Valley on the Gold Coast. They envisioned a minimalistic chic wedding theme and felt lucky to celebrate their love in full spring sunshine. When the couple visited the 'Tall Tree' venue for the first time, it was love at first sight. “Whites, greens, and some natural florals really tied in the beautiful venue,” shares Brooke.
A deciding factor in choosing the wedding venue included how lovely Dani and Damo (the venue owners) were to the couple, and Collie, their fur baby. “They were so approachable; we loved how easy it was to talk to them, and there were no questions we could not ask,” Brooke explained. The beautiful Border Collie, similar to their very own dog was the final convincing they needed to say 'I do' to the venue. The property was lined with liquid ambers, pines, and native canopies – a true fairytale.
Following their incredible visit, the couple exchanged vows in September 2023. The celebration unfolded, surrounded by grassy hills and pine trees, with a beautiful white cottage and a large barn. The aesthetic exactly matched the couple’s expectations – relaxed, minimal and beautiful.The ceremony was held in the valley, then moved to the lawn for sunset and into the barn for the reception. It truly was the best day of their lives. From ring exchanges to cocktail hours, followed by a stand-up party, there was never a dull moment.
The reception setup during sunset was mind-blowing – beautiful lighting to set the mood to dance the night away! To bring their minimalistic theme to life, the couple opted for florals to tie into the venue, creating the illusion that the flowers were blossoming seamlessly within the space. They included lots of daisies, cosmos, tulips, and greenery.
Finding The Dream Dress
Brooke visited our bridal boutique in Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast. “The girls at Grace Loves Lace were so easy to chat to and really helped me on my special day,” she shares. Having her bridesmaid party with her made the experience even more exciting. When it came to the dress, Brooke was not completely set on the type of dress she really wanted.
She had a clear vision for the dress but not a specific style in mind. The vision – to feel timeless, simple, elegant, and beautiful. “I loved the idea of a gown that said so much without being too much,” she shares. Brooke’s bridal stylist, Kayla, also made sure to follow up with her and chat with her about anything she needed during the process.
After trying Goldie on, she knew instantly it was ‘The One’. A few favorite details included the high neckline and how it still showed off her back, and lastly, the slit on the side. The bride was able to change the look to tie up the train later in the night; as if she had two dresses in one. Simple, elegant, and beautiful, Brooke felt amazing in Goldie.
To bring her bridal ensemble to life, Brooke chose to tie her hair up in a slick bun and wear minimal jewelry. “We let the dress do the talking,” she shares. She wore a pair of diamond earrings and pointed white enclosed heels. Another Grace Loves Lace addition included the Henri veil, the perfect accessory to elevate her attire with elegance.
Words of Wisdom
Brooke’s words of wisdom are to soak up the experience and have fun trying on the dream gown. “It’s such a special experience and an amazing part of your special day,” she shares. Following her vision, she opted for a gown she felt the best in. “After all, it’s your special day,” she recalls.
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