Small enough to have the feel of a country town but big enough that it can boast a good coffee, Longreach has a chillaxed quality that is very welcoming. Easy going, leave-your-keys-in-the-car, non-pretentious neighbourhood that just so happens to be surrounded by blue ribbon downs country and always plentiful native bird life, I’m always keen to get back there.
Enter Jodie & Grace, both longtime Longreach locals, who personify chillaxed and welcoming. We hadn’t met in person until wedding day but it took all of 5 minutes with them for me to know it would be a cracker job.
How did you two meet and what were your first impressions?
We had known each other through friends but never really socialised/hung out together until playing in a football game together many years later. We then struck up a friendship and ran into each other on a number of occasions out on the town. From here we started to text each other continuously and spent all our time together and before we knew it we were dating and here we are 14 years later.
J: My first impression of Grace was how kind hearted she really is.
G: My first impression of Jodie was how easy it was to talk to her about anything and everything
How did she propose?
J: I had thought of a few different ideas of how it would pan out but always thought it should be on a golf course. So while we were in Rockhampton for my birthday weekend, Grace booked in a round of golf. But due to being nervous I didn’t propose while we were out on the course. As we were leaving the club house after we had finished playing, I had written on a golf tee ‘Marry Me ?’ which I handed to Grace as she got in the car. Grace was quite surprised and she didn’t answer just laughed and asked are you serious, until I made her stop the car and to give me an answer. Yes of course she said, then we laughed about it all the way back to motel.
What do you love most about each other?
J: Not her singing ha-ha! Grace’s love for me and my family and what she has done for me.
G: Her compassion and patience and that she is will try her hand at anything even if I tell her we should hire someone ha-ha
I'd love to hear one special memory of your courtship...
G: Very early on after I had told my mum that we were dating, I then travelled to meet Jodie at Hervey Bay where her parents lived and she was spending the Christmas/New Year Break. This was special for me as Jodie made me feel apart of her family and made me feel loved as she continues to to do this day.
J: I don’t think I have one special moment, over the years there has been quite a few to remember it just has been a special 14 years for me with many more to come having Grace by my side.
What Does Marriage Mean To You?
Marriage is the next chapter for us and a way to reaffirm our commitment to each other.
What was the main inspiration behind your wedding day?
To have a day that reflected us as a couple and to be a place that our guests could also relax and celebrate in a laid back environment. We didn’t necessarily want to follow the many wedding traditions out there
How would you describe your day? How did you feel?
J: Nervous, excited and very happy
G: Perfect. Nerves seemed to melt away until it got closer and closer to the first look. From then on I was full of both nerves and excitement!
What was your favourite part of the wedding day?
J: The first look – I was excited to see Grace.
G: Jodie’s reaction at the first look and also during our ceremony and vows. Both tears and laughter in these moments
Were there any surprises or honourable mentions you’d like to talk about?
J: My brothers kind words and how proud he was of us.
G: our bridesmaids for keeping us looking good all day and carting us around in addition to ensuring we ate and drank. Also the speeches from our families and friends that were filled with kind words and a lot of humour
How does it feel to be Mrs & Mrs?!
Surreal! It is nice to hear people say hello Mrs and Mrs Cronin-Jones!
Grace’s dress: Brides Of Brisbane
Jodie dress: Gladstone Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaids: JJ’s House
Hair & Makeup: Rubegg 4 Hair
Shoes: Grace – Badgley Mischka Jodie – Spendless Shoes
Rings & Jewellery: Prouds The Jewellers
Clutches: Kikki & Moo
Flowers: The Wooden Garden
Cake: Casey’s
Celebrant: Nancy Savage
Caterer: Wellshot Hotel
Music: Corinne Ballard Music
Master of Ceremonies: Jodie’s brother Leigh
Party Hire & Lighting: Longreach Event Hire
Reception Venue: Longreach Showgrounds
