James and Hannah met in Longreach in 2015 where all good love stories begin….at the pub. Hannah, who hails from Brisbane, was visiting from Blackall, where she had begun her teaching career (for what she thought was going to be her two year outback service) They met again a few weeks later at the Ilfracombe Races where the conversation flowed. Following the races, Hannah wasn’t so sure for a couple of reasons…. 1 – all the photos of James available for her to stalk online seemed to mainly consist of him with a half shaved head from Silly Sundays….and 2 – whenever they were messaging, they would be mid conversation and then James would stop replying for days, sometimes weeks! Hannah thought maybe he was playing it cool and it kept her interested, but in time she has now realised that he was just going on out service for work and failed to even mention it to her (ever the romantic). Eventually they became more serious and when Hannah’s teaching contract in Blackall was over she decided to continue her “outback service” and transfer to Longreach to be closer to James.
James proposed in July 2017 in the most romantic way that he could think of – a walk on the beach! Only problem was Hannah was sick with influenza A and James was on crutches with a dislocated knee. Never the less, Hannah was thrilled and of course said yes! They never got round to planning any weddings as their daughter Grace arrived the following March, then came Harry and then came Ted! The 3 children have been their life’s greatest accomplishment and now that they have completed their family (they think) getting married now seems like an even more important and meaningful thing to do.
They came from far & wide
The Longreach Wool Pavilion was lit up and ready to impress the 200 guests following a Ceremony that included plenty of entertainment curtesy of Harry, dodgy ring bearer who managed to break in half the wooden box that James’ grandad had made!
Before the party started the wedding party and I wandered around the paddock until James asked me “are we done yet?’, clearly finding the interminable photography session all bit over the top. Lol.
But oh wasn’t it worth it! The outback colours sure did deliver.
And then party they did! The great music and keen-to-hoedown crowd ensured the dance floor was never empty.
What do you love most about each other?
H – I love that James can make me laugh, he always has the ability to make me smile.
J – I love the genuine care that Hannah has for everyone around her, especially our children.
I'd love to hear one special memory of your courtship...
H – in the early days when I was living in Blackall, James messaged me that he was passing through and “popping over” and would be round in an hour. I panicked but he seemed so casual about it. I later found out that he drove 300km out of his way to “pop over”.
J – the first time Hannah came out from Blackall to Eldwick, she was to follow me in her car. I thought “geez she really likes me, she doesn’t want to get out of my sight” then I realised that she had just never driven on a dirt road before and didn’t realise that she had to stay back further then 100m.
What was the main inspiration behind your wedding day?
We just wanted to celebrate with all our favourite people and have lots of fun!
How would you describe your day? How did you feel?
H – getting ready and during the day it felt surreal as I had my 3 bridesmaids who live in Perth, Brisbane and Yeppoon all in my house together. It sort of didn’t feel real! But as the day went on I relaxed and just really enjoyed it all.
J – it was a great relaxed and happy day
What was your favourite part of the wedding day?
H – probably the dance floor! I just had so much fun!
J – being able to enjoy the wedding day with our kids
How does it feel to be Mr & Mrs?!
We feel relieved after a five year engagement to finally seal the deal!
Hannah’s dress: Paddington Weddings
Jame’s & Groomsmen’s suits: Connor
Bridesmaids: Michelle Bec + Bridge Maddy Isabella Longginou Tania Saba
Makeup: Beauty & Beyond Barcaldine
Hair: Parrot Lane Hair
Rings: Michael Hill
Flowers: Dusty Blooms
Cake: Cake By Nina
Celebrant: Nancy Savage
Caterer: Marmaladies Catering
Band: Encore
MC: Rhianna Lee
Venue: Longreach Wool Pavilion
