There were fireworks
Inspired by the love both their parents share with one another, Julia & Sam couldn’t wait to make it official and spend the rest of their lives together. They had known each other as kids when they both went through Charters Towers Distant Education for their primary years but it wasn’t until they reconnected at a friend’s 21st years later that fireworks, literally, erupted into a romance. A lone standing pine tree was the closest object in which to duck for cover when the fireworks went astray and they have been inseparable ever since!
The Proposal
Julia nailed her response to my ‘how did he/she propose’ “Samuel and I went to check on some cows after being away for a while. Samuel’s punch line was then “we should go check the flood gate” and with that my response was “you can never just do one thing, there is always something else”. Little did I know under the seat of the buggy, a very precious box had been hidden. I begrudgingly walked down the rocky wall into the gorge to assist checking the flood fence, as requested. When we got to the waters edge Sam suggested how nice the water looked. I think my response was a shoulder shrug and a “just lovely” with a touch of an eye roll. With that I thought we were off. At that point I probably deserved to be handed a slap however, to my complete surprise I turned around to almost stand on Sam and oh my, I was gifted with the most beautiful diamond ring.”
A love of the land is a powerful force.
Julia & Sam share a love and commitment for a life on the land, they know how fortunate they to be able to work and live alongside one another doing what they love. Sam’s enthusiasm for all things bovine was clearly demonstrated when his first response to seeing the sneak peek was appreciating the shot that had them blurred out to reveal the cows in the back ground lol.
The ceremony site was set up in a cattle lane way yard, the entrance constructed from bales of hay and wooden pallets, two stately old Bauhinia trees proudly shading the Bride & Groom as they shared their vows, a more apt bush setting you would not encounter.
Julia recounts “We wanted it to represent us, Samuel & Julia – a country wedding. It was absolutely and completely magical – a dream come true’
And you will chuckle at Sam’s highlights…”Bauhinia trees, buffle grass & tap beer”
A highlight for me was Julia’s brother Matt happily accomodating my request to do a donut, any photographer would seize the opportunity to shoot all that splendid dust!!
The reception was held in the Bylong garden, the ceiling of strung lights creating a wondrous atmosphere with the striking paper bark backdrop showcasing the Bridal party table. There were tears (lots of ‘em!), laughter and loads of appreciation for the terrific array of speeches, each one seemingly better than the last! Food creator extraordinaire Chaseamoocow delivered the mouth-watering choice beef for dinner from their van parked out near the shed. Impressive to say the least!
Another honourable mention from Julia…. “My bridesmaids who made us a love shack for the night of the wedding, the best idea in the world. I couldn’t bear the thought of sleeping with the music outside our window but I was going to tuff it out until they surprised us – I would recommend it to all newlyweds.”
The magic of Bush Weddings
Another wonderful bush espousal for which I was privileged enough to be asked to be the wedding photographer, this one surrounded by many old friends being back in my stomping ground of 45 years! Julia was barely weeks old when I first met her and here she was, standing before her tribe, tying the knot with her prince. Pretty damn cool.
Jules, I wish you a love-filled, cow-chasing, adventurously fabulous life with your Sam.
Bride’s dress: @luvbridal
Groom’s outfit: @newparkmenswear @donohues_townsville @circlelwesternproducts
Bridesmaids: @shonajoy_
Groomsmen: @tarocash @donohues_townsville @peggyandfinn @circlelwesternproducts
Hair & Makeup: @beautiquehairlounge
Shoes: @novoshoes @bettsshoes
Rings & Jewellery: @jbdtownsville @peggyandtwig @stampedestudioco
Flowers: @hookedonweddingflorals
Cake: @frostedct
Celebrant: @karenpiggott
Caterer: @chaseamoocowcateringco
Videographer: @wolfandgoosefilmhouse
DJ/music: @sneakybeatsmusic
Kombi: @kombikegtownville
The coffee float: Tammy Bailey
MC: Luke Hopkins
