Nat & Tom’s Townsville Wedding

It is a perfect Townsville ‘winter’ day of 25 degrees, a caressing breeze wafts over the guests who are seated beneath the canopy of a magnificent Rain tree, and as though it is all part of the script, the Ceremony is being accompanied by laughing kookaburras and the cheering of a nearby sports day, adding an unexpected and stirring touch.

The Bridal party’s entrance is preceded by Tom’s teenagers Makayla & Preston along with Tom & Nat’s girls Charlie, 19 months and Grace, 3, both taking the whole spectacle in their stride. Grace is delighted to see her friend amongst the guests loudly exclaiming her approval of what she is wearing with a ‘oh you look pretty too!’

Little people bring a candidness to a wedding day like nothing else can and Grace was an absolute delight the whole day, as were her siblings.

When I asked the bride & groom what they loved about each other their responses confirmed that being parents is front and centre Tom is an amazing dad, he always sees the best in people, is a very kind person, extremely talented at his job, gives everything his all and will always help me out no matter what he has on.

Nat is a very good mum, very thoughtful and caring. Once an idea is in her head, she is very determined. She’s very tough and gives anything a go.”

Chance Meetings And A Spark

Tom & Nat first met at her brother Blake’s work function, Tom spent most of the time drinking and talking to her father and brothers but even in his drunken state Nat felt intrigued and drawn to him like he was someone that would be in her future. It was not until 9 months later that Tom happened upon another of Nat’s brothers having car troubles. While getting the car going again, Tom announced to John that he would be marrying his sister someday! That lead to a visit to Nat’s family station and the two have not parted since.

Nat shares a favourite anecdote about Tom’s first visit to ‘Flora Downs’ – “The first time Tom came out to the station Tom, Blake and I were standing at the cold room and Blake and Tom were talking when Blake said “Well don’t just stand there talk”.

Rainforest and Swanky Hotel

Nat & Tom had a vision for their wedding day, they knew they wanted the rainforest vibe plus the grandeur of an elegant hotel and their choice of venues did not disappoint. Add to that Nat’s colour choice of the rich magenta claret for the bridal party that was oh so perfect against the gamut of greens that makes up Queen’s Gardens.

And all of that is a long way from where Tom & Nat call home, a cattle station 120 klms from Mt Isa. A home where they are building their dreams and share an enduring love of the lifestyle. To give you a sense of just what that looks like, Tom shared a memory from early in their courtship When she looked at me in the cattle yards just after cutting some calf nuts out [super fast] with the knife in her teeth and smiled.”

Genuine, generous and self-effacing, the Tom’s & Nat’s of the world are the reason why I count my vocational blessings every day. What a pleasure it is to be their forever-wedding-photographer and now call them friends.

What better way to close off than with Nat’s philosophy on marriage. It’s pretty great huh?

“Marriage means spending the rest of your life with someone by your side. To help you navigate this thing we call life. To share everything with till death do us part.”

Bride’s dress @Signaturebridalformal

Groom’s outfit @npmenswear

Bridesmaids @Signaturebridalformal

Groomsmen @npmenswear

Makeup & beauty @alliegriggcreative

Hair @katloganhairandmakeup

Rings & Jewellery @prouds.au

Flowers @townsvilleflowermarket

Cake Family Friend – Nevenka Muller

Celebrant @amanda_medill_celebrant

Venue & Caterer @rydgeshotels

Cars @acacialimousines 

Photo booth @inthebooth

Videographer @sunnydayfilms

DJ/music @poolesofmusic

Decorators @weddingworkstsvl

My 2023 Favs
Grace & Jodie’s Longreach Wedding
Monique & Brayden’s Atherton Tablelands Wedding
Caitlin & Rob’s Whitsunday Wedding