I hadn’t met the bride & groom until I arrived in Bowen for their wedding. This can be a real challenge for couples as they just don’t know what to expect, often it is the first experience they’ve had of doing a photo shoot, let alone on a day as huge as their wedding. James really, really didn’t want to see me turn up, he was dreading it, declaring that he was feeling fine until my arrival and now had to put up with ‘4 hours of this’ gesturing at me and my cameras lol. You will see from the images that his concerns were unfounded! The order of the day was fun, family and friends and did they deliver. Natalie wanted photos that reflect how fun and cheeky their love and friendship is. Their closest friends were their bridal party (along with Nat’s beautiful sister) and they had endless fun getting up to mischief together especially as they relaxed with me. It is impossible not to enjoy wedding shoots when the bridal party are intent on having fun.
Natalie & James met through mutual friends when Natalie went to James’ home town Collinsville to go camping with her friend (wedding MC) Biannca. Along for the trip was James! James was “just another bloke” to her and while he did his best to impress her, she took no notice! Lol! After a few drinks however, there was a kiss. James was hooked straight away though it took a little more convincing for Natalie, James had his work cut out for him! James recalls ‘when I first saw Nat I thought she was pretty good looking and I thought she was pretty sassy! She is still sassy now!’
As they lived in separate towns nearly 2 hrs apart, they spent the weekdays texting and the weekends driving to see one another! After a few weekends together, they were pretty much inseparable! Natalie learnt later that James’ parents were concerned she wouldn’t enjoy camping and hunting on weekends, however they quickly learnt that, in fact, they were the perfect match!
From the Bride & Groom
What do you love most about each other?
N: I love James’ soft cuddly side! He always has my back and stands by me no matter what. I also LOVE how cheeky this boy can be! I love how similar we are- we enjoy the same things so I’m grateful we can live our weekends camping, fishing, hunting and skiing together! Oh the list goes on! Haha
J: I love that we enjoy the same things! Also, her cute button nose and butt! I also love that she’s easily annoyed by; touching the scar on her leg, poking her bellybutton!
I'd love to hear one special memory of your courtship...what moment/day/event stands out for you?
N: I’m actually stumped! Honestly, anytime that we are together doing what we love are my favourite times! With our dogs, camping and hunting make my heart sing! We have so many amazing memories!
J: Nat was coming home from America and I picked her up from the international airport in Brisbane. Before she’d seen me I whistled out (imagine whistling a dog😂) and she looked around, she knew it was me! This is still used today when either of us is looking lost in crowds!
What Does Marriage Mean To You?
Marriage is forever. Solidifying friendship, love, loyalty; demonstrating our bond won’t be broken. Trusting that we have each other’s back when the times are tough and celebrating together when happy times grace us.
How would you describe your day? How did you feel?
N: The best day of my life! I never in a million years could have imagined how special a wedding day could be! I was overwhelmed by the generosity of our friends and family to help bring the day together! It goes to show how fantastic our little circle is! We don’t have a lot of close friends (our age anyway) but my gosh; they went above and beyond for us! My heart exploded! I had so much fun from the very beginning! Weddings are so special and I have a new appreciation for them ❤️
J: a lot of build up for the day so I was glad it was finally here. I enjoyed spending the morning with mates. Everyone coming together to be with us was special! Natalie looked beautiful. Then the reception was awesome! So much fun.
What was your favourite part of the wedding day?
N: I loved the whole day- different parts for different reasons. But the reception would have been the highlight! I had so much fun! Being with our friends and family to let our hair down!
J: I LOVED the cars! I was in my element! And being with my mates having a beer!
Were there any surprises or honourable mentions you’d like to talk about?
N: Lockie Broom! He made me ugly sob the most happiest tears ever! That fella just blew me away! Nothing was a problem for him and he truly pulled the final parts of the wedding day together for us! Our friends Liam and Renee also surprised us with their music!! We anticipated phone plugged into speaker and away we go! But they had it all set up properly- perfect!!
How does it feel to be Mr & Mrs?!
N: I want to cry every time I think back to any part of our wedding day! My heart is full! Every time I look at James I want to give him the tightest squeeze and kiss! I feel very lucky this day has finally come- slightly surreal honestly 😂 One happy couple over here!
J: I’m happy it’s done now but I had a bloody good time!!
Bride’s dress – @bridalpalacegowns
Groom & Groomsmen – @donohues_townsville @stewarts_rockhampton @R.M.WilliamsOfficial
Bridesmaids – Dresses: @esther.and.co
Makeup – @whitsundayhairandmakeup
Hair – @Ems-Hair-Design
Bride & Bridesmaid Shoes – @palmairasandalsaustralia
Rings – @MichaelHillJ
Earrings – @marniiejewellery
Flowers – @hookedonweddingflorals @flowersinthetowers
Cake – Made by Brides Mum and Grooms Nanna!
Celebrant – @myarrow1
Caterer – @kims_katering__
MC – The friend who introduced them, Bianca
TeePee – @TeepeeventsWhitsunday
Furniture Hire – @jlfhire
Ceremony Venue – Mullers Lagoon Park, Bowen
Reception Venue – Friend of the Bride & Groom, Paddy
