A cane toad and a cockroach walked into a bar...
Sarah & Tom first met at the Stamford races in 2014. Born & bred in the New England High Country of NSW, Tom was working at ‘Waverly’ Station in North West QLD where Sarah was living with her parents on her family property ‘Moonby’ working as a nurse at the Hughenden hospital.
On that night Sarah remembers seeing Tom on the edge of the dancing, kind of wanting to join in but not sure how. She thought it was a bit cute and decided to dance with him. Months later when it came time for Tom to return to NSW, love had already grabbed them, putting paid to talk of ending the relationship due to not wanting a long distance love affair. 12 months later Sarah had crossed the border, committing to their life together.
After welcoming two daughters (#1 Georgie wasn’t waiting to be planned for, making an unexpected appearance in 2018) and establishing their life together at ‘Glenreagh’ 70 km from Glenn Innis, Tom found the perfect day to propose, as Sarah recounts ‘It was the night before I was going to leave for Cunnamulla for a few weeks to help my brothers with lamb marking. I came out of the shower and our room was nearly all dark except for the light coming from the closet. I saw Tom in the mirror, he was sitting on a chair in the closet. So I went over to see if he was okay. He kept trying to get me to face away from him towards the bed. I couldn’t understand what he was doing. In the end he lead me straight over to the bed to the ring that was propped up there, that I had walked past three times! 🤦🏻♀️ Then he got down and asked me to marry him and of course I said yes.’
Sensational scenery & cute kids
COVID was never going to allow these two to have the splendid stress free engagement that all couples deserve with the threat of lockdown a constant possibility, right up until the day of the wedding. With the QLD border still firmly closed, it was with a heavy heart that Sarah & Tom knew they would not have many of their loved ones able to attend, including 2 bridesmaids and 2 groomsmen. But they also knew they were not willing to delay so it was all systems go. I arrived the evening before, having secured a ‘work border pass’ in order to re-enter QLD and Oh. My. The country is truly magnificent (as you will see in the slideshow) I was one very excited photographer, especially when the next day dawned with the perfect cloud cover, allowing for optimal lighting conditions for an outdoor ceremony. As with all DIY weddings, there was an enormous amount of work required to see the day come together, Sarah & Tom both handling the pressure with impressively unflappable repose.
Georgie with Maggie (her bestie and cousin) and sister Ella performed with class as flower girls, my camera loved them, as you will also see in the slideshow! Handling the limelight with ease they lead the bridal party into the ceremony sight, the proceedings were underway, the weather holding out until around 7:00 that evening allowing us to make the most of the incredible location, even taking advantage of Tom’s pontoon to showcase the lake. Ah yes, it was one amazing opportunity for a photographer! The chillaxed bridal party ensured the afternoon was amazing, making my ‘job’ a breeze.
The rain started in earnest during the night resulting in ‘Glenreagh’ having 75ml on Sunday, what would have been problematic for an outdoor wedding to say the least! My hired Corolla negotiated the flooding gullies and dirt road in impressive style to see me get back to Brisbane airport that night! COVID, torrential rain and potentially confronting border closures couldn’t dampen the satisfaction and reward for me. Thank you Sarah & Tom for being generous and trusting, for letting me into your life and your most important day.
More from the Bride & Groom:
What do you love most about each other?
S: He is kind, considerate and supportive. He makes me laugh and is my number one person. He’s the first person I can go to in failure and success. I think he’s the first person to know all of me and I am so very lucky to have him.
T: She is a loving, caring partner and mother. I value her opinion on most matters and she has always been supportive and respectful of the decisions I make. Our shared goals help to keep me moving, inspired and driven. Most importantly though we have a lot of fun together.
What Does Marriage Mean To You?
Marriage means a partnership, a life of commitment to each other, of ongoing friendship, love and respect for each other.
What was the main inspiration behind your wedding day?
We wanted to it to be at our home so we could share it with everyone. We couldn’t think of anywhere more beautiful or with more meaning to us than our home.
How would you describe your day? How did you feel?
S: Relaxed and fun. T: Awkward
What was your favourite part of the wedding day?
S: Seeing Tom at the end of the aisle. T: The photo taking after the ceremony
Were there any surprises or honourable mentions you’d like to talk about?
Susie Benton, Pammy Perkins, Kane Little and everyone else who put in the hard yards to help set up for the day.
How does it feel to be Mr & Mrs?!
Like being engaged but even better!
Bride’s outfit – Dress – @whitelilycouture – Shoes – @loefflerrandall – Jeweller – @sheppards_jewellers_inverell
Groom’s outfit – Suit – @male_manor Shoes – @rmwilliams
Bridesmaids – Dress – @becandbridge – Earrings – @amalinevitale – Clutches – @raindropsandlollipopsstore – Shoes – @jomercershoes – Wraps- Alexandra
Flower girls – @oakandthelittlefolk
Groomsmen – @male_manor
Wedding planner – Bridesmaid & helper extraordinaire, Pammy Perkins
Makeup & beauty – @kristiepettitinspirebelievecreate @arbonneaunz
Hair – @shabuhaironbyron
Flowers – Bouquets and corsages – @Rhubarb-Rosie – Potted roses, courtesy of Kate Harrington & Margo Little – @BlackMountainNursery – Remaining foliage is from down the paddock!
Cake – @Rhubarb-Rosie
Celebrant – Julian Watkins
Caterer – @smoKINGBarbequeInverell
Music – @caillinmalley
Master of Ceremonies – Susie Benton
Venue – Sarah & Tom’s property, ‘Glenreagh’, Emmaville, NSW