Having been born and bred at ‘Plainby’, 140km south of Richmond, and marrying there myself 30 years ago, this was always going to be a special one. Stella is daughter to my brother Harrie, who has lived at Plainby all his life and runs a good show. He and his wife Tricia were the brains behind most of the wedding setup, Tricia’s unique, timeless flair was on full display for this smashing outback wedding bash!
Worlds Colliding
Stella and Pierce met while both living in Longreach and were super keen on each other, but needed some firm words from Stella’s cousin, best friend & Chief Bridesmaid Jessica Batt to propel the couple into action as things just were not progressing fast enough for her liking! When Pierce moved from his state of NSW, he had no idea how hard he would fall for pocket rocket Stella, finding a new place to call home for himself in the north.
Stella noted the strong values upheld by their families as a source of inspiration and strength. “The successful marriages we look up to in our families definitely guide us,” said Stella, “and a partner that will support your endeavours individually and as a team are key“.
A Unique Adventure
Pierce’s family and friends travelled across the border for this wedding adventure, and the couple were excited to share this unique outback experience with them. “I was really looking forward to inviting my NSW family to a part of the world they’ve never seen before.” recalled Pierce. 130 of Stella & Pierce’s loved ones headed to the venue located 500km inland of Townsville where the wedding would take place.
During the wedding proceedings, there was a lot of NSW/QLD rivalry brewing with many loud predications for which side would win the next State of Origin series (It’s a bloke thing…)
Nestled in the heart of rural Queensland, the venue was custom created by the collective effort of Pierce and Stella’s families and a whole lot of elbow grease. Bales of hay framed the reception area, blocking the wind and containing the energy of the festivities. A timeworn windmill stood proudly in the center, draped with lights that extended in all directions. The booming sounds of music, cheers and laughter bounced along the ‘walls’ and dispersed out into the night sky, while the illuminating glow of the lights represented the only dense concentration of life gathered for miles against the backdrop of the sparse Queensland countryside.
“I saw a post of a hay bale venue in a circular shape on the Internet which ignited the inspiration for an alternative venue, rather than the commonly used hessian and portable cattle yards. The hay only had to come from 80km away and will be used to feed cattle in the future.” mentioned Stella, while Pierce expressed his relief at everything coming together nicely. “It was stressful and a lot of work, but I’m excited that we were able to do something different and unique.“
The Life We Make
The Plainby shearing shed served as the ceremony venue where the gorgeous couple would exchange their vows. The afternoon sun peeked in through the windows overlooking the catching pens adding to the wonderful atmosphere where loved ones gathered to witness Pierce & Stella’s union. Stella wore a sleek gown from Luv Bridal that was the definition of elegance, while Pierce rocked a classic tuxedo suit with red accents that matched the hue of the roses held by Stella and the bridesmaids.
One of the highlights of the Ceremony was when Stella’s brother and groomsman Reg presented his sister with a stool to stand on to counteract the significant height difference between bride and groom!
Being the last station in the Richmond district to run sheep (which it has done for now over 100 years) it was most appropriate to include a few of our wooly friends in the bridal shoot. They were wondering why the hell they had to gallop up and down the fence for no good reason!
Despite being a last minute scramble to organize, the flower arrangement came together wonderfully! Stella’s sister & Chief Bridesmaid Evie showed what she’s made of when she found in the 11th hour that the flowers were going to be late. She worked away out in the shed till midnight the night before the wedding to produce a classy match for the day.
“Seeing Stella walking down the aisle towards me was the most important part of the day for me, and the speeches.” said Pierce with Stella in agreement and adding “that we pulled off our ‘fake’ wedding and told everyone at the end of the night about our elopement 6 weeks prior!” when I asked about their favourite parts of the day.
That's Plainby!
Under the outback sky, full of stars and all things wonderful, the throngs of happy people danced together all night. As with all bush shindigs, the fact that the sun is coming up doesn’t dictate the end of the party. I looked around at 4:30am at the pure fun and freedom of the guests; not a care in the world and so much to celebrate! The vast country expanding around me was peaceful and uninterrupted (apart from the very loud music! LOL). No lights, no cars, no mobile phone reception. Just 50,000 acres of Australian countryside to enjoy with those dearest to you for an evening.
Stella is very important to me and to see her so happy with her man is more rewarding than I have words to describe. May they create the wonderful life together that is theirs for the taking 
Bride’s dress: @luvbridal
Groom’s outfit: @titleysdepartmentstore
Groomsmen: @titleysdepartmentstore
Makeup & beauty: Stella’s cousin Chelsea from @beautyandbeyondbarcaldine
Hair: Naomi from @howbizarre.hair
Rings: @RmjsYourRegionalManufacturingJewellers
Flowers: Stella’s sister, Maid Of Honour & Florist extraordinaire, Evie
Cake: Stella’s mum & venue creator Legend, Tricia
Celebrant: Pierce’s cousin, Justin Gay
Caterer: @chaseamoocowcateringco
Drone pics: Warren Harris
