Brisbane Wedding Photographer Ben Clark
Rachael & Marty’s Gabbinbar Homestead Wedding
Date: 5th December 2015
Theme
Travel – life is meant for great adventures
Tell us how you met
In 2006 , the University of Queensland hosted a combined ball for Mining Engineers and Speech Pathologists. Rachael was neither these two professions but under the guise of a friend’s plus one, she managed to sneak in.
Arriving late, Marty went straight to the bar to quench his thirst. A young lady caught his eye behind him so he kindly offered to get her a drink. We stuck up a conversation and ended up dancing the night away.
The proposal
7 years, 7 Continents, 7 Wonders
The short version – the longer version can be found Gabbinbar Wedding
We had been together for the best part of 6 years when a major life decision presented itself. A dream of Rachael’s was to take 6 months off and travel the world. To accomplish this it would most likely mean quitting our jobs, farewelling our family and friends, storing our belongings and taking a risk for the reward of what the world could offer us. And so it was, we weighted up our options and decided to make the most of the short time we had on this planet. I resigned from my role as an acting manager in a coal mine in the Bowen Basin and Rach followed suit. We were going to South America!
As we arrived at the Colosseum it was around 10pm and crowded. I didn’t expect that. I suggested we walk around it, one last time running those words through my head. I found a quiet spot, stopped and held Rachael’s hands. Ok, time to shine.
I looked her in the eyes and immediately got that ball stuck in the back of my throat. I got something in my eye as well which made them start to water. Those preciously planned words all got jumbled in my head. Rach I believe was onto it straight away which made her eyes swell too. This didn’t help. A sobbing mess, I let out a few mumbled sentences saying that I had something I had wanted to ask her for some time now. After 7 years together, in our 7th Continent and at our 7th New Wonder of the World, I wanted her to be my wife. By that stage tears were rolling and I think I was as vulnerable as what I’ve ever felt. I got down on one knee, presented the ring and asked her to marry me…
In typical Rachael fashion, she grasped at the ring like it was the last piece of chocolate on Earth and said yes. It was more of a snatch than a grasp in actual fact as if I was meant to do this a while ago…
We embraced in a long hug and at that moment I realised this was right.
The Details
Ceremony location: Governors Lawn at Gabbinbar Homestead, Toowoomba, Queensland
Reception location: Gabbinbar Homestead, Toowoomba, Queensland
Gown: Karen Willis Holmes, Brisbane, Queensland – Shoes: Jo Mercier
Wedding bands and engagement rings: Rach – Carmody Jewellers, Brisbane, Queensland. Marty – Pasco Jewellers, Toowoomba, Queensland.
Celebrant: Steve Shaw – Family friend – Wedding Coordinator: Elizabeth (supplied by Gabbinbar) – Decorator: Cali (Supplied by Gabbinbar)
Hair: Rach – Jacinta from John’s Hair Studio, Toowoomba, QLD. Marty – self cut and styled!!
Hair piece: Flower head piece from Toowoomba Flower Market, Toowoomba, QLD
Bridal party attire:
Bridesmaids – Sentani Boutique, Brisbane, QLD.
Groomsmen – Suits: Herringbone, Shirts: Nigel Lincoln, Shoes: RM Williams, Belt: KK Custom Belts (Dysart, QLD), Bowtie: Divine Domestication
Make-up: Madeline Mutze Freelance Make-up Artists (she was amazing, could not recommend highly enough!!)
Flowers: Toowoomba Flower Market, Toowoomba, QLD – Stationery: Vista Print custom design
Cake: Merivale Cakes and Crafts, Toowoomba, QLD (have had a number of positive comments about the cake)
Entertainment: Cory Carlyon
Honeymoon: Movenpick Resort and Spa, Phuket, Thailand.
Funniest Moment
Even though we missed it, the funniest moment came when the bridal party were playing on the swing. Peter jumped off, displacing the balance, which propelled Mat horizontally into the air and landed with a thud that shook the ground.
It was so funny that no one went to help Mat, they were coping with their own stitches of laughter.
Favourite Wedding Day moment
Rach – Walking down the aisle to Marty with all our closest friends and family watching on and my Dad by my side.
Marty – Seeing Rachael for the first time.
Special thanks to:
Everyone who travelled to share our special day
What did you value most about using Ben Clark Photography?
Ben’s easy going nature coupled with utmost professionalism.
Ben made us feel comfortable and it was as if he blended in completely.
Advice for other brides-to-be
Don’t stress the small stuff, it pails in comparison to the emotions you will experience throughout the day.
It will go so quickly, so make sure you take time to steal one another away to soak it all in, even if just for 5 minutes.
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Rachael & Marty thank you for sharing your amazing wedding day with us !