C A I T L I N A N D M A C A U L E Y
After their first meeting, this gorgeous couple soon realised that they had met their soulmate. Wanting to celebrate in style, Caitlin and Macauley hosted a stylish outdoor soiree paired with a minimalist black and white theme.
LOVE FROM AFAR…
Caitlin and Macauley have quite a unique love story! Without knowing each other yet, the two lovers both moved to the Northern Territory in 2016. They were still 2.5 hours apart from each other and both had no idea that the love of their life was nearby. The two connected online and after 6 months of persistence from Macauley, they went on an unforgettable first date and knew it was a forever story! After the second date, Caitlin knew that traveling the few hours to see one another was what she wanted to do every weekend…
TRULY MEANT TO BE…
Much like both moving to the same state at the same time, it seems like fate that the couple found each other on the internet. After months of persistence, and upon meeting, their love story grew tremendously. From that point onwards, everything else was history as the couple shared: “…from the first date on, it was a forever thing.” By the third date, the two were head over heels in love and shared their ‘I love you’ with each other.
PROPOSAL IN HAWAII…
For Caitlin’s 27th birthday, Macauley gifted her a surprise holiday for the month of October. She went months without knowing the destination, let alone knowing she was about to be engaged to the love of her life! After landing in Hawaii, the couple went for the most romantic massage overlooking a beach where turtles swam by! Afterward, the couple walked along a pathway full of rose petals which led to a coastal hut. Here, they enjoyed champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and when the time was right, Macauley got down on one knee! The date was also a special one, as it was exactly two years after their first date!
THE FARMHOUSE LOCATION…
Held at the breathtaking Gold Coast Farmhouse in Numinbah Valley, the couple were able to have both their ceremony and reception in the same gorgeous spot! Situated 30 minutes inland, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the lush farmland exudes tranquility. The surrounding scenery was enough to dazzle without the need for any elaborate decor. From the outset, the couple was after a minimalist black and white tone, with each element being carefully picked by the duo themselves. “We wanted to perfect every detail and create a wedding that everyone would remember. We also wanted a big celebration with family and friends, which is why we chose a large marquee within an outdoor space”. The ceremony was held in front of the lake, allowing lush greenery and mountain ranges to create the ultimate backdrop.
BRIDESMAIDS IN BLACK…
The chic minimalist theme of the day brought in a gorgeous element of striking sophistication. The two bridesmaids exhibited such elegance wearing off the shoulder, black, floor-length gowns. Not only was the colour combination beautifully unique, but contrasted perfectly against Caitlin’s stunning dress and the greenery of the celebration’s surroundings. Caitlin was fortunate enough to have her best friends Ashlee and Vanessa by her side on the special day.
GROOMSMEN IN BLACK…
Macauley had friends Richard and Adam standing by his side on the big day. Dressed in a white shirt and black suit, the classic colours complemented Macauley’s dapper look perfectly. Less is often more, and the simplistic yet stylish black and white theme of the wedding party was sensational.
THE IVORY DREAM DRESS…
Caitlin’s wedding dress was like something out of a fairy tale. The hand-sewn beading and crystal detailing throughout added the perfect embellishments to make this dress stand out. The strapless, sweetheart neckline gown was matched with a fit-and-flare silhouette, and was completed with a shimmer tulle veil and shining jewelry pieces. Of course, the bouquet was another gorgeous element of beauty, consisting of white roses and a silky ribbon.
DREAMY RECEPTION…
The day of love continued with the venue being completely transformed into a shimmering wedding reception. A large marquee was covered in dreamy fairy lights that continued to the outside area around the lake, creating the most unforgettable outdoor celebration. The indoor-outdoor ambiance was heightened with the clear marquee creating an open area feel, whilst still immersed in the lush greenery of the venue. Laidback ottomans and bar tables were a flawless use of the area, creating a spacious atmosphere that allowed guests to revel in the surrounding landscape long into the evening.
MONOCHROME DECORATION…
The couple was sure to keep the black and white theme of the day carrying on through all elements. The couple’s love for minimalism style was further showcased through the most fun and fabulous idea…a huge white jumping castle! The tones were also added through the table cloths, chairs, with the chocolate-dipped strawberries and cake!
WORDS OF WISDOM…
As the couple celebrated their love with all their friends and family, the night could not have been more perfect! The couple indicated that in the planning process, it’s so important to “support each other’s wants and dreams for the wedding so that you can love every minute of having a joint goal”. The entire planning process can feel like it’s never-ending, but make it a process that you enjoy, and view it as a “fun hobby”, where small progress is good progress! On the wedding day, the couple mentioned that it is important to “take a minute to look around and appreciate how much you have achieved together”. Finally, the couple’s advice for marriage – “Be your partner’s biggest supporter. Encourage each other, say ‘I love you’ often, be kind, and be thankful for every day you have together.”
Do you love our real-wedding blogs? Click here for more!
Photographer: Willdea Photography and Videography Studio / Ceremony Venue and Reception Venue: The Gold Coast Farmhouse / Dress and Veil: Blanche Bridal / Brides Shoes: JJ’s House / Hair and Makeup: Amanda Higl Hair and Makeup / Suits: Tarocash / Shoes: Myer / Bridesmaid Dresses: Showpo / Bridesmaids Shoes: Rubi Shoes / Engagement Rings: Michael Hill Jeweller / Wedding Rings: Michael Hill Jeweller and Infinity / Florist: Vintage Flower Nerang / Wedding Car: Stars Car Agency / Guest Transport: Travel Safe Coach Hire / Jumping Castle: Super Castles Brisbane / Light Up Letters and Symbols: The Big Light Letter Co. / Furniture Hire: Coastal Events Hire , Gold Coast Events and Party Hire, 24/7 Theme & Wow Weddings Brisbane / Catering: Bilambil Farm Catering / Glamping Tents: The Bell Tent Hire Co / Bathroom Hire: Brisbane Bathroom Hire / Marquee and Light Hire: Happy Marquee Hire / Stubby Coolers: Coolaz / Entertainment: James from Incus Pilots / Celebrant: Jo Hurley from Love Story Ceremonies / Stationary: Officeworks & Vista Print / Accessories: Koch / Cake and Chocolate Strawberries: Sweet Art Creations Gold Coast / DJ, MC, Photo Booth, Flower Wall etc: Aced J Hire