Jack and Hayley’s love story began with a serendipitous connection that spanned across continents. Hayley, an Australian living in London, and Jack, an Englishman residing in Hayley’s hometown of the Gold Coast, were brought together through a mutual friend’s introduction. Initially hesitant due to their geographical distance and Jack’s younger age, fate had different plans for them.

After several weeks of exchanging messages and learning about each other’s travels, the couple finally had the opportunity to meet in person when they both returned to the Gold Coast. Their first date was magical, filled with a sense of comfort and authenticity they had never experienced before. They quickly realised they had found something special and decided to move in together after just six weeks of dating. Their love grew stronger as they embarked on countless adventures, eventually settling down in Tasmania.

In August 2021, Hayley planned a weekend getaway to celebrate their love. Little did Hayley know that Jack had a surprise agenda planned. With an engagement ring tucked away in his gym bag and a bottle of champagne stashed under the seat, he seized the perfect moment during their walk on the beach with dog Odie. Jack dropped to one knee and asked Hayley to be his wife. Overwhelmed with happiness, she said yes, and they spent the rest of the weekend “in a bubble of love, we drank endless wine and champagne, ate our weight in cheese and relaxed by the fire. I felt pure happiness in that moment and have ever since he sent that very first message” said Hayley.

The couple decided to take a month to cherish their engagement before delving into the wedding planning process. They chose Frogmore Creek as their wedding venue, captivated by its stunning setting, exceptional wine, and outstanding customer service. After making a list of their desired elements and gathering inspiration, they began booking vendors for their big day.

Hayley went dress shopping at Luv Bridal in Hobart, accompanied by her mother and sister who had flown from the Gold Coast. The experience was exquisite, and she found the perfect wedding gown. She adorned herself with sentimental accessories, including her late grandmother’s engagement ring, a gold bracelet from her best friend, her late grandmother’s necklace (tied around her bouquet), and a ring passed down from her mother.

The couple infused their personal touch into the wedding preparations. Jack, a skilled timber joiner, crafted an arbor, a seating chart stand, a welcome sign, and other timber details for the wedding. They spent time together creating timber candlesticks, and Hayley meticulously sourced and polished brass vases and candlestick holders. “It was so special to have such personal touches, with many of them now used and displayed in our home” says Hayley. She also handmade all the napkins, table numbers, reserved seating cards, the seating chart, and other stationery. “One of our beautiful friends designed our invites and we had them printed and sat and added gold leaf to every single one, everything invite, every details card and every rsvp card. There was much wine involved!”

Despite a few challenges, the couple was grateful to have secured talented vendors who understood their vision. Their florist, Gayle, brought their floral dreams to life with breathtaking arrangements. Stephenie from Frogmore Creek ensured that every detail was perfect and made them feel like royalty. Sophie and Amanda provided an exceptional pampering experience for Hayley, her bridesmaids, and their mothers. Lochie, their photographer, captured the essence of their day with his extraordinary talent, and Kozy Film created a heartfelt and thoughtful wedding video.

Although there were some compromises and unexpected hurdles, the couple focused on the love, support, laughter, and joy that filled their wedding day. Surrounded by their loved ones, they indulged in good food, exquisite wine, dancing, and most importantly, each other’s company. Despite any imperfections, their wedding day was an unforgettable celebration of their love and the beginning of a beautiful journey together.