Couture Australian Style for a Historic Estate Wedding in Queensland

This couple made replanning their wedding feel effortless for their Queensland celebration at Gabbinbar Homestead! After the pandemic made their original dream of getting married on the beach in Bali a distant fantasy, they came across the perfect venue at a historic estate and summer resort. The bride’s gown by couture Australian designer J Andreatta and their original vision of a Bali beach wedding inspired their light and airy palette with exquisite flowers in blush, taupe, and white. Their romantic portraits, moody photos, and luxurious flowers managed to feel like their first choice all along!

This Australian wedding combines a historic venue with designer style!

See more inspiration for Australian weddings!

How gorgeous is this structural bridal bouquet by Kate Dawes Flower Design? The bride’s bouquet of ivory peonies, phalaenopsis orchids, blush roses, and foliage created a light and airy arrangement for this gorgeous high fashion bride!

How their original wedding plans changed after the pandemic:

Originally, we were meant to be married in Bali last September but… COVID!  The Bali wedding would have been in a villa with the beach as the backdrop and white everything.  Before we had even officially cancelled the Bali wedding, I stumbled across photos of Gabbinbar Homestead on Facebook and I just knew we had to be married there so it was back to the drawing board.  If you have never seen Gabbinbar, it is hard to even imagine its beauty.  It is everything you could ever dream of.  On the day of your wedding, the entire estate is for you and your guests to enjoy. The trees are adorned with fairy lights and the gardens are simply stunning.   I drew inspiration from my wedding dress and chose the flowers, decor and the groomsmen forest green suits based on what I thought would complement Gabbinbar.  

Having to pivot their wedding plans from Bali to Queensland derail her vision for their white and airy wedding. She already had her dress, a gorgeous lace A-line gown by couture Australian designer J Andreatta, and used the beautiful details on the dress to inspire the dreamy look of her wedding day details!

Planning to be married in Bali, I wanted a comfortable and lightweight dress.   My dress was designed by J. Andretta and is called Love In Portofino.  I only tried on a couple of other dresses before trying this one.  What I loved and still love about the Love In Portofino gown is how it is so romantic and classic yet modern and sexy.  The boning in the bodice and the slight sheerness gives it the edge that 2021 brides want but the a-line skirt and long train along with the light-weight Italian tulle was so romantic.  My shoes were Gucci and I chose them for the thick heel as I would be walking on grass for half the day.  My crown was designed by Ashlee Lauren Designs.  I purchased the crown not knowing if I would wear it on the day but when I put it on with my dress, it was perfect!

How chic is this all-white bridal party! With a luxurious lace dress for the bride, the ivory tulip hem dresses were a gorgeous pick for her bridesmaids, while still making sure the bride’s look shone!

My bridesmaids wore ivory Shona Joy dresses which were all slightly different from each other’s along with rose gold strappy heels and gold earrings.    

The groom and groomsmen rocked these custom made suits in deep green, with black collar details to add a contrasting touch!

Forest green is Michael’s favourite colour and we knew it would look stunning in the Gabbinbar gardens.    Our dear friend Ryan, owner of Black Jacket Suiting in Bulimba did all the custom suits for the groomsmen and custom tux for Michael.  We chose Australian high-grade merino wool in forest green with peak lapels.  They all looked so incredibly handsome. 

Our adventure begins! The couple welcomed guests to their ceremony with a custom wedding sign on a copper frame. They held their wedding ceremony in the airy white pavilion at Gabbinar, with a gorgeous asymmetric flower backdrop that brought their signature colors into their beautiful ceremony.

The historic estate provided stunning backdrops for Andrea and Michael’s wedding day photos, from the old barn to a hanging swing!

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The couple held their reception dinner in the Conservatory, with open and airy skylights pouring light onto their long farm tables. They decorated with repurposed flowers from the ceremony backdrop to create a floral bower around the head table, with silk chiffon table runners and frosted acrylic signs that glowed in the light of votive candles.

The couple served fresh local ice cream as a cooling treat for their wedding guests!

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On their favorite parts of the wedding day:

​I’m sure everyone gives the same answer, but it was the best day of our lives.  There was so much love, laughter and happy tears.  Having everyone so dear to us all in the one location has been something COVID has taken away from us all.   So, in saying that, having all our family and friends there to hear Michael and I exchange vows was a highlight as well as seeing months and months of planning come together.   The overwhelming feeling of relief and excitement was something we will never forget.  

This gorgeous one-tier wedding cake by Jillicious Cakes made a beautiful statement with brushed buttercream petals and a fresh flower cake topper.

From the Bride and Groom –

How we met and got engaged –

Michael and I met on 16 May 2015.  My cousin who was also my Maid of Honour, insisted I accompany her on a night out in Brisbane.  The two of us were dancing and enjoying ourselves when we noticed two guys coming towards us.  Michael and I exchanged a few words and that was the end of that.  A few days later he contacted me and asked me on a date and as they say “the rest is history”.  Michael proposed to me at my favourite beach, Broken Head which is just outside Byron Bay.  He had arranged a company to set up a gorgeous picnic for us complete with my favourite flowers, balloons and champagne.  I had no idea the proposal was coming so when he insisted, we go for a walk along the sand on a very overcast and gloomy day, I resisted.   I was so surprised and in such shock that I can’t even remember what he said to me.  I just remember an open ring box with Michael down on one knee.  It still brings a happy tear to my eye when I think of this moment.  Due to the weather being so grey, the only other soul on the beach with us was a lone fisherman who paid us no attention.  It was very romantic.  We spent the weekend in a gorgeous Airbnb surrounded by forest. It was the perfect proposal. 

WEDDING VENDORS –

Photographer: Figtree Wedding Photography
Queensland Wedding Venue: Gabbinbar Homestead
Wedding Cake: Jillicious Cakes
Florist: Kate Dawes Flower Design
Wedding Dress: Love In Portofino by J Andreatta
Bridal Hair Accessory: Ashlee Lauren Designs
Bridesmaid Dresses: Shona Joy
Groom’s Suit: Black Jacket Suiting
Hair: Sarah Neill Hair
Makeup: Shelby Powter