Kat + Jared | Wedded in Paradise | The GC Bridal Lounge

A looming border closure brought Kat and Jared's wedding forward four weeks and, as luck would have it, the day turned out to be nothing short of Paradise.

While on the initial chosen date, torrential rain bucketed down, their outdoor creek-side wedding at Kingscliff saw only sunshine, smiles and intimacy with a ceremony of 30 people.

Scroll on for pics of Kat in our Paradise gown and discover more details about this divine bride's perfect day:

What was Jared's reaction when you walked the aisle?

I think he was just happy to see me. We were both so thrilled that the day had actually arrived, as, with everything going on in the world, and with friends cancelling weddings left right and center, we weren't sure.

I did ask him what he thought of the dress and his words were, "exactly what I pictured you would wear". He thought it was beautiful and suited me perfectly.

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What was the magic moment of the day?

There are so many, I couldn't possibly choose one. A few stand outs were:

Of course saying our 'I dos' and first kiss;
Having, basically half a tree branch land on my head during our photos (it was ok, I had a glass of champagne in hand and didn't spill any);
Singing 'Happy Birthday' when we cut our wedding cake. Our wedding day was also Jared's mum's birthday, one of my oldest friend's birthdays; and the day before Jared's grandad's 80th. The rendition of Happy Birthday was a total surprise led by Jared and I, and it was special to see how chuffed they looked.
Sharing our first dance to 'Tennesse Whisky' by Chris Stapleton;
Catching up with old friends that I had not seen in too long.

What did you love about planning your wedding?

We really planned two weddings. The first was a party with 90 guests in an eclectic venue on the Gold Coast (a Barber Shop!), with a recovery brunch the next day. We planned to dance into the night, eat paella and gelato and of course, get married.
Our actual wedding was basically the opposite of that plan. We planned the whole thing in six weeks as a contingency plan due to Queensland's border still being closed, and my whole family living in NSW. We got married at the creek at Kingscliff during late morning with 30 guests, four weeks earlier than originally planned, and had a 20 person reception (due to COVID restrictions) in a beautiful apartment on Marine Parade at Kingscliff. Our lunch reception still saw us dancing well into the night of course.

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How did your feel in the Paradise gown?

I felt spectacular and was so so happy with my choice. I felt lucky that I had chosen such a versatile gown too. I purchased the gown before border closures and COVID restrictions existed and, of course, while our big Barber Shop funky wedding plan was in full swing! Even though our wedding ended up being the opposite of that, I got so many comments from people that the dress was perfect for the setting and the whole day. I thought the shape of the dress was also super flattering and somehow was fitted without feeling 'tight' or restrictive.

How did you decide on your dream dress?

When I got home and looked at the photos after shopping with my mum and Rachel, I was grinning from ear to ear, while wearing the Paradise gown, whereas my face said 'meh' in all the other photos. That's when I knew it was the one.

What did you love about gown shopping?

The experience at the GC bridal lounge was completely 5-star. The studio itself is a beautiful and calming place and I loved the personalised feeling of being the only person there. Mel was so helpful, attentive, and personable, which made me feel more relaxed than I had at any of the other places I had visited. She was genuinely interested in our plans and our story. Thanks Mel!

What are you loving about married life?

I think my favourite thing is that it has solidified our feeling of 'family'. We already own a house and a dog and have lived together for years, but now we really feel like a 'family'.

I am also that person who looks desperately for any excuse to drop the phrase 'my husband' into casual conversation - just because it's fun to say.

Any pearls words of wisdom for future brides?

Speaking generally, my advice would be keep it simple. Remember why you are getting married and don't get overwhelmed with the process of planning, because it could all turn to sh*t as we found out this year! I think the other most important thing would be stay true to yourselves as a couple and don't feel pressured to do anything (invite certain people, have a traditional ceremony, have a cake etc) if that's not you. Your wedding will be all the more beautiful if it is injected with your personalities.

VENDORS

Photographer:Jen from Woven Studio @wovenstudio

Ceremony Venue Kingscliff / Cudgen Creek

Florals: Fifth Avenue Florist, Palm Beach

Celebrant: Danielle Barker

Vegan wedding cake: @vegansisters.hc

Ceremony set up / hire: Coastal Events @coastalevents

Jared's suit: Hugo Boss

Earrings: @the.litt