“Our wedding day had everything we’d dreamed of.”
That’s what Shannon Brabon and Jody Hunter had to say after their elopement, which included a private and relaxed ceremony at a breathtaking location.
When they chose their venue they had a list of non-negotiables, which included no stress and for it to be organised for them with everything included, so they only needed to arrive with their wedding clothes.
When Shannon found Secrets on the Lake at Montville, she knew the search was over.
On the day, the couple settled in and enjoyed breakfast in their treehouse looking across the rainforest canopy and gardens to Baroon Pocket Dam.
When the time came, Shannon and Jody strolled hand in hand to the ceremony spot along the winding path fringed by tropical flowers.
They shared a deeply personal ceremony and didn’t take their eyes off each other.
At the signing table the couple was presented with their gorgeous wedding cake to cut, with a glass of bubbles, before a photo shoot in the lush grounds.
“We’ve been through so many ups and downs together over the past 17 years,” they said. “We’ve both grown and we know each other better than anyone else.
“We decided to elope because this is all about us and our life, our love and our commitment to each other. It felt so right.
“Looking back at the day, it couldn’t have been more perfect – a beautiful destination with a wedding package including absolutely everything at exquisite quality.
“We loved everything and we loved that Secrets on the Lake even organised our secret witnesses.”
It was a dream wedding followed by a dream honeymoon, with Jody and Shannon sharing a once-in-a-lifetime trip to France, Switzerland, England and Italy, with the highlight being their time in Venice.
Their wedding photos were waiting for them on their return, with the shots capturing the tranquility, ambience and love in such a magical way.
- Celebrant: Suzanne Riley
- Venue: Secrets on the Lake at Montville
- Florist: Western Avenue
- Photographer: Ben Connolly Photographer
Wedding Belles is contributed to Sunshine Coast News by Sunshine Coast marriage celebrant Suzanne Riley.