1 November 2023

Kelly & Keenan | Cocktails & Dreams

Kelly and Keenan held their dream wedding at the Gold Coast Farm House. A heartfelt and memorable ceremony set the scene for a day and evening full of love and laughter. Every aspect of the cocktail garden party celebration was a true reflection of the couple with memories to last a lifetime. We adored hosting Kelly and Keenan at the Farm House for their spring wedding. Their relaxed attitude ensured each moment of the day was enjoyed, as they focused on the most important thing, each other.

Names / Kelly & Keenan

Wedding Date / 21 October 2023

Guest Numbers / 120

Theme / Cocktail Garden Party

close up of newlywed bride and groom holding hands as they stand back to back.

The Proposal

Kelly and Keenan’s engagement story is proposal perfection. The adventurous pair had been travelling around Australia for a year in a 4×4. Making their way up the east coast, they pulled into a beautiful campsite in the Snowy Mountains. The picturesque setting was begging to be photographed, so they took time out to get some travel snaps. This had been a very normal occurrence on their journey with all the stunning locations they had visited.

This shoot, however, had a twist. Kelly turned around to see Keenan down on one knee in the traditional proposal position. The couple were both speechless, just looking at one another and laughing. Although Kelly was completely shocked by the proposal, she said it very fitting for that season of their lives; just the two of them in nature.

Groom and bride get ready for their wedding at the Gold Coast Farm House — Beautiful wedding preparations at the Gold Coast Farm House for Keenan and Kelly

The Ceremony

For Kelly and Keenan their wedding ceremony was the highlight of their day. Exchanging vows was their favourite part and just like the proposal, the couple considered their ceremony “just so us”. It was fun and relaxed with laughter, joy, and the occasional tear. Officiated by Lei Newell of LoveLei Weddings, the ceremony was perfect for the loved up pair.

The formalities began with four gorgeous “Flower Grandmas” peppering the aisle with rose petals before Kelly’s arrival. The delighted crowd laughed, cried, and applauded the ladies as they set the scene for a joyful celebration. We have created their very own Flower Grandma gallery with these stunning captures of their moment.

Kelly walked down the aisle to an acoustic version of ‘Have I Told You Lately’ by Van Morrison. Her 10 year old step-sister sung for her as she made her way to the point of the lake, where Keenan was waiting. This was a moving and memorable moment that was very special for Kelly and her loved ones.

Once the ceremony was complete, the newlyweds walked back down the aisle together, full of love and happiness. Guest joined the couple at their “shot wall” as they did tequila shots together to start the festivities. A truly memorable moment that the pair will treasure forever.

Wedding ceremony by the lake at the Gold Coast Farm House.

Bride and groom celebrate after their wedding ceremony with their dog. — Kelly and Keenan’s gorgeous spring wedding ceremony, complete with photogenic furry friend

The Look

Kelly and Keenan chose a beautiful soft, spring colour palette for their October wedding. The bride wore a stunning white lace gown from Ella Moda. The groom and his bridal party were kitted out in natural linen suits. Bridesmaids wore satin slip dresses in soft muted tones of cream, steel blue, and pewter.

The flowers by Arctic Fox were absolutely stunning. A gorgeous spring mix of different colours and shapes made for a beautiful floral display. The floral arbour and bouquets were bursting with tones of blue, apricot, pink, purple, and white. While the flowers were busy and bright, they did not detract from the bride, groom, or the wedding party. Instead, they worked harmoniously with the soft colour palette and served as a gorgeous accent piece that brought all the other elements together.

The Lane Creators captured the event with stunning photographs. Utilising the grounds of the Farm House, their portraits and group shots were beautifully framed by the natural vegetation and green surrounds of the property.

Bride and Groom pose for wedding portraits and group photos on the Gold Coast Farm House. — Romantic florals and a soft spring colour palette set the tone for Kelly and Keenan’s wedding

The Reception

Kelly and Keenan wanted their reception to feel like a “boujee backyard bbq”. The cocktail garden party offered just that, with a fun and relaxed vibe that encouraged conversation, dancing, and a really good time. The couple loved the concept of “build your own wedding” offered by the Gold Coast Farm House venue. This allowed them to completely customise their wedding celebration, choosing everything from caterers to tipis, music and layout.

The flexibility of the Farm House venue meant they could have their dream cocktail wedding with food trucks, a shot wall, and a Margarita bar. Guests were treated to Mexican street food from California Tacos, while Fern Vintage Van poured the drinks. Bassline Studios Band kept the party going with a lively set that ensured the dancefloor was always full and festive.

While the couple didn’t do a first dance, they did make a grand entrance to ABBA’s “Gimme Gimme Gimme”. Spraying Champagne as they came into the tipi, Kelly and Keenan were greeted with a rousing applause and cheers from their guests. They performed a choregraphed dance that set the tone for the evening’s festivities, as did the pouring of the Champagne tower.

Bride and groom kiss after their wedding ceremony and pour champagne tower. — A day full of romance and good times for Kelly and Keenan

Advice

Kelly and Keenan’s wedding was a roaring success. They wouldn’t have changed a thing. The cocktail style reception was a hit, as it allowed them to mingle with everyone in a fun, party atmosphere. One of the key elements was the Margarita bar, which, along with the shot wall, they highly recommend to other couples.

Their advice is to plan your day around exactly what you want and not worry about any expectations. Creating a celebration that is a complete reflection of you and your love, is essential. After all, the most important thing to consider is that you are marrying your best friend.