Natalia & Tom ‘s Queensland Winter Engagement Photos

Natalia and Tom

I do love Autumn and Winter and while a beautiful venue such as the Mount Tambourine Botanical Gardens may not be your first thought for Queensland Winter engagement photos – those Winter colours and Autumnal toned leaves make it absolutely stunning. Lee Calleja Thomas chosen to capture the engagement of Natalia and Tom.

Natalia tells the story of how the couple met. “Tom & I met at University in the States. We were both studying there and had scholarships for athletics. Tom came over from the UK to play Soccer and I was there from my hometown of Chicago to play Volleyball. We always hung out together in groups but it took a couple of months for us to finally get together, and we haven’t been apart since! Could you blame me? How could I resist that British charm!”

“Tom surprised me for a weekend getaway on my 23rd Birthday. I woke up that morning thinking we were going to have lunch with the family, and then go to a nice dinner that evening. He then made me a coffee in bed and told me to pack a bag for the night. I was caught off guard as Tom doesn’t often like to plan things in advance and just goes with the flow. Once I got myself ready, we ended up driving for the next 45 minutes up Springbrook way to ‘The Mouses House’ retreat. When we arrived it looked like a campsite and I was not impressed. I HATE camping and bugs. Tom was giggling to himself as he knew exactly what he had planned for us. We then made our way to the “Prince Charming” suite which was a lovely private room with an outdoor spa and BBQ. He ordered an in-room massage for me, flowers and chocolate. It was perfect! Once my massage was over, we headed out to the deck with some champagne to fill the spa and cook some dinner on the BBQ. I must’ve been turned around looking at the view because the next thing I knew, Tom was down on one knee and popped the big question!…To which I responded nervously laughing, “WHAT ARE YOU DOING!” When I really meant to say “YES OF COURSE!” I’ve never seen him so nervous, and I’ve never felt so happy. I did end up saying yes obviously after some laughing and tears, it was the perfect day/night.”

Natalia and Tom talk a lot about their moments of laughter, Natalia sharing “Tom would say the funniest stories from our relationship are when I make “blonde” comments occasionally and we can spend the next hour crying of laughter. Another one was when we came to Australia for the first time on holiday and we were walking through the park. Not really paying attention, I nearly stepped on a brown snake curled up and sleeping peacefully. When I realised what it was, I jumped about 20 feet in the air onto Tom. It wasn’t funny then but it is pretty hysterical now! All of our funny stories seem to have me as the common theme… I guess that’s why he keeps me around…who gets tired of laughing?!”

On what he loves about his wife to be, Tom notes “To be a little cheesy.. I love waking up to her smile first thing in the morning. Honestly, I love everything. The last few years I have watched her grow in confidence and she is able to hold her own. She’s generous, honest, and stunning, she loves me even on the days I am hard to love. I can’t wait to marry Natalia and see what the future holds for us.”

Natalia tells “Tom has this way of making me smile when I don’t want to. I can’t stay mad at him because he normally says something silly to brighten my mood and he loves me and attacks me with hugs and kisses even when I’m being cranky about the dishes not being done. He has been the greatest support over the years and even in our not so great days, he does everything he can to make sure we have the best future ahead. I can’t wait for this handsome man to be my husband!”