As lovers of a joke, of a prank, of making their family and friends laugh, naturally, when it came to planning their wedding the couple wanted to continue the theme – and what better way than planning the ultimate surprise! These two decided to avoid all the stress and pressure of the lead-up, inviting their friends and family to their engagement party. which turned out, of course, to be something a bit more special – their wedding! “I wanted the day to be casual, fun, full of love and a surprise” explained Lauren.

“I loved that it was so ‘us’ and I feel we avoided all the stress and planning leading up, as essentially we were only really planning an engagement. It was pretty easy and stress-free as I didn’t need to decide on heaps of little things such as flowers, menus, bridesmaid dresses, party favours etc, we kept it simple and just the basics and it was a great night.” Doe and Deer Photography were invited along for the day to document every amazing moment.

After meeting via friends during high school, “I went to an all-girls school, and him an all-boys school. My friend was dating his friend” says Lauren, the proposal was a heartfelt and sentimental occasion, the story going a little something like this. “Luke’s proposal to Lauren was candid and unadorned, but heartfelt and genuine – a reflection of their love for each other. On Christmas Day in 2021 on their way to Stanthorpe, a place that holds a lot of significance for their relationship, Luke pulled off the highway into the BP fuel stop, slyly fastened the ring to the collar of their dog Millie, and set her off-leash bounding towards Lauren who was walking back to the car confused and just a little bit annoyed about Millie having somehow broken free.

In the fuss of trying to wrangle Millie, it took Lauren a few moments to notice the ring, at which point she let out a startled ‘What the hell!?’ After over 13 years together you’d hope Luke would have been able to pick the right ring – and indeed he did. Lauren was so taken with the ring, showing it to Luke and commenting how stunning it was, almost seeking his confirmation that he agreed it was beautiful, as though he hadn’t spent hours deciding on the perfect one.

They couldn’t wait to share the news with their loved ones once they got to Stanthorpe, where they were met with a variety of reactions from ‘Well it’s about time’ to ‘No you’re not, that’s not real’. Of course, it wasn’t too far fetched to think that Lauren & Luke might pretend to be engaged to play a quick trick, both being quite fond of the occasional prank or pulling one over on those dearest to them.

Lauren and Luke held their engagement party turned wedding at  The Loft, West End, “The venue was perfect as it had two separate rooms next to each other, sectioned off by a partitioned wall” explains Lauren. “That way we were able to set up the ceremony room with seats and an aisle without everyone seeing when they arrived. The seats were hidden by massive green velvet curtains. The venue is stunning with art deco vibes, and brick walls.”

Lauren opted for a two-piece white ensemble formed by designer Shona Joy.  “I wore pearl earrings borrowed from my best friend Catherine (she wore them to her wedding) and a pearl ring lent from my mum, which belonged to my nanna (mum’s mum) she has passed now (my nanna)”, while Luke opted for pieces from Peter Jacksons.

Lauren’s very favourite moment of the day was one not captured, but forever in her memory. “Before we left our apartment and went to the venue (myself, Luke, our close friends, and immediate family were all together with us) – when it was eventually time to get dressed in the room I was by myself and Luke came in on his own and it was nice that it was just the two of us for the first look when he saw me in my wedding dress. Luke also bought me a very fancy bottle of champagne to have in the hotel beforehand and while I was getting dressed he had my sister pass me in a glass of it. It was a nice surprise and brought tears to my eyes. I was very emotional before we got to the venue and when my dad went to hug me it made me tear up and I kept just thinking of how excited and loved I felt and it would make me tear.”

There was no wedding party, but there were very supportive guests laugh Lauren. “We didn’t have a formal wedding party. My older sister Anna, and my two best friends Catherine and Brittany all wore teal-coloured dresses – though not intentionally. My younger sister Kristin wore a yellow dress. We were laughing before the ceremony that some guests might get suspicious that three of my four closest girls were earring teal/green dresses – as our night was engagement turned wedding and some people had inklings something was up.”

Of their photographer for the day, Lauren raves “She was amazing and very helpful”.

Lauren walked down the aisle with both her mum and her dad to The Loving Spoonful’s “Do You Believe In Magic”. “It was great as our walk down was upbeat and fun, and the guests were cheering.” Luke’s favourite part of the day? “The cheering while Lauren walked down the aisle. Everyone was so shocked and excited over the announcement that it was actually our wedding and the ceremony vibe was just fun and awesome.”

The ceremony, officiated by Jamie of Jamie + Cara – Brisbane City Celebrants, was hands down Lauren’s favourite part of the day. “The ceremony was short and sweet. The biggest part was our surprise vows which were so so so sweet but also funny. I absolutely loved every word of both ours and the inside jokes sprinkled within them.

I felt so loved and during it thought to myself this is just perfect and beautiful. I loved both my parents walking me in, and the song. I loved that it was just me and Luke (no bridal party standing with us) I loved what I said, and what he said.”

Cake My Day by Jo made a decadent engagement/wedding cake. “Every vendor was great, to be honest” noted Lauren. “Our cake was one of our favourites, delicious and affordable.”

“Don’t sweat the small stuff and get decision fatigue over trying to make sure you get the best and most perfect whatever (menu font, flowers, earrings etc eg)” advises Lauren. “Remember what you are doing it for and that there are no rules. If I could do our exact night again I would. I loved it. Not having a formal sit down and just canapés through the night also allowed everyone to mingle and chat all night and not waste time with sitting and clearing tables etc.”

The newlyweds chose a favourite song of Luke’s “Wild West End” by Dire Straights for their first dance. “It was lovely and personal to us” explained Lauren. “We didn’t dance just on our own for long. Lots of people joined us early on, but I actually didn’t realise it as my eyes were locked onto Luke’s. When I eventually looked around I got quite a surprise at how many were on the floor also (a good surprise).”

Congratulations on your marriage Lauren & Luke! Thank you for sharing your beautiful wedding day with us and thank you to Doe and Deer Photography and Jamie + Cara – Brisbane City Celebrants for sharing this one with us.