“ We accentuated the natural bush with native flowers ... all the timber used was recycled from the original zoo that Steve Irwin built ”
“ We accentuated the natural bush with native flowers ... all the timber used was recycled from the original zoo that Steve Irwin built ”
It ’ s not often we hear of a couple designing their own wedding venue . But for wildlife warriors Luke and Mitchell , that ’ s exactly what happened ! As General Manager ( Luke ) and Creative Services
Manager ( Mitch ) at the iconic Australia Zoo , their wedding was always going to be something a bit special . “ We have a pretty wild life ,” says Luke . “ When we ’ re not travelling the world doing conservation work , we ’ re at the zoo designing the next animal habitat or working on Crikey ! magazine . Recently , we both worked on designing and project managing The Crocodile Hunter Lodge , making it the perfect place for us to get married .”
The project played a life-changing role for the couple who first met through a friend and celebrated their first date in true coastal style . “ We ate pizza on the beach and have been together ever since ,” says Luke . “ When we ’ re not working , we love Sunshine Coast life , and our happy place is Moffat Beach . We ’ re also huge foodies , so love trying out new restaurants with our family and friends .”
When planning an intimate celebration for 31 of their nearest and dearest , there was only one choice . “ Ironbark Paddock is a space we both worked on and absolutely LOVE ,” says Luke . “ Ours was the first wedding in the venue , and we can ’ t wait to see more . It was magical !”
For their wedding aesthetic , the pair turned to the natural environment for inspiration . “ Everything was earthy , neutral and of course inspired by nature ,” says Mitch . “ We accentuated the natural bush around the shed with native Australian flowers from That Little Flower Shop , and all the timber used for the arbour and decorations was recycled from the original zoo that Steve Irwin built .”
When it came to suits , the pair agreed to do their own thing , with Mitch opting for a rich pop of colour from Anthony Squires and Luke kitted out in chic MJ Bale . The day ’ s beautifully relaxed vibe was also the perfect fit for the pair . “ We wanted our wedding to be very laid-back : more of a big party with the people we love most ,” says Luke . “ Our favourite moment was walking to the shed and down the aisle as The Famo ’ s performed Noah Reid ’ s version of Simply the Best . We chose our mums to walk with us and it was very emotional . It felt like that was the moment we were entering the next stage of our lives together .”
And their advice for other couples ? “ Make the wedding your own . We wanted a small wedding , done our way . I think that ’ s what made it so special for us ,” agree the grooms , who also have a special shout-out for their vendors . “ They were all amazing ,” says Luke . “ And the Australia Zoo events team handled absolutely everything so perfectly . I ’ ve seen a lot of weddings here , and now I know why !
So , what ’ s next for this newly minted pair of nature-lovers ? A month-long honeymoon ! “ Having a small wedding meant we could have a big honeymoon ,” says Luke . “ We each chose half of the trip : anywhere in the world . First , roadtripping through Europe , starting in Paris . Then we fly to South Africa for two weeks in the middle of the bush , surrounded by elephants , lions and leopards . They say opposites attract , and this is proof !”
100 Winter 2023