Before you reach the Coral Sea vistas of The Whitsundays , you ’ ll find the region ’ s sweeping , sun-drenched countryside . A part of Queensland that always takes our breath away ! For Taylah and Shanelle ( Tay & Nelly ), it proved the perfect place to host their beautiful barn wedding and celebrate a love story that started in very modern style : Tinder !
Each was convinced by friends to try it , and just a week later they found each other . “ Thankfully the first and last Tinder date for both of us !,” says Taylah . For the pair who loves to laugh together , navigating life ’ s ups and downs is part of what makes their relationship rock . “ It makes life easier when your partner in life is your best friend and biggest supporter ,” says Taylah . “ We bring out the best in each other , smashing goals we set out together , and growing as individuals and as one unit every day .”
Their first commitment to one another came in the form of a block of land . Cue the surprise proposal ! “ The day we got keys to our new slice of heaven , we put our drone up to video us popping a bottle of Champagne over the land ,” explains Taylah . “ As I shook the bottle , I turned to see Shanelle down on one knee , asking if I would spend forever with her . I replied with ‘ I ’ m sorry , what !? Obviously I eventually said yes between the tears , haha .”
The couple shared their love bubble with their favourite people , hosting a joint hens party in Airlie Beach . Picture picnics , yachts , island-hopping , quite a few drinks , and even a bit of star-spotting when the group bumped into Travis Fimmel ( Vikings ) during a night out . Their ‘ dress like a dad ’ themed attire didn ’ t stop them grabbing a few selfies !
Finding their venue , a scenic 800-acre working cattle farm just half an hour from Airlie , set the scene for the couple ’ s dream celebration . “ The Creek Whitsundays is so special to us ,” says Taylah . “ A family had built a barn on their property and only just started doing weddings . The landscapes and the cattle were everything we were chasing and more .”
The pair then leaned into a little Instagram inspiration , with Taylah bringing her artistic flair to the day ’ s aesthetic , from the lush florals to the organic palette of whites , creams and chic neutrals .“ We had a vision and achieved it thanks to our amazing wedding stylist , Borrow My Bits ” she says .
Taylah also brought a personal touch to her gown . “ I had the sides customised with extra lace from the bottom to make it perfect for me ,” she explains . Shanelle stayed on theme with a cream Connor jacket and RM William accessories . “ She nailed it !” says Taylah of her bride .
When it came to the ceremony , the couple envisioned a personal , lighthearted feel . “ We had a ‘ rock off ’ rock / paper / scissors challenge to see who would say their vows first !” says Taylah . “ We also asked guests to raise their hand in one part of our ceremony to say a vow to us .”
After a magical sunset photocall , the newlyweds gathered their 62 loved ones to party , with the rustic barn brought to life with soft textures and gorgeous styling details .
And their most memorable moment ? “ The entire day was absolutely incredible ,” says Taylah . “ We had smiles from ear to ear as we spent the day with our favourite people : laughing , dancing and ugly-crying . The WHOLE DAY was our favourite part !”
The celebration also has lasting meaning for the pair . “ For us , marriage is a commitment to being best friends , partners , and an all-round support team ,” says Taylah . “ To always making each other smile , being the hug that can make everything melt away .” Taylah also has a simple message for other couples . “ Practice how to be more present for your day so you can remember every second ,” she says . “ Focus on what matters . Good luck !”
116 Winter 2023