STEPHANIE & JOSEPH

Congratulations STEPHANIE & JOSEPH

9.8.21

“Our wedding theme was Elegant, Romantic and Timeless with a touch of Vintage.

Stephanie Jose and Joseph Coates bonded over a love of dogs! “Whilst I can’t disclose how we met (top secret squirrels’ business), I can say that it was a love of dogs that we bonded over and in particular Dalmatians. Odds would have it both Joe and I owned the uncommon breed; him with a boy, Bam Bam and I with a girl, Lyla. It was quite the Disney love story!”

“We aren’t big Valentine’s Day people, but Joe is very sweet and thoughtful so when he told me he was taking me to a three-course Valentine’s Day lunch at The Regatta in Brisbane, I didn’t over think it too much. We sat on the verandah overlooking the water, listening to live music and reminiscing over our first date which was at the Walrus Club underneath the same venue. At the end of lunch, Joe started telling me how much he loved me and how lucky he felt to be with me. He then got down on one knee and asked me if I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. I was very shocked as Joe is a very private person and I never imagined he would propose in such a public setting. I believe my response was not rated PG, but I was absolutely overwhelmed with joy and the word ‘Yes’ was in there somewhere! After the moment passed, Joe said we should go to the bar downstairs and get a bottle of champagne to celebrate together, so we jumped in the elevator and as the doors opened, our friends and family were all there cheering for us. Joe had told our nearest and dearest that he was going to propose and organised a surprise engagement party. It’s one of the best days of my life and one of the most thoughtful and beautiful things anyone has ever done for me.”

“Our wedding was unconventional, with part one on 9 August 2021 – the ceremony with only 20 people allowed due to Covid lockdown and part two on 11 November 2021 - the reception. There were so many highlights: My husband crying when we read our vows. I had never seen him cry! The amount of love shown to us by those who couldn’t be with us due to the Covid restrictions - I had friends drive from Brisbane to the Gold Coast just so they could see me in my dress and share a glass of champagne with me while I got ready. As restaurants had reopened on 9 August 2021, we were able to go out for dinner with our wedding party and a few extra friends who joined us after our vows. Sitting in an Italian restaurant in Broadbeach, in my wedding dress with our nearest and dearest was perfect in its own weird way. My dress was designed to have the lace on the skirt removable to present a different look along with a quick hairstyle change from introducing us as married and having photos with family and friends, to our entrance at the reception. Also being able to wear it for a second time! Our entrance to the reception was our first dance to ‘Lover’ by Taylor Swift. Being able to include our dogs and get special photos with them as they were supposed to be at our ceremony (one as the ring bearer). Despite our wedding not being what we had planned, it was still magic and I wouldn’t change a thing! Plus, what bride gets to wear her wedding dress twice?”

“Our advice for other couples planning their wedding is if you have the money to get married, keep your engagement period short. Planning a wedding is high stress, why drag out the time you’re doing it and prolong that pressure? Go with the flow and don’t let the small things steal your joy. Something is always going to go wrong - embrace it, roll with it, don’t let it take away from the real reason you’re having a wedding to begin with! Don’t be afraid to think outside the norm. Ask for discounts or for things a vendor may not have even thought of, for instance, we asked our videographers, Feather and Finch Photography to provide a video of our vows for us to share with our guests at our reception so they felt connected to our special moment and share in the emotion. They were wonderful in adhering to our request and were kind enough to not charge us any extra for the additional work. We were supposed to be getting ready at the venue on the day, but couldn’t due to Covid so had to get ready at our hotel. I had forgotten about needing to get to The Valley Estate, so I thought ‘stuff it, I’m getting a limo’ and I called a company the morning of the wedding and they had a driver available so we just rolled with it!”

“For our honeymoon we soaked up the sun and lazed about at the InterContinental on Hayman Island. It was an absolute dream honeymoon with stunning beaches, incredible snorkelling and we even indulged in a six-course private degustation and wine pairing under the stars by Executive Chef, Craig Robertson.

STEPHANIE & JOSEPH’S WEDDING CREW

Accessories and Jewellery - Custom Chic Accommodation - Crystal Pacific, Palm Beach Attire - Pearl Bridal (Dress - ‘Gwen’ by Oksana Muhka), Suzanne Spicer Couture (Dress Alterations), JJ’s House (Bridesmaids Dresses), Institchu (Suits) Cake - Sweets By Georgia Ceremony and Reception - The Valley Estate Florals, Hire and Styling - Emunah Events Hair - SM Hair Artistry Makeup - Juliana Cruz Make Up Marriage Celebrant - John Cummings (Friend) Music and Entertainment - Bernie Carson Music Pet Services - First Class Pet Wedding Assistants Photography and Videography - Feather and Finch Photography Stationery and Invitations - DIY Wedding Dance Instructors - BeLeste Dance