What happens when your favourite Netflix binge-watch and a true-life love story collide? This is the tale of Allana and Panashe. Meeting by chance, this couple found their happily ever after and it was even better than any on-screen romance! Celebrating in true Bridgerton-style fashion they said i-do at Toowoomba's Gabbinbar Homestead - the perfect background for a timeless affair. Allana wore Le Chic V2 in crepe by Hera Couture with custom drop sleeves for a classic, yet elevated look.
"Dear Readers, the diamond of the season has made her match. Do peruse the matter of their remarkable love story. "Yours truly, Lady Whistledown.
The Dream Team
Photography: Mallory Sparkles Photography
Videography: My Film
Venue: Gabbinbar Homestead
Florals & Event Styling: Aurora + Co
Bridesmaid Dresses: Shona Joy
Hair & MUA: Alysha Maree Makeup
Celebrant: Cherry Wedding Services
Cake: Cakes Are Chlo
Wedding Dress Alterations: Skilled Stitches
Grooms Suit: Germanicos Bespoke Tailors
How did you meet?
We met on a night out when Panashe came up to me and we started chatting, he asked me for my number and we went our separate ways. I was certain I would never hear from or see him again. Until the next morning when I saw him walk across the entrance of the store I was working at. I thought, this is either really weird or a huge coincidence, so I messaged him and it turns out we worked in the same shopping centre! He visited me one night after work, we went for coffee, kept chatting, and a week later we went on our first date.
Tell us about your proposal story?
Panashe had organised a weekend away at Secrets On The Lake with some of our closest friends Mat and Ella. On our way up, he took me to brunch, and then to Spicers for a massage, and then arrived at our accommodation for some lunch. When our friends got there he told me to dress up for dinner, and that they would go ahead and meet us there. What I didn’t know was that Ella was scouting for the best proposal spot (making sure the wind would blow my hair in the right direction), while Mat was getting his camera ready. Panashe walked me down through the beautiful gardens, and eventually we got to an open spot overlooking the lake, where he proposed! After lots of happy tears and an impromptu photoshoot, we made our way back to our cabin where my best friend (and soon to be Maid of Honour) was waiting with some flowers. I cried some more and we got back to the cabin to celebrate. Just after we got there I heard a knock on the door, and my twin cousins had arrived with some champagne. I cried again and we popped the champagne!
How would you describe the style of your wedding?
When we had started planning our wedding, we were binging Bridgerton at the same time which definitely influenced our decisions when it came to the style that we were aiming for, for things like florals, but we wanted things to (generally) be a bit classic or timeless. The trend of the pastel florals or wildflower look was really ideal for what we wanted and our florist did a beautiful job. I knew that I wanted a beautiful venue that we didn’t need to dress much, and when we visited Gabbinbar Homestead for the first time we knew that it HAD to be our wedding venue, and lucky for us it has a bit of that Bridgerton aesthetic.
Which vendor was most important to you / were there any standout suppliers?
We made the decision very early that our photographer was the most important vendor to us, followed by our videographer, because for us our wedding was likely the first and last time that all of our friends and family would be together as the majority of Panashe’s family live in Zimbabwe and England. Our photographer, Mallory Sparkles, was amazing, her ability to capture stunning images is outstanding and her warm personality allows everyone to feel super comfortable. I can’t thank or rave about Mallory enough, we are so obsessed with our sneak peak photos and can’t wait to see the rest of the gallery! Another stand out has to be Gabbinbar, their service was flawless from the beginning, they took amazing care of Panashe and I, and the food was absolutely amazing!
What was the most memorable part of your wedding day?
The most memorable part of the day for me was definitely walking down the aisle and seeing Panashe. All of the anticipation during the day while getting ready built up to that moment and I couldn’t be happier when I saw him waiting for me at the end of what felt like the longest walk. We loved our whole ceremony, it was so beautiful and our celebrant, Grace from Cherry Weddings, did a fantastic job!
What did you love most about your White Lily gown?
I loved my Le Chic gown so much! The way that it is classic and elegant, the pearl buttons all the way down the back were stunning and matched my veil, and the way that it fit me made me feel so unbelievably confident, I couldn’t be happier with my choice!
What made your White Lily Couture experience special for you?
The experience as soon as you walk through the big pink doors is so welcoming and exciting, Holly from White Lily Couture did a wonderful job making me feel comfortable and helping me narrow down my choices, and the pink lemonade is a lovely touch! The team were so accommodating after I had my first appointment with my bridesmaids, another appointment with my parents and sister, and finally when I came to pick up my dress, I was able to bring along my 94 year old grandparents to see it as they weren’t able to make the wedding. It was a fantastic experience from the start!
What advice would you offer other couples when preparing for their wedding?
I would tell other couples to make sure that they’re communicating openly and regularly about their expectations and feelings around the decisions they need to make to ensure they’re on the same page with everything. While planning your wedding can be the most exciting time, it does unfortunately come with some stress and potentially some dramas from family or something similar and its important that you’re on the same team. Don’t sweat the small stuff, the most important thing is that you’re both there on the day and that you have the best time!
Now that you moved onto the next chapter of your life, what is your favourite thing about being married?
At this stage we’re definitely still in the ‘just married’ bubble but I’d say that planning for our future as husband and wife has been the most exciting thing!
