Jessika & Blair's Love Lockdown

In the midst of a global pandemic, Jessika and Blair’s wedding came together JUST in the nick of time! Their big day could have fallen prey to the mass postponement that swept like a wave across weddings and events across the globe, but instead, their team of fast-acting wedding vendors quickly whipped their wedding back to within regulations!

The pair first met in high school in Kingaroy, where, believe it or not, they weren’t even friends! It wasn’t until later down the track that they crossed paths again at a friend’s 21^st in 2012 that they were reintroduced and their romance blossomed. “Blair had the most infectious smile. I asked him what he was drinking for an excuse to talk to him – the rest is history!” Explains Jessika.

The couple were engaged almost two years ago and began avidly planning their big day – locking down the favourite vendors very early on. “We booked Gabbinbar almost 18 months in advance and my hair and makeup artists about 12 months out. This allowed me to get my first pick for every single vendor.” She said. 

“We knew we wanted a venue that had it all so our guests could arrive at one location and spend the whole day there. We certainly found that in Gabbinbar Homestead! As soon as we drove into the venue and walked around we knew it was the one. They really do think of absolutely everything!”

Not only were the two booking well in advance, they were also organised with spreadsheets and budgets galore! Jessika highly suggests this for any couple in order to stay on top of wedding planning.

It was perhaps this excellent organisation that assisted with the quick turnaround changes that had to be made at the last minute. What could have been a disaster was turned around with swift adaptation from an expert team.

“On the Friday afternoon Gabbinbar called me to say due to new restrictions just imposed we had to bring the whole reception outside because there wasn't enough room in the indoor conservatory to adhere to the new social distancing laws. This meant a lot of last minute changes! Chairs also had to be spaced 1.5 metres apart, which meant I didn't have enough florals for my long tables! The venue and my florist worked together and went above and beyond (Gabbinbar gave my florist full access to their gardens) and it turned out beautifully. Our three-piece band also had to move outside and change their whole set list very last minute to adhere to noise restrictions!”

“Thankfully we were gifted with incredible weather and the outdoor reception was beyond perfect! I honestly can’t sing the praises of the venue and all of my vendors enough, they all went above and beyond!”

Despite the drama unfolding behind the scenes, the day was all timeless class and grace. Jessika recalls her most memorable moment as none other than walking down the aisle.

“There's just so much emotion in that moment. I was so nervous but as soon as I looked up to see Blair's face I couldn't wipe the smile off mine! I used to tell Blair that he would cry when he saw me and I always got a very manly ‘No way,’ in response. But - he cried!”

The romance and beauty of their big day was undeniable – made even more special with those family and friends who were still able to be there. Their guests watched on with hearts full as Jessika and Blair said ‘I do’ amongst Gabbinbar Homestead’s manicured gardens. Their wedding was styled with florals featuring ivory and blush blooms with minimal foliage and bridesmaids in classic navy dresses.

Jessika found her dream dress when she visited the boutique and came across the Emily gown by Spanish label, Pronovias. The gown features a minimalist design of a fitted crepe skirt contrasted with a structural statement lace bodice, which skims down the sides. “I just loved how the dress is so simple, but so beautiful! [I also loved] the train! It certainly was a statement.” Said Jessika.

While the couple’s honeymoon plans were abruptly cancelled with the onset of COVID-19, they certainly aren’t off the books! The loved up couple have begun excitedly saving for the purchase of their dream home and will likely revisit their Canadian getaway next year. “Blair is a carpenter so he's itching to renovate,” she says.