Gabrielle and Benjamin’s whimsical backyard wedding captured by Ash Hughes Photography

When Gabrielle and Benjamin first envisioned their wedding day, they bypassed the traditional venue search entirely. They knew right away that the perfect setting for their whimsical garden wedding was right under their feet, the backyard of their very first home together in Mackay, Queensland.

The celebration kicked off the evening before with an intimate dinner at Ocean International, allowing forty of their closest guests to mingle and connect before the main event. On the big day, the couple exchanged vows in a heartfelt ceremony at the back of their property, beautifully orchestrated by NS Ceremonies and Gowns. Gabrielle looked effortless in a gown from Love & Lace Boutique paired with boots from Titley & Co, whilst her hair was styled in a curled half-up look by Beautique Hair Lounge. Her bridesmaids wore sage green Azazie dresses that perfectly complemented the wedding palette, alongside the groom and groomsmen who were sharply outfitted by Tarocash.

The open-air backyard transition from ceremony to reception was seamless, styled by the couple using pieces hired from Farm Girl Country, Starcut Flowers, and Fiesta. An elegant marquee from On the Event Marquee Hire and a clever Ute Bar from Little Zephyr kept the outdoor party comfortable and flowing. Guests treated themselves to a delicious buffet-style spread from Coast to Coast Golden Roast, followed by a custom sage and white vanilla cake by BakeMy Day. The evening was filled with a lively mix of country, party, and RNB tracks from the couple’s personal playlist, alongside memorable moments like the shoe game and a late-night scavenger hunt. Reflecting on how seamlessly everything came together, Gabrielle notes that keeping perspective was key. “Try your best to not let planning become a full time job even when it really feels like it,” she says. “Make sure you have people around who support your choices.”

Ensuring every fleeting moment and spontaneous game was preserved fell to their photographer and videographer, who made an unforgettable impression on the newlyweds. “If I could recommend one vendor to all other couples, it would be Ash Hughes Photography 100 per cent,” Gabrielle shares. “Easy to deal with, friendly, decent priced and will work with you. Also will get your photos and videos back pretty fast.” Armed with planning tools from Easy Weddings, Gabrielle and Benjamin executed a flawless, deeply personal day that they wouldn’t change a single thing about.

 

"[Ash Hughes Photography] Easy to deal with, friendly, decent priced and will work with you. Also will get your photos and videos back pretty fast."

Gabrielle

This backyard garden celebration was beautifully captured by Ash Hughes Photography.