Johanna and Neil head for the hills at vintage wedding

Whether it’s the backyard at home or a stretch of stunning coastline, a beautiful setting is a great foundation for the perfect wedding day.

Johanna Kerr, 26, and Neil Bengowski, 34, headed for the mountains for their vintage wedding. Based in Ipswich, west of Brisbane, Mt Tamborine’s Cedar Creek Lodges was just a stone’s throw away for the couple and their 42 guests.

The vet nurse and sheet-metal worker met several years earlier in Johanna’s hometown of Casino, NSW. “We were introduced by a mutual friend at the local pub,” explains the bride. “We exchanged details and it went from there.” Neil later proposed during Brisbane’s annual Riverfire event, ring loose in pocket, fireworks in the sky.

Johanna says their intimate guest list and “beautiful surroundings” made for the perfect wedding day. “Everybody enjoyed themselves, it was a relaxed environment,” she smiles. The day ran mostly smoothly but there was a little hiccup with the bridesmaid dress to which the celebrant came to the rescue! “Let’s just say it’s lucky our celebrant lived next door to a seamstress.”

The couple honeymooned in Vanuatu.

Photos courtesy of Kathy McMillan Photography.

Johanna found her lace and chiffon gown at Wedding Dress Wonderland.

“It was a great day to catch up with beautiful family and friends,” recalls the bride.

The beautiful cake mixed with a topper and cupcakes was created by Ann’s Unique Cakes.