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.
Bomboniere: DIY / Brides Gown: Wedding Dress Wonderland, Justin Alexander / Bridesmaids Dresses: Light in the Box / Cake: Ann's Unique Cakes / Celebrant: Carolyn Jackson / Entertainment: Cedar Creek Lodges / Flowers: Rocklea Markets / Gift Registry: Wishing well / Grooms Attire: Roger David / Grooms Shoes: Roger David / Groomsmen Attire: Roger David / Groomsmen Shoes: Roger David / Hair: Rena Sippel / Honeymoon: Vanuatu / Invitations: Dearly Designed / Makeup: Rena Sippel / Photographer: Kathy McMillan Photography / Rings: Michael Hill Jeweller / Venue: Cedar Creek Lodges / Wedding Night Accommodation: Cedar Creek Lodges / Wedding Planner: Cedar Creek Lodges