Tysha and Brent’s Great Keppel Island wedding

Tysha and Brent’s love story dates back to high school, where the two dated briefly as teens. Like many young loves, life took them in different directions, but fate and God brought them back together three years later when Tysha returned to her hometown of Rockhampton in Central Queensland. In July 2025, Tysha and Brent said “I do”.

It was only an hour away from where their love story started that Tysha and Brent took their next step. In front of 60 of their closest family and friends and in the presence of God, on the tropical paradise of Great Keppel Island, Tysha and Brent exchanged vows.

The couple requested a simple, quick, casual, yet elegant wedding that glorified God. The bride, Tysha, had a vision of simple yet sophisticated elegance that let the picturesque beach views speak for themselves. And so, the ceremony’s location on the beach, just metres away from the water, was the ideal setting.

A morning ceremony at 11am allowed the couple ample time to take their bride and groom photos before a 1pm lunch reception at Great Keppel Island Hideaway. For those guests who weren’t staying on Great Keppel Island, this meant they had enough time to celebrate with the newlyweds before departing on the final ferry of the day.

With an absence of a bridal party, it was Tysha’s grandfather who walked her down the aisle. For a celebrant, the couple chose their close friend, Pastor Shea Taylor, to marry them. Knowing the couple so well, it was incredibly significant for him to hold this coveted and holy role. “[It] was a special blessing to have him and his wife Leonie be part of our wedding,” Tysha reminisces.

The couple chose Great Keppel Island as their wedding location: a breathtaking destination with 17 stunning beaches dotted around the coastline. It ticked every box: sweeping views for unforgettable photos, a magical atmosphere from sunrise to sunset, and budget-friendly. Even more meaningful, the island held a special place in their hearts after years of enjoying day trips there together.

To capture the day, Tysha and Brent turned to Julie-Anne Photography. Her bright, clean, and elegant style is what first got their attention. But it was finding out that they shared faith that gave the couple peace, “knowing that all the special moments with friends, family, and God would be captured by her for us to cherish forever,” says Tysha.

From their first enquiry, Tysha found Julie-Anne to be helpful, friendly, and professional. They got to know one another before the wedding, as Tysha and Brent trusted her for their engagement shoot – a great way to break the ice and lay the groundwork for the big day.

On the wedding day itself, Julie-Anne worked tirelessly, sending them sneak peeks on the night. The full gallery was delivered in a few short weeks, giving Tysha and Brent something to look back on and reflect on the day, holding these memories so close to their heart.

With the support of talented second photographer Hannah Clark from Be Still Photography, no angle was overlooked, and not a single moment was missed.

Every vendor played a role in bringing Tysha and Brent’s dream day to life, but the florals held a special meaning. Created by Tysha’s close friend Amy from Wildflower Botanicals, the arrangements reflected both creativity and a deep understanding of Tysha’s vision. Crafted from silk, they perfectly complemented the coastal backdrop while lasting long beyond the wedding. Today, these beautiful pieces are displayed in the couple’s home, a timeless reminder of their special day.

As the couple didn’t settle on a theme for the wedding, the decorations were minimal – the pristine and jaw-dropping location was enough. When it came to the colours chosen, the bride stayed with those that complemented the island. Dusty, muted, and natural. “Think beautiful pink, blue, and orange sunrise with wildflowers in the distance,” Tysha explains. “Dusty blues, mauves, dusty pinks, light lilacs, creams, and a pop of orange.”

Tysha’s network of talented and creative friends didn’t stop with Amy, as she turned to Friday from Friday Beauty to do her makeup. A close friend of the bride, Tysha was able to depend on her expertise and skill to make her feel both beautiful and confident on her wedding day. “She listened to what I wanted and delivered well above my expectations,” the bride explains. “I love how my makeup looks in every photo, and I wouldn’t have changed a thing.”

Bringing together her look for the day was the most important part – the perfect dress. After visiting a few boutiques but struggling to find ‘the one’, Tysha booked an appointment with Kara from Mason Bridal Boutique. An expert in her field, it was the first dress that Kara recommended that would become Tysha’s wedding gown. Custom-made for her, not only was it flattering for her figure, but it ticked the boxes of simple elegance.

The alterations were done by local business Sew Perfect Atelier Rockhampton. Relying on Irina, Tysha’s dream dress was altered to suit walking barefoot on the sand, as well as adding a bustle. “Very professional, fast service,” Tysha says of her experience with Irina.

Everything for the newlyweds came together perfectly. “I didn’t have to worry about a thing,” Tysha explains. The functions team of Great Keppel Island Hideaway, headed up by Lizzie, were easy to work with. Friendly, organised and understanding.

What would the couple change if they did it all over again? “The only thing I would do differently is less decor,” says Tysha. “Choose a beautiful venue and let it wow the guests!”

Tysha and Brent’s love for one another, the closeness they share with their family and with the friends who weren’t only present but helped to bring their day to life, is evident in the images by Julie-Anne Photography. With their shared faith, their wedding was a reminder of how meaningful traditions and simplicity can be extraordinary.