Excavators holding beers, machinery decor and a shed reception: Could this be the most Aussie wedding?
This Queensland couple have celebrated their nuptials in the most Australian way; in the outback, in a shed with heavy machinery full of ice and beers and surrounded by rolling plains.
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They tied the knot on their farm in rural Queensland, the reception was in their grain shed surrounded by tractors, trucks and machinery, and the excavator bucket was their Esky. Bandit the dog was the ring bearer and they flew high above their guests in a helicopter.
It was a very Aussie outback wedding for Hollie McCarthy and Jonathon Armstrong, who were married on their property near Comet, 40km from Emerald and 230km inland from Rockhampton in Central Queensland.
For the ceremony, Jonathon relocated one of the property’s trees to a hill, where the couple also built an archway.
But the night’s spectacle was their “big shed”, usually a grain shed for the farm, transforming it into a glowing wedding venue, where their 120 guests partied the night away.
How did you meet? Hollie: We’d known each other around a year before we started dating. We were acquaintances as I knew Jonathon’s brother and we had some friends in common. After Jonathon heard I was single he started “chasing me” as he puts it! We dated for a few months, I met his children, and we moved in together very quickly. Jonathon had been married before and has two beautiful children, so we had the conversation early on about wanting to get married and have more children. Nine months later he proposed and then another nine months later we were married. We both work incredibly hard and are driven to succeed in our businesses, so that probably drew us to one another, and then his sense of humour and love for his children cemented it for me.
The proposal? Jonathon flew us out to an abandoned dragline, we walked up to the top of it and enjoyed the view, I was also terrified! And when we got to the bottom we had a picnic and a drink and watched the sunset. He said we should go, and got me up, then he was back down on one knee! I am weirdly obsessed with heavy machinery, the bigger the better, so everyone who knows me knows this could not have been more perfect!
Theme? Machinery, trucks and farm life. We had Jonathon’s Mack truck prime mover along with three John Deere headers, four tractors, a grader and excavator that lined the walls of the shed. The excavator bucket was filled with ice and used as our Esky.
How and why did you choose your wedding venue? The first time I saw the big shed I said, “Wow, how beautiful would this be for a wedding venue all filled with lights”. Once we got engaged I knew that would be the place for the party. The hill in front of it has the most beautiful sunset over the Springsure hills so we chose that for the actual ceremony, then guests didn’t have to drive between locations.
How did you choose your wedding dress? I went to Desert Moon Bridal in Emerald just to have a look, expecting to try some on for fun, but thinking I would go to Grace Loves Lace and get one from there. But after dealing with a local designer I wanted to support her business, and when she said she could design something that was custom to me, I was sold. I added in the detail of the pendant from my Grandma’s necklace to the back, as she was very important to me and I wanted a part of her there with me.
What were you thinking waiting for the bride? Jonathon: I couldn’t wait to see what she looked like and “Hurry up you’re running late.” As well as how stunning she looked, of course.
How did you get the aerial shots? Hollie: We flew up to the “lookout” as we call it, we have a helicopter for the farm. His brother dropped us there, then he and Edwina (photographer) circled around taking the photos.
Any surprising details about your wedding? For our guests, I think the helicopters were a big hit, as well as all the machinery, Bandit our dog was the ring bearer and everyone loved that. The fireworks were a surprise. Oh and everyone loved that I drove myself and the bridesmaids, flower girls and my dad to the ceremony in a Polaris Buggy!
What was the standout moment of the day? Having friends and family there, seeing Jonathon’s children looking so beautiful, and standing at the top of the aisle giggling with my best friend.
Best gift you received? We had told guests we didn’t want gifts, and we got some beautiful ones anyway which we are so grateful for. The standout one was a pair or sapphires that one of Jonathon’s dear friends had mined for us. And honestly reading our cards the day after and the beautiful things some of our friends and family had written was the most wonderful thing, there were lots of happy tears.
Bridesmaid/groomsmen protocol? We covered the cost of everything. None of our bridal party live in the same town now so they paid their way just by being there; my maid of honour, mum and dad all flew from England!
What would you do differently? Absolutely nothing, except print out the run sheet for the day and give it to more people so everyone knew all the little details that were in my head.
The Bride
Hollie McCarthy, 32
Profession Director of First5Years, Early Years Education Centre
Parents Rod and Trudi McCarthy
Bridesmaids Rachel Brockett, Jessica Grenfell, Emily Tully
Dress Desert Moon Bridal
Veil Grace Loves Lace
Hair Madonna at BOB Creative Hair
Make-up Bethany Prickett
Flowers Pepperberry Studio
Engagement ring Brilliant Earth
Wedding planner Myself, I was an event and wedding manager in England where I’m from
The Groom
Jonathon
Armstrong, 36
Profession Farmer
Parents Ross and Diane Armstrong
Children Lola Foxx and Ruby Deere
Groomsmen Michael Sefton, Tim Dillon, Luke Bradley
Suit Stewarts
Entertainment Chili Peach
Videographer Shortflix Media
Celebrant Loneen McLeod
Caterer Like Mum Used to Make
Cake Cakes By Soraya
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