‘Have a look at that shark’: Queensland groom’s unique beach proposal
It took just six words for this Queensland man to distract his future bride for long enough to dig out a ring and drop to one knee for the ultimate beach proposal.
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High school sweethearts Sinead Goodwin and Jaram Brown could never have imagined how their love story would grow from first meeting on a school excursion.
The Labrador couple, who have been together for seven years, married on May 25 last year at The Club at Parkwood Village on the Gold Coast.
It was an intimate celebration with 64 guests with the couple going for a “simple but elegant” theme.
How did you meet? We met at school in year 12 in 2017 at Helensvale State High School on the Gold Coast. In July 2017 our marine aquatics class went on a trip to Lady Elliot Island, Jaram and I were both quite shy and found we enjoyed walking on the beach talking and getting to know each other. We’ve been together ever since.
How did he propose? Jaram and I went to Heron Island in August 2022 for my 23rd birthday and our five-year anniversary. I was hoping he was going to propose but I didn’t want to get my hopes up. On the first day after we settled into our room we went for a walk on the beach around the island. Jaram said to me “Have a look at that shark” and pointed. I turned to have a look but couldn’t see anything so when I went to turn around to tell Jaram there he was down on one knee on the beach with a box open and a ring in it.
How did you choose your venue?
Two people I know suggested the Club at Parkwood Village. Jaram and I both wanted to get ready at our family homes so a venue that was local would be ideal. When we got the tour of the venue Jaram and I really loved it. We had a meeting with Mel Bond, she made us feel very at ease straight away and is such a lovely lady. Mel and Jemima Morgan were the ladies helping me organise my wedding at Parkwood. They were both amazing and kind and they were so helpful and happy to have as many meetings as I needed as I had no idea what I was doing and how to plan a wedding and they replied back to all of my emails (which there was a lot of ha). They did such an amazing job and I couldn’t have been happier with how everything turned out overall. I definitely recommend them!
What was your budget? Our budget was $25,000 which we managed to stick to. Both our parents contributed money towards the wedding which we are so grateful for as they know we’re trying to save for a house.
How did you choose your dress?
I tried on from start to finish about 30 dresses. I absolutely loved the process and wanted to keep going as there were so many beautiful dresses but I knew I had to eventually pick one. I went to three different stores and eventually bought the one at White Lily Couture in Brisbane. All the ladies there were lovely and welcoming. I was placed with Mariam who was amazing and made me feel so comfortable during the whole process. I ended up having three sessions with her and she was there for the “say yes to the dress” moment … I would definitely recommend her to others.
What were your thoughts seeing Sinead for the first time? Jaram: Nervous but excited. Joy … it felt like the world stopped and there was nothing around but the two of us, and how beautiful she looked.
What was the most stressful part of wedding planning?
Sinead: For me it was finalising the guest list, music, seating arrangement and losing my hair and makeup artist five weeks before the wedding but she did find me a replacement which I appreciated and the lady was great.
Any unique details about your wedding?
My mum made my veil and sewed in 100 pearls by hand and also made the wedding cake. My grandma handwrote the names of all our guests on each menu card which was very special. Jaram’s uncle and aunty Pete and Lee gifted us the flowers for our wedding as their wedding present which we will forever treasure their beautiful gift.
What was the standout moment of the day? Standout moment of the day was walking down the aisle with my dad, laughing and crying. It was so special and I will treasure that moment forever. Also my brother was the MC at our wedding and it meant the world to me. He did a great job, he was so funny and had everyone laughing.
What was a wedding non-negotiable for you? Wedding non-negotiable for me was the doughnut stand, investing in an amazing photographer, flowers and dance lessons.
Top wedding hack?
Etsy was really great and I found so many things on there to help save some money. I did the wedding sign, invitations, menu cards, favour stuff etc through Etsy.
Best advice for couples planning a wedding? Do as much as you can earlier on in the planning stage to be organised and reduce stress for later on.
The Bride
Sinead Goodwin, 24
Profession Funeral director’s assistant
Parents Glen Goodwin & Jo-anne Goodwin
Bridesmaids Hannah Perks & Jaimee-Lee Goodwin
Dress Diana by Essence of Australia – White Lily Couture
Hair and makeup @jessicakayemakeup
Flowers Bloomers Florist Hervey Bay – Lee Jasse
Engagement Ring Wallace Bishop
Wedding Planner Mel Bond & Jemima Morgan – The Club at Parkwood Village
Caterer The Club at Parkwood Village
The Groom
Jaram Brown, 23
Profession Marine engineer
Parents Sharm Brown & Serena Brown
Groomsmen Kyran Brown, Cooper Brown and Tom Little
Entertainment Explosive Entertainment
Transport Get Hummered
Celebrant Clare Crawford
Cake White chocolate mudcake with a white chocolate ganache and buttercream icing. Cake made by Sinead’s mum.
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