Inside couple’s budget $10k wedding and their top hack

This Logan Reserve couple threw the perfect wedding for under $10k. How did they do it?

It all started with exchanging endless text messages as teens. Seven years later, Gabrielle Stehn-Prewett and Noah Loria celebrated their wedding on October 13 last year. The Logan Reserve couple tied the knot in front of 40 people during their ceremony at Kangaroo Point overlooking the river, with celebrations continuing at BrewDog in Murarrie for their reception with 90 guests.

The couple kept the day relaxed with no seating arrangements and opted for a “whimsical, cottage wedding” theme.

How did you meet? In high school in Year 9 (2015) and we have been together ever since. It was a very cringy but cute first relationship where we texted all night and day. Noah’s vows even included one of our very old goodnight texts that we used to send to each other.

The proposal? On our five-year anniversary we went to Montville to celebrate and while

walking along the Kondalilla Falls trail we stopped at the Obi Obi lookout. Noah asked a

stranger to take a photograph of us but turns out she was recording and he proposed to me there.

Gabrielle Stehn-Prewett and Noah Loria celebrated their wedding at Kangaroo Point. Pictures: Romana Saehang

Honeymoon? We spent a week in Cairns where we enjoyed the Kuranda railway, river

rafting, snorkelling at Fitzroy Island and more.

How did you choose your wedding dress? I only tried on one dress! I found it on Facebook Marketplace. I drove to Hemmant (in Brisbane’s east) to try it on and left that day with an $800 bargain that fitted me perfectly.

How and why did you choose your wedding venue? We wanted our reception at BrewDog in Murarrie so we needed something close by. After searching on (Elope Brisbane wedding planner) Romana’s Instagram we saw beautiful photos at Kangaroo Point so that was the winner.

What was the budget for your wedding? We just wanted it as cheap and easy as possible! All up we spent probably just under $10k.

What was the most stressful part of wedding planning? Leaving it all in the hands of someone else. I usually plan everything down to the minute so having someone organise it all for me (while amazing) definitely did stress me out a bit.

Gabrielle Stehn-Prewett and Noah Loria kept their wedding celebrations under $10k. Pictures: Romana Saehang

Any surprising details about your wedding? As a huge Penrith Panthers fan I was surprised to learn that my photographer’s brother-in-law is (Panthers player) Viliame Kikau. It was definitely a good laugh and they made sure to let him know I was a huge fan.

What was the standout moment of the day? When my younger brother gave a speech at the reception. He has autism and ADHD but his speech was so thoughtful and kind and had the whole wedding almost in tears. Just so sweet.

Best wedding hack? Get everything second- hand! From my dress, to decorations, to shoes, to wedding PJs and robes. Weddings are a one-day thing so there’s no point in buying brand new everything just to offload it the next day.

Gabrielle Stehn-Prewett on her wedding day at Kangaroo Point. Pictures: Romana Saehang

The Bride

Gabrielle Stehn-Prewett, 21

Profession Receptionist and student (studying teaching)

Mother Michelle Stehn

Bridesmaids Adelle Teale and Jasmine Bridge

Dress Elora by Madi Lane (second-hand from Facebook Marketplace)

Hair and make-up Bella Brides

Flowers Little Miss Flower Shoppe

Engagement ring Michael Hill

Wedding planner/stylist Romana Saehang from Elope Brisbane

The Groom

Noah Loria, 21

Profession Childcare educator also studying teaching

Parents Melissa Head and Russell Hicks

Groomsmen Jack Nicholls and Lucas Adams

Suit YD

Transport Kandid Kombi

Celebrant Ketrina Coffey

Caterer BrewDog Murarrie

Cake Hazelnut/choc flavour decorated with sunflowers and gold flakes from @cakesbysimone.