‘Perfect first date’: Love at first sight online
Can you really find your life partner on a dating app? This couple share how they went from chatting online to a stunning homestead wedding.
QWeekend
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There’s an undeniable gamble on who will appear for the first date after meeting online. But luckily for Madeleine Barnett and Nick Johnson, the connection was immediate.
“Our first date (at Sixteen Antlers in Brisbane) went for hours,” says Madeleine. “We talked all night and neither of us wanted it to end. It was a perfect first date.”
It’s how the Coorparoo couple, who met in 2019 on Hinge, knew they were meant to be and, three years on, they celebrated their wedding at Gabbinbar Homestead in Toowoomba in front of 90 guests on May 1.
Describe the proposal
Madeleine: Nick had planned a romantic weekend away. He took me to a treetop cabin in Maleny as a surprise getaway. We arrived at the cabin and went onto our veranda that overlooked the beautiful Sunshine Coast hinterland.
Nick then asked if I wanted another surprise and told me to close my eyes.
He came back out on to the balcony and told me to open my eyes.
When I turned around, he was down on one knee with an engagement ring and asked me to marry him. It was completely unexpected and so romantic.
What was the standout moment of the day?
That first moment we saw each other when I walked down the aisle. We were so nervous about the ceremony, however as soon as we saw each other and held hands we both felt so relaxed and it was as if it was just us in that moment.
What surprised you the most?
How fast the day went. Everyone tells you that the day will fly by, and it really does. There is so much lead up to the wedding, so much planning and then before you know it you are dancing to the last song of the night!
What would you do differently?
We wouldn’t do anything differently; our wedding was everything we had wanted it to be. It was the most amazing day and it represented us as a couple. We had the most amazing time celebrating with our closest friends and family. The food was amazing, the band was incredible, and everyone had a fun time on the dance floor!
What would you spend more or less on?
We wouldn’t change anything, we were so happy with every aspect of our wedding day. We didn’t initially include a videographer in our original budget; however we are so glad we decided to go ahead with one.
Even after the wedding we contacted our videographer and paid for extra footage from the day. We wanted to remember every aspect of the wedding for years ahead.
One thing you wish people told you about planning a wedding?
We knew that weddings were expensive, but we didn’t realise how much money we would spend, or how many times our budget would change! We wouldn’t change anything though; it was the perfect day.
Best advice for other couples planning a wedding?
The first thing you need to do when planning is to decide on a venue. Narrow it down to a list of four to five venues to view and choose the one that suits you best as a couple and lock in the date early.
Gabbinbar Homestead was our last venue that we viewed. As soon as we walked into the grounds we knew that was where we needed to get married.
Once you have a venue you can then decide on your other vendors. Be prepared to be flexible with your budget. Don’t stress about any of the little details leading up to the day, everything will be fine. Even if it isn’t, on the day you will be in a love bubble and will not even realise it.
What was the most expensive item on the day?
My wedding dress.
The Bride
Madeleine Barnett, 35
Profession Nurse educator
Parents Jennifer and Graeme Barnett
Bridesmaids Lauren Laird, Sarah Siu and
Sian Cross
Dress Chosen by KYHA
Hair Gemma Morales
Make-up Stacey Morris (Mirror Mirror Makeup Artistry)
Flowers The Little Flower Stall
First Dance song
I Don’t Dance, Lee Brice
Honeymoon Two weeks of relaxation and cocktails in Fiji
Theme Modern elegance
The Groom
Nick Johnson, 35
Profession Engineer
Parents Donna and Scott Johnson
Groomspeople Rebecca Kennedy, Jared Swindells and
Luke Anderson
Suit Black Jacket Suiting
Entertainment Nick Trovas Band
Videographer Jess Craig (Stories by Jess)
Celebrant Mitch Sargent
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