‘We gave the chihuahua Prozac for anxiety’: Bride and groom’s unique dog-friendly wedding
Take a mini fox terrier called Chilli and a chihuahua named Steele, a surprise tango and an open bar and you’ve got one of Brisbane’s wildest weddings this year.
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Taylor Donaldson and Jake Thomlinson ran into each other at so many places over so many years that it seemed they were meant to be together.
The couple, who now live in their home in Camp Hill built by Jake, have been together more than three years but have known each other for 10 years after initially meeting at the Story Bridge Hotel in Kangaroo Point.
The couple married on September 1 last year at Rainforest Gardens in Mount Cotton, southwest of Brisbane, before 101 guests.
The couple took nine tango lessons and surprised guests with a first dance to Dance with Me by Debelah Morgan.
How did you meet? Taylor:
I used to work at the Story Bridge Hotel and Jake used to frequent there multiple times a weekend and that’s how we met. We ran into each other several times outside of there, though. I drove past Jake building a deck in Camp Hill, we ran into each other at the airport when I was working as a flight attendant and Jake was returning from a trip to Melbourne, and we ran into each other in Fortitude Valley and also on Oxford St in Bulimba. I think we were meant to come together.
The proposal?
While the Camp Hill house was being built we lived in my house in Coorparoo and Jake proposed on the balcony, with our chihuahua Steele, over a bottle of wine and fresh prawns.
How did you choose your wedding venue?I had spent a lot of time at Rainforest Gardens as I have been high school friends with Adeline (venue manager) since we were 14. It is a stunning venue, surrounded by greenery, animals, fresh air and it has everything at your fingertips! Stunning ceremony, phenomenal views from the reception area and onsite accommodation in their treetop chalets.
How did you choose your wedding dress?
I like to get things done and dusted so I bought a dress from the first place I went to with girlfriends and my mum and sister, even though it didn’t really feel like me. Then my sister was trying on wedding dresses at Pearl Bridal with my mum and I and we saw one that we loved for me instead. My sister and mum insisted I try it on even though I didn’t want to steal the shine off Kirby but as soon as I had it on they told me I had to buy it!
What were your thoughts seeing Taylor walk down the aisle? Jake: Initially I was very nervous and overwhelmed but as soon as I saw Tay I was super happy and as soon as she eventually reached me I felt super calm and happy and thought she looked beautiful.
Most stressful part of wedding planning? Taylor: Thinking of all the nitty gritty logistics to make decisions that made sense and made the day flow as smoothly as possible. Adeline helped me with this to no end and I sincerely credit a lot of the success of the wedding to her!
Any unique or surprising details about your wedding? Jake: We had our two dogs involved (a mini fox terrier called Chilli and Steele) in the ceremony, and even though the chihuahua Steele is on Prozac for anxiety and there was every chance he was going to wee himself everywhere, it was worth having him there!
We also did a surprise tango dance. Taylor left and got changed and when the first dance was called she was nowhere to be seen until the music started and after a few beats she entered the reception area in a Dancing with the Stars sort of outfit with sequins and tassels.
What was the standout moment of the day? The dogs’ behaviour and probably the tango dance. But the photos turned out exceptional too! They captured the day so accurately.
What was a wedding non-negotiable for you? Having an open bar tab. We were never going to cap that for our guests!
Best wedding gift you received?
Taylor: Two of Jake’s mates put on bets for him for our wedding gift. One was a horse quaddie. It was quite funny. I certainly didn’t mind. They both lost though.
What would you do differently?
Not get an eyebrow wax one week before the wedding. I discovered I was allergic to wax, ha! I hadn’t had them done for 13 years prior, only plucked. So, advice to future brides, don’t try any new beauty techniques that you’re not used to close to the wedding!
Top wedding hack?
Pinterest, Pinterest, Pinterest! A picture tells a thousand words and Pinterest was a great help in getting the “vision” come to fruition.
What’s your best advice for other couples planning a wedding?
When in doubt, keep it simple! What do you both enjoy as a couple? Make it true to you both and don’t worry about other people’s requests or preferences if they don’t agree with yours! It’s your day!
The Bride
Taylor Donaldson, 29
Profession Salesperson
Parents Vicki Donaldson & Steve Donaldson
Bridesmaids Ashleigh Neal, Kirby Donaldson (sister), Carlie Reid
Dress Pearl Bridal
Hair Paula Maree Hair
Make-up JDolls
Flowers Angie’s Floral Designs
Engagement ring Jack Diamond
Wedding planner Adeline Turnbull (From Rainforest Gardens)
Cake White chocolate macadamia and chocolate hazelnut. The cake was simple and elegant but had edible figurines of our two little dogs poking out the back.
The Groom
Jake Thomlinson, 35
Profession Builder
ParentsRuth Thomlinson & Bill Thomlinson
Groomsmen Gary Fletcher, Jay Baker, Corey Gleeson
Suit Male Manor
Entertainment Nick Trovas Band
Videographer The Lane Creators
Celebrant Laura Vamos (From Celebrant Lady Love)
Caterer Private Chefs of Brisbane
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