Why this couple took seven years to get married

This couple had to be very patient before they could finally hold their dream hinterland wedding.

Tahni Turpin

3 min read

March 31, 2022 - 11:30PM

QWeekend

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After seven years together and a prolonged engagement this couple finally married in December last year.

Long distances and work commitments kept Baylee Smith and Isaac Ward busy for a long time before the couple finally got to say “I do”.

“Isaac and I have been together for almost seven years. We met in Townsville through our local gym and hit things off straight away,” Smith says.

“But due to work, we then spent almost a year apart at long distances. We then made the move to Perth together where we finally got engaged in September 2018.

Wedding of Baylee Smith and Isaac Ward. Picture: Tessa Cox Photography

“Again, we had to put the wedding on hold for a further three years, with more time spent apart because of work commitments.

“Finally, we moved back to Brisbane together and had the wedding we’d been waiting so long for, in Maleny,” she said.

The Brisbane couple married on December 12 at the chapel at Tiffany’s on Mountain View Rd, Maleny, in front of 32 close friends and family.

The reception was also held at the property overlooking the Glass House Mountains and the couple shared their first dance to Woman, by Mumford and Sons.

How did he propose?

Isaac proposed during a weekend getaway in Margaret River. He had booked a beautiful house on the beach and proposed while having a few wines and watching the sunset. He had brought the exact ring I had admired in the shop window months before getting engaged and somehow kept it a secret the whole time!

Wedding of Baylee Smith and Isaac Ward. Picture: Tessa Cox Photography

Where was your honeymoon?

Originally, we had booked Byron Bay but due to Covid we couldn’t go, so last minute we decided on Noosa for a week and enjoyed some beautiful beach weather and great food and drinks.

It was perfect and we couldn’t have asked for a better honeymoon.

Theme?

We opted for a smart casual, rustic theme.

Any unique or surprising details about your wedding?

We decided not to have a cake and have a three-course meal instead because the food options at Tiffany’s were amazing.

What was the standout moment of the day?

Walking down the aisle and seeing each other for the first time that day. The front of the chapel faces the view of the Glass House Mountains, which made the moment very special.

Wedding of Baylee Smith and Isaac Ward. Picture: Tessa Cox Photography

What would you do differently?

Nothing, we were so happy with how the day turned out.

What would you spend more or less on?

I think we were pretty careful with budgeting and keeping track of what we had spent money on. Instead of hiring napkins and decor, I was fortunate enough that my bridesmaid had handmade all of the napkins and I painted and made all of the place cards, which not only saved money but also was exactly the look we were going for.

One thing you wish people told you about planning a wedding?

Not to stress over little things because everything will work out on the day. Also, to enjoy the little moments during the day and really take it in, because the day goes by so fast!

What was the most expensive item on the day?

My wedding dress.

Original wedding plans before Covid?

We were fortunate enough to not have to change dates or the venue, however, we did have a lot of guests have to drop out due to travel restrictions.

Originally, we had 44 guests, but due to Covid we then had 32. In saying that though, we both agreed after the day that having a smaller intimate wedding was so beautiful as you get time to sit down and catch up with close friends and family and enjoy the day.

Wedding of Baylee Smith and Isaac Ward. Picture: Tessa Cox Photography

When did you decide to change plans?

Two weeks before the wedding we had to change the guest lists and catering items,
but compared to other weddings, we were very lucky that that was the only issue we faced.

Emotions around changing plans?

Whilst it was stressful, we did what we could to have all of the people that meant the most to be there and celebrate our special day.

What helped you get through the stress of changing plans?

Just reminding ourselves that whatever happens, happens and it is out of our control.

Advice for other couples whose weddings are impacted by Covid?

To remember it is out of your control and to just roll with it. Once you guys are married it will be so worth it.

The Bride

Baylee Smith, 25

Profession Australian Defence Force

Parents Cindy and Russell Smith

Bridesmaids Chloe Corboy, Isabella Card

Dress White Lily Couture