A missing ring, fairy floss cocktails and a pizza dinner mark joyous wedding
They met in Bible class and married in a beautiful outdoor setting with a footwashing ceremony and help from friends and family.
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This Brisbane couple met at a Bible study group and married three and a half years later in a beautiful, outdoor setting.
Katherine Willis and Jonah Dorron were wed on May 16 this year at Tall Trees in the Tallebudgera Valley in the Gold Coast hinterland before 50 guests.
“Our hearts were set on an outdoor wedding – tall trees, rolling hills and the freedom to create our own day,” Kath says.
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“After browsing countless wedding venues online, the name Tall Trees caught our eye. We booked a venue tour on our three-year anniversary, and it exceeded our expectations. Dannielle (owner) was a delight! We felt immersed in nature, were brimming with peace, and even spotted where we’d say, ‘I do’.”
The couple’s first dance song was Like You by Meyta and they honeymooned at Misty View Cottages in Montville.
How did you meet?
Kath:We met in 2020 at a Bible study group. We shook hands, which was strange for me. I was a hugger, not a handshaker! We conversed - I did all the talking - and suggested he watch Hamilton the Musical. He took his shot and messaged me a few weeks later. Jonah:I remember it was odd that we shook hands but didn’t think too much of it. She was a very loud, outgoing girl that asked a lot of questions.
The proposal?Jonah proposed to me at Lake Weyba (near Noosa). It was a private and serene oasis (minus the photographer with the gigantic lens that I pretended not to see).
Hen’s and buck’s night?
We combined our hen’s and buck’s for a three-course murder mystery dinner with our nearest and dearest. It was a party to die for.
What was the budget for your wedding? $15K.
How did you choose your wedding dress? Kath: It was tiresome trying on dresses. They’d fit but none felt right. I’d just about given up when I realised I’d booked an appointment with After Five Bridal & Formal. (at Underwood) I met Jodie who became my own fairy godmother. She created a dazzling experience for me … when slipping on my dress, she asked me to close my eyes and envision myself on my wedding day before my grand entry. When I opened my eyes, I cried with delight. I’d found my dress! We then boogied to Beyoncé.
What thoughts did you have waiting at the altar, then seeing Kath walk down the aisle?
Jonah: I was mainly trying to keep it together and avoid crying before she was there. But I was praying and thanking God for the day – it was so surreal that it was finally happening. As she was walking down the aisle, I couldn’t believe she was about to become my wife. Wearing the perfect dress and having such elegant hair and makeup, she was beyond beautiful. I couldn’t keep it together then.
What was the most stressful part of wedding planning? Shopping for florals. We wanted fresh hydrangeas for our ceremony. However, we were told they were out of season. We then went back and forth with florists only to be told they couldn’t meet our budget. Abbey from Little Miss Floral worked her magic. Not only was our budget met, but our arrangements were teeming with fresh hydrangeas!
Any unique or surprising details about your wedding?We had a surprise ring bearer. What surprised us most was when our ring bearer presented us with the ring box, Kath’s ring was missing! Guests quickly dived under their chairs to search for it. When found, our dear friend continued to officiate our wedding, guided by the sweet Natalie from Under the Arbour. Our guests threw confetti hearts made from leaves, which Jonah’s mum handpicked in Bundaberg where he grew up. To celebrate, we drank fairy floss cocktails (pina coladas garnished with crème brulée floss), ate gourmet pizzas (with pizza-themed icebreakers), and finished the night with a giant conga line.
Top wedding hack?
Gather your friends to help set up! We made a night of it the day prior – setting up, moving furniture, and eating burrito bowls.
What would you do differently?
Allow time to interact with guests.
What was the standout moment of the day? We washed each other’s feet as our first act of service as husband and wife. What we weren’t prepared for – our friends gathering around us to pray. It was a powerful, sacred moment.
What was a wedding non-negotiable for you? Washing each other’s feet.
Best wedding gift you received? A DeLonghi coffee machine! We’re both coffee enthusiasts.
Best advice for other couples planning a wedding?
Jonah:Don’t follow what society portrays as the ideal wedding. Infuse the day with details of your own.
Kath: We assigned a friend to lead our group dances. It was a hit!
The Bride
Katherine Willis, 27
Profession Creative writer
Dress After Five Bridal & Formal
Hair and makeup
Peta-Lea Bond
Flowers Little Miss Floral
Engagement ring Michael Hill
Wedding planner/stylist From floor plans to run sheets (and a trip to Ikea where we styled their display tables with dinnerware we liked), we did both! We do want to add – our wedding vendors and friends helped things come together seamlessly.
The Groom
Jonah Dorron, 25
Profession Optical assistant
Suit Male Manor
Entertainment djmojo
Videographer Creative Wedding Co
Celebrant Sean Peirce and Natalie Arnold
Caterer Fire ‘N’ Dough
Cake On our first date, we dug into a fresh watermelon. The talented folk at Icing Hill took us back, creating a delicate sponge topped with spheres of sweet watermelon.
Originally published as A missing ring, fairy floss cocktails and a pizza dinner mark joyous wedding
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