Weddings

James & Brienne’s Quirky Showgrounds Wedding

Words by Hannah Pronesti / Images by Janneke Storm
December 7, 2016

Is there anything more magical than bright bougainvillea against moody grey skies? We think not and James and Brienne’s beaut ceremony is all the proof we need. Janneke Storm and Rabbit and the Bear captured this loved up pair tying the knot at Brisbane Showground’s Stockmen’s Rest and between the groom’s bubblegum pink suit and his bride’s gilded crown, we couldn’t love their nuptials any more!

James is quite the romantic and he orchestrated a proposal or epic proportions, unbeknownst to Brienne. We’re talking fireworks, the ocean and their friends and family. Perhaps the most important element of both their proposal and wedding day was the presence of Brienne’s grandmother Marjie, who sadly passed away not long after the wedding, “It was like she was holding on just for that day,” Brienne shares. “She would talk about the wedding every day afterwards, like it was the best thing she had been too. I am so privileged and blessed that she got to see me get married.”

Once the rain had cleared, the historic Stockman’s Rest made the perfect backdrop for James and Brienne’s ceremony, complete with that vibrant bougainvillea archway, while Stockman’s Bar & Grill was the perfect size for their 130 guests. The Showgrounds took care of the food, beginning with roaming canapes, before a delicious family style spread was served for everyone to share.

We’ve seen some daring grooms in our day, but none to beat James in his pink Jack London suit. We don’t know how he does it, but he pulls it off perfectly - boater hat and all!

quirky & colourful wedding at Brisbane Showgrounds - photography by Janneke Storm

bridesmaids in white dresses with berry toned bouquets

Holding her own against her stylish groom, Brienne was a bombshell in a sexy long-sleeved Stone Cold Fox number and a gilded orchid crown by Stephanie Browne.

bridesmaids in mismatching white dresses

Every bridesmaid is different, so we love the fact that Brienne let her gals choose their gowns with only two non-negotiables - they must be comfortable and they must be white. The girls chose dresses from Zimmermann, ASOS, Alice McCall and Spell.

Oh, to have Janneke Storm behind the camera! This lucky couple managed to snag one of our fave photographers and her captures never disappoint. Loving those colour smoke bombs!

gold leaf wedding cake with typographic topper

gold leaf wedding cake with magenta flowers

“One day I was searching through Brisbane venues and I came across Stockman’s Bar & Grill and immediately fell in love.” Says Brienne. “It’s such a nostalgic place for me, a unique wedding venue and a historic Brisbane landmark at that.”