BRISBANE / Samantha X Jack's Hillstone St Lucia Wedding

A Garden Party Romance at Hillstone St Lucia: Samantha & Jack’s Elegant Brisbane Wedding

Samantha and Jack’s story began in a hotel lobby in downtown Los Angeles. In June 2019, the pair found themselves seated near one another while waiting for a tour. What started as casual conversation quickly revealed a surprising connection — despite meeting on the other side of the world, both called Australia home. Samantha was from Victoria, Jack from Queensland. Back home, catch-ups became flights, flights became weekends together, and before long they had built a life side by side. Fast forward a few years, and that chance encounter in LA led to a timeless garden wedding at Brisbane’s beautiful Hillstone St Lucia.

A Christmas Surprise Nobody Saw Coming

Jack chose the perfect moment to propose — and somehow managed to keep it a complete secret. On 23 December 2023, the couple were doing what they always do: opening Christmas presents early. Known for being incapable of keeping surprises under wraps, Samantha had no reason to suspect anything unusual when Jack casually suggested there might be one more gift hidden beneath the tree. When she turned to look and found nothing there, she spun around to discover Jack on one knee. “I was so shocked I think I blacked out for a moment,” Samantha laughs. “He’d been acting strange all day, but a proposal was the last thing I expected.” The answer, of course, was yes.

Venue @hillstonestlucia  / Celebrant @venitamanningcelebrant / Photography  Ebony @zali_photoandfilm_weddings / Wedding dress Goldie by @grace_loves_lace / Groom Suit @cambridge.clothing / Cake @baked.by.michiko / Flowers @babushkafloral / Hair & Makeup @yentl.shi / Music @theunis_music

An Elegant Garden Party at Hillstone St Lucia

For Samantha and Jack, choosing their venue came down to one key priority — being outdoors. Surrounded by lush greenery and beautifully manicured grounds, Hillstone St Lucia offered exactly the relaxed garden-party atmosphere they envisioned. Their ceremony unfolded beneath the trees in the Courtyard Garden, where white draping softened the timber arbour and guests gathered among the tranquil surrounds. The outdoor setting created an immediate sense of calm, allowing the couple to fully soak in every moment as they exchanged vows. Following the ceremony, celebrations continued inside the Rosewood Room, where family and friends gathered for an elegant evening reception filled with laughter, music and heartfelt speeches.

The VIP Guest: Moo

Samantha and Jack's VIP guest Moo, the beloved family dog wasn't simply attending the wedding — she was part of it. From walking proudly down the aisle to charming guests throughout the day, Moo's presence was one of the most meaningful elements of the celebration. Captured beautifully by photographer Ebony of Zali Photo & Film Weddings, the moments shared between the newlyweds and their four-legged family member became some of the couple's most treasured memories. In true Moo fashion, she even made an unscripted appearance during the ceremony. As celebrant Venita Manning was delivering part of her speech, Moo decided she deserved a little attention of her own, interrupting proceedings in a moment that had guests laughing and instantly eased any lingering nerves. A gentle reminder that she, too, was part of the story.

Modern Bridal Style Meets Timeless Elegance

Samantha's bridal shopping experience became a celebration in itself. Joined by her mum, mother-in-law and a close friend, she travelled to Grace Loves Lace on the Gold Coast, where champagne flowed and excitement filled the air. She ultimately chose the effortlessly chic Goldie gown by Grace Loves Lace, pairing its sleek silhouette with the Rosie veil. Pearl drop earrings from Lalume and elegant Badgley Mischka heels completed the modern bridal look. Jack, meanwhile, approached suit shopping with admirable efficiency. Knowing exactly what he wanted, he selected a classic black tuxedo from Cambridge Clothing — a timeless choice that perfectly complemented Samantha's contemporary gown. Together, they embodied understated sophistication.

The Sweetest Walk Down the Aisle

While Samantha admits she arrived at the venue only moments before walking down the aisle, it wasn't her own nerves that stood out most. As wedding planner Jess encouraged everyone to take a deep breath, Samantha glanced across at her father. “He took the biggest breath of his life,” she remembers. The moment instantly calmed her. Walking down the aisle with her dad, accompanied by the gentle notes of Heartbeats by Callum McGraw, became one of the most emotional memories of the day.

A Celebration Filled with Heart

Following their vows, guests showered the newlyweds with confetti as they made their joyful exit to You Make My Dreams (Come True) by Hall & Oates — a moment filled with smiles, laughter and pure celebration. Inside the reception, floral designs by Babushka Floral brought soft romance to the space, while music by Theunis Music carried guests through the evening. A stunning berry-topped pavlova creation by Baked by Michiko served as both centrepiece and dessert, before Samantha and Jack cut the cake together surrounded by their loved ones. From heartfelt speeches to spontaneous dance floor moments, every detail reflected the couple's desire to create a celebration that felt warm, personal and genuinely joyful.

What Marriage Means to Samantha & Jack

For Samantha and Jack, marriage is both simple and profound. “It symbolises finding your person — the one you choose to share your life with through all seasons. It is the biggest yet easiest commitment we have made together; to grow, learn and build a future together.” After a chance meeting in a Los Angeles hotel lobby, countless flights across Australia, a surprise Christmas proposal and a garden wedding surrounded by family, friends and Moo, their next chapter is only just beginning.

    ZALI PHOTO & FILM ⟶