Montique Moments: Dani & Blake

Tuesday, the 1st of July, unfolded as a picture-perfect winter’s afternoon, with soft, golden light setting the scene for an unforgettable celebration of Dani and Blake’s vows. In the late afternoon, the couple was married at the enchanting Bundaleer Rainforest Gardens in Brookfield. A breathtaking venue nestled among towering trees and the gentle sounds of a freshwater creek. The ceremony took place beneath the lush rainforest canopy, creating a cascading backdrop of nature for their picturesque exchange of vows. The colour palette harmonised beautifully with the surroundings, featuring classic black and white attire accented by delicate blush florals. Adding to the dreamy atmosphere, Dani walked down the aisle to Turning Page a song from Twilight. Surrounded by seventy of their closest family and friends, celebrant Paul Redfern set the perfect tone — one that was heartfelt, sincere, and delightfully spirited. Dani and Blake’s story began in 2017, when they met as members of the Australian Voices Choir. Nearly a third of their guests were fellow choristers, making the celebration all the more meaningful.

The floral arrangements from the ceremony were thoughtfully repurposed for the reception. As guests arrived, they were welcomed by the soft glow of a beautifully lit room, where chandeliers and fairy lights illuminated the barn-style space with its exposed timber beams. Each place card featured elegant calligraphy, tied with a velvet bow, while sand candles and delicate bud vases lined the tables, creating a romantic winter ambience. Adding a touch of whimsy, Dani and Blake’s dachshund, Dexter, made a special appearance, with handheld signs of his face lighting up the dance floor and a charming 3D model of him adorning the wedding cake. For something borrowed, the couple used a silver cake server — a treasured family heirloom once purchased by Dani’s great grandfather in England. As both newlyweds are teachers, their guest book featured heartfelt advice from their students, which guests were invited to read and add to, creating a beautiful blend of love, laughter, and sentiment.

As the evening unfolded, the couple celebrated their new chapter with a champagne tower, while sparklers lit up the space, casting a romantic glow as they stepped outside for their first dance to Hozier’s Work Song. Afterward, embracing their shared love of games, Dani and Blake delighted guests with a playful showdown of Mario Kart. The celebrations continued with a late-night treat of cheeseburgers and French fries, which proved an irresistible hit with everyone.

Dani’s bridal party featured her sister and best friend, who both wore our timeless Rowan Black Cocktail Dresses, styled with classic black heels that could be adjusted in height as the evening unfolded. With the colour scheme in mind, Dani selected elegant black dresses to complement the natural hues of the day and the enchanting winter setting. She shared that finding classic, thick-fabric black bridesmaids dresses that suited both the theme and the season had been a challenge — until she discovered the Rowan Black Cocktail Dress on our Montique Clothing online store. Dani told us that she “found the wedding planning process extremely stressful, and Montique alleviated all that worry and made sure her bridesmaids looked perfect on the day.” Adding a personal touch, her man of honour — her best friend from high school — wore an all black ensemble with a floral lapel to match the bridesmaids' bouquets. The flower girl’s parents also joined the bridal party — her mother as Dani’s matron of honour and her father as one of Blake’s groomsmen. To honour her grandparents, Dani had “Always and Forever, Gm & Gd” in her grandmother’s handwriting embroidered onto her veil, a sentimental detail that added heartfelt meaning to the day.