100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

Wedding Belles: Shannon and Jody elope for a quiet, personal marriage

Do you have a news tip? Click here to send to our news team.

Navigation app warnings cut speeding rates

Drivers are increasingly taking their cues from technology rather than speed signs, according to new Sunshine Coast research into app-based police alerts. In the Australian-first More

Thousands to benefit from education donation

A Sunshine Coast publisher has donated $1.1 million worth of books to help improve literacy in disadvantaged communities. Firefly Education has partnered with the Rotary More

Jane Stephens: let’s all have a little respect

When a young humpback whale washed ashore at Alexandra Headland last month, it drew a crowd. The 6.7m baby’s death was documented with images and More

Bail refused as reality TV star denies strangling wife

Reality TV star turned fitness influencer Sam Wood will be kept in prison as he fights an allegation he strangled his wife on their More

Council responds after free campground opens for homeless

Sunshine Coast Council has outlined measures to address homelessness in the region after a neighbouring local government opened a designated campground. The City of Moreton More

Airport opens expanded arrivals area

Passengers flying into Sunshine Coast Airport now have almost three times the space to collect their luggage, as part of a $170 million terminal More

“Our wedding day had everything we’d dreamed of.”

That’s what Shannon Brabon and Jody Hunter had to say after their elopement, which included a private and relaxed ceremony at a breathtaking location.

When they chose their venue they had a list of non-negotiables, which included no stress and for it to be organised for them with everything included, so they only needed to arrive with their wedding clothes.

When Shannon found Secrets on the Lake at Montville, she knew the search was over.

On the day, the couple settled in and enjoyed breakfast in their treehouse looking across the rainforest canopy and gardens to Baroon Pocket Dam.

When the time came, Shannon and Jody strolled hand in hand to the ceremony spot along the winding path fringed by tropical flowers.

Jody and Shannon enjoyed a relaxed wedding day.

They shared a deeply personal ceremony and didn’t take their eyes off each other.

At the signing table the couple was presented with their gorgeous wedding cake to cut, with a glass of bubbles, before a photo shoot in the lush grounds.

“We’ve been through so many ups and downs together over the past 17 years,” they said. “We’ve both grown and we know each other better than anyone else.

“We decided to elope because this is all about us and our life, our love and our commitment to each other. It felt so right.

Baroon Pocket Dam formed a stunning backdrop for their wedding photos. Picture: Ben Connolly Photographer

“Looking back at the day, it couldn’t have been more perfect – a beautiful destination with a wedding package including absolutely everything at exquisite quality.

“We loved everything and we loved that Secrets on the Lake even organised our secret witnesses.”

It was a dream wedding followed by a dream honeymoon, with Jody and Shannon sharing a once-in-a-lifetime trip to France, Switzerland, England and Italy, with the highlight being their time in Venice.

Their wedding photos were waiting for them on their return, with the shots capturing the tranquility, ambience and love in such a magical way.

Wedding Belles is contributed to Sunshine Coast News by Sunshine Coast marriage celebrant Suzanne Riley.

Subscribe to SCN’s free daily news email

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
This field is hidden when viewing the form
[scn_go_back_button] Return Home
Share