EMILY & JACK
Love was truly in full bloom as Emily and Jack celebrated their wedding in the heart of Brisbane. Their day was the perfect blend of creativity, sophistication, and heartfelt emotion — a modern celebration that felt both deeply personal and beautifully refined. We had the honour of coordinating their day, ensuring every detail ran seamlessly so they could be fully present and soak in every moment.
From the very first meeting, it was clear that Emily and Jack wanted their wedding to be more than just beautiful — they wanted it to reflect who they are. Both have a deep appreciation for art and design, so their choice of venues couldn’t have been more fitting: the Queensland State Library for the ceremony, followed by a reception at the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA). Together, the two spaces offered a modern, architectural canvas that perfectly mirrored their style — contemporary yet timeless, elegant yet understated.
The ceremony took place in the State Library’s stunning riverside space, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water and soft natural light flooding the room. It’s a venue that speaks for itself, but the addition of artistic floral arrangements transformed it into something truly special. The florals were sculptural and textural, designed to complement the clean lines of the architecture rather than compete with them. The palette was soft yet modern — muted tones layered with subtle pops of colour that added warmth and personality.
As coordinators, our role on the day was to ensure everything flowed effortlessly. While guests arrived and took their seats, we worked quietly behind the scenes — confirming timings, cueing music, and making sure every element was exactly as planned. We believe that seamless coordination allows the couple to simply be in the moment, trusting that everything is taken care of. And watching Emily walk down the aisle to Jack, framed by that beautiful backdrop of river light and modern florals, was one of those moments that made every bit of planning worth it.
The ceremony itself was full of emotion — tender, authentic, and deeply personal. There was an ease to the way Emily and Jack interacted; every glance and smile said everything that words couldn’t. You could feel how loved they are by everyone around them. That atmosphere of warmth carried through the entire day and into the reception that followed.
After the ceremony, guests made their way to GOMA for the reception. The transition between venues felt effortless, and the Gallery of Modern Art provided the perfect setting for an evening that celebrated not just love, but creativity. GOMA is one of Brisbane’s most iconic spaces, and styling a wedding there is always a unique experience. It’s modern, open, and full of character — the kind of venue that allows design elements to truly shine.
For Emily and Jack’s reception, the goal was to complement the space without taking away from its striking architecture. The styling was sophisticated and intentional, with an emphasis on light, texture, and form. Soft candlelight played off the clean lines of the gallery, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere within a contemporary space. Each table was styled to feel elegant and effortless — a balance of modern minimalism and romantic detail.
The floral design carried through beautifully from the ceremony, with arrangements that were structured yet organic. They featured a mix of seasonal blooms, textural stems, and sculptural pieces that looked like they belonged in the gallery itself. It was art within art — refined, expressive, and perfectly suited to the couple.
The reception tables were set with crisp linens, crystal glassware, and thoughtful details that tied the whole aesthetic together. The result was timeless, yet fresh — the kind of styling that feels both now and forever. Every candle, napkin fold, and floral stem was intentionally placed to create a visual rhythm that flowed naturally throughout the room. We always say that great styling shouldn’t just look beautiful — it should feel cohesive, creating an atmosphere that guests can step into and instantly sense the couple’s personality.
As coordinators, one of our biggest focuses is flow. Timing, transitions, lighting, and layout all play a huge role in how guests experience the day. For Emily and Jack’s reception, everything was designed to move effortlessly — from speeches and dinner service to the first dance and celebrations that followed. Behind the scenes, we coordinated vendors, managed lighting cues, and ensured every detail unfolded exactly as planned. It’s that invisible work that allows the couple to feel like their day is running on pure magic.
And it truly did.
One of the standout parts of the night was the first dance — intimate and joyful, surrounded by friends and family who couldn’t take their eyes off them. As the music played and the gallery lights glowed softly, the space felt alive with love and celebration. It’s moments like that — the spontaneous laughter, the quiet hand-holds, the dancing under soft light — that remind us why we love doing what we do.
Emily and Jack’s wedding was a perfect reflection of who they are as a couple — thoughtful, modern, and full of warmth. They didn’t want a day that was overly traditional or expected; they wanted something that felt personal, creative, and true to their story. Every choice they made — from the venues to the florals to the music — was a reflection of that. It was a celebration of love and art, but also of authenticity.
Working with Emily and Jack was such a joy. They approached planning with trust and collaboration, allowing us to guide the logistics and coordination while they focused on what mattered most — enjoying the process and the people around them. There’s something really special about working with couples who understand that good planning is about more than timelines and checklists; it’s about creating an experience.
Looking back on their day, what stands out most is the harmony between the spaces, the styling, and the people. The architecture of the State Library and GOMA set a strong visual foundation, but it was the energy of the couple and their guests that brought everything to life. The day felt sophisticated without being stuffy, polished but full of heart — the kind of wedding that feels timeless in every way.
At Vows & Things, we’re so passionate about creating weddings that reflect individuality. Emily and Jack’s celebration reminded us just how beautiful that can be when every element comes together with purpose. From the moment Emily walked down the aisle to the final spark of laughter on the dance floor, every detail worked in harmony to tell their story.
It was truly an honour to be a part of such a meaningful celebration and to see their vision come to life so seamlessly. To Emily and Jack — thank you for letting us share in your incredible day. We wish you a lifetime of happiness, adventure, and love as you continue this next chapter together.
And to any couples dreaming of a wedding that blends art, architecture, and emotion — venues like the Queensland State Library and GOMA offer the perfect canvas. With thoughtful coordination and a strong creative vision, these spaces can transform into something extraordinary.
This day will always stand out to us — not just for its beauty, but for how effortlessly it captured who Emily and Jack are. Modern, creative, full of love, and surrounded by everything that matters most.
CONTRIBUTORS
Coordinator: Vows & Things
Photo & Video: Trent & Jessie
Venue: QLD State Library & GOMA
Florist: Kate Dawes Flower Design
Gown: Darb Bridal
Beauty: Sabrina Walsh & Joel Anthony
Cake: The Sweet Society Co.
Celebrant: Paul Redfern
Band: Nick Trovas Band