Courtney and Rhett’s fabulous wedding at Ocean View Estate

There are a few things that really get me excited. Wine, music, dogs and country weddings. And Courtney and Rhett’s wedding ticked two of the boxes! They chose the fabulous Ocean View Estate winery for their wedding ceremony and reception. If you’ve never been there you’re missing out on a hidden gem in the north of Brisbane.

Getting to Ocean View Estate

You’d never guess that this fabulous location is just an hour’s drive north from Brisbane. Nestled among rolling hills in Ocean View, this award-winning winery and restaurant is a popular destination for tourists, locals, and of course, loved-up couples.

As far as wedding locations go, you really can’t do much better than this stunning country landscape.

And did I mention they have amazing wine? 

Courtney and Rhett’s Ocean View Estate Wedding

So, I was super excited to head out to Ocean View for Courtney and Rhett’s big day. I’ve photographed lots of weddings at Ocean View so I know all the cool spots. And it was a fabulous spring afternoon in September, blues skies and gorgeous afternoon sun.

A magic day.

Huge congrats to Courtney and Rhett and thank you for choosing me to capture your day.

And keep on scrolling to read a bit about their real life romance.

How did you both meet?

 Rhett is a strength and conditioning coach, and in 2018 he helped me manage some injuries and train for the Melbourne half marathon. We became close very quickly and he ended up coming with me to Melbourne.

 Any funny stories about that meeting?

 Years earlier, before officially meeting in 2018, we had crossed paths when I worked at Nike. He used the change rooms and noticed me. But I don’t remember! 

It actually really bothers me that I don’t remember. 

And he often reminds me! 

The proposal

 Rhett proposed at Woorim beach where I grew up and spent a lot of time as a child. It was really lovely to share this moment in a place where I already had a lot of great memories. And now a new, really special memory was made together.

 How long have you been together?

 We started dating in June 2018, so just over 3 years.

Why did you choose Alison Cooke Photography to photograph your Ocean View Estates wedding?

Alison was a recommendation from a friend, so I checked out her Instagram and Facebook and loved the style of photos she created. I also loved Alison’s easy-going approach. She made us feel really relaxed during the whole process.

What was the one thing you had to have for your wedding day?

I think looking back on the day, nothing in particular would have made it less special. The most important thing was finally marrying our best friend after having to postpone the wedding from 2020. But we are very grateful Covid didn’t interfere with the number of guests who could attend. It wouldn’t have been quite the same without our friends and family to share the day with.

 What things about your wedding made it so amazing?

I think the landscape was really stunning. There’s something about the Ocean View Estates vineyards in the afternoon sun. It is so breathtaking. Having our son walk down the aisle was also a huge highlight, along with our amazing bridal party.

How did you plan your wedding and did you have help?

Years of planning and endless Pinterest boards! No professional help but it was good to see others’ weddings shared on Instagram pages to get some inspiration and create a vision for our day.

What tips or ideas would you pass onto future couples?

It goes super quick as everyone always says. So only include in the reception what you really want to, not things just because they are ‘traditional’. I love the idea of having a reception lunch the following day after the ceremony. Then you don’t have a curfew looming over you soon after the ceremony wraps up. You really get swept up in the afternoon.

How did you go about choosing Ocean View Estates and wedding vendors?

 We chose vendors that made us feel comfortable and really listened to what we wanted without pushing any ideas on us. On site accommodation was also something we wanted at the wedding venue. Especially as our toddler was part of the ceremony but not attending the reception. We also wanted an outdoor ceremony location.

What was something unique about your wedding?

We chose to have instrumental music playing in the background of our ceremony.  I’m not sure if a lot of other couples do this. But it was a really nice way to create the relaxing atmosphere we wanted during our outdoor ceremony.

 Did you honeymoon, where and for how long?

 We spent 7 nights at Hamilton Island which was just beautiful! And our first family holiday for our son Maverick too.

 Review your wedding vendors here.  

Ocean View Estates were incredible. They really nailed all the little details and were very attentive on the day. Not just to us but our guests also. We had so many friends mention how wonderful the food and service were. We look forward to going back to the vineyards and reminiscing in the years to come!

Supplier list:

Photographer: Alison Cooke Photography

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Ocean View Estate

Cake: Confetti Cake Co

Flowers: One Stop Wedding Shop

Décor: DIY

Suits: Politix

Dress: Zavana Bridal / Pearl Bridal

Celebrant: Chelsea McNamara of Lovebirds Civil Celebrant

About Alison – AKA Me

If you’re looking for a fun and fabulous photographer for your Ocean View Estate wedding then drop me a line. I’m an award-winning member of the AIPP and photographing weddings at wineries is my idea of a fab time. So go on! Gimme a call on 0418 882 778 or drop me a line here.

Psst! You can check out more fabulous wedding photographs here