Meet Claire and Ninan. This fabulous couple were yet another couple whose original 2020 wedding plans fell by the wayside thanks to COVID. And for a few heart-stopping days in early April, it seemed their wedding-day-take-two would also be ruined because of Brisbane’s 3-day snap lockdown. However, as luck would have it, their wedding day went ahead, with strict social distancing and mask-wearing in full force. And not even a torrential downpour 5 minutes before their outdoor ceremony at Victoria Park wedding venue could put a dampener on their day.
Victoria Park Wedding Venue
Victoria Park is one my my favourite wedding venues in Brisbane. The staff are great, the location is amazing and there’s so many great spots on the grounds for wedding photos. And if you haven’t visited Victoria Park for a round of golf, you’ll need to get in quick! I have it on good authority that the well-known golf course, just north of Brisbane’s CDB, is fated to become another parkland. Which is sad as it’s an awesome wedding venue and one I love working at. Also, the mini-golf is so fun and the venue itself is amazing.
Claire and Ninan’s Wedding Day
Anyway, despite the rain, COVID, social distancing and the mask-wearing, Claire and Ninan’s day was fabulous. The rain disappeared, the sun came out and a spectacular rainbow put in an appearance for our photos.
What more can we ask for?
So CONGRATULATIONS lovebirds!
Thanks for choosing me to capture your beautiful wedding day.
Al xx
Claire and Ninans Real Life Story
How did you meet?
We met through work and had our first date at an Italian restaurant on Halloween.
Any stories about that meeting?
A week after our first date, Ninan moved away for work. So, our first year together was in a long-distance relationship.
What do you both enjoy doing?
We both love traveling, cooking, eating good food and going for bush walks.
Where did you get engaged?
In 2019 when we were skiing in Japan, Ninan proposed on top of a mountain in Niseko.
How long have you been together?
We’ve been together for 5 years.
Why did you choose Alison Cooke Photography to photograph your wedding?
It’s obvious, isn’t it? Alison takes beautiful photos! Also, after speaking with her I was reassured by her years of experience. And we felt like she got us and knew what we wanted for our wedding.
What was the one thing you just had to have for your wedding day?
Our beautiful puppy, Winnie. She really is part of the family.
What made your Victoria Park wedding so amazing?
Well, originally we were getting married in August 2020 but postponed due to COVID. Then the week before our wedding there was a 3-day lock down in Brisbane. Then the rain threatened to ruin our outdoor ceremony! And while we’d been preparing ourselves for having a wedding with only 10 people, we were absolutely blown away by the way everyone came together for us. We had interstate guests who risked isolating on their way home. People had masks made for us, bought umbrellas for us and helped us re-do the seating chart.
Everyone really pulled together for us.
How did you go with planning your wedding and did you have any help?
Claire’s parents live in Brisbane, so they were a huge help. They helped by looking at venues, purchasing decorations and delivering wedding items.
What tips or ideas would you pass onto future couples?
Things are bound to go wrong. And wedding planning is stressful! But as long as you get to marry your best friend, nothing else really matters.
Where did you honeymoon and for how long?
We travelled around Gold Coast and the hinterland for a week
Shout out to the wedding vendors:
Photographer: Alison Cooke Photography
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Victoria Park
Cake: Made by Claire!
Flowers: Brisbane flower market
Décor: Claire’s mum collected greenery from her garden
Suits: Gibson/Myers
Transport: Roaring Twenties
Jeweller: Jules Collins
Celebrant: Roxy Celebrant
About Alison Cooke Photography
If you’re searching for a fun, awesome, experienced photographer and you’ve chosen Victoria Park as your wedding venue drop me a line here.
And if you’d like to view more of my weddings, head over to the wedding gallery.
