Real Life Wedding: Chelsea & Christian
Published 15th October 2026
Photos: Lauren Joy Photography
Chelsea and Christian's wedding at Preston Peak Winery Function Centre was featured in Your Local Wedding Guide Queensland 2026 magazine.
An adventurous couple, it was only fitting that Christian would propose to Chelsea in another country, far away from their hometown of Brisbane.
Having become sweethearts back in high school, their relationship was about to move to the next stage on the slopes of Zell Am Ziller, Austria, in sub-zero temperatures.
It was a family trip with Chelsea’s family, and Chris had already made sure to ask Chelsea’s father, David, for permission to marry his daughter. Being an old school friend of Chelsea’s brother Josh, Chris was well known to the family.
Chris, having already checked out the perfect spot on the mountain to propose earlier in the day, arranged for the group to head back there. Chelsea, along with her mum, Kym, her brothers Josh and Mitch, and her best friend Jessie, unquestionably agreed to Chris’ plan.
At the top of the powdered run, Chris sent Mitch first, then Josh. Just before Chelsea was about to go, she says, “Chris dropped to both knees (because he was clipped into his snowboard) and asked the big question I had waited ten years for… it was obviously a big yes!”
Much celebrating followed that day, on 19th December 2023, at Seppi’s — one of the best après-ski bars they had ever been to — it made for a very wobbly trip back to the other side of the mountain afterwards!
When Chris and Chelsea arrived back, they planned a long engagement due to another upcoming family wedding, which gave them a little under two years to plan their wedding.
Chelsea and Christian getting ready for their big day.
Surrounded by family, their bridesmaids and groomsmen.
Preston Peak Winery, just a ten-minute drive south of Toowoomba’s city centre, was the first venue Chelsea and Chris visited on their list.
“As soon as we arrived, we got the most amazing feeling and after falling in love with the venue, it seemed to just keep getting better. The staff were so accommodating and the value for money seemed incomparable right from the very start,” Chelsea says.
“We went to a few other venues to confirm our already made-up decision and although every spot was beautiful, we did not get the same feeling… this is when we confirmed it would be Preston Peak for us.”
Arriving at Preston Peak Winery Function Centre.
With plenty of time up their sleeves to plan, they decided to create their own signage using Canva, which included a seating chart, menu, table numbers, bar signage, wishing well and guestbook. They then found a local printing company. Chelsea says, “It was a time-consuming process, but we loved making everything so unique to us and it also helped to cut costs, which is always nice.”
Though it wasn’t the plan at first, they eventually decided on a travel theme for their wedding, with invitations designed to look like boarding passes and passports, tables named after places they had travelled together, and guest place cards written on luggage tags. Chelsea and Chris even entered to a song called ‘The Flight’, which featured an air hostess-style introduction.
Before their wedding day, they had welcome drinks and dinner at a local pub in Toowoomba, before retiring to separate houses owned by Preston Peak Winery, with their respective bridal parties. Chelsea says she loved waking up with her best mates, with the convenience of the house they were getting ready in that day.
Chelsea and Christian ready to get married.
“This arrangement made the morning so stress-free and ensured the good vibes were rolling as soon as we woke up!” she recalls.
Having fun on their wedding day.
It was a beautiful spring day, as guests arrived from Brisbane, Mackay, Bendigo, Roma, Blackall, Moranbah and Clermont.
Chelsea and Christian become husband and wife.
“Preston Peak Winery were absolutely phenomenal.” says Chelsea. “The staff were incredible to work with. They went above and beyond for us. The food was delicious, and they checked in regularly to make sure we were enjoying ourselves and had everything we needed. They handled our guests with total professionalism, in the best way, while still bringing a sense of fun, and never interrupting the flow of the day… even during the unexpected moments.”
Good vibes were rolling on Chelsea and Christian's wedding day.
“Our guests haven’t stopped talking about the food at Preston Peak — everyone commented on how absolutely delicious every single bite was!” she adds.
All of their suppliers were professional, communicated well, were reasonably priced, and they felt like they had known them forever, including their photographer, Lauren from Lauren Joy Photography.
“Lauren was incredible,” she says. “She made us feel completely comfortable in front of the camera, which is a big deal because we usually hate being the centre of attention. With her, everything felt so natural and easy, which is shown in our photos. We couldn’t have asked for anything better.”
Feeling comfortable in front of the camera, thanks to their photographer, Lauren.
After an “unforgettable” reception — with short and sweet speeches being a highlight, the joy of seeing the people they loved all in one place, their band, and a full dance floor right up until the music stopped at the end of the night — they spent their first night in one of the bridal houses at Preston Peak, shared with their bridal party.
Chelsea and Christian enjoying the beautiful surrounds of Preston Peak Winery Function Centre.
“It is very well designed,” Chelsea says, “where one end of the house is a suite for the bride and groom, then the other bedrooms are at the opposite end of the house.”
Treasured wedding day details.
Following their wedding, the adventurous couple had the perfect excuse to explore a new destination, travelling New Zealand for four and a half weeks in an Apollo motorhome. The couple added that it was the most perfect way to explore both the North and South Islands of New Zealand.
Chelsea and Christian with their bridal party.
Chelsea & Chris’s best wedding advice:
“Embrace the journey: The planning stage can feel overwhelming but try to enjoy the process. Every detail can be as big or as minimal as you choose.
Stay true to yourselves: Shape the day around who you are as a couple. The personal touches that reflect what you love doing together are what your guests will remember most.
Let go of the small stresses: Avoid getting caught up in minor details, both during the lead-up and on the day. They matter far less than you think in the moment.
Be present: The day moves incredibly quickly, so make a conscious effort to pause, breathe, and take it all in.
Remember what truly matters: Despite the challenges of planning, it really is one of the best days of your life — focus on the joy rather than perfection.”
Wedding Date: 19th September 2025
Number of Guests: 103
Photographer: Lauren Joy Photography
Videographer: Fairytale Film
Content Creator: Maison Liora Weddings
Gown: While Lily Couture
Rings: Cullen Jewellery
Hair & Makeup: Natalie Lucas
Bridesmaid Dresses: Significant Other
Groom’s Tuxedo: David Jones
Groomsmen’s Suits: Ferrari Formal Wear
Ceremony & Reception: Preston Peak Winery
Wedding Coordinator: Kaylee from Preston Peak
Celebrant: Sam Capewell
Theme: Travel theme
Entertainment: The Berrymen Band
Flowers: Possum and Bloom
Cake: Sweet Philosophy
Bomboniere: Baggage tags
Unique Extras: Custom Pizza Boxes from Imprint Now, Custom Cufflinks from Alexa Lane
Signage: ePrint
Transport: Coach hire and Toyota Shorty
Wedding Song: ‘Tennessee Whiskey’ by Chris Stapleton, transitioning to ‘I Touch Myself’ by The Divinyls
Planning your own wedding? Meet wedding suppliers face-to-face at Your Local Wedding Guide Expos in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Canberra or Sydney, and receive a complimentary copy of our wedding magazine.
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