Oh, Maddie and Sam… where do I even begin? Their intimate elopement at Honeymoon Bay was nothing short of magic. Sure, the weather forecast tried to throw us a curveball with 40mm of rain and high winds, but guess what? Mother Nature played nice when it mattered the most, and these two legends ended up with a day that was even better than we could have dreamed!
Their ceremony was short, sweet, and filled with love (and a cheeky secret vow moment that’ll melt your heart). Afterwards, they braved the wild winds at the Cape Moreton Lighthouse with Sophia Grace Photography to capture some of the most jaw-dropping shots you’ve ever seen. Picture this: Maddie’s veil soaring, Sam holding her steady, giggles and smiles, and the waves crashing in the background… Absolute magic!!!
And just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, Maddie and Sam arrived at their dreamy reception styled by Clare at Sunset Picnics and Platters. The sun decided to make a grand appearance, casting the most incredible golden light over the private property at Cowan Cowan. Cue the champagne and all the happy tears - this sunset was the cherry on top of an already incredible day.
A Little About Maddie and Sam
Maddie and Sam are the kind of couple who just make you smile. Their love story is grounded in adventure, laughter, and their shared appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.
Whether it’s their love for the ocean or their effortless ability to make everyone around them feel welcome, they are a couple who truly value the little things that make life (and love) extraordinary!
When it came to planning their wedding, they wanted a day that reflected their relaxed, down-to-earth nature. With Moreton Island holding a special place in their hearts, it was the obvious choice for their celebration. From the stunning views at Honeymoon Bay to the windswept drama of the lighthouse, followed by a sunset reception with their nearest and dearest, their day was a perfect blend of natural beauty, heartfelt moments, and a touch of... magic.
Maddie’s warm and bubbly energy, paired with Sam’s steady, calm presence, created the most beautiful balance throughout their day. They truly leaned into every moment. Their vows, the playful wind that made for unforgettable photos, and the sheer joy of toasting with their closest family and friends as the sun set on their wedding day.
Their wedding was a testament to the power of "staying true to yourself and embracing the unpredictable".
Maddie and Sam made the day about what mattered most: their love for each other and the people who mean the world to them. And this is what we want for every single couple!
Maddie and Sam share their advice, tips and tricks, and their vision for their Honeymoon Bay wedding below, and I am so excited to share them with you.
What was your vision for your Moreton Island elopement?
We dreamt of a relaxed, short and sweet ceremony with great company and a killer view. Dramatic clouds, sea breezes and good champagne. And a short and sweet ceremony. We scored on all of these things and couldn’t be happier about the end result!
What was your biggest concern when planning your wedding ceremony?
We were a little unsure of the whole process to begin with, but once the ball started rolling, everything fell into place. Our only major concern was the forecasted bad weather, but this turned out to be the highlight of our day as it was a conversation icebreaker. It also created the most beautiful lighting for photos!
What was your highlight or your "must have" for your ceremony or reception?
Champagne, shelter and, if we had a big wedding, a great MC/DJ to keep the vibes high.
How would you describe the feel of your ceremony?
Easy breezy and no stress. We wanted to keep things simple and true to ourselves. It was important to us that we incorporated our love for the ocean and the outdoors into our wedding. Moreton Island also holds a special place in both of our hearts so it was very fitting.
What would you change if you had your day over again? If anything?
Wouldn’t change a thing except remember to drink more water!
At our micro wedding, we still popped champagne, ate good food, chatted to guests and took memorable photos. With a setting sun on the horizon, we had to maximise the time we had. This meant we filled every second with beautiful memories.
Why did you choose Kerri Watkins Celebrant for your elopement?
The instant click. We just knew she was the one, and she knows Moreton Island like the back of her hand! Meeting Kerri over video chat was like catching up with an old, treasured friend!
What was one valuable piece of advice that Kerri shared with you?
It’s your day… This became an affirmation during wedding planning and was a reminder we are doing this for us and not for everyone else.
What is your favourite memory from the ceremony or your wedding day?
Our vows. Made for a good laugh and added our personalities into our ceremony. Our guests were still talking about it the next day.
Where did you get inspiration for your vow writing?
Maddie’s vows were inspired by Game of Thrones, wit, puns and Sam’s expertise in household chores. She also used Kerri’s tips and Google to structure her vows.
Sam was inspired by his heart and the highlights of their relationship.
Did you keep your vows secret from each other, or did you share them with each other beforehand?
Our lips were sealed. That’s the only secret we have kept from each other, and it was hard!
Would you change anything about your vows?
Maddie - No, I'm happy with what I wrote. Sam laughed, and that’s all that matters.
Sam - I am happy but would change the last few lines to simplify it because I did muddle up my words. Nerves got the better of me!
If you could tell a newly engaged couple one thing, what would it be?
Breathe, write everything down, make Pinterest boards, and do your research. Trust the process. Let go of the things you can’t control... like the weather!
Maddie and Sam’s Top Tips for your Moreton Island Wedding!
Trust the process - everything will fall into place!
Ask questions, and don’t be afraid to speak up if you’re unsure/not happy about something - at the end of the day, you’re paying for it.
Invite who you want to invite, and stick to your guns. If you’re unsure who to invite, ask yourself if you would buy them an expensive dinner and expect nothing in return.
Pick your bridal party very wisely. They should have your best interests at heart.
Invest in a great photographer and/or videographer. Hands down worth it.
If it rains, embrace it.
Save yourself from worrying if guests are having a good time. It’s a wedding, they’re definitely having a good time.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Don’t leave each other’s side during the night. When all the dust settles, you’ll have the same memories to share while eating leftover wedding cake.
We are thankful for each other, our guests and the Moreton Island Weddings Dream Team. We couldn’t have done it without them. We would absolutely recommend each of them. They were warm, thoughtful, organised and generous. A great bunch of people with big, genuine hearts! Grateful for all of them!!
How was the overall experience of working with Kerri Watkins Celebrant and Moreton Island Celebrant?
Absolutely amazing! We hit the jackpot! Kerri is wonderful to work with and takes the stress out of everything to do with the legal side of getting married! Kerri is wholesome, bubbly and down to earth. We love her and so glad she married us!
Kind words from Maddie and Sam left on Google.
Fun, bubbly and down-to-earth is the best way to describe Kerri! After getting engaged and stumbling across her socials in late 2023, we knew she would be the one to marry us. Her zest, passion and wholesome vibes were like a breath of fresh air and had us both saying, “She’s the one!” when finding our celebrant. During the entire planning process, Kerri was always in touch, ensuring we were kept in the loop. We are so grateful we found Kerri and cannot thank her enough for her love and support before, during and even after our wedding! Without fail, she will forever hold a special place in our hearts and memories for years to come!
Maddie and Sam’s Moreton Island Wedding Dream Team
Ceremony Location: Honeymoon Bay / Cape Moreton Lighthouse
Planning Team: Moreton Island Weddings @moretonislandweddings
Photographer: Sophia Grace Photography @sophia_grace_photography
Catering, Styling, Arbour and Picnic Celebration: Sunset Picnics and Platters @sunsetpicnicsandplatters
Celebrant: Kerri Watkins Celebrant and Moreton Island Celebrant @kerriwatkinscelebrant
Dress: When Freddie Met Lilly @whenfreddiemetlilly
Hair: Honeycombe Hair Studio @honeycombehairstudio
Flowers: Brisbane Flower Market @brisbaneflowermarket
Transport: @moretonislandadventures
Thank you, Sam and Maddie, for sharing your dream wedding with us. It was our absolute pleasure to share your day with you! I feel so grateful to marry amazing couples just like you guys xx
If you are looking for more inspiration from Maddie and Sam’s wedding day, be sure to check out Maddie’s Love Story on When Freddie Met Lilly’s website here.
Behind the Scenes of the Moreton Island Wedding Team
As part of Maddie and Sam’s wedding dream team, we were all in. Clare, Sophia, and I spent the three days before the wedding swapping weather updates, tweaking backup plans, and making sure everything was ready to go, rain or shine, with absolutely everything crossed.
Let’s be honest, the forecast had us on our toes, but no matter what, we were determined to make their day unforgettable.
With clear umbrellas on standby (and my raincoat ready for action), we were prepared for anything Mother Nature threw our way. But in true magical Moreton Island wedding style, the rain held off when it mattered most, and the day turned out even better than we’d imagined. Seeing Maddie and Sam soaking up every moment reminded us why we love what we do.
We would love to bring your Moreton Island Elopement vision to life, too. Reach out to the team to share your vision with us and let's make magic happen!