While many fondly reminisce about high school sweethearts, Brisbane couple Tom Godfrey and Allie O’Rorke need simply to look across the dinner table to relive memories of their longtime love.
It was a moment of courage when Tom asked Allie to his Year 12 Ball after years admiring her from afar on the school bus. Little did Allie know her resounding ‘yes’ would result in a decade long relationship, involving travelling the world as a couple, moving to Sydney and eventually buying a house together. “We dated for close to 10 years before I FINALLY proposed in April 2017,” recalled Tom. It was a calm Saturday morning strolling the marina at Rushcutters Bay when Tom proposed. As Allie stopped to admire the view across the Sydney Harbour, Tom got down on one knee, evoking another exuberant ‘yes’ from his future bride.
One of Australia’s oldest jewellers at 161 years young, Fairfax & Roberts in the heart of Sydney, crafted Allie’s timeless engagement ring. Classic and elegant, the platinum solitaire ring holds a cushion cut diamond. Ring on hand, planning for the big day began almost immediately. Employing Sally from Sazzi Events meant the preparation process was smooth and efficient, a blessing to the couple planning interstate nuptials.
The wedding ceremony was held at “the most beautiful church in Brisbane”, St Mary’s Anglican Church at Kangaroo Point, which held family significance for the pair. Uniting in marriage on the edge of the iconic clifftop proved a blissful beginning to the newlyweds’ love story. The rolling hills and lush acreage of Hampton Farm at Brookfield hosted the subsequent celebration. “This is Allie’s father’s property and we honestly couldn’t have pictured a more idyllic back drop for our day,” said Tom, describing the perfect balance as “black tie meets a sprawling, green farm”. Allie’s dad is property developer Don O’Rorke.
Allie wore a white Paul Hunt sweetheart dress with floating chiffon overlay. Tom opted for his favourite bespoke Sydney tailor, Patrick Johnson, to design tuxedos for himself and his groomsmen. The bridesmaids donned classic Zimmerman dresses in gold, each opting for a different cut.
The day was “flawless from start to finish”, according to the couple. The torrential rain that hammered Brisbane in the week beforehand cleared just in time. “Sally had everything running like clockwork and we had the absolute best day of our lives,” said Tom.
More than 190 guests gathered under a bounteous marquee, glittering with lights and draped in flowers. Each wedding day decision was made with the couple’s family history in mind. Both families were regulars at Albion’s Hacienda Flowers; the floral masters fashioned blushing peonies and rouge roses into the bouquets clutched by the bridal party and hung from the reception rafters. “Allie chose wines from all of our favourite vineyards we have visited including Craggy Range, Shaw and Smith, Gundog Estate. After our first dance to Dire Straits Romeo & Juliet was over, everyone partied long into the night.”
The honeymoon was cherished, travelling to Sri Lanka and unwinding in the Maldives, where the couple found paradise akin to the magic of their special day.
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