PEN·LIV Real Bride: Brooke & Ned

The Love Story: 

"We first met back in high school, even though we attended different schools. Both were single-sex schools that often mixed socially, so it wasn’t unusual for us to cross paths at parties and group hangouts. We became friends during year 12 and stayed just that, friends for the entire year. It wasn’t until after we graduated in 2016 that something started to shift. We began spending more time one-on-one and slowly realised there might be something more between us than just friendship.

We purchased our first home together in 2023 and live there with our two dogs, Wally & Maisy, who are the centre of our world. We got engaged on 16 September 2023, after a morning spent hiking the 16km Eagle View Walk Trail at John Forrest National Park in Perth. At the very end of the hike, we reached a beautiful spot overlooking a little stream, which is where he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him."

Gown Featured: 2024 PEN·LIV | Charlean

Most Memorable: 

"Our favourite memory of the day is definitely the speeches. They were so personal and meaningful, and our guests still to this day haven’t stopped talking about how they were the best speeches they’ve ever heard at a wedding. It was such a special part of the night that really stuck with everyone, a few tears and many laughs were had. Another huge highlight was just having all of our favourite people in one room. There’s something so surreal and heartwarming about being surrounded by everyone you love, all there to celebrate with you.

I also need to add an amazing memory of mine, and it was when we saw our reception space. We had a first look before the guests came down for the reception, and I remember feeling so happy and amazed in that moment. We got to see our vision come to life, and it was everything we hoped for and more for our reception, it was truly beautiful." 

Gown Featured: 2024 PEN·LIV | Charlean

"We had a vision of all white florals with soft, romantic touches, mainly roses and baby’s breath to keep it classic and timeless. I held white roses, which is what I always pictured myself holding on my wedding day.

Each of my bridesmaids held a different flower, which I loved because it gave each of them their own little moment. One had anthuriums, another had tulips, one had calla lilies, and the other phalaenopsis orchids. We used those same flowers in the arrangements at our reception and on the tables to tie everything together."

Gown Featured: 2024 PEN·LIV | Charlean