Shots, Sneakers, and Lion Dancers: A Beechmont Estate Wedding
Tequila shots at 3pm, fairy floss instead of cake, sneakers on the dance floor, and a lion dance entrance – Shanice (she/her) and Alison’s (she/her) Beechmont Estate wedding was one big party. Set against the mountain views of Rosewood Estate, their day had DIY signs, customised sneakers, and more than a few surprises for their guests.
How did you two first meet?
Shanice: My mum owned a café in Ashgrove, Brisbane, and she hired Ali to work there. I was working at another café down the road but came in on her first day to make myself a coffee – and that was the start. Over time I found reasons to visit more, then ended up rostering myself onto every shift Ali was on. The more time we spent together, the more obvious it was that this was something special.
What made Rosewood Estate the perfect choice for your ceremony?
The views were incredible, but what really sold us was how easy the team made everything. We love to throw a good party and knew food, drinks, and music were our priorities. Rosewood Estate gave us the space and the support to do just that.
Tell us about the outfits!
Alison: I wore a gown by Jessica Couture from Raffaele Ciuca Bridal. It was modern, detailed, and everything I hoped for.
Shanice: I had a custom-tailored suit. I wanted something structured but still comfortable. We’re not a heels couple, so both of us – and our whole bridal party – wore customised Air Force 1 sneakers. It made dancing and moving through the day so much easier, and it felt very “us.”
How did you choose your rings?
Our engagement rings came from Cartier and Cullen Jewellery, and our wedding bands from Petals and Keepsakes. We wanted them to feel timeless but not cookie-cutter, and we love what we chose.
How did you approach traditions as a queer couple?
We adapted a lot of the usual wedding traditions. Shanice walked down the aisle with family first, then our bridal party, then Ali, so we each had our own moment. Our celebrant stepped aside during our vows and first kiss so the photos focused on us, not the formality.
We also rewrote the language in the ceremony. No “man and wife,” no “obey.” Instead, it was: “first kiss as a married couple” and “you are now wives.” In our speeches, we thanked everyone who voted “yes” for marriage equality in 2017, that was important to us.
And because Shanice is Chinese, we brought in lion dancers and handed out red pockets as we entered the reception. It was such a fun, beautiful way to weave in culture and heritage.
Tell us about your vows and music.
We wrote our vows slowly over time, often sitting next to each other. Honestly, we only finalised them a day or two before the wedding! Shanice even worked in a High School Musical reference:
“Growing up, I dreamt of having a love like Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez. I spent so long wondering why I didn’t want any ‘Troys’ of the world. Turns out, I wanted a Gabriella.”
For music, Shanice walked down the aisle to Lifetime by Justin Bieber, Ali walked to a piano version of Can’t Help Falling in Love, and our first dance was Can I Have This Dance from High School Musical 3. We closed the night with the Friends theme song, because we’re massive fans.
Did you do any DIY?
So much! We made our signage, bar menus, linen napkins, and invitations. We styled the space ourselves. Ali’s sister jumped in with her Cricut to make table numbers, ribbons, and a tribute chair. It was a lot of work, but we loved the process and it made the day feel even more connected to us.
What stood out most about the reception?
Two things: the lion dancers and the dance floor. The lion dance performance was such a surprise for our guests, and for us it was really meaningful. Then once the music started, no one wanted to leave. Sneakers, champagne towers, our favourite tracks – it was wild in the best way.
Were there any vendors who really stood out?
Bethany Cook, our coordinator and florist, was incredible. She handled everything with so much care and calm.
Sammy from Samantha Elizabeth Photography is a gem – she made us feel so comfortable and confident, and the photos are amazing.
Emma and Nyle from The Timeless Collection were equally wonderful on video – talented, kind, and easy to be around.
And, Tegan Walker – our DJ, MC, and live musician – she’s basically a musical unicorn. She kept the party going all night.
Photography by Samantha Elizabeth Photography
Caterer Dippin Dots, Flossy Byron Bay & Vgc Catering
Celebrant Colleen
Coordinator Weddings By Bethany Cook
DJ Tegan Walker
Dress Boutique Raffaele Ciuca Bridal
Dress Designer Jessica Couture
Entertainment Mantis KungFu & ST SAHLA
Florist Weddings By Bethany Cook
Hair & Makeup Natalie Lucas Studio
MC Tegan Walker
Rental & Decor The One Day House & Daisy Events Queensland
Rings Cartier, Cullen Jewellery & Petals and Keepsakes
Suit A Penrose
Venue Rosewood Estate
Videographer The Timeless Collection
