Tinsel Jackets, Tattoos, and a Riverside Wedding in Bundaberg
Ash (she/her) and Lau’s (she/her) wedding at Platypus Park in Bundaberg featured a tinsel jacket, a peg game, a tattoo station, and a rainbow; basically everything you need for a solid queer party. After meeting on Bumble during Melbourne lockdown and spending two years traveling around Australia in a van they built together, these two had a pretty clear vision for their wedding: keep it fun, keep it collaborative, and skip anything that didn’t feel meaningful. With friends pitching in on everything from desserts to signage, and Graham Murray Photography capturing every candid laugh and dance floor moment, theirs was a celebration of love, chosen family, and unapologetic personality.
What made Platypus Park the perfect wedding venue?
We were still living in the van and could’ve married anywhere, but we knew we wanted one location that felt relaxed and let us stay on-site. Platypus Park had everything we love about travel: rolling hills, big gum trees, a river, and we loved that it came with an all-inclusive package that worked with our budget. Plus, we got to support a sweet local couple who owned the place and were excited to host their first queer wedding.
What was the vibe or theme you were going for?
Fun! Simple as that. We wanted to feel like ourselves and make space for laughter, dance floors, and all our favourite people. We included Friday welcome drinks and a Sunday brunch so the actual wedding day wasn’t packed with pressure. Our dress code was “wear what makes you feel fabulous.” That energy translated into everything from the tattoo station to the peg game to the sunset drinks on the lawn.
You mentioned keeping things budget-friendly. Any advice?
We’re spreadsheet nerds, so we tracked everything and started by naming our personal priorities. For Lau, it was food and drinks. For Ash, it was a killer jacket and a photographer who understood fat and queer bodies. We skipped flowers and instead used native greenery and candles in rosé bottles. Our bonbonnieres were homemade chili oil and everything bagel seasoning, and guests kept sending us photos of how they were using them for weeks after.
We also found great value in our caterers, Elegant Events Bundaberg, who made sure the food was delicious without blowing the budget.
What were some of your favorite DIY or personal touches?
So many things! Our friends baked cupcakes and cookies for the dessert table, Ash’s mum’s friend chopped gum leaves for the centerpieces, and Nan arranged native greenery for the champagne glasses. A cousin sang our first dance song. A friend designed our signage and stationery through PaperAmy, and it reflected our travels and personalities so well.
Ash’s dad even got caught up in the peg game and ended up with a unicorn temporary tattoo on the back of his head. Total legend.
Tell us about the outfits, because that tinsel jacket was iconic.
Ash knew she wanted a custom, outrageous tinsel jacket and found a drag queen in Melbourne to make it happen. She paired it with a short white dress from Dani Marie AU and white sneakers that Lau embroidered herself.
Lau wanted something cool (literally, QLD spring is hot) and expressive. She pieced together her outfit with a bright pink vest, a black shirt, and patterned pants from Boden, along with platform shoes to bring her closer to Ash’s height.
Our wedding and engagement rings were from Corky Saint Clair, and they felt perfect, bold and meaningful without being overly traditional.
What was the ceremony like?
We did the legal signing before the guests arrived with our immediate family and “I Do Crew,” which helped keep the ceremony short and flowing. It was held by the river with bubble machines, breezes, and Betty Who’s “I Love You” playing. Our celebrant and emcee were close friends who really knew us, which made everything feel personal and safe.
And the reception?
We kicked things off with sunset drinks on the lawn, temporary tattoos, and the peg game. Dinner was chill, and the speeches were unforgettable, especially Lau’s sister’s live scavenger hunt. Our first dance to “River Deep, Mountain High” turned into a group boogie.
The band from The Electric Banana brought the energy, and the dance floor did not let up. There were cowboy hats, fireball shots, a classic Eagle Rock pants-down moment, and a karaoke singalong on the bus ride back to town. Total chaos. In the best way.
What advice would you give other queer couples planning their wedding?
Ditch the rules. Start by naming what actually matters to you, not what you think is “supposed” to happen. Bring your people into the process. Make it feel like home. And definitely consider a tattoo station.
Photography by Graham Murray Photography
Caterer Elegant Events Bundaberg
DJ The Electric Banana (Bundaberg)
Dress Designer Dani Marie AU
Jacket Bryn – Costume Designer
Live Music The Electric Banana (Bundaberg)
Make Up Artist CHICA Makeup and Hair Artistry
Pants & Shirt Boden
Rings Corky Saint Clair
Signage & Stationery PaperAmy
Venue Platypus Park Riverside Retreat
