Maryborough Wedding
From a Matchmaker’s Introduction to Finding Home
Breanna & Joel
Their Love Story
Back in 2022, Breanna was deep into her second year of teaching and had very little time for romance. That was until her best friend Beck decided to play matchmaker and introduced her to her boyfriend’s roommate, Joel, who was apparently “the nicest guy ever”. Breanna wasn't convinced anyone could actually be that nice, but when she liked one of Joel’s posts about his favourite football team, he was immediately hooked.
After some enthusiastic flirting and a first date over ice cream, they quickly realised they had the same values, the same goals and a lot more in common than either expected. Joel left thinking he had found someone he could build a life with. Breanna left wondering why he hadn't stopped for a McFlurry.
It didn't take long for things to get serious. Joel went from living separately to moving in within a week after Breanna told him, “You can't leave. I need every ounce of you here.” They built a life around morning coffees, quiet afternoons, adventures and their growing family, with Dallas eventually joining them. Breanna found someone who cared for her in a way she'd never experienced, while Joel knew he'd found the person he wanted beside him for the rest of his life. He even spent a night sleeping in a long sleeve shirt and slacks in a house with no air conditioning because he didn't want Breanna to feel uncomfortable. If that's not commitment, we're not sure what is.
Then came their trip to New Zealand and Joel's carefully planned proposal. He booked a photographer, got the ring ready and had the whole thing mapped out. Breanna, naturally, knew exactly what was happening. She had her engagement nails done, avoided Joel's bag and had even sent him an invoice for the exact ring she wanted. Then Joel arrived at the photoshoot wearing what Breanna described as the “fugliest Aldi jumper” she'd ever seen. Surely he wouldn't propose dressed like that. Except the ring was hidden inside the jumper. And when she turned around and saw Joel holding it, none of that mattered. It was simply the man she loved asking her to be his wife.
A Quote from the Vows
“Today I choose you and I'll keep choosing you every single day for the rest of our lives.” - Joel
“Before you, I never realized how much a person could feel like home.” - Breanna
Two incredibly fitting promises from a couple whose relationship is built around choosing each other, supporting each other's dreams and creating a home together.
Full Wedding Film:
A little about the celebration
The wedding day was a celebration of more than just Breanna and Joel becoming husband and wife. Their son Dallas was at the heart of their story, with both of them speaking about the joy of watching their family grow and the life they want to create together.
There were plenty of laughs along the way too, because apparently marriage comes with a few important promises. Joel agreed to love Breanna even though her clothes spend more time on the floor than in the wardrobe, while Breanna agreed to accept Joel's loud breathing at night.
Their families also had some important wisdom to share. When Joel was asked what he wanted most from their marriage, his answer was simple: a life like Breanna's Pop and Grandma. The advice from Debbie and Lindsay was equally straightforward: “You're never right, Joel. You'll always be wrong.”
Honestly, after hearing the rest of their story, we're pretty confident they'll be just fine.
why I love this wedding venue for weddings
Their private property in Maryborough gave the day a wonderfully personal feel. Rather than being about putting on a show, the celebration was centred around the people who mattered most and the life Breanna and Joel have created together.
That made the setting feel right for a couple whose relationship is all about the everyday moments. Morning coffees. Family time. Adventures with Dallas. Quiet afternoons at home. Supporting each other's careers. And, apparently, doing all the jobs Breanna doesn't want to do.
The big moments matter, but it's those little everyday things that have made their relationship what it is.
a thank you message
Breanna and Joel, your story is proof that sometimes the best relationships start with a slightly meddling best friend, a football post and an ice cream date.
From Beck's matchmaking efforts to that first kiss that almost didn't happen, moving in together within a week, welcoming Dallas and eventually finding yourselves standing here as husband and wife, you've built something that feels incredibly genuine.
You clearly love the big adventures, but more importantly, you love the ordinary stuff too. The coffees, the family mornings, the quiet nights, the ridiculous jokes and all the little things that make life yours.
Here's to a lifetime of choosing each other, making memories with Dallas, exploring the world together and hopefully Joel upgrading his Aldi jumper collection.
Congratulations, Mr and Mrs Shilleto! ❤️
legends from the day:
A little about the celebration
