Maleny Manor Wedding
From Years of Almosts to a Once in a Lifetime Love
Jessica & Michael
Their Love Story
Some love stories begin with a dramatic first meeting.
Jessica and Michael’s began with years of almosts.
They lived in the same area, went to the same gym and even frequented the same local pub where Jess worked. Their paths were constantly crossing without either of them quite realising that the person they were looking for was already nearby.
Jess had noticed Michael before they properly met. He was the quiet guy who would walk into the gym wearing his gym gear and wireless headphones, seemingly there to get his workout done and disappear again.
Michael had noticed Jess too.
He'd seen her around and was quietly trying to work out whether the man she was often with was her partner, a friend, or someone who was making his chances considerably less promising.
Eventually, enough was enough.
Michael found the courage to introduce himself at the gym, and Jess was quick to clarify that the man she'd been seen with wasn't actually her boyfriend.
Probably one of the more important pieces of information Michael had received all year.
Not long after, he found her on social media and sent her a message.
And from that night onwards, they haven't gone a day without speaking.
What followed wasn't just the beginning of a relationship. It was the beginning of a genuine partnership.
Jess discovered that behind Michael's quiet confidence was someone incredibly thoughtful, generous and considerate. He was the kind of person who put real care into everything he did, whether that meant planning an event, choosing the perfect gift or cooking a meal.
More importantly, he became Jess's biggest supporter and confidant. The person who reminded her just how loved she was.
Michael found something equally special in Jess.
He admired her strength, independence and resilience, along with the way she cared so deeply for the people around her.
When Jess became part of Michael's life, she didn't just fall in love with him. She opened her heart to his family too, welcoming his children Charlotte and William with love and compassion, while Michael embraced Ollie as his own.
Together, they created a home they affectionately call “the bubble.”
A place where they could switch off from the outside world, be completely themselves and enjoy the simple things together.
Gym sessions. Games of pool. Horror movies. Breakfast adventures. Family time. Dreaming about what they'd do if they ever won the lottery.
All the important stuff.
They also discovered that the differences between them were part of what made them work.
Michael likes to communicate, solve problems and tackle things head on.
Jess knows when she needs to step back, breathe and find her own space.
Rather than pulling them apart, those differences helped them understand each other better and build something stronger together.
Then came a period of long distance when Michael relocated interstate for work.
Around 2,000 kilometres apart, you'd think it might have created distance between them.
Instead, it brought them closer.
The long conversations stretched late into the night. They talked about their future, their plans and the life they wanted to build together.
And Jess realised she couldn't imagine hers without Michael.
For Michael, the realisation came gradually but powerfully. Even from 2,000 kilometres away, Jess made him feel seen, supported and important.
She became the voice he wanted to hear every day.
So on 11 October 2024, after weeks of meticulous planning, Michael finally asked the question.
They were celebrating their third anniversary at Southbank. After dinner and a walk along the river, Michael delivered a heartfelt speech he'd written especially for Jess.
Then, beneath the glow of a beautifully lit tree overlooking the river, he got down on one knee.
Jess's first response?
“Really?”
Thankfully, that was quickly followed by the answer he'd been hoping for.
“Yes.”
The relieved fiancé could finally breathe.
And now, surrounded by their family and friends at Maleny Manor, they were ready to make it official.
Sneak Peak
A Quote from the Vows
“I love you not just for who you are but for the way the world feels when I'm with you, quieter, softer, braver.” - Jess
“You've become everything to me, my best friend, my safe space, my greatest adventure all in one.” - Michael
And then came the promises.
To support each other's wildest dreams.
To listen.
To keep growing together.
To cook the recipes Jess keeps sending him.
And to fill their life with love, patience, honesty and plenty of laughter.
Not a bad set of promises to start a marriage with.
Full Wedding Film:
A little about the celebration
Maleny Manor provided the perfect backdrop for a ceremony that had a little bit of everything.
Beautiful scenery, an emotional atmosphere, plenty of laughter and two people who were very clearly ready to finally call each other husband and wife.
The ceremony began with a reading of the famous words from 1 Corinthians:
“Love is patient, love is kind.”
And from there, celebrant Jarrad Bayliss set the tone perfectly.
There were heartfelt moments, plenty of laughs and a few moments where Michael was reminded that getting through the ceremony meant eventually getting to the kiss.
The bridal party were there supporting them, family had travelled to be part of the day, and the whole ceremony carried that unmistakable feeling of two families coming together.
Jared even managed to sneak in a few cheeky jokes, including a reference to Michael's nervousness and a very enthusiastic “Ten points to Gryffindor” from the crowd.
But when Jess and Michael exchanged their vows, everything quietened down.
The jokes gave way to something much more meaningful.
They spoke about the years they'd already shared, the challenges they'd navigated, the children they'd brought together and the life they had created inside their little bubble.
And then came the rings.
The final promises.
And finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for.
Michael and Jess were officially husband and wife.
And yes, Michael finally got his kiss.
why I love this wedding venue for weddings
Set in the heart of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Maleny Manor is the kind of wedding venue that makes a beautiful setting for a celebration like Jessica and Michael's.
The surrounding Maleny landscape gives couples that classic Hinterland feeling, with lush greenery, rolling hills and beautiful countryside scenery providing plenty of natural backdrops throughout the day.
For couples planning a Maleny Manor wedding, the location also makes it easy to combine the peaceful feel of the Hinterland with everything the wider Sunshine Coast has to offer.
And from a wedding videographer's perspective, that variety is exactly what you want.
The ceremony, the couple portraits, the bridal party, the family moments and all those little in-between moments can each have their own feel, while the surrounding scenery gives the final wedding film a strong sense of place.
It's the sort of venue where you don't need to overcomplicate things.
Put two people who are madly in love in a beautiful part of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, surround them with their favourite people and let the day unfold.
Pretty good recipe for a wedding film.
a thank you message
Jess and Michael, thank you so much for letting Blue Vale Films be part of your wedding day.
What stood out most about your story wasn't just the big moments.
It was everything you've built in between them.
The years of almost crossing paths.
The first message.
The long distance.
The conversations.
The children.
The home you've created.
The little bubble you've built together.
And all the ordinary days that eventually led to this one.
Your vows summed it up beautifully. You didn't just find someone you love. You found someone who feels like home, your safest place, your best friend and your greatest adventure.
We hope your wedding film brings all of that back every time you watch it.
The nerves.
The laughs.
The tears.
The people you love.
And that feeling of finally getting to stand beside each other and say, this is my person.
Congratulations again, Jess and Michael. It was an absolute honour to capture it all.
legends from the day:
A little about the celebration
