There are some weddings where every decision just makes sense once you hear the story behind it.
For Bridie and Nathan, that place was Lorne.
Long before their wedding day, Lorne had already become part of their relationship. While Bridie was working as a seasonal firefighter in the area and Nathan was living three hours away in Bendigo, he spent countless weekends making the drive down the coast to see her.
As Bridie put it, “I’m a bush lover and he’s such a beach lover so it made even more sense that we would marry here, where these two worlds collide.”
Their wedding at The Peak Country Club felt like a reflection of exactly that. Relaxed, nature inspired, full of love, and completely true to who they are.
A Love Story That Started Over board Games
Bridie and Nathan first met through mutual friends while studying at university.
“We met whilst we were at uni through mutual friends at a pub in Carlton for an evening of boardgames.”
After years of friendship and years of dating, Nathan planned a proposal that was every bit as thoughtful as their relationship.
“Nathan planned a beautiful proposal which was a scavenger hunt of past dates which led us to Lancelin Beach in WA, a spot we love, where he proposed on the beach.”
Why The Peak Country Club Is One of Lorne’s Best Wedding Venues
For a couple now living in Western Australia, planning a wedding from interstate could have felt overwhelming.
Instead, they found a venue that made everything simple.
“We wanted to get married on the Great Ocean Road/Otways but don’t have any family or friends there so it was important for us to pick a venue that speaks for itself and would make the planning process relatively simple.”
The Peak offered exactly that.
Nestled above Lorne with sweeping views across the coastline and surrounding bushland, it felt like the perfect meeting point between the landscapes they both loved.
“The Peak at the Lorne Country Club offers a beautiful outdoor ceremony location at the back of town, surrounded by bush and with views overlooking the ocean which we loved.”
The reception space was equally appealing.
“The reception room also has massive big glass windows maximising the view which meant minimal decorating required of us.”
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A Nature Inspired Wedding on the Great Ocean Road
When Bridie described the vibe of the day, three words immediately stood out.
“Rustic elegance.”
Everything about the wedding embraced the surrounding environment.
“The day was very much inspired by nature and we let nature into our day. Kangaroos on the golf course, Australian bush, coastline, rain, native botanicals, locally made cheese from Victorian milk.”
The focus wasn’t on overcomplicating things. Instead, their priorities were refreshingly simple: “Simplicity. Guest experience. Low stress. Fun.”
And honestly, that’s exactly how the day felt.
Walking Down the Aisle at The Peak, Lorne
One of Bridie’s favourite memories came during a moment many couples say passes in a blur: walking down the aisle.
“The most surreal moment was beginning to walk down the aisle and seeing all of these familiar smiling heads turned to face me whilst everyone was standing.”
What she expected to be nerve wracking turned out to be surprisingly peaceful.
“Everyone looked so happy to be there and what I thought would be a nervous few moments was actually really quite peaceful because of this.”
It’s one of those moments that’s impossible to recreate.
“This experience was not like anything else I’ve ever experienced in my life.”
Wedding Photos That Felt Natural, Relaxed and Completely Them
One thing Bridie knew from the beginning was that she wanted photography that felt genuine.
“Given how nature inspired our wedding was, I was looking for something very natural as it related to photography as well.”
She wanted candid moments, genuine emotion and photographs that captured the atmosphere of the day.
“We expressed to Emma that we wanted a lot of candid photos and that we really wanted her to capture the essence of the day.”
One of my favourite parts of the day was how relaxed they both were. There was no rushing and no pressure to perform for the camera.
Just two people genuinely enjoying being together.
Bridie later shared:
“Emma was a chill presence and went with the flow, providing gentle guidance on posing.”
And when they received their gallery back, it was the feeling of the day that stood out most.
“The photos capture the feeling of the day. They feel real and grounded and very much like us.”
A Canape Hour Full of Fun & Games!
The couple invited guests to embrace a garden-party semi formal dress code, and everyone delivered.
“We saw lots of beautiful floral dresses and ties and earthy tones which was ace!”
Nathan wore a tailor made green suit that perfectly suited the surroundings.
Meanwhile Bridie wore a stunning embroidered gown featuring Australian native inspired florals.
“My dress was a Tania Olsen A-line gown with layered tulle which was embroidered with florals inspired by Australian natives. It even had pockets!”
A win for every bride.
And of course the canape hour deserves a special mention as Bridie & Nathan had a special plan for this part of the day: lawn games, giving a special nod to how Bridie & Nathan themselves initially bonded over board-game nights.
The couple opted to have a first look and their portraits done prior to the ceremony so that they could be present to mingle with their guests during the canape hour. I was given one instruction for this part of the day: capture as many candid moments as possible!
A Reception Filled With Love, Laughter and Dancing
As the sun set over Lorne, guests gathered inside The Peak’s reception space overlooking the coastline.
The atmosphere was exactly what Bridie and Nathan had hoped for.
Relaxed, joyful and full of energy.
Guests repeatedly commented on how much the wedding felt like them.
“Our guests also raved about how much love they felt in the room, how much the day felt like us and how much fun they had.”
And when it came time to hit the dance floor, nobody held back.
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Advice From Bridie & Nathan for Future Couples
After planning their own wedding from interstate, Bridie’s advice is beautifully simple.
“The best weddings are those that feel authentic to the couple.”
It’s easy to get caught up in trends, opinions and expectations.
But their day was proof that when you focus on what matters most to you, everything else falls into place.
Final Thoughts on Weddings at The Peak Country Club, Lorne
Bridie and Nathan’s wedding was a perfect example of how powerful simplicity can be.
A stunning location. A meaningful story. The people they love most.
Nothing felt forced or overcomplicated. Just a day that reflected exactly who they are.
And if you ask Bridie what she’d change?
“I don’t think so! I absolutely loved our day.”
Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing either.
Why I Love Weddings at The Peak Country Club, Lorne
If you’re planning a wedding on the Great Ocean Road and want a venue that truly showcases the best of the region, The Peak deserves a spot on your shortlist.
Perched above Lorne with sweeping views across Louttit Bay, the golf course and surrounding bushland, it’s one of those rare venues that manages to feel relaxed and elevated at the same time. The outdoor ceremony space sits amongst the native landscape, while the reception room is lined with huge windows that keep those ocean views front and centre all night long.
What I love most about The Peak is that it doesn’t need much added to it. The view does a lot of the heavy lifting. Whether you’re planning a nature inspired celebration like Bridie and Nathan’s or something a little more formal, the venue provides an incredible backdrop without feeling over the top.
It’s also a fantastic option for couples planning from interstate or overseas. The team have streamlined the process beautifully, the catering is handled in house, and the venue has several different spaces that allow the entire day to flow naturally from ceremony to cocktails to reception.
For couples who love the idea of getting married somewhere that combines ocean views, Australian bushland and a laid back coastal atmosphere, The Peak is one of the hidden gems of the Great Ocean Road.
Bridie & Nathan’s Wedding Dream Team
Photographer: Emma Hawkins Photography
Venue: The Peak, Lorne
Florist: Bush Flowers
Dress Boutique: Archela Bridal
Suit Tailor: Perfect Attire Bespoke
Makeup Artist: Otway Beauty Co
Hair Stylist: Di Baker Makeup & Hair
Celebrant: Diana Fisk Celebrant
Gear & Details
- Digital Camera & Lenses: Sony A7RIV & Sony A7RIII, 35mm G Master, 24-70 mm G Master (Sony lenses), 85mm Art (Sigma) & 20mm Sigma (for wide dancefloor shots!)
- Film cameras & Lenses: Olympus OM2 & G. Zuiko 50mm f1.4, Olympus MJU II
- Film stocks: Fuji 400 & Mr Negative Same Same but Different
- Flash: Godox V860III & Godox AD100Pro
- Drone: DJI Mini 5 Pro
- Coverage: 8 hours, one photographer
Planning a Great ocean Road Wedding? I’d Love to Photograph It.
Let’s bring your Great Ocean Road wedding dreams to life.
Whether it’s your first look amongst the bush, golden hour overlooking the ocean, or a dance floor full of your favourite people, I’m here to capture your day exactly as it felt.
Ready to explore dates or see sample timelines?
Click here to get in touch or let’s book a time to chat.
With love,
Emma x
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