Heather & Jackson | Rainforest Gardens, Mount Cotton | 12.06.2026
"Finding someone you love and who loves you back is a wonderful, wonderful feeling. But finding a true soulmate is an even better feeling. A soul mate is someone who appreciates your level of weird." — Unknown
Some love stories don't need grand gestures or fairy-tale timelines — they just need time, the right person, and eventually, the most beautiful rainforest setting you've ever laid eyes on.
Heather and Jackson had already built an entire life together — eleven years, adventures, memories, and the most adorable little boy named Henley — before they stood in front of their closest family and friends and made it official. And honestly? Watching two people who already know each other so deeply choose each other all over again in front of everyone they love? There is nothing quite like it. On the 12th of June 2026, at the stunning Rainforest Gardens in Mount Cotton, Heather and Jackson finally said I Do — and it was every bit as magical as you'd imagine.
The Boys: Getting Ready with Jackson & Henley
Over at the groom's suite, Jackson was doing what grooms do best — getting ready with his best mates and keeping the vibes relaxed and fun. But the real highlight? His little man, Henley, was right there with him. Watching Jackson help Henley get dressed and ready for the biggest day of their family's life was one of those quiet, tender moments that you absolutely cannot plan — it just happens, and when it does, you just hope your camera is ready.
Heather had also arranged a surprise for Jackson — a handwritten letter delivered to him that morning. If you've had a peek at the sneak peek video above, you might have caught a snippet of him reading it. Since Heather and Jackson chose not to do a first look or share private vows during the ceremony, the letters were their secret way of saying everything they needed to say before the moment arrived. And from what I witnessed on his face as he read her words — she absolutely nailed it.
The Girls: High Energy, Great Vibes & One Showstopping Dress
By the time the photography, videography, and content creation team (all under one roof with Angela Brushe Photography!) arrived with the girls, the energy in that room was absolutely electric. The incredible team at Xsentuate Makeup & Hair were putting the finishing touches on what can only be described as an absolutely flawless bridal party.
And then there was Heather.
If you've ever wondered what it looks like when someone finds a dress that was made for them, it looks like Heather on her wedding morning. Her gown had the most stunning vintage feel — utterly unique, effortlessly chic, and completely, undeniably her. Stunning doesn't even begin to cover it.
Champagne pops were had (obviously — this is an ABP wedding, after all 🥂), her best friends rallied around her, and mum was there for all the big moments and the little ones too. And just like Jackson received a letter from Heather, she got one from him in return. I won't say too much, but watching her read it… yeah. That one hit different. It set the most beautiful, calm, joyful tone for everything that followed.
The Ceremony: Rainforest Gardens, Mount Cotton
If you haven't been to Rainforest Gardens in Mount Cotton, add it to your list immediately. Perched on top of the hill with sweeping views across manicured gardens and lush rainforest, it's one of those venues that genuinely stops you in your tracks. The greenery, the light, the atmosphere — it's the kind of place that makes every photo look like it belongs in a magazine.
The ceremony was officiated by the one and only Married by Jay — and if you're looking for a celebrant who absolutely nails the balance between heartfelt and hilarious, Jay is your person. Heather and Jackson had specifically asked for something short, sweet, and full of personality — and Jay delivered in spades. There was laughter, there were happy tears (more on that in a moment), and it felt like a celebration from start to finish.
Now. The moment Jackson saw Henley walking down the aisle? The man was done. Completely and beautifully undone. And then Heather appeared — and honestly, I think he forgot how to breathe for a second. Watching someone fall in love with their partner all over again in real time is one of the greatest privileges of this job. These two are just soulmates, plain and simple.
The ceremony wrapped up in the most joyful way possible — a bubble and confetti exit that had everyone grinning — before we gathered the group for some relaxed family photos.
Bridal Party Portraits (Including Some Very Special Guests)
With the formalities done and the celebrations just beginning, we headed off around the stunning grounds for couple and bridal party portraits. First up — the three of them. Heather, Jackson, and Henley. If you thought the ceremony was emotional, wait until you see the photos of these three together. Henley's little face in those frames is something else entirely. Utterly non-negotiable content, and one of my absolute favourite parts of the whole day.
Once Henley was happily handed off to family, we took the bridal party on a tour of the gorgeous gardens. Things were going beautifully, the light was dreamy, the vibes were immaculate — and then the clouds had a little something to say about it.
It started to rain.
Now, here's the thing about rain on a wedding day — it's only a disaster if you let it be one. What actually happened was this: an entire bridal party (plus their photographers and videographers, gear and all) performing a very elegant huddle under a canopy of palm tree leaves, trying to maintain their dignity while also very much not maintaining their dignity. It was chaotic. It was hilarious. And when the rain passed, we got straight back into it.
The real showstopper of the portrait session, though? Heather had one very specific, very important request: she wanted photos with the farm animals. And not just any farm animals — Rainforest Gardens is home to Highland cows and llamas. The smile on Heather's face when she got up close with those fluffy Highland cows absolutely made my day. Forget bridal editorial — give me a bride beaming next to a Highland cow any day of the week.
The Reception: Dancing, Games, Cake & a First Dance for the Books
The reception was exactly what you'd expect from Heather and Jackson — fun, warm, full of their people, and absolutely memorable.
The bridal party entrance set the tone perfectly, with everyone dancing their way in to their seats and immediately getting the crowd going. The evening flowed beautifully, with the most gorgeous florals by Capalaba Carnations adding that perfect romantic touch, and the team at Private Chefs of Brisbane delivering a feast that had guests seriously impressed. The venue styling — all handled by the talented team at Rainforest Gardens — was just beautiful.
The shoe game had everyone in stitches (always a highlight), and then came one of the sweetest moments of the night — singing Happy Birthday to Henley while they cut the cake from the Cheesecake Shop. A wedding and a birthday. This family really knows how to celebrate.
And then — the first dance.
By this point in the evening, it had started raining again. Most couples would retreat inside. Heather and Jackson? They walked straight out into it.
I won't pretend I wasn't concerned for my gear. But from the moment they started dancing, nothing else mattered. The rain fell around them, their guests watched on in complete awe, and these two were entirely in their own world — laughing, crying, holding each other — completely saturated and completely perfect. It is one of the most beautiful moments I have ever had the privilege of capturing, and I know I'll think about it for a long time.
We wrapped up the night the only way an ABP wedding ends — with a champagne spray that had the crowd absolutely losing it. The perfect full stop on a perfect day.
Reliving It All, 24 Hours Later
One of the things I'm most proud of offering couples is the ability to relive their day almost immediately. Within 24 hours of their wedding ending, Heather and Jackson had their content creation delivered — ready to watch, share, and send to every family member who's been asking for updates since sunrise.
When you book photography, videography, and content creation through Angela Brushe Photography, it's all seamless. One team, one vision, zero stress on the day — and a full suite of memories in your hands faster than you'd believe.
A Note from Ange
Heather and Jackson — thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for trusting me with your wedding day. Days like these are why I do what I do. Watching your family celebrate the love you've built together over eleven years, seeing Henley walk down that aisle, capturing your rain-soaked first dance — it was an absolute privilege, and the only sad part is that it's over.
You are such a beautiful family. I cannot wait for you to see everything. 🤍
— Ange
Book Your Sunshine Coast or Brisbane Wedding with Angela Brushe Photography
If you're a newly engaged couple dreaming of having your wedding day captured with the same warmth, documentary storytelling, and seamless content creation that Heather and Jackson experienced — I would absolutely love to hear from you.
Angela Brushe Photography offers photography, videography, and content creation packages for weddings across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Scenic Rim, and Toowoomba. Currently booking for 2027 and 2028 — enquire today to secure your date.
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Vendors We Love
Photography, Video & Content: Angela Brushe Photography
Celebrant: Married by Jay
Flowers: Capalaba Carnations
Wedding Styling: Rainforest Gardens
Catering: Private Chefs of Brisbane
Cake: Cheesecake Shop
Hair & Makeup: Xsentuate Makeup & Hair
