Shannon and Jonathon “Jon” Stewart had the perfect place to have their wedding – Jester Hill Wines – because when your dad and stepmother own winery where else would you want to get married?
Shannon is the youngest daughter of Jester Hill owners Michael and Ann (stepmum) Bourke and Marion Bourke and Phil Marsden (stepdad) and one of nine in a big blended family.
Jon is the oldest son of Karen Arnett and one of 10 siblings (split families).
The wedding was held at the beautiful Jester Hill Winery on 12 November with Katrina Visentin doing the make up and hair by bridesmaid Rhianna Smith.
“Dad left no stone unturned in the vineyard it was just so picturesque,” Shannon said.
“Stanthorpe events hire did a superb job of the set-up of the reception and it turned out better than imagined.
“The ceremony was performed on the hill with all guests watching from below, they had the full view and it literally looked like we were in the clouds, the celebrant Katie Mcguren is actually Ann’s niece from Sydney so having the family touch made it even more perfect.”
It was a true family affair with the couple’s son Jaxon and Shannon’s nephew Reuben Ellem as page boys and Shannon’s nieces Amari Ellem and Mia Papadopoulos acting as the flowergirls while other family members also added their expertise to the day. Even Shannon’s horse Myshadowandi aka Kevin was part of the wedding.
“He knew he had a job to do and boy he did it well,” the bride laughed.
“He was such a poser!
“It was absolutely one of the best days of our lives (aside from the birth of our son Jaxon of course) the weather was spectacular, just one of those dream weddings where unusually nothing went wrong!
“Having 80 of our nearest and dearest celebrate with us, from near and far (from four states actually QLD, NSW, VIC and NT).
“Having Jon’s family from Grafton do the photography was so wonderful and definitely reduced stress levels C and S Blanchard photography did a great job!” Monypennymedia travelled to do the videography.
“That was absolutely one of the best highlights, having a video to watch to relive our day is so special, tears flow every time we watch it.
“The highlight (literally) of the day was definitely the spectacular granite belt sunset just put on a show! Everyone raved about the food from Giorgio’s mobile chef (Jason Costanzo)”
The pair were attended by a large bridal party of friends and family.
Shannon was attended by Maid of honour was Cera Ellem (Shannon’s sister) while the bridesmaids, Rhianna Smith, Ashleigh Green, Claudia Haddock and Tayla Dachs.
While Jon had Bryce Howson as his best man along with groomsmen, Tyson Keating,
Rhys McDonald, Mackenzie Davies and Justin Ellem.
“The bridal party played a pivotal role in making the day as perfect as it was,” Shannon said.
“Many laughs were had.
“In all there were so many highlights of the day it is very hard to list them all and we wouldn’t change a thing. We are so blessed to have so many people help make our day so special.”\
