Wedding Party

Alison Courtney

Bride

Very shortly Ali will be my wife! It's a surreal emotion to express when I am asked how I feel. I catch myself staring at Ali in wonder, completely confident in her loyalty and her love for me. She is beautiful, and her heart is generous, kind, and quick to forgive. God knew his plan well when he partnered us, our hugs last hours, and conversations even longer. He also knew Ali wants to be led into a life of adventure, and I tend to own old cars that break down in the middle of nowhere. Fortunately we have similar music and food tastes, a perfect combination for long road trips. I have total adoration for this woman, my partner, my teammate. I know God has a plan for us, and we are both equally excited to take this first step towards our lifelong adventure into His holy marriage! - Luke

Luke Howes

Groom

I never could have anticipated that the cute guy following me around uni would become my groom. He exceeded my expectations in just about every way possible; he is masculine and strong, yet understands empathy and speaks tenderly to me. He gets alongside friends and family with support, yet knows boundaries and pursues his own interests. He thinks of my needs before considering his own, allowing me to do the same for him. I've seen his steadfast love and dedication for those around him, and I am certain that he will stand by me and seek to improve our marriage to no end. He is kind, humble, level-headed, skilled, and so handsome! Because of Luke I've never felt more content or balanced; he brings fullness to my life and I can't wait to promise myself to him. - Allie

Kathleen Courtney

Maid of Honor

KT, Sistwa, Kakaaaleenaa....big sisters will never know just how influential they are. I vividly remember when Kathleen taught me how to swing on a park swing set, and I know that she was instrumental in my potty training too. In time we have swapped playing with dolls with having very sophisticated brunch and coffee dates and our friendship has matured with us. I have always had a deep admiration of Kathleen; she has a quick mind, makes staying organised look easy, is down to earth and is so generous with her time and resources. I am so proud to call her my sister and to have her stand with me as Maid of Honour. -Allie

Abby Howes

Best Woman

My lovely sister has been a playmate, classmate, best friend, and a typical sibling. We grew tough by falling off a trampoline tens of times, playing rugby together, and by building a cubby-house at the bottom of the garden in the toxic Oleander tree. Constantly through the years we made time to grab iced coffee and lunches together, watch movies, and irritate each other. I've also been older by enough years to wake up early on Saturday mornings to referee her rugby matches before my own game, which were some of my favourite rugby years. More recently, Abby helped set up my proposal for Ali, and I couldn't be more happy to have her on my side of the wedding party. There has never truly been a lonely moment in my life thanks to my friendship with my sister Abby. - Luke

Annabelle Walker

Bridesmaid

Arrrrrrabella-bee. Around the age of 10 I remember my Grandma showing me a painting of a dog, painted by Annabelle. Of course, I was immediately impressed and was so glad to meet Belle months later. She is a friend that makes me giggle uncontrollably, is fantastically creative, and sets an incredible example of how to live authentically focused on God. For some reason when we are put into the same room we become a little bit silly, and I wouldn't have it any other way!! We have shared so many special occasions such as being baptised together, and now we even have the opportunity to be bridesmaids for one another! -Allie

Nik Jackson

Groomsman

My friendship with Nick is the earliest that I have in Australia. He's seen me at my best and my worst and we've stayed close even though parted through my move interstate. Nick and I met before we were ten, and before long we were terrorising neighbouring scout groups while camping near Adelaide. Through all stages of our lives however, he's been there to talk to in times of need emotionally. Physically too, I have never hesitated to use him as a wrestling partner. Nick has always been ready to spend a day together or offer a bed when I travel to Adelaide, he is a life-long, true mate who I would feel close to even if years of separation struck us. - Luke

Iris Ponce

Bridesmaid

Forming a friendship with Iris was immediate due to so many shared interests. We first met in NSW through Cornerstone and we both moved to Brisbane at the same time, over two years ago. This lady is full of inspiration, has incredible work ethic, cares deeply for everyone around her and strives to improve herself continually. I've always walked away from time spent with her with a huge grin; feeling well understood and completely appreciated. Over the past couple of years we have drifted in and out of stages of seeing each other, but every time we re-connect it is magic. - Allie

Matt Leaman

Groomsman

Moving interstate and leaving old friendships after living nearly 15 years in the same house was a tough prospect. However, I then met Matt at my bible study group. Matt once sent me down a steep hill in a broken trike, his immediate outburst of laughter as I crashed meant I knew he was the first good mate I'd made in Brisbane. We've spent time working on cars, enjoyed plenty of dinners, and had hours of bible study together. Matt has a sense of adventure that I love to join in with, he's quick to suggest a day out hitting the bush in the four wheel drives, or go swimming at waterfalls. He is not afraid to break out the one-liners, but is a supportive and uplifting friend who I am lucky to have met so early in Brisbane. - Luke

Kelley Courtney

Mother of the Bride

During play-time as a child I would frequently return to my mum for a quick, recharging cuddle then run off to play again. My adult life has looked much the same; she has given me the freedom to grow as an individual but has kept her arms wide open, welcoming me home, and has always kept a watchful eye on my needs. Mum has been a comforter, nuturer and has spoken words of affirmation to me when I needed them most. She invested so much time and effort into teaching us beyond the classroom, ensuring our tummies were never empty, and making every party special and unforgettable. Even before the age of eight mum and I spent hours dreaming of my wedding day, and as it soon approaches, I know that it wouldn't be the same without her there. - Allie

Liesl Howes

Mother of the Groom

When I look back at the years of hard work my parents put into raising me, I can't help but focus on the moments Mum showed me love and care even after I'd been difficult. She has been wonderful at balancing how much she gave us as kids, so I learned to appreciate belongings, but I also never felt like I was deprived of anything. I only recently realised it, but Mum is the one who was restocking the food in the fridge during my growth spurt. She was also my homeschool teacher and tutor through school, somehow she's retained her year 12 knowledge decade's later, whereas I may need a review of it already. I adore my parents, and I do believe they have done a wonderful thing for my happiness and appreciation of my life. - Luke

Peter Courtney

Father of the Bride

Dad has always said that he is energised by ideas, and over the years I have been swept up in his enthusiasm for new concepts and deeper understanding of the world. Together we have spent long evening walks chatting, dreaming and reflecting. He is optimistic, full of energy for life, very loyal, and compassionate. Time and time again he has proved that I can always rely on him. As a child I recall the excitement as we heard dad's car pulling in as he returned from work; we cherished the moments of play that followed. He may be giving me away to Luke at the end of the aisle, but he will never stop being my dad! - Allie

Andrew Howes

Father of the Groom

Dad and I both refuse to accept responsibility for the shattered glass oven door. I say he pushed me into it, he says I stepped backwards into it, and Mum says we shouldn't have been playing rugby in the kitchen. Regardless, similar moments which didn't end in disaster have been just some of the bonding experiences I've had with dad. He spent hours with me fixing my first two cars, he's been to nearly every rugby game I've played, and he was there to talk to in depth before I made the decision to propose to Ali. Having him teach me how to prepare to be with Ali before I knew her was hard at first, but later I learned to appreciate his teachings deeply. - Luke

Daniel and Samuel Howes

Ring Bearers

My two mini-me's, our wonderful ringbearers, have been the best gift an older sibling could want. We've spent countless hours together on days out, playing games, talking about cars, wrestling and other mischief together. They're hugely entertaining young men and we have a lovely friendship as brothers. There's nothing better than arriving home to dual hugs as they say hello. I will always enjoy seeing them and their company. I am very lucky to have these two in my life! - Luke

Parents

of the Bride and Groom