Beautiful LGBTQ+ Wedding at Miramare Gardens Sydney | Gay Wedding Photography

Some love stories happen in an instant.

Others take their time.

For Tres and JJ, their story began nearly two decades before they stood together surrounded by family and friends, promising forever.

On a beautiful spring day in Sydney, these two celebrated not only their wedding, but a love story that had already stood the test of time. After 17 years together, countless adventures, shared dreams, challenges, laughter and milestones, they finally had the opportunity to say the words they had waited so long to say.

As a Sydney LGBTQ+ wedding photographer, being trusted to document a day like this is something I never take for granted. It was a celebration filled with emotion, joy, inclusivity and an overwhelming sense of love.

Their Love Story…

Back in 2003, Tres was helping launch the Odyssey Lounge Bar and Grill in Darlinghurst when he was introduced to a new barista.

JJ was tall, handsome, slightly nerdy and exceptionally skilled behind the coffee machine.

For Tres, the connection was immediate.

In fact, he may have found a few creative ways to make sure JJ’s roster lined up with his own.

Meanwhile, JJ’s first impression of Tres was a little different.

He remembers someone loud, entertaining, impossible to ignore and surprisingly impressive in a pair of shorts.

But beneath Tres’s larger-than-life personality, JJ quickly discovered one of the most caring and thoughtful people he had ever met.

What started as friendship soon became something more.

Their days often ended the same way — sharing a beer after work and talking for hours.

Neither of them can pinpoint exactly when friendship became love.

For Tres, there wasn’t a grand moment.

One day JJ simply arrived at his home with his parents, his bags packed and ready to move in.

And somehow, that felt completely right.

From that day forward, they became inseparable.

Over the next 17 years, they built a life together filled with unforgettable experiences. They travelled throughout Europe and Asia, completed the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, ran a successful café business together and created a partnership built on trust, friendship and unwavering support.

Then, in December 2017, Australia legalised same-sex marriage.

A year later, Tres asked JJ to marry him.

After almost two decades together, the answer was never in doubt.

Their wedding wasn’t simply the beginning of a new chapter.

It was the celebration of a story that had already been beautifully written.

Wedding Venue – Miramare Gardens Sydney

Tres and JJ chose Miramare Gardens for their wedding, one of Sydney’s most beautiful garden wedding venues. Located on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, the venue offers stunning landscaped gardens, elegant architecture and a grand ballroom overlooking the grounds. From a wedding photographer’s perspective, every corner of the venue provides beautiful backdrops for natural and romantic portraits. The combination of outdoor ceremony spaces and sophisticated reception areas made it the perfect setting for this unforgettable LGBTQ+ wedding celebration. It’s easy to see why Miramare Gardens remains a favourite venue for couples planning a Sydney wedding.

A Celebration Surrounded by Love

After 17 years together, Tres and JJ were surrounded by the people who had supported them throughout their journey. The wedding party included their handsome page boy Sebastian, flower girls Lucinda, Katie Jean, Annie and Frankie, groomsmen Dan, Will and Zack, and bridesmaids Tina, Jess and Clara. Adding to the warmth of the day were the proud parents, family members and friends who gathered to celebrate their love. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, happy tears and genuine joy from beginning to end. It was a beautiful reminder that weddings are not only about two people, but also the community that surrounds them.

The Ceremony

Led by the wonderful Briahna Rae Tatham from Ceremonies by Bri, the ceremony was heartfelt, personal and filled with laughter. Bri’s warm personality and storytelling brought Tres and JJ’s love story to life while creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for their guests. One of the most emotional moments of the day came during the exchange of vows, where both grooms reflected on nearly two decades of friendship, adventure and unwavering support. There wasn’t a dry eye in sight as they shared promises that were both deeply moving and wonderfully authentic. It was the perfect reflection of the relationship they had built together over the past 17 years.

JJ’s Vows

“I will say this: I am today a better person, with a fuller life, because I have a mate: a friend, an ally, a confidante. Tres often remarks that he thinks we are twins, but clearly, we are not.

But what we are is, as thick as thieves, and very close, and we will always be. We have so many good and a few not so, times together.

That is a relationship, right? Talk about “try before you buy”, 17 years. It was time. This is the time; this is the place to say, “Ok, let us do it. I could not imagine my life without you. I look forward to many more laughs, sometimes tears.”

Tres and I have an enduring friendship. I love his laugh, love his spirit, love our time together. I look forward to continuing to sleepover in the best restaurant I ever sleep in!

Whilst I can only make jokes to describe what is a meaningful, genuine partnership. I want to thank you, Tres, for saying yes. I love you…”

Tres’s Vows

“I am standing here today, as one of my childhood dreams is coming true.

The main reason I fell in love with you, apart from being tall, intelligent and drop-dead gorgeous, is that you complete me. I love our time spent just chilling out and doing nothing at all, no expectations, no schedules, just you and me.

You have taught me to be patient and understanding, and I am looking forward to new adventures, new goals, and dreams as we grow old together.

Thank you for loving me; I love you to the moon and back and a thousand times more!”

The Reception, The Magician and The Performances

As the celebrations moved into the reception, the energy shifted from emotional to unforgettable. Guests were entertained by a talented magician whose incredible tricks kept everyone laughing and amazed throughout the evening. The dance floor came alive with performances from the bridesmaids and groomsmen, before Polly Petrie, Miss 3D and Fifi Glamcox delivered a spectacular show that had the entire room cheering. Their colourful costumes, charisma and incredible performances brought a touch of Mardi Gras magic to the celebration. It was the perfect ending to a wedding filled with love, laughter and pure joy.

Planning an LGBTQ+ Wedding in Sydney?

Whether you’re planning an intimate same-sex wedding, a vibrant LGBTQ+ celebration or a luxury wedding surrounded by family and friends, your wedding day should feel authentically you. At Everlane Photography & Videography, we believe every couple deserves to feel comfortable, celebrated and completely themselves in front of the camera. We proudly photograph LGBTQ+ weddings across Sydney, the Northern Beaches, Southern Highlands and Hunter Valley. If you’re looking for a Sydney LGBTQ+ wedding photographer who values genuine moments and timeless storytelling, we’d love to hear your story. Get in touch to learn more about our wedding photography and videography packages, please fill out this form.