CARMEN & RYAN
Real Love Stories at Shambala Estate
how it all began…
Carmen and Ryan first met in 2015 during their first year studying law at the University of Queensland.
What started as friendship slowly grew into something deeper, shaped by banter between classes, afternoons spent at the university café and plenty of nights catching up with friends at the campus bar.
In September 2026, Carmen and Ryan will celebrate eleven years together — a love story that began at university and has continued to grow ever since.
Their vows captured it beautifully.
“You’ve shown me a love that is nurturing and unconditional — a love grounded in trust and safety, filled with laughter, adventure, and understanding. We share a world of quirks and special moments that belong only to us.”
the ceremony
Guests gathered inside the chapel as the ceremony was about to begin, settling into their seats while Ryan waited at the front of the aisle.
When the doors opened, it created one of the most memorable moments of the day for both of them.
For Carmen, walking into the chapel and seeing the faces of their closest friends and family — and Ryan waiting at the end of the aisle — is something she says she will never forget.
For Ryan, the moment felt just as special, watching Carmen step through the wooden doors and walk toward him.
After the ceremony, guests stepped back out into the gardens for champagne and canapés as the celebration continued across the estate.
On a cool June afternoon , seventy-four of Carmen & Ryan’s closest friends and family arrived on Tamborine Mountain and stepped into 5 private acres of gardens tucked quietly within the
Gold Coast Hinterland.
From the moment the chapel doors opened to the final dances in the Galaxy Ballroom, the day moved beautifully from one moment to the next. Dusty rose florals framed the ceremony, champagne flowed in the gardens and laughter carried late into the evening.
But before we get into the moments that shaped their wedding day, it only feels right to begin where Carmen and Ryan’s story first started.
THE FIRST VISIT…
Shambala Estate stood out from the very first visit.
“It felt grand enough to honour the significance of our wedding day, yet intimate in a way that made it seem as though the entire property existed just for us.”
The gardens, chapel and Galaxy Ballroom immediately captured their attention, and the fact that the ceremony and reception could unfold in one place made the experience even more meaningful for them and their guests.
From the beginning, they also felt completely supported by the team.
“They were patient with every question, incredibly knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in bringing our vision to life.”
With the location set, the next step was the wedding day itself..
the reception
After champagne and canapés in the gardens, the celebration moved into the Galaxy Ballroom as the sun began to drop behind Tamborine Mountain and guests took their seats for the evening reception.
Inside, the room came to life as friends and family gathered around the tables, sharing dinner, speeches and stories that carried through the evening.
For Carmen and Ryan, the space had made an impression from the very first time they visited the estate.
“The Galaxy Ballroom is stunning - one of the best wedding reception areas we have ever seen. It truly set the tone for our wedding reception.”
As the evening unfolded, the celebration continued late into the night before Carmen and Ryan slipped back out into the gardens for a quiet moment together beneath the trees and fairy lights.
More than a year on from that night, the next chapter of their story has taken them to London, where they are now living and absolutely loving life as a married couple.
dreaming of your own day?
If Carmen and Ryan’s wedding has sparked inspiration, we would love to welcome you to experience Shambala Estate in person.
You can book a private viewing of the estate or speak with one of our experienced wedding coordinators to explore what your own celebration here could look like.