Our 💝 Story
Who really are you working with ? Meet the Owners and Hosts - The Drew Crew
Every love story has a beginning. This is ours.
We married in 1984, at the tender age of 20 years young and more than four decades later we're still walking through life hand in hand. We understand the excitement, anticipation and commitment that comes with saying "I do" because we've lived it ourselves.
In 2004, we made the decision to lease out our beautiful certified organic riverfront farm on the Gold Coast and follow our hearts to the Scenic Rim to raise our 3 girls in deep country. We were searching for a slower pace of life, less traffic, wide open spaces and somewhere truly special to call home and to train prepare our horses for 160km marathon races.
When we first discovered the rolling hills of Tarome, we knew we had found it.
Perched high against the Great Dividing Range, Laurenvale Estate captured our hearts immediately. The breathtaking mountain views, endless skies and complete privacy reminded us of the countryside of Germany, where we lived and worked. With panoramic views stretching towards the NSW Border Ranges and not a rooftop in site, it remains one of the most beautiful places we have ever seen.
A NEW YORK BRIDE
Carol booked her wedding at Laurenvale Estate from New York and married the handsome Aussie Tarik .
Today, Laurenvale remains one of our working farms and our cherished home.
One of the things we love most about life in the Scenic Rim is the sense of community. We are incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful neighbours which includes the Ghanem Group who have a very long history with the Scenic Rim, share our passion for the region and warmly support what we do. Their support and friendship have been greatly appreciated and are just one example of the welcoming community spirit that makes this area so special.
When couples choose Laurenvale, they're not just choosing a venue — they're becoming part of a place where people genuinely care about one another and take pride in showcasing the very best of The Scenic Rim.
A real photo - A real Lovebow at Laurenvale
BLAME THE KIDS !!
What began as an idea from our grown children who's friends were getting married ……."Why don't you host weddings here and share the farm”….has grown into something we genuinely love.
Laurenvale has became one of the Scenic Rim's most sought after wedding destinations, after having many weddings at Blackwood Barn and Laurenvale , we have decided to expand Laurenvale and a new venue will be completed in 2027. Blackwood Barn has taken on a new and important role.
Because Laurenvale is our home, we intentionally host only a limited number of weddings each year. Every couple receives the care, attention and personal involvement they deserve. We are not a volume venue. We believe every wedding should feel special.
It is seeing the joy on a couple's faces.
It is watching families come together.
It is witnessing those unforgettable moments that become treasured memories for a lifetime.
At this stage of our lives, bringing happiness to others is what matters most.
We truly love weddings. We love the excitement, the laughter, the happy tears and the stories that begin on a wedding day.
Most importantly, we love helping couples create a celebration that reflects who they are.
Alongside weddings, our farm is home to our passion for horses, who we breed and export for a niche international market.
A couple of our beloved horses can often be seen grazing peacefully nearby and have become a favourite part of the Laurenvale experience, especially for animal-loving couples and their guests.
Throughout our lives together, we have owned and operated a wide variety of successful businesses. From large-scale construction and shopping centres projects to franchise hospitality, property development and restoration projects, we have always shared a passion for creating beautiful spaces and memorable experiences.
One project particularly close to our hearts is Blackwood Barn, the lovingly restored former Aratula School of Arts Dance Hall. Today it has been transformed into luxury wedding preparation suites for wedding couples, providing a beautiful space to prepare, celebrate and begin married life together.
Between Kathy’s background in construction, learned from her father, a Master Builder, and Paul's exceptional eye for landscape design & deep interest in organic farming practice, we have spent decades creating places where people can gather, connect and celebrate and chillax.
Over the years we have been fortunate to receive numerous business and community awards, but the greatest reward has never been recognition.
Our heartfelt wish is simple:
To help fulfil your heart's desire and create a wedding day that you, your family and your friends will remember forever.
We look forward to welcoming you to Laurenvale Estate and sharing this special place with you.
xx Paul & Kathy
08/12/1984
To have and to hold from this day forward,
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish, till death do us part,
This is my solemn vow.
We personally invite you to tour Laurenvale with us.
