Love Ever After

TAYLA SMITH AND TYLER DAMON

By Kelly Lucas-Carmody

May 29, 2026

STORY: KELLY LUCAS-CARMODY // PHOTOGRAPHY: REBECCA DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY FROM THE GV WEDDING COLLECTIVE

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NOVEMBER 27, 2025 // THE LODGE AT LURG

A dating app, a movie night and some delicious Thai cuisine kicked off relationship flutters for Tayla Smith and Tyler Damon more than 10 years ago.

And the pair say it was the way they supported each other through both the good and bad times that truly made them realise they were meant to be.

However, for Tayla in particular, it was the way Tyler supported her through the passing of her mother that meant the most.

Phillip Island set the scene for the “on one knee” proposal during a romantic weekend away.

“We booked a weekend away and upon attending a romantic beach walk, Tyler dropped to one knee,” Tayla said.

“We then spent the next 12 months planning our wedding.”

Wanting a relaxed, rustic vibe wedding that incorporated their favourite people without any fuss or chaos, the couple locked in The Lodge at Lurg as their destination, celebrating with 120 guests.

Inspired by rich, warm earthy tones including orange, yellow, pink and white, their rustic vision was executed with style.

Bridal party members dressed in black, which elegantly tied in with Tayla’s sequined, square neck, flowy dress with a train, while Tyler wore a white suit jacket, black pants, white shirt and black bow tie.

The morning of the wedding brought a mix of calmness and excitement.

“The morning of the wedding I was pretty calm to be honest,” Tayla said.

“I had a relaxing morning with the girls and felt excited.

“Tyler was excited the morning of the wedding, however, the nerves hit hard right before the ceremony.

“I did a first look with my dad, however waited until the aisle to see Tyler, where he bawled his eyes out the moment he laid eyes on me.”

The moment Tayla saw Tyler waiting for her at the end of the aisle with a big smile and tears in his eyes was one of her most emotional memories of the day.

Speeches delivered both funny and embarrassing memories that Tayla said were absolutely perfect, but her standout moment was the vows.

“The reading of our personal vows and the moment Tyler mentioned our biggest adventure yet — our daughter, who was born in March,” Tayla said.

“And the moment our sausage dog tribe delivered the rings down the aisle to us.”

The couple also included a memorial table for family members who had passed and a personalised crossword all about themselves for guests to enjoy — simple yet thoughtful touches that completed their well-planned day.

“You’ve just got to live in the moment and enjoy every minute,” Tayla said.

“Everybody told us and we never believed it, but it’s true — it goes far too fast.”