Overview
Almost a decade has passed since pop-up Star Wars weddings arrived in Brisbane. The next River City trend for couples looking for something other than the standard big matrimonial to-do: Vegas-inspired nuptials without the plane fare. That's Wham Bam Thank You Sam's remit, with the new Windsor space betting on both theming and intimacy. Here, you can say "I do" — then "thank you, thank you very much" if you're really channelling Elvis — with just 12 of your nearest and dearest on hand to celebrate.
Whether you've already gotten hitched yourself or you know someone who has, you'll be well aware that weddings can be chaotic, even though the act of two people committing to each other should be simple. Wham Bam Thankyou Sam founders Kady Capewell and Amey Rosenthal are all about scaling tying the knot back stress-wise, while still making the occasion one to remember. And, in the process, they've set up Brisbane's first-ever Vegas-leaning pop-up micro-wedding spot.
"Kady and I have worked together for years. One night she sent me a message, completely out of the blue, suggesting the idea of Wham Bam Thankyou Sam. Over a cocktail, we nutted it all out on the back of a napkin," explains Rosenthal.
"We loved the building and its beautiful characteristics, so we've really drawn on that to create a space that's truly one of a kind."
Open since July, Wham Bam Thankyou Sam won't be sticking with its Vegas decor forever, however. Hopefully that's how long the folks that get married inside the Lutwyche Road site's walls stay together — but, if you're getting betrothed come March 2024, something different will surround you. The space will get a revamp every eight months, in fact, although its whole affordable and easier wedding idea will always owe a debt to Vegas.
"Creativity is at the heart of who Kady and I are. We love bringing new, unconventional ideas to life — so why not update and change the space to reflect that? It caters to couples who want to do things differently and have a wedding that is totally unique," notes Rosenthal.
"No matter what the theme is, we can promise it'll be something that hasn't been seen before. One thing that won't change, though, is the quality. The fitout, along with our furniture, are completely custom made. So while the theme is temporary, the space still invokes a sense of permanency."
Right now, nuptials in the 45-square-foot venue involve retro decor — think: neon and rock and roll influences — with prices starting from $1900. Opt for 'The Quickie' and you'll be in and wed in 30 minutes. With 'The Hour of Power', you obviously get an hour, as well as charcuterie, a bar cart and a personalised photobooth. And with the 'Whole Lotta Lovin' package, that's here bouquets and canapes come in.
Dalton Catering provides the food, and your chosen package includes getting your marriage licence filed, but any photography and videography is on you. Also, that 12-person guest limit is strict, and so is the time limit.
Want your pet to be involved in the ceremony? In glorious news, Wham Bam Thankyou Sam is also pet-friendly.
If you're not planning to get married until between March and October 2024 and you're wondering what the next theme is, Capewell and Rosenthal will switch from Vegas to 'wham bam soft deco'.
And, if getting hitched isn't in your immediate future but you're keen to party in the space, Wham Bam Thankyou Sam will host whatever kind of small shindig you like — up to 18 people if you're doing private dining.
Find Wham Bam Thank You Sam at 384 Lutwyche Road, Windsor until March 2024 — and head to the venue's website for bookings.