Week 4 : DONOVANS Toastie Challenge

The countdown is on!

Laura & Mckinlay

May 2025

When we first met Laura & Mckinlay, they told us straight away that good food and good wine were a huge priority! They were keen to enjoy long table feasting with their guests and have a magical day — and everyone agrees they absolutely nailed it.

Why did we book the Surf Club?

From the very beginning of our wedding planning process, we always said that we wanted our wedding to feel like home. We wanted everyone to be enjoying themselves, laughing, and spending time together in a place that represented us well. From reading the Surf Club’s wedding PDF, to meeting the events team and having a walk through — it all just felt so right. The whole process was easy, the staff were so lovely and accommodating, and we truly did have the best day ever.

We booked the Surf Club because it had elements that we were looking for! We wanted to have our reception by the sea, with incredible food, a space large enough to cater for a sit-down event with over 100 people — but most importantly, a place that was the perfect mix of being chilled, yet sophisticated. The Surf Club is super affordable, is styled beautifully, and is the perfect place to host a wedding in a prime beachfront location.

What do we know now that we wish we knew before?

About weddings? It would be that your day goes by insanely fast. I've never been more grateful to be surrounded by all of our favourite people in the world, in one room. It's so rare, but so special. Our photographer captured the vibe perfectly.

How did you spend your honeymoon?

We haven't had a honeymoon yet! We actually attended 3 weddings (including our own) in 14 days. It was so beautiful, but such a whirlwind. We have another 5 weddings to attend coming up — so at the moment there is no time for travel. When the timing works (next year) we would love to go on a getaway! We have a few places in mind — so watch this space!

Absolute favourite moment of the day?

I honestly cannot pinpoint a single moment. The whole day was magic.

Hot tips for couples planning their wedding?

You don't need to spend a house deposit to have a great day. It's about who you're marrying, who is there to celebrate and the love you share with everyone. If your love is real, you will feel it no matter the amount of money you put towards the day.
For me, the seating chart was the hardest part of the process haha. Care less about what people will think — everyone is there to celebrate your love (they don't actually care about who they are sitting with).
Book a photographer who you vibe with.
Splurge on a videographer — you cannot remember the little things, the exact moments/feelings, the vows, speeches and special moments no matter how hard you try. It is so, so special to have this on footage forever — to watch, cherish and pass on for generations to come!!!

Welcome to the second-last week of the DONOVANS Toastie Challenge!

Jimmy and Jess brought home the dough last week, but now it’s time for Brad and Lucy (representing the Link) and Tyler to show us they were bread for this.

Brad and Lucy are rolling out their Frenchi toastie: Tender roast beef, melted provolone, and caramelised onions, served on a crispy baguette with a side of savoury jus for dipping. Oui, oui!

Not one to chicken out, Tyler is taking us to Japan with his Karaage Chicken toastie: golden, crispy karaage chicken paired with a zesty slaw, creamy Kewpie mayo, and a drizzle of tonkatsu sauce, all sandwiched between perfectly toasted bread.

Either option is served deli-style, with a side of potato crisps, shaved manchego cheese and a pickle, and will take your tastebuds on an international trip!

Remember, these are only on the menu for this week, so get in and try them before they’re gone! And don’t forget: we need YOU to help us decide the winner!

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