Deborah loves Richard | Montville Luxury House Wedding

October 18, 2016

Although they were engaged for over four years, they planned their wedding in just nine short weeks on a super tight budget.

Bride Deborah had high expectations for her intimate wedding. Keeping the gathering small allowed them to splash out on an incredible luxury house rental in the Sunshine Coast hinterland town of Montville. Its secluded location and outstanding views get you from the start, then the house itself pretty much just makes you never want to leave. The architecturally-designed 4-bedroom home is set on 32 acres of lush rainforest in absolute seclusion, ideal for an intimate wedding.

Images by Marion Jonkers Photography

“I was on a very tight budget, but also wanted a spacious, peaceful, beautiful setting, great food and wine, a gorgeous gown, fabulous photographer and wonderful celebrant… So everything had to line up with that.” “I gave my daughters a pearl bracelet and a note as well.” “I got married on the weekend that cyclone Marcia hit the coast and my husband was very ill the day before and during. There was road closures, flooding and made setting up very difficult. Most of my helpers couldn’t make it to help set up and finish finer details. But in the end, it didn’t really matter and we made the most of it.” “I used to be a medical receptionist and Richard has a shoulder injury, so I would see him at work often. I was having a house warming party and ran into him up town and invited him to come. We knew we had something special almost instantly.”

“I put together a survival pack for my husband, it contained, some lollies, biscuits, toilet paper (don’t ask!), cuff links and a little love note.” “My sisters-in-law and nieces helped me making bouquets’ and button holes, setting up, dressing everyone, hair and makeup, they were wonderful.”

Wedding Secrets

Biggest splurge: The house – Magical Malindi

Best money-saver: The cake. It was made by The Cheesecake Shop in my home town and was absolutely beautiful and delicious for $80.

Bridal gown: Casar Bridal, $1000

Accessories: The Silver Shop, $350

Bridesmaid dresses: Forever New, $120

Groom’s suit and shoes: Tarocash $200 & Shoes from Mathers

Rings: Michael Hill Jewellers and Hogan’s Jewellers

DIY: Flowers and bouquets, Invitations, Lolly Buffet, Crockery and Linen, Table settings and signs, favours and other decorations.

Number of guests: 25

Wedding budget: $7,500

Deborah’s Advice to Future Brides…

“Always have a backup plan for the weather. If I didn’t it would have been disastrous. My junior bridesmaids and Mum, Mother-in-Law, didn’t want their hair and makeup done. I would definitely recommend that anyone who will be very involved on the day, get this done with you and if you have to pay extra for them to come to you, it would be very worth it. Get several quotes on everything and ask your celebrants for their recommendations, because they are in the know.

“The most important thing for me in my relationship is to try find balance every day. I try to spend time with the kids, my husband, time for myself, exercise and eat healthy and be as organised as possible in a clean environment. If the balance is too much one way, it seems to affect all the others. Sometimes my husband and I don’t agree on everything, which I think is totally normal, so we just agree to disagree and most importantly, move on, don’t hold onto things.”