Richelle loves Brent | Novotel Twin Waters Wedding

April 21, 2017

Before their ceremony on the Pandanus Lawn at Novotel Twin Waters Resort, Richelle and Brent made their way to one another by Kombi for a First Look photo shoot. After their six-year engagement, once the celebrations began, they didn’t want a long delay between the ceremony and reception, having their family and friends waiting for their return. This was a choice they were supremely happy with, as it set the tone for a beautiful Novotel Twin Waters wedding day.

The focus of the day was relaxed fun, and having enough opportunity to spend quality time with each of their guests, who consisted of an intimate gathering of 66 people – immediate family and their very closest friends. This, along with the decision to have a cocktail reception, allowed the close knit group to mingle well, enjoying the sand between their toes on the beach under a tipi complete with fairy lights.

Images by Talitha Crawford Photography “The first look was really special, we did it to have a moment that was just raw and private to take in all the rest properly. Also our guests loved walking from ceremony straight into reception with no waiting, we were only 40 mins behind them instead of 2-3 hours and we got to make the most of the reception too.”

“My Dad walking me down the aisle was a special moment as he had suffered a severe stroke when we started planning our wedding for the first time a few years ago and couldn’t walk for a long time. I don’t know who cried more, me or Dad!”

“Our mothers weren’t aware till the moment that they were signing the wedding certificate when it was announced by the celebrant. It was a nice way to have the special women in our lives involved, they were so happy.”

Wedding Secrets

Biggest splurge: Honeymoon

Best money-saver: Shopping for dress and shoes on sale

Bridal gown: Allure Romance gown from Ferrari Bridal, $1500

Accessories: Samantha Wills earrings, $99

Shoes: Jimmy Choo, $427.50 (half price!)

Bridesmaid dress: Shona Joy, $280

Suits: Kenneth Blake from Stuart Suits

Mens’ shoes: Aquila Shoes

Rings: DM Jewellers

Honeymoon: The Maldives

Number of guests: 66

Wedding budget: $30,000

Who paid: Bride and groom with contributions from parents “Having the Kombis be able to come right up to the ceremony and reception was important to us, as Brent surprised me with one filled with our friends for a birthday one year to take us to dinner in Noosa and we just love them, they were always going to be our wedding cars, the rest came to theme around them pretty much!” “Rain was expected all day, but it rained everywhere but Twin Waters! just the wind picked up a little but it made for some good wind captured pics and settled for the reception.”

“My advice to future brides is to keep a folder sectioned and organised and a vision board – it really does help to see what you want and lets the vendors see your dream as well. Keep a tick list all the things to cover and delegate jobs to your future husband that are good man jobs – cars, music and cake flavour selection.”

“We planned a fun, casual, but stylish, party style as we love good music. We wanted to dance and laugh lots, to feel comfortable in a setting that would be something to remember – Kombis, a tipi, fairy lights, the open air and flowers everywhere! It turned into a barefoot wedding reception and that worked perfectly in with the rest.”