Racquel loves Caleb | Caloundra Wedding on the Green

September 16, 2016

Beautiful bride Racquel put a lot of heart into planning her wedding to her partner of seven years, Caleb. It was the care taken in choosing extra special gifts for their bridal party, the memorial candle for her sister along with the poem read by her niece, and the personal touch of two favours – one being tea chosen by the bride, while the other was the groom’s own specially made beef jerky, which made their special Caloundra Wedding day doused in special touches of love.

Both their ceremony and reception were held at Pelican Waters Golf Club. A ceremony on the grounds was followed by a celebration with their 102 guests in the clubhouse function room. The pristine grounds were the perfect place to take some photos with their large bridal party. Getting around the sprawling course was made easier with the use of Golf Carts the for all five bridesmaids, five groomsmen and the bride and groom themselves.

Julie Collins captured every special moment of Racquel and Caleb’s Caloundra wedding day. “I love Pinterst and Etsy, I also looked to The Bride’s Tree for local inspiration and suppliers.”

“First thing I did was find my dress, once that was done I spent a lot of time designing my invitations and programs. I spent a lot of time on Etsy and Pinterest. I also dedicated a small table with a picture, sign and candle to my sister, who has passed away. That was very important to me to include her in the day.” “I would say to future brides to be as organised as possible. Take any help that is offered and also try and delegate jobs to family and friends or paid help. You can’t do it all yourself and if you try you will only stress yourself out.”

“I think walking down the aisle was the best part of the day for me. When I saw Caleb my whole body was consumed with happiness nothing else in the world mattered at that time.”

Wedding Secrets

Biggest splurge: My dress.

Best money-saver: Having my cousin help with the designs of the invitations, programs, favour tags, name tags, signs; everything creative. He was my life saver.

Bridal gown: Jonathan James, Phoebe, $2600, Odyssey Formal and Bridal

Accessories: Necklace – Angus and Coote $800, Earrings – Angus and Coote $120

Shoes: Bon Bons, Deseo Bridal & evening shoes, $130

Bridesmaid dresses: Forever New $180

Bridesmaids’ accessories: Etsy

Groom’s suit and shoes: Roger David and williams for shoes – windsor smith Groomsmens’ suits and shoes: Roger David and williams for shoes – windsor smith

Rings: Mine was from a bridal set – angus and coote – $3500 and Caleb’s was from Michael Hill Jeweller – $800

DIY: Favours and stationery.

Honeymoon: Gold Coast + Fiji

Number of guests: 102

Wedding budget: Approx $35,000-$40,000

Who paid: Both sets of parents, and the bride and groom.

“My mother-in-law cooked home made cookies for everyone to take home – I designed a personalised tag and she wrapped them and bagged them. I believe it made her feel special to be included in that way.”

“We made our own favours. We chose something each that we love. Mine being tea – so we brought tea strainers and put a small packet of T2 together with a a personalised tag for my favour, and Caleb’s was beef jerky. So he made his own beef jerky at home and we divided it up along with a personalised favour tags.”

“We spoiled our wedding party. I gave my girls each a silk robe and nightie to wear that morning, their wedding earrings and bracelets, wedding perfume, and we got a manicure and pedicure two days before the wedding. We gave the groomsmen a crystal whisky glass, their wedding belt, cufflinks , bow ties, pocket squares, socks and wedding perfume.”