Simone and Corey spent a couple of years planning their Cotton Tree wedding, the key thing they attribute to its success. Having given so much time and thoughtful planning to the day, even an unexpected change of venue didn’t rattle them.
Their organisation allowed for a relaxed day and made way for some seriously sweet details, like the surfboard they had made which became both their ceremony signing table and guest book.
The local Mountain Creek couple were married in a beach ceremony at Cotton Tree, and followed it up with a reception at Maroochy Surf Club overlooking the ocean.
Simone has shared all her wedding planning experiences and best tips for those wanting a day as perfectly calm and enjoyable as hers…
The Proposal
“On NYE 2016 Corey took me for a picnic on Alexandra Headland hill. We then went down for a walk on the beach where he asked me to turn around and close my eyes and got down on one knee. His friend hid in trees and captures the moment, which is so nice to look back on.”
Wedding Planning Priorities
“After looking at many wedding venues we decided a beach wedding was important to us because we spend so much of our time together there. Good entertainment was also important as we love a good party.”
Stand-out Suppliers
“Mallory Sparkles (photography) is incredible, Natalie Hunter did a beautiful job with our makeup, and Ceri fromEvalyn Parsons (hair) was amazing. Emilia from Bloodwood Botanica is so talented, her flower creations took my breath away. Aaron from Cut a Rug (DJ) was so much fun and really knows how to work a crowd. Maroochy Surf Club was great too, they made everything to do with the planning so easy.”
Images by Mallory Sparkles Photography
Unforgettable Moments
“There are so many special moments. Walking down the aisle and seeing Corey’s face, our first dance which was different to a traditional wedding dance – it was a Brazilian style of dance called Zouk. And dancing on the beach under the fireworks.”
The One Thing We Wouldn’t Change for the World
“Having our dogs at our ceremony. They are our babies.”
Simone and Corey’s Next Adventures…
“Our next goal is to buy our family home and to go to Europe for a holiday.”
Wedding Secrets
Biggest splurge: Fireworks
Best bargain: We bought our cake from The Cheesecake Shop and decorated it ourselves
Bridal gown: Made with Love Bridal from The Sphere Collective
Bride’s accessories: Etsy
Bride’s shoes: Betts
Bridesmaids’ dresses: Lulus
Bridesmaids’ accessories: Colette by Colette Hayman
Groom’s and groomsmen’s attire: Myer
DIY: Bombinerres, cake decorating and we got a surfboard made (by Beckham’s Surfboards) and used it as our signing table then got everyone to sign it as our guest book.
Honeymoon: Maldives
Number of guests: 85
Wedding budget: $20,000
Actual cost of wedding: $25,000
Wedding Songs
Walking down the aisle – Latch by Sam Smith
Reception entrance – You’ve Got the Love by Florence and the Machine
First dance – Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran
Check out this Spotify Playlist comprised of real couples’ picks for their songs to walk down the aisle to, and a few suggestions of my own…
Photography: Mallory Sparkles Photography | Venue: Maroochy Surf Club | Videography: Forever Features | Flowers: Bloodwood Botanica | Cake: The Cheesecake Shop | Table name cards: Wooden Letters Australia | Lolly/mint jars: Etsy | Makeup: Natalie Hunter Makeup Artist | Hair: Evalyn Parsons | Styling: Buzzing Events (ceremony), Creative Bowerbird (macrame arbour), Splash Events (reception) | Entertainment: Cut a Rug | Stationery: Vistaprint | Dance instruction: Absolute Aerials and Dance | Fireworks: KC’s Fireworks | Celebrant: Janelle Watene | Wedding night accommodation: Aqua Vista Resort
