admin, Author at The Bride's Tree

Seaplane Proposal

admin — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 19:00:00 +0000

We heard about the sweetest ever Valentine’s Day proposal over the weekend. Here is the story from the bride herself, Kandis Laughton, who is now engaged to her 10-year-long sweetheart, Brae. The pair live in Mooloolaba with their 2-year-old son.

“14 has always been a significant number to me, I don’t know why, I just love it!

The night before Valentine’s Day, Brae informs me he has to start work at 5.30am (usual start is 8am.) My son and I woke to a phone call from Brae’s mum, she says “I dont know how you feel about this, but I was meant to go up in the seaplane (belonging to friends) this morning but now have an appointment, would you like to take my spot.” I replied with “I would love to!”

Brae’s parents picked myself and my son up, took us to Caloundra airport. The seaplane is very small and only fits three people max. It was myself, the pilot and his wife. We where heading to DI, we got to The Point and started turning to go around to the Rainbow Beach side to land in the bay. As we turned, there was a massive sign on the sand dune saying “Kandis Marry Me” I started to giggle. Then I noticed Brae out to sea on a private sand bar… waiting.

We landed in the water, I jumped out and went to Brae, he dropped on one knee and said “Kandis, will you marry me, finally?” I said yes with all my heart. His sister captured this beautiful moment on camera!! It followed by champagne, cheese, crackers, and homemade avocado dip, on a beautilful blanket and cushions from home. He even managed to bring a bench seat, for photos.”

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DIY Crepe Paper Flower Bomboniere

admin — Sun, 24 Jan 2016 19:00:00 +0000

In keeping with our sweet, romantic theme this week, we have a lovely (and cheap as chips!) DIY idea for you today. Thanks once again to Oh Happy Day, we bring you wax paper bags of sweet treats with adorable crepe paper flower detail.

These ones are a little bit on the fiddly side, but the lovely finished product and the money you will save (to put towards other areas of your wedding budget!) will be well worth it. Full DIY instructions can be found on Oh Happy Day. Be sure to let us know in the comments below if you plan to have a go at recreating these bombonieres for your Sunshine Coast wedding.

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Hair Stylist to the Models

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 19:00:00 +0000

Sunshine Coast bridal hair stylist extraordinaire, Evalyn Parsons, could most definitely be described as the authority in bridal hair fashion and trends, being the official hair stylist to the models for the It’s My Wedding Expo Fashion Shows.

This weekend Evalyn is embarking upon her sixth show, so we had a chat with the lady behind these incredible folicle creations to get the skinny on upcoming trends, what inspires her and what we can expect this weekend at the Expo.

Evalyn, you have been doing the models’ hair for the It’s My Wedding Expo Fashion Show for a long time now. How did you score this awesome gig?

Yes this is our sixth It’s My Wedding Fashion Show that we are styling hair for and we love it. I scored this gig originally by just approaching (organiser) Dee a lot earlier than the expo and offering my services and at that time it turns out they hadn’t booked in another stylist yet so she accepted almost immediately and the rest is history.

What do you love most about being the official Fashion Show hair stylist?

I love styling hair first and foremost of what I do in my business and so the opportunity to create new looks and styles on gorgeous models that brides will be inspired by or love for their wedding day is just an honour. I truly get excited to create beautiful hair styles and love to see the finished result as the combination of hair, makeup and dress on the catwalk.

What usually inspires you in coming up with the hair styles for the models?

Inspiration comes from a range of areas for me. I am always following current trends through blogs, magazines, fashion shows and also what my brides are asking for. Each style I do, I try to create a look that will flatter the face shape and hair type of the model, suit the look and feel of the gowns I also want to showcase some of the current techniques that we are using for our brides and what we see out in the wedding and fashion world currently.

Do you do all of the hair yourself, or does it take a team to get everyone ready on time?

I have an amazing team of stylists and I usually have several on hand with me to help create all the hair styles and also meet and chat with brides at our expo booth. What I like to do is meet our models, view the dresses and then run through the final styles we are going to go with before any hair styling is started. That way we have a fluid look with our styling and we have everyone ready and looking perfect in time.

What would you say are upcoming trends in bridal hair for 2015?

I see upcoming trends staying with romantic and vintage looks for a little while still but I do see more glamour and volume with the way we finish the styles. Braiding is still popular and also downstyles but again more polished waves and refined looks and less unstructured or messy looks.

Any hints on what we can expect to see in your creations this weekend on the runway?

I have to keep a few surprises under my hat so you all come and check them out! But a hint is that you will see our styling looking bigger and better than ever and even more diversity with the looks we want to showcase. We have extended ourselves with further training with some world class hairstylists and that is influencing our looks and techniques.

Click right here for more details on It’s My Wedding Expo, happening this Sunday.

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It’s My Wedding Expo Noosa 2015

admin — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 12:20:45 +0000

Feel like getting inspired, lovely brides? Time to indulge in a day of wedding planning in beautiful Noosa Springs at the It’s My Wedding Expo. This is your opportunity to meet with a whole bunch of wedding vendors, all conveniently under one roof.

See the fashion parade with incredible gowns, hair and makeup, and bouquets in person, up close and personal. See the sweet rides, taste the cake, talk to the knowledgeable celebrants and photographers – there is so much to headway to make in your wedding planning in this one day. So don’t miss out!

Date: Sunday, 2^nd August

Venue: Noosa Springs Resort, Links Drive, Noosa Heads

Time: 10am – 3pm

Fashion Parades: 11.30am and 2.00pm

Cost: $10 per person (pay at the door to the expo) or buy online at a discount!

PRIZES

$1,000 gift voucher for a bridal gown from The Petticoat Junction

$1,200 engagement photo shoot from Vinci Studio

And stacks more!

WIN TICKETS

The Bride’s Tree will be giving away double passes at random times on our Facebook page this week, so keep your eye on our page to make sure you are in with a chance. Hey, every little dollar saved is more money you can spend on your dress, right?

Image by Marion Jonkers Photography

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Real Wedding: Michelle & Dan at Kennilworth Homestead

admin — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 02:00:00 +0000

It is a scientific fact that Michelle and Daniel were meant to be. Well at least it’s science that brought them together when they were both studying at uni. I’m imagining their eyes meeting over the romantic flame of a bunsen burner… *sigh*

The pair were married seven and a half years after that fateful bunsen burner incident in a pretty, rustic country wedding at Kennilworth Homestead. Luke Going Photography was there to capture each moment.

Special Moments

Special moments were seeing Daniel for the first time when I walked down the aisle (he was pretty emotional) and hanging out together just the two of us when we were getting portraits done. Luke our photographer was really unobtrusive so it was nice to have some time to ourselves while at the same time getting some amazing pictures.

Bride’s DIY Advice

Do any DIY projects early, as the month before your wedding gets really busy (with fun things like hens nights and kitchen teas) and it becomes impossible to find the time to do them.

Wedding Day Gifts

Daniel surprised me with a pretty ring holder (I used to be terrible at leaving my engagement ring in weird and wonderful places). I gave the bridesmaids the dressing gowns they wore when we were getting ready (from Pretty Plum Sugar) and their earrings. The groomsmen were given bottles of silver label Bundaberg Rum.

Sharing the Day

The most important aspect of our wedding was making sure that our families were involved in the planning, so that they felt that the day was also about them. Mum and I went crazy and bought lots of cut crystal vases and vintage bread and butter plates from op shops in Brisbane, Daniel’s grandma made the wedding cake and Daniel’s dad strung up all of the lighting for the reception. We had a lot of help the day before the wedding from family and friends setting up the ceremony and reception spaces, which was fun.

Dessert Bar

The day felt really inclusive as a lot of guests had helped with the preparations. On the invites we asked if our guests were talented cooks if they could bring a plate for the dessert bar, we ended up with a variety of amazing tarts, slices and cheesecakes!

Wedding Secrets

Biggest splurge: The band

Best bargain: The venue was value for money as accommodation was included, and it was such a great location for the ceremony and photos we saved on transport costs.

Bridal gown: Stella York, purchased from the Brisbane Bridal Centre

Accessories: Flower halo – Willow Bud, earrings – www.etsy.com

Shoes: Betsey Johnson – ModCloth

Bridesmaid dresses: Brides of Brisbane

Bridesmaids’ accessories: Wedges – Zu shoes, earrings – Lovisa

Groom’s and Groomsmen’s suits: Roger David

Rings: Diamonds Intenational

DIY: Guest escort cards, signage, we upcycled some old window frames into blackboards and restored two silky oak chairs that were used at the signing table at the ceremony. Mum handmade the bombonnieres bags out of scrap fabric and the quilt blankets to place over the hay bales at the pre-reception drinks.

Number of guests: 100

Wedding budget: $26,000

A-List Vendors

Photographer: Luke Going Photography

Florist: Willow Bud

Celebrant: Kari Celebrations

Caterer: Safe Hands Catering / Hair + Makeup Artist: Milque Spa / Rentals: Noosa Party Hire / Entertainment: Radio Club Band / Stationery Supplier: Vista Print / Gift registry: Myer / Wedding Night Accommodation: Kenilworth Homestead / Photo Booth: In the Booth

Take a look at Michelle and Dan’s full wedding album pinboard.

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Rockabilly Wedding Inspo

admin — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 13:36:03 +0000

If you love a wedding with a theme that won’t quit, this Rockabilly wedding shoot will provide loads of inspiration.

From birdcage veil to ruby peeptoe shoes, the fashion is to-die-for. The gorgeous bride and bridesmaid sport retro-style hair and makeup, and show off their tattoos and rainbow locks with pride. Love it!

Images by Melanie McNiven Portraits

For a fun wedding like this, you can’t leave the kids and the pups at home!

View the full gallery of images

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Flowers at Tiffany’s

admin — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 19:00:00 +0000

The flowers at Tiffany’s are always to-die-for. Tiffany’s Flowers is a boutique florist that designs exclusively for Weddings at Tiffany’s and selected off-site weddings. They know their environment, venue and region like the backs of their hands and so their floral designs are always on point.

Recently Weddings at Tiffany’s hosted an Open Day, and showcased some of their work so those in person could see first-hand the way stunning flowers take the already incredible Maleny wedding venue to next level dream wedding location.

Images by Jennifer Oliphant Photographer

View the rest of the gallery

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To-do list before you even think about getting into your wedding dress

admin — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 01:50:00 +0000

We have a spot of advice for you today, which has come from a woman very much in the know. Suzanne Riley is a savvy Sunshine Coast wedding celebrant, who always looks the part, so be sure to heed her advice, lovely brides…

So there is a list for everything!! But don’t we just love lists, we get everything done perfectly and we can tick things off! LOVE IT.

Its not every day we wear a lush gown, have a room full of ladies helping us get ready and are preened from head to toe, so here are some tips to make the lead up to your walk down the aisle, flow as smooth as silk.

Here’s a common sense approach to getting dressed on your wedding day. Before you even reach for the gown, tick off this checklist.

Holding your wedding here on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, the weather can be quite hot and sometimes sticky, so getting ready in air-conditioned comfort is something that can be pre-planned and is well worth the forethought. This makes the process much more comfortable.

Here goes…

Air-conditioning is on
Your hair is perfect
Teeth Cleaned
If you have had your veil fixed by your hairdresser, then you will already have your veil attached if not, you can leave the veil until after the gown is fitted
Pantyhose and shoes on – saves bending and creasing the dress or negotiating the gown if you put your shoes on first
Underwear all in place
Your makeup is complete – all powders (anything that can mark the gown) put away
Deodorant on and dry
Insect repellent on
Sunscreen on
Favourite fragrance on
Jewellery can be fitted after the gown just in case of snags

wedding dresses available on the Sunshine Coast

NOW all of that is done….. here are the last ‘must check’s’

Do you need to go to the loo? This is your last chance realistically before you get to your reception so take advantage of one last visit!
Any pets have been taken outside – we don’t want paw prints or claw pulls in the gown before we leave the house.
Have something small and simple to eat, with nerves and excitement you may not have an appetite, but try to have something small, a sandwich, maybe have a protein drink or a small energy bar at least on hand and make sure you have ‘something’. Your breath will smell sweeter, your blood sugar will thank you, you will probably find you are less emotional and there will be no fainting at the wedding.
Many clean hands for the next step…. so everyone wash your hands, we’re about to tackle to gown….
First choice for dress fitting is STEP INTO your gown if possible….. make sure your heels are securely on the floor and not on your gown at all before your gown is pulled up. If your gown must be fitted over your head, wear a makeup saver over your hair/face whilst you’re being fitted into your gown.
If your gown has a large separate underskirt, put this on first and fit the dress over your head.
If your gown has many buttons or lace up ribbon, make sure to leave plenty of time for this as it can take longer than you imagine.
If you need a nibble or to freshen up your makeup after the gown is fitted, protect the gown with a clean sheet, towel or makeup saver
Final check….. Do you have your ‘something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue’?
Take a deep breath!

Now you’re good to go.

Above images by Emma Nayler Photographer

Suzanne Riley has invaluable wedding knowledge by the basketfull. If you would like to learn more about this lovely lass and her wedding celebrant services here on the Sunshine Coast, you find all you need to know right here.

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Monogrammed Minimalist Wedding Stationery Suite

admin — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 12:41:34 +0000

Sometimes it’s nice to dress it down. A clean and minimal wedding invitation design with a stand out monogram adds a touch of prettiness and takes simplicity to next level classy.

Wedding stationery designers The Wondery used gorgeous linen textured card stock and gold foil stamping on this stunning invitation set. Custom designed for Anna and Grant’s wedding.

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5 ways to honour your children at your wedding

admin — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 01:00:02 +0000

Children are so excited about any upcoming event, and a wedding to a small child is just about the biggest deal there is! Especially when it involves one or both of their parents. It feels like their day, too, which is just beautiful.

Of coure we all know you could have them in your wedding party and photos, but here are some other simple ways to honour your little people on your wedding day and make them feel included.

1. Let them get ready with you

If you have a boy, send him off with the groom for their day of golf and chilling out with the blokes. He will love the man time, and feeling like he’s one of the boys. And I bet a bit highlight of his day will be having his tie tied and his buotonniere fastened by the groom; whether he’s dad or stepdad-to-be, this is an important bonding moment.

For the little girls, getting in the thick of the pampering is a dream come true, and something she will remember for life! Have her hair done by your professional hair stylist, give her a champagne glass with OJ in it, let her have her nails painted. And even if she only gets some clear lip gloss, let her sit in the makeup artist’s chair and be fussed over! Often the makeup artist will happily do this free of charge.

2. Let them make a speech or presentation

Have a trusted family member or friend work with them to “surprise” you with a speech, a poem, a song, or an artistic creation to present to you at your wedding ceremony or reception. They will be so proud!

Do your kiddies have musical talent? Why not have them perform a song a la Lennon and Maisy on Nashville.

3. Give them their own dance

At the wedding reception, dedicate a special dance to have with your children! They can swap between mum and dad, and make sure it’s a beautiful meaningful song (that’s not too long.) Here are a couple of suggestions:

Songbird – Eva Cassidy

Michael Buble – Everything

Pharrell Williams – Happy

The Beatles – I Will

Elton John – Tiny Dancer

Bob Marley – Three Little Birds

Sheryl Crow – Sweet Child o’ Mine

Shrek Movie – I’m a Believer

Ray Charles – Ain’t That Love

The Temptations – My Girl

James Taylor – You Can Close Your Eyes

James Taylor – How Sweet It Is

Michael Buble – Daddy’s Little Girl

Nancy Sinatra – It’s For My Dad

Lennon & Maisy – That’s What’s Up (or the original by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros)

And my favourite, which I sing to my son… Ben Taylor – Nothing I Can Do. The son of legends, James Taylor and Carly Simon, Ben Taylor wrote this song for his mum! Aw!

4. Represent them in your cake topper!

Find a cute figurine, or have an icing cake topper made to their likeness. You can have them on top with the bride and groom, or on a lower cake tier.

5. Let them ride in your car

There may only be this short window of time throughout the day for you to take a moment to rejoice and reflect privately as a family. Both prior to the ceremony, and on the way to your reception are two great opportunities to have a little heart to heart. Plus they will love the fancy wheels!

Photos by Lindy Photography

Flowers by Willow Bud

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