Thanks to curated platforms like Luxury Escapes, planning a dreamy, indulgent getaway is easier than ever. Let’s explore why mini-moons are trending—and where you can go, both overseas and right here in Australia.

💍 What Exactly Is a Mini-Moon?

Think of a mini-moon as the cooler, more compact cousin of the traditional honeymoon. It’s usually a 2–7 day romantic escape taken shortly after the wedding. It’s about soaking in the just-married bliss—without the logistics of a multi-stop, international trip.

Some couples follow up with a ‘maxi-moon’ later down the track, while others are all about the short-and-sweet version. Either way, mini-moons are meaningful, manageable, and yes—still incredibly luxurious.

✨ Why Mini-Moons Are the Best Post-Wedding Trend

⏰ Time-Savvy

Ideal for couples who can’t take weeks off work, or those with busy schedules.

💸 Budget-Conscious

Shorter stays often mean you can splash out on a high-end resort without draining your savings.

😌 Less Stress, More Romance

After months of wedding planning, a low-effort luxe break is exactly what the doctor (and wedding planner) ordered.

💖 Intimate & Intentional

With fewer days, you’ll make each one count—no sightseeing burnout here.

✈️ The Best Overseas Mini-Moon Destinations

When only a passport stamp will do, these overseas mini-moon ideas combine romance, relaxation and that just-right touch of wow factor.

🌊 1. Maldives – Private Island Paradise

Turquoise lagoons, overwater bungalows, and barefoot luxury.

👉 Book a Maldives Mini-Moon

🌴 2. Bali, Indonesia – Luxe for Less

Balinese villas, jungle vibes, and massages on tap.

👉 Explore Bali Honeymoon Packages

🏔️ 3. Queenstown, New Zealand – Adventure Meets Romance

Glacier hikes, hot tubs, and wine-tasting galore.

👉 View Queenstown Getaways

🏛️ 4. Santorini, Greece – Sunset Perfection

Iconic whitewashed villas and cliffside cocktails.

👉 Check Out Greece Escapes

🍋 5. Amalfi Coast, Italy – Coastal Glamour

Lemon groves, limoncello, and la dolce vita.

👉 Explore Italy Deals

🇦🇺 The Best Mini-Moon Destinations in Australia

Prefer to stay closer to home? These stunning Australian getaways are ideal for couples craving luxury, seclusion, and zero jet lag.

🌿 1. Byron Bay Hinterland, NSW – Chic & Serene

Stay in a designer villa surrounded by rainforest, close to beaches and boutique dining.

👉 Find Byron Bay Luxury Escapes

🐠 2. Whitsundays, QLD – Great Barrier Reef Magic

Think private beach picnics, reef snorkelling, and sunset catamarans.

👉 Browse Whitsundays Packages

🐨 3. Tasmania – Gourmet Meets Wilderness

Luxury eco-lodges, farm-to-table dining, and moody mountainscapes.

👉 See Tasmania Deals

🍷 4. Barossa Valley, SA – Wine Country Bliss

Charming vineyard stays, private tastings, and gourmet grazing.

👉 Explore Barossa Valley Packages

Image courtesy of Barossa.com

🌊 5. Margaret River, WA – Wild Coastline & Boutique Stays

Indulge in fine wine, artisan food, and quiet luxury in nature.

👉 Discover Margaret River Escapes

📝 Mini-Moon Planning Tips

• Book early to grab premium deals.

• Travel mid-week for quieter vibes and better value.

• Choose package deals with luxe inclusions like spa credits, meals or transfers.

• Pack light and slow down—it’s about savouring, not sightseeing.

💕 Final Word: Big Love, Little Getaway

The best mini-moon destinations aren’t about going far—they’re about feeling connected, relaxed, and completely spoiled. Whether you’re sipping cocktails in Santorini or cuddled up in a Tasmanian cabin, a mini-moon is your well-earned moment of magic.

Ready to book your blissed-out escape? Find your perfect mini-moon with Luxury Escapes.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book through our links—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend escapes we truly love.

The post The Best Mini-Moon Destinations to Book Now appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

So, let’s dive into the biggest 2025 wedding trends – what’s making a splash and what’s quietly slipping out the side door.

What’s In: The Biggest 2025 Wedding Trends1. Bold Colour Palettes

Gone are the days of muted pastels ruling wedding aesthetics. In 2025 wedding trends, couples are embracing vibrant, statement-making colours – think rich jewel tones, electric blues, and daring pinks. Whether it’s in florals, bridesmaid dresses, or table settings, a pop of colour is the way forward. White and beige will still have their place, but they’re now playing a supporting role rather than being the whole show.

In our most recent volume of our free online wedding magazine, we created a monochromatic wedding inspiration shoot using varying shades of yellow in layered textures with a Tuscan vibe. 

2. Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Weddings

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a wedding must-have. One of the most important 2025 wedding trends is the move towards environmentally friendly celebrations. Couples are making conscious choices, from hiring caterers that source local, seasonal produce to renting decor instead of buying everything new. Expect to see more recycled wedding dresses, plantable invitations, and “zero-waste” receptions.

3. Experiential Dining

Forget the standard three-course meal — 2025 wedding trends are all about engagement. Couples are opting for interactive food stations, curated tasting menus, and globally inspired cuisine. Think pasta made fresh at the table, DIY taco bars, or wine pairing experiences that turn dinner into an event of its own. 

Our friends over at Wed and Fed offer a personalised private dining degustation with paired wines option for weddings, engagements, or rehearsal dinners. 

4. Chic, Minimalist Hairstyles

The era of overly elaborate updos is fading. Instead, 2025 wedding trends favour sleek, sophisticated styles—think polished ponytails, elegant buns, and effortless waves. Bonus: these styles tend to last all night and don’t require an emergency bobby pin brigade halfway through the reception.

The Queen of chic, modern styles with an air of effortlessness is Sunshine Coast wedding hair stylist Niki Taylor. She’s always ahead of the trends – she was recently featured in Vogue Australia and is an artistic educator for GHD. 

5. Smaller, More Intimate Guest Lists

Big, extravagant weddings aren’t disappearing entirely, but one of the standout 2025 wedding trends is the shift towards more intimate gatherings. Couples are trimming guest lists to include only their closest friends and family, focusing on quality time over sheer numbers.

Read up on the Sunshine Coast’s Top 5 Elopement Packages if this is a trend you could get behind. 

6. Floor-to-Ceiling Décor

Wedding styling is going vertical. From floral installations that cascade from ceilings to aisle runners that extend far beyond the altar, 2025 wedding trends are making full use of the space. Expect to see dramatic drapery, statement light fixtures, and greenery creeping up the walls (intentionally, of course).

7. Bouquet Purses

Who says you have to hold your bouquet? One of the more fun 2025 wedding trends sees florals incorporated into handbags, allowing brides to carry their blooms and keep their hands free. Functional and fashionable—it’s a win-win.

8. Personalised Traditions

Couples are ditching outdated customs and reimagining traditions to better reflect their personalities. Whether it’s writing their own vows, incorporating cultural elements in fresh ways, or skipping the wedding cake in favour of a dessert that actually excites them, 2025 wedding trends are all about celebrating love your way.

What’s Out: Wedding Trends That Are Fading in 2025

1. Identical Bridesmaid Dresses

Matching bridesmaid dresses in the exact same shade, cut, and fabric? Not in 2025 wedding trends. Brides are now giving their wedding parties more freedom to choose outfits that complement their body shapes and personal styles.

2. The Bouquet & Garter Toss

This tradition has been on its way out for a while, and 2025 wedding trends might just be the year it finally retires. Many couples are opting for alternative moments instead—like a special dance with all the married couples in the room or a sentimental gift exchange with guests.

3. Oversized Guest Lists

The trend of inviting everyone you’ve ever met is being replaced by more considered, intimate guest lists. Instead of 200+ attendees, many couples are focusing on inviting only those they truly want to celebrate with—resulting in more meaningful interactions and a more relaxed atmosphere.

4. Traditional Wedding Cakes

The towering, fondant-covered wedding cake isn’t necessarily gone, but 2025 wedding trends are making way for more creative dessert options. Couples are opting for everything from gourmet doughnut walls to artisanal gelato carts. If you do go for a cake, expect to see more buttercream, fresh florals, and unique flavour pairings.

5. Generic, One-Size-Fits-All Themes

The Pinterest-perfect, “seen-it-before” wedding themes are being replaced with decor, experiences, and details that truly reflect the couple’s personalities. Instead of copying a trend, 2025 wedding trends encourage couples to curate their own vision—making weddings feel fresher and more exciting than ever.

Final Thoughts on 2025 Wedding Trends

The best 2025 wedding trends aren’t just about what’s stylish—they’re about what feels right for you. Whether that means a bold colour palette, an intimate ceremony, or a night of food and music that actually reflects what you love, this year’s trends are all about individuality.

So, whether you’re embracing what’s in or holding onto traditions that matter most to you, the golden rule remains: do what makes you happy. (And if that includes a bouquet purse, we wholeheartedly support it.)

Would you embrace any of these 2025 wedding trends for your big day? Let us know in the comments!

Images by Shae Estelle, Laura Reger Photo Design, Elk and Fir and And Ever Collective. 

The post 2025 Wedding Trends: What’s In & What’s Out appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Many of us wonder about the costs associated. Here in Australia, we have an average engagement ring cost of between $5000-15,000 according to recent statistics. 

But hey, it’s more than numbers; it’s about expressing your love within your budget. Whether you’re pondering “how much should I spend?” or snooping around Reddit for advice, this guide—crafted by The Bride’s Tree with the help of our friends at Morgan & Co.—is here to unwrap the ins and outs of engagement ring costs.

Buderim-based family jewellers, Morgan & Co. mixes tradition and modern flair, designing rings that perfectly fit your budget and love story. So get ready to dive deep into ring pricing, and let Morgan & Co.’s passionate team whisk you through this momentous life pick with style!

How Much to Drop on That Rock

Deciding on the perfect price for a ring can feel like a crazy ride, especially with myths like the “two-month salary rule.” But remember, it should resonate with your financial comfort and commitment’s significance. Having chats about expectations and priorities is a game-changer. Many of us love reading opinions on forums like Reddit—it’s diverse and personal! At the end of it all, set a budget that suits your wallet and values. A ring’s worth? It’s the love it signifies, not the money splashed out. 

Building Your Engagement Ring Budget

Before the splurge, consider your finances and future savings. A smartly set budget saves stress. Balancing money sense with your romantic side is key. And please, listen to your partner’s likes! Open financial talks clear confusion. Morgan & Co.’s got your back, offering expert guidance and budget-friendly options. They tweak designs magically to keep quality high without busting your bank. With a wise budget, enjoy the hunt for a token of your love that doesn’t dent your finances.

Average Engagement Ring Prices in Australia

In Australia, engagement ring prices aren’t set in stone—they’re as varied as our landscapes. Typically, expect to pay between $5,000 and $15,000 AUD. But this is only a broad average – some spend less, others more, based on personal comfort and style. Morgan & Co. starts their options at $4,500 with designs to make your heart sing without financial strain. And at the end of the day, it’s not just a ring, it’s a symbol of love.

Breaking Down Ring Costs

A ring’s final price is a cocktail of metals, gemstones, and design. Fancy 18ct gold or a humble 9ct? Natural or lab-created diamonds? Size, cut, and colour? Each tweak determines the costs. Intricate designs mean bespoke craftsmanship. Morgan & Co. navigates these choices to match your budget with your heart’s desire, sticking to quality without unnecessary spending – they’re not about encouraging you to over-commit to an unrealistic final figure.

Prioritise Quality, Not Just Size

Remember, a smaller diamond with a stunning cut can shine brighter than a larger, more dull stone. Diamond cut, clarity, and colour impact sparkle. The team at Morgan & Co. guides you through understanding these features, ensuring your ring’s both radiant and long-lasting. Prioritise quality for a love manifestation that goes beyond size bragging rights.

Dive into the World of Custom Designs 

Going custom? It’s an adventure! Custom rings tailor every facet to your story, turning a simple ring into a meaningful treasure. Uniquely select gemstones, settings, or add that special engraving. Morgan & Co.’s pros make your vision a reality, blending tradition with a touch of modern flair. Custom equals love expressed tangibly, crafting a timeless heirloom.

Everyone deserves elegance, even on a budget. Morgan & Co.‘s bespoke rings mix quality and craftsmanship without the high price scare. Transparent pricing and a plethora of choices mean you express love without breaking the bank. They strike the right chord with your dream design at an accessible price.

Turning Concepts into Rings 

Your ring adventure starts with a vision and ends with a masterpiece embodying your love. With Morgan & Co., the process is as bespoke as the resulting ring. From first consultations exploring your dreams to stone and setting selections, each step crafts a one-of-a-kind ring. The skilled hands of craftsmen ensure it epitomises durability and elegance. Unique elements—be they stones, detailing, or bands—mean your ring might just outshine your love story itself! But most importantly, it becomes a cherished keepsake, forever and ever. 

So, How Much Should You Spend on an Engagement Ring? 

At the end of the day, only you can determine how much you should spend on an engagement ring. We can only suggest you make the choice based on your financial capacity, and yours and your partner’s expectations and wants to best represent your love. Have a professional help guide you to make choices that fit within your budget and help you achieve your ultimate engagement ring dreams.

Images supplied by Morgan & Co. featuring real engagement rings from their happy clients. 

The post How Much Should You Spend on an Engagement Ring? | A Guide To Ring Costs appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Best of all – Linea’s aligners are so much more affordable than comparative aligners here in Australia. And, when you start your journey through this link, you’ll automatically receive a $100 discount off your cosmetic dentistry.

Join me as we explore why Linea’s clear aligners are the bride’s best friend for achieving that flawless wedding smile. If you want to see some of Linea‘s Before and After smile transformations, scroll to the end. 

Why Choose Linea for Your Wedding Smile

Invisible Clear Aligners

One of the standout benefits of Linea‘s clear aligners is their near invisibility. These aligners are crafted from transparent materials, ensuring they remain discreet while you wear them. This means you can confidently attend all your pre-wedding events and photoshoots without feeling self-conscious about your orthodontic treatment. Unlike traditional metal braces, these clear aligners blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, allowing you to show off your smile even before your treatment is complete. It’s the perfect solution for brides who want to look their best at every moment leading up to their special day. The invisible nature of Linea‘s aligners ensures that the focus remains on your radiant smile, not on your dental work.

Faster Than Braces

When it comes to preparing for your wedding, time is often of the essence. That’s where Linea‘s clear aligners really shine—they offer a much faster treatment compared to traditional braces. Most brides see their desired results within 6 to 9 months, making it possible to achieve that perfect wedding smile in less than a year. For those with lighter cases, treatment can be as short as 4 months, while more complex cases may take up to 12 months. After your initial consultation, you’ll receive your diagnosis and treatment plan within 2 to 5 business days, ensuring you can start your smile journey without delay. This expedited timeline allows you to focus on other important wedding preparations, knowing that your smile will be ready for the big day.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT HOW LONG YOUR PERFECT SMILE WILL TAKE AND GET A QUOTE

Safe and Professional Care

Safety and professionalism are paramount when choosing dental care, especially when preparing for your wedding. At Linea, every treatment is prescribed, performed, and monitored by a licensed Australian dentist. This assures you that your smile transformation is in the hands of skilled, local professionals dedicated to your dental health. The expertise of Linea‘s team means you can trust the process, knowing that your treatment plan is tailored specifically to your needs and safety. Furthermore, the use of high-quality materials and advanced technology ensures that your aligners are both effective and comfortable. With Linea, you can embark on your smile journey with the confidence that you are receiving top-notch care from a reputable, local provider.

Convenience and Local Expertise

Remote Treatment Options

One of the major conveniences of choosing Linea is the option for remote treatment. Utilizing the Linea app, you can track your progress without frequent in-person visits. This is particularly beneficial for busy brides who have tight schedules filled with wedding planning activities. The app allows you to upload photos, get feedback, and receive guidance from your dentist, all from the comfort of your home. Additionally, Linea offers 7-day local customer support to ensure all your questions are answered promptly. This remote treatment option not only saves time but also makes the entire orthodontic process smoother and more flexible. It’s a modern solution designed to fit seamlessly into your pre-wedding routine, ensuring that achieving a perfect smile doesn’t add extra stress to your wedding preparations.

Support Local, Trustworthy Care

Supporting local businesses is always a good idea, and with Linea, you’re choosing a brand founded by Australian dentists. Linea collaborates with partner dentists in every major city across Australia, ensuring that your care is both accessible and trustworthy. By opting for local, you benefit from the peace of mind that comes with hometown care. These professionals are dedicated not only to providing excellent dental services but also to maintaining a strong community presence. Knowing that your treatment is handled by local experts adds an extra layer of trust and reliability. Plus, you’re contributing to the local economy and supporting Australian talent. With Linea, you’re not just getting a beautiful smile; you’re investing in a network of local, committed professionals who prioritize your dental health and overall well-being.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS FINDING A LOCAL LINEA DENTIST CLOSE TO YOU

The Ultimate Smile Transformation

Teeth Whitening Included

Imagine walking down the aisle with not only straighter teeth but also a dazzlingly white smile. Linea includes teeth whitening in their clear aligner packages, ensuring that your smile transformation is complete. This comprehensive approach means you don’t have to worry about scheduling separate whitening treatments; it’s all taken care of as part of your aligner journey. The teeth whitening process is safe, effective, and designed to give you the brightest smile possible. This added benefit enhances the overall appearance of your teeth, making sure you look radiant in all your wedding photos. With Linea, you’re not just aligning your teeth; you’re achieving a full-spectrum smile makeover that will leave you feeling confident and beautiful on your big day.

Veneers for an Enhanced Look

For brides looking for more than just teeth straightening, Linea offers veneers to further enhance the shape and color of your teeth. Veneers are thin shells that are custom-made to fit over the front surface of your teeth, providing a natural and aesthetically pleasing look. This option is perfect for those who have chipped, stained, or slightly misaligned teeth and want to achieve a flawless smile. Veneers can dramatically improve your smile’s appearance, giving you that extra boost of confidence on your wedding day. The process is straightforward and performed by experienced dental professionals, ensuring that you receive the highest quality care. With Linea‘s veneers, you can enjoy an ultimate smile transformation that complements your overall bridal look, making you feel beautiful and confident as you say “I do.”

Perfect Smiles are for Everyone

Get Aligned with Your Betrothed

While brides often steal the spotlight when it comes to pre-wedding preparations, grooms deserve to look and feel their best too! Cosmetic dentistry isn’t just for brides—men can benefit immensely from treatments like Linea’s clear aligners, ensuring they step up to the altar with a confident and stunning smile. Couples who align together… well, they’ll be grinning from ear to ear on their Big Day, that’s for sure! 

Before & After Linea Teeth Transformations

Disclaimer: This editorial is part of an affiliate partnership between The Bride’s Tree and Linea

The post Transform Your Wedding Smile with Linea Clear Aligners + $100 Discount appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

As wedding industry pros themselves, Erin and Grant said choosing their Yandina wedding venue was an absolute no-brainer. Palm Creek Estate hosted their chic formal wedding, where they held their reception outside under the stars in a family-style setting with long elegant tables. 

As the Yandina wedding venue is a sprawling and secluded 85 acres, they kept everything on site, starting with their ceremony. Guests then enjoyed a delicious round of canapés while the couple wandered off to share some intimate moments together and have their portrait session. 

Having met working in hospitality at a Noosa resort, this foodie couple prioritised having amazing food at their wedding. Bride, Erin, shares their wedding day story – and all their Yandina wedding secrets – below. 

Yandina Wedding Venue + Vendors

Venue | PALM CREEK ESTATE

Photographer | JAC LEE WEDDINGS

Videographer | WALLFLOWER WEDDINGS

Wedding Planner | CL WEDDINGS AND EVENTS

Styling | CL WEDDINGS AND EVENTS, LOVEBIRD WEDDINGS

Florist | FONTANA FLORAL

Catering | DALTON CATERING

Beverage Catering | THE BARTENDERS

Transport | KANGAROO BUS LINES

Makeup Artist | SIAN HOWARD MAKEUP ARTIST

Hair Stylist | DAWN SANCTUM

Rentals | THE SUPPER CLUB, THE HIRE DEPARTMENT 

Stationery | CL WEDDINGS AND EVENTS

Entertainment | OLLIE MURK

Celebrant | CAITY THE CELEBRANT

Why did you decide to marry Grant?

Because he makes me so happy every single day! He is the kindest, most thoughtful and generous person that I know and I can’t imagine life without him. He makes me laugh every single day and I feel so lucky to have him as my life partner!

What was your biggest priority when planning your Yandina wedding? 

The venue! Palm Creek Estate was a no brainer for us. Even long before we were engaged, we’d known this would be our wedding venue. Food and drink were also our highest priority and it was important that this was a wow factor for us.

Yandina Wedding Venue Highlights

• Ultimate seclusion, tucked away in a private oasis in Yandina 
• Stunning natural landscapes across 85 acres
• Contemporary timber barn and Federation styled amenities 
• Short drive to both beaches and airport

What’s the one thing about your Yandina wedding day you will never forget?

When we went and got photos just the two of us. We took some margaritas and a bottle of champagne, the sun was setting and it was magical! We were lucky enough to have the most incredible photo location at Palm Creek Estate with spectacular weather. This moment was one we won’t forget because it was the time that we got to just soak everything in that had just happened and really just enjoy being in the moment

Looking back, would you make any changes to the day?

A very minor thing for us, because we didn’t have a marquee (really wanted open dining) would be adding in additional fairy lights over the table. But other than that, there’s nothing else we would change, it was perfect.

Do you have any sage advice for brides-to-be?

Find your vendors who align with your vision and put trust into what they can deliver for you! Weddings can be a stressful time, so it’s incredibly important to find people who specialize in producing these spectacular days and who can do the same for you.

Now you’re married, what will be your next big adventure or common goal as a couple?

It’s been a big 6 months post wedding for us! We have purchased our first property that we are currently renovating and we are 5 months pregnant with our first baby girl!

Yandina Wedding Secrets

Biggest splurge: Food! We are huge foodies and being in the hospitality industry this was incredibly important to us. And lucky for us, we work alongside the best in the biz and so of course we engaged Dalton Catering to cater our special day.

Best money-saving decision: Having the wedding close to where we are based. We are fortunate enough to live in one of the most sought after wedding destinations so we used this to our advantage by having the wedding local. Palm Creek Estate is within half an hour of Noosa, it has a hinterland feel which is very different to our coastal lifestyle, so we felt like we had a destination wedding!

Bridal gown + veil: Chosen by Kyha

Bride’s shoes: Betts

Groom’s suit: Politix

Groom’s shoes: YD

Bridesmaids’ dresses: Everyone had an individual dress that was suited to them! They were all from multiple different places. We also had them all in different colours.

Groomsmen’s attire: Politix + YD

Honeymoon: Bali

Number of guests: 85

Wedding budget: $75k

Actual cost of wedding: Close to $90k

The post FOODIE WEDDING AT YANDINA WEDDING VENUE | Erin + Grant appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

It’s time to kick off your Sunshine Coast wedding planning with the longest running local wedding event – Sunshine Coast Wedding Showcase. Get along to Venue 114 Lake Kawana to meet a whole array of Sunshine Coast wedding vendors all in one place, score some goodies, win some prizes, and have a brilliant day out. 

TICKET GIVEAWAY

We have 10 Double Passes to give away on our Instagram page, so head over there to score yourself one before entries close at midnight Thursday June 13. Winners will be notified by midday June 14. 

The Details

Date – Sunday 16^th January 2023

Venue – Venue 114 Lake Kawana

Times – 10.00am – 2:30pm

Fashion Show | Food Trucks | Live Music | Giveaways | Free Show Bags | Free Bridal Magazines

WIN a $3000 Bridal Gown from Moon and Pearl Bridal! 

One lucky attendee will walk away with a $3000 Bridal Gown from Moon and Pearl Bridal, but EVERY bride attending will receive a $300 voucher to put towards your gown at Moon and Pearl Bridal, located in the heart of Maroochydore. 

Wedding Vendor Giveaways

Be sure to scope out how to enter to win some fantastic prizes with the vendors showcasing on the day and don’t miss out on picking up your Free Show Bag for every attendee. 

Get Your Tickets

If you miss out on our Giveaway on Instagram, you can pre-purchase your tickets here, or get them at the door. VIP tickets available online or at the door. 

The post Sunshine Coast Wedding Showcase | SUNDAY JUNE 16 appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

 

In her home country of Italy, Valentina Pintus of Sunshine Brides began her journey as a hair and makeup artist 10 years ago. Her career kicked off in the fashion industry, working on editorial shoots. She transitioned into retail as a specialist makeup artist in Sephora before moving to Australia and starting her wedding hair and makeup business. 

 

While she loved the fast pace of the fashion world, she says wedding beauty work gives her a different, and very special, feeling. “When you are working with models they are used to have their makeup or hair done all the time while with brides you can feel you are giving them something special and unique and that makes me happy!” 

 

Anyone who has met Valentina will attest that she is very passionate about what she does. I’ve found most people, who enjoy their work are. Valentina puts it simply, “At the end of the day I want to be happy while I do my job!” 

 

Read on to learn more about the lovely and talented Valentina Pintus. 

 

What is one unique service you offer?

Prior to working in the wedding industry, what did you do?

I used to work as a makeup specialist for Make Up For Ever in Sephora. That helped me a lot, improving my customer care and learning how to listen to what people want, deal with their expectations and deliver what they want.

Take me through your process of your on-the-day job.

I have everything ready in my kit on the night before, but I usually double check everything in the morning (just in case). I get to the bride location about 15 minutes before the scheduled starting time to find the best position to set up (I basically check every room to find the best light!).

 

I always send a timeline to the bride the week before the wedding so that everyone is ready at the time required, as we are on a pretty strict schedule. Even if I normally have some little extra time up on my sleeve, as there are little hiccups during the day (like some extra time for lunch, or to have a look at the flowers when they get delivered etc).

 

The bride usually goes last for hair and makeup, so that when the photographer arrives we can take those last “getting ready shots” and veil placement.

What’s happening in your specific area of weddings this year? 

I am seeing more intimate weddings and elopements and also the trend I am loving the most at the moment is what I call “the modern romantic bride”. Gowns with more straight lines , bridal separates (top and skirt) opposite to the classic bridal dress, simple but extremely elegant.

Effortless hairstyles, relaxed waves or textured ponytails with some statement hairpiece, radiant makeup with attention to the eyes and soft, pastel colours and greenery in the floral decorations.

 

Images by Shae Estella, Luke Middlemiss Photography, Mallory Sparkles Photography, Naturally Jek Photography, The Love Archives. 

Meet Valentina

If you want a skilled, experienced, friendly and passionate hair and makeup artist for your Sunshine Coast wedding, hit up Sunshine Brides today. Enquire to find out if Valentina is available for your wedding day. 

 

The post Meet Valentina Pintus | A-List Vendor appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Twin Waters Golf Club is a quiet, beautiful, centrally located wedding venue on the Sunshine Coast. The immaculate greens provide a spectacular backdrop to your special day with capacity for up to 220 guests. Wedding packages are designed to be all-inclusive with everything taken care of by your very own wedding coordinator ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.

Ceremony

On site there are several picturesque location for your wedding ceremony with wide open spaces allowing all of your guests a perfect view. The Rotunda overlooking the driving range and immaculate gardens, the lush greenery of The Gardens, and secluded in the natural surroundings of The Woods are on offer at the Club. If you’re looking for a coastal setting for your ceremony, beach ceremonies very close by can also be arranged as part of your package.

Food

Full-flavoured cuisine made from fresh local produce, wedding menus are designed with seasonal influences. An extensive canapé selection with both hot and cold options is available with seafood, pork, duck, chicken and beef as well as vegetarian, and gluten and dairy-free options. You choose starters, mains and desserts for your two or three-course alternate drop meals from the extensive menu.

Style

Twin Waters Golf Club offers versatility as a space with neutral colours and décor, allowing your dream theme or colour palette to be the focus. The Main Function room is spacious with a unique pyramid ceiling creating a beautiful lighting effect.The Terrace is a lovely option for post-ceremony canapés or stay for the entire reception with a more intimate group. Overlooking the aquatic driving range and gardens you and your guests will relax in the fresh air with a stunning view as you sip cocktails and celebrate in style.

Image credits: Matt Rowe Photography, Lou O’Brien Images 

The post Venue Review: Twin Waters Golf Club appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

COVID Safe Private Property Wedding Packages

One such opportunity to have your micro wedding or elopement go ahead as planned in accordance with any government restrictions is to work with the team at Sunshine Weddings to plan a stunning, completely private, wedding day at Claremont.

Claremont Boutique Weddings are held at Claremont, a secluded private homestead in the Noosa Hinterland. Away from any public spaces, in complete tranquility with views of surrounding farmland, the property is ideal for an elopement. Best of all, the team at Sunshine Weddings will arrange absolutely everything for you when you book one of their packages to suit your needs and budget.

Sunshine Weddings business owner, Ellie, told us, “We have created these packages for couples that want a wedding that has it all, only small!”

The packages offer everything a couple would associate with their wedding day – stunning florals, flawless hair and make up, breathtaking images to last a lifetime of memories, and delicious locally sourced ingredients turned into a masterpiece on your plate.

“Most importantly, you get a heartfelt ceremony that captures the very essence of you as a couple. As, after all, isn’t that what marriage is all about?” Ellie said.

Images by Jodie Modric Photography

Elopement vs Micro Wedding

I asked Ellie what exactly constitutes an elopement? She explained, “If you look it up in the Dictionary, it will tell you that to elope is to run away secretly in order to get married. I love this – the thrill of excitement in the air that you are part of a glorious secret!

“It is just the two of you, maybe with your children or even a couple of friends, who act as your witnesses. Whereas, when there are a handful of guests it becomes a ‘micro wedding’ – but who are we to judge?! We say let’s eat, drink and be married – and never mind the label!”

The Packages

Whether you’re looking for a simple, yet beautiful, ceremony only or a full exclusive weekend to enjoy the property with your selectively chosen attendees, Sunshine Weddings have the package for you. Packages start from just $5,700.

Get in contact with Ellie and her team at Sunshine Weddings today to request the Claremont Boutique Wedding brochure, and find out if your dream wedding date is available.

The post Noosa Hinterland Private Property Elopement Packages appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

If I could describe Judy Copley, the designer and owner of Judy Copley Bridal, in just a few words, I would say this: Sunshine in human form.

Jenny and I met Judy Copley one day at her kitchen table. Over a cup of tea we discussed her goals and aspirations and asked approximately one million questions about her process as a bridal gown designer.

You see, we were surrounded by her creations – some complete, some part way through. Lace, sequins, and fabrics of all kinds filled every surface. She told us about specific pieces of lace she had lovingly selected in Melbourne, or ordered from Italy, and it was clear to us then that her whole heart was in this business of creating couture designs for brides.

We ventured into her then home studio and found even more beauties – you should have seen us! Wide-eyed like a couple of kids in a candy store! Judy has long moved from her home studio, but is still very much a local gal, despite the calling of New York fashion entities who have fallen in love with her always surprising and innovative, hand-crafted couture bridal designs as much as we did all those years ago.

Judy works with her daughter, Amber, who takes care of the business side so Judy can still design, cut, sew, and bead each and every gown herself. No two Judy Copley bridal gowns are alike, they are created with passion and every step of the process from consultation and design to completed garment is done by one person – Judy herself in her Caloundra studio.

Here Judy has ever-so-kindly has shared some insight into what it’s like to be a couture bridal designer.

What does a day in your work life at Judy Copley Bridal look like?

First up coffee, read emails, go over my to-do list for the day, attend to my consultations, source fabrics and supplies then getting on with the process of creating the garment. This could include cutting, sewing, beading or hand-sewing details. Sometimes I may attend shoots, be setting up instillations and displays of my work, or packaging garments for interstate or international projects that I am part of.

What do your clients say about working with you?

“Thank you” in the most beautiful ways. They say they loved the process, my personal touch, my patience with them and effort given, and often they say that they will miss coming to the studio.

Images by Karen Buckle, supplied by Judy Copley Bridal.

LEARN MORE ABOUT JUDY COPLEY BRIDAL AND HOW YOU CAN ARRANGE A CONSULTATION WITH JUDY HERSELF HERE.

The post Meet Judy Copley Bridal | A-List Vendor Story appeared first on The Bride's Tree.