Real Wedding: Laura & Zac in Doonan

Whoever said blue and green should never be seen did not foresee the pretty that can be enjoyed by lush greenery against a classic navy. This was the colour theme for Laura and Zac’s elegant Sunshine Coast hinterland wedding with an edgy twist we are loving on in a crazy way. 

The couple kept with tradition in a Catholic church wedding in Tewantin, followed by a marquee wedding reception in Doonan at the bride’s parents’ home. Quite the extravagant backyard wedding for only 220-odd guests! To keep costs down, the bride organised a lot of DIY, and enlisted the help of family and friends along the way. 

For their bridal party photos, the newlyweds and their entourage of eight headed to Noosa Botanical Gardens and got amongst some seriously impressive surroundings. Melanie McNiven Portraits did a splendid job of taking the photos that will serve as everlasting memories for Laura and Zac. We know you will love them as much as we’re certain the happy couple do. 

“The bridesmaids were gifted pearl earrings and special nighties to wear whilst getting hair and make up done.”

“Our theme was sleek and stylish with white, navy and green as themed colours.”

“Over 100 of our guests were from interstate. We even had relatives fly in from London to join us.”

Our Hand-picked Team That Made It All Happen

Photographer: Melanie McNiven Portraits

Wedding Decorator: Caroline Dunn Stylist

Florist: Noosa Village Florist

Caterer: Tewantin Deli

Cake: Mysaka Cakes

Transport: Suncoast Vintage Limousines

Marquee: Noosa Party Hire

Entertainment: Liam Guinan at ceremony, Four Skins at reception courtesy of

Black Tie Group

Officiant: Father Mark Franklin- Noosa Catholic Parish

Lolly Jar Hire: A Touch of You by Vintage

Jumping Castle Hire: Castles in the Air

“Don’t stress about the little things. All your guests are just happy to be there and don’t notice the little things that were meant to be.”

Laura & Zac’s Wedding Secrets Revealed

Biggest splurge: We didn’t really splurge out on anything in particular. Having sucha big wedding I guess most of the funds went to food and alcohol.

What was your biggest money saver/bargain? Bouquets – we purchased our flowers the day before and our talented Aunty put the bouquets together.

Bridal gown:  The bride had two dresses.Laura changed into a Charlie Brown sequinned dress at the reception

Accessories: Laura wore all her late Nanna’s jewellery

Shoes: Bride and bridesmaid wore Tony Bianco shoes

Bridesmaid dresses: Review

Groom and groomsmens’ suits and shoes: Politix, Tarocash shoes

Rings: Angus and Coote

Bombonnieres: Lolly Table

 DIY: Laura made all the church booklets, all the photobooth props and backdrop, the lolly bags and labels for the lolly table, the pom poms that hung over the reception, decorated tins with burlap and ribbon for a succulent feature. 

Number of guests: 220

Wedding budget: $30,000

Honeymoon destination: Phuket, Thailand

“We had 30 kids under 10 invited so we decided to have a kids room including jumping castle, nannies, face painting, Wii, movies and kids party food.”

“We loved dancing and partying with all our family and friends.”

“Hot and cold canapes were served upon guests arrival. Each guest then received a noodle box filled with a selection of hot finger foods including seafood.”

Hi, I’m Sally, Founder and Editor of The Bride’s Tree. Over the past 13 years I’ve written thousands of articles about all things wedding from tips and trends to etiquette and ideas. On this blog I bring you the best of Sunshine Coast and Brisbane weddings.