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Upon first meeting, Maddie knew Bryce was The One. Mutual friends introduced them, and even though Bryce took a little more convincing, they were obviously onto something!

The couple became engaged on a mountaintop while on holiday in Queenstown, New Zealand and married here on the Sunshine Coast. They worked to such a strict budget that they managed to come in under budget by $5k!

The Crew

Photography: Adriana Watson Photography

Venue: Obi Obi Hall

Florist: Willow Bud

Catering: That Pizza Guy

Makeup: Evoque Makeup Artistry (+ Hair)

Celebrant: Jarrad Bayliss

Planning Challenges

Budget and compromise. I had to remind myself that it’s his big day too. The biggest thing was other people’s opinions. We were the first children in both our families to get married, so there was a lot of expectations.

Advice for Future Brides

Stress less. At the end of the day, the people that are there are there for you and your husband to be. It doesn’t need to be 100% perfect.

Wedding Secrets

Biggest splurge: Photographer and celebrant.

Best money-saving choice: The catering. We had That Pizza Guy – biggest shout out to Simon and the team! They did the most awesome job with the wood fire pizzas and grazing table. If you’re on a budget or looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, That Pizza Guy should be your number one!

Bride’s dress: Andrea’s Brides and Grooms

Groom’s suit: Connor

DIY: We wanted a more of a relaxed, country wedding so we painted pallets white and had our own table settings.

Number of guests: 60

Wedding budget: $20,000

Actual cost of wedding: Just under $15,000

Thanks for supporting our A-list Vendors below, who helped make Maddie and Bryce’s day!

The post Maddie loves Bryce | Obi Obi Hall Wedding appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

It was finally official when Ashleigh and Megan tied the knot LEGALLY at their Maleny DIY Wedding.

Ashleigh and Megan met at Big Gay Day, a Brisbane LGBTIQ pride festival at The Wickham in 2012. Since falling truly, madly, deeply they made their engagement stick by locking it in a few times over and, keeping in the same theme of doing things really thoroughly, they’ve had two official unions. The first was in 2017 before same sex marriage was legalised, so it was a civil union first time around. 

Today Ashleigh shares the story of hers and Megan’s official wedding day – the one where they put in a huge DIY effort in an intimate ceremony followed by tea party-style reception in Maleny.

Why The Sunshine Coast?

It’s our favourite place to unwind, adventure, relax, holiday or day trip! We love the outdoors and we always choose the Sunshine Coast for our romantic getaways, beach trips and hinterland hikes. Maleny is just beautiful, we love being out in nature, the the birds, trees and fresh air. Having it at Ruddle’s Retreat meant we could stay there and set up our eclectic, vintage and antique, Alice in Wonderland-esque tea party, picnic wedding!

Standout Suppliers

Philippa, our celebrant, was also such a special part of both days, we were so lucky to have someone so commuted to helping us share our love story and legalise our love and commitment (twice!). Also, finding Adriana for our photography was such a blessing, she was so lovely, helped us relax and captured so many beautiful moments for us to remember always.

One Thing We’d Change

I would have had a wedding planner, DIY was great in that it was perfectly what we wanted, but it was also very stressful.

Images by Adriana Watson Photography

The (Recurring) Proposal

Depending on who you ask, the proposal started in many ways. It could have been a year into our relationship when Megan gifted me her family heirloom ring as a promise of her love and commitment to always be there through the hard times & the easy. It could have been when I offered to buy Megan a ring she loved & I asked which finger so I knew the size and she said “well I thought my ring finger”. It could have been when I presented her with said ring, suddenly very shy despite our many years together & told her I loved her more then anything, even (slightly more then) my kitty soul mate, Harry Hairypants.

Or, what we remember most was after my cousin Kat’s wedding to her amazing Mick, I spoke to Megan about how my terminally ill grand pop had told me that night he wished he could see us married (in mid-2017 this was not yet possible). So I said how about we organise a shotgun Civil Union, because I didn’t want to wait anymore. So we did, pop saw us united, it was the happiest and healthiest we had seen him in years. He sadly passed a few weeks after, but we know he held on for us, for our love.

How She’s The One

Because she is the kindest person I have ever met, she makes me laugh when I want to cry, I feel safe and perfect just as I am with her. I want to be a better person for her. Her beautiful eyes and cheeky smile light up my life. She gives the best hugs and she loves my cat, and all our pets, just as much as I do!

Our Next Adventure

We have just signed for our own little piece of heaven, an acre block in the beautiful bushy Lockyer Valley and we are in the plans of building our dream home for our four fur babies, and hope to also fill it with children in the years to come.

Wedding Secrets

Wedding planning resources: The Bride’s Tree, Dancing With Her, friends’ weddings and Instagram

Biggest splurge: My wedding dress – Wendy Makin Amber Couture gown, made to my measurements & selection of lace & silk

Best money-saver: Decorating & styling everything all ourselves

Ashleigh’s dress: Wendy Makin Bridal Designs

Ashleigh’s accessories: Paula Hall earrings and my Grandma’s jewellery

Ashleigh’s shoes: Diana Ferrari

Megan’s outfit: ASOS + Myer

Megan’s accessories: Myer and mother’s jewellery

Megan’s shoes: Vans

DIY: The whole wedding was pretty much DIY, with help from friends, family and suppliers.

Honeymoon: Koh Lanta, Thailand

Number of guests: 50

Wedding budget: $10,000

Actual cost of wedding: $12,000

 Our Song

Megan walked down the aisle with her sister Simone first, then I walked towards my love, holding hands with my parents to “2 Million” by G Flip – it’s a love song written by G Flip for her girlfriend that sings of all the hopes & dreams of their future that resonates with us.

Check out the playlist I’ve compiled using songs recommended by real couples, and a few of my own suggestions… 

Photographer: Adriana Watson Photography | Florist: Poppy Lane Flowers and Eumundi Roses | Catering: DIY | Cake + dessert table: Chocolate 2 Chilli | Makeup: Sally Townsend Makeup Artistry | Hair styling: Purrfect Hair | Picnic rugs + vintage chair hire: Sugar Tea Rose Party | Gifts: wishing well | Wedding night accommodation: Ruddle’s Retreat | Celebrant: Philippa Hollness Marriage Celebrant

Thank you for supporting our A-list Vendors, who helped make Ashleigh and Megan’s wedding day dreams come true…

The post Ashleigh loves Megan | Maleny DIY Wedding appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Our Summer 2020 edition of our online magazine  is our 32nd offering to you, lovely couples, planning your Sunshine Coast weddings. 

This time we again have more gorgeous wedding inspiration than you could throw confetti at, and it’s completely FREE for you to view and download. 

Here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect in this edition. Cover image by Nicola Holland Photography. 

We assembled a stellar creative crew to lend their talents to our Modern Boho Country Shoot. Images by Nicola Holland Photography

Sarah + Baptiste were married in the Sunshine Coast hinterland – their wedding gave us Sweet Home Australia feels. Images by Luke Middlemiss Photography. 

Maxine + Stuart’s wedding at Flaxton Gardens had subtle vintage touches. Images by Adriana Watson Photography. 

Boo + David planned the ultimate Wedding Festival at Maleny Retreat. Images by Shae Estella Photo. 

The post Sunshine Coast Wedding Magazine Free + Out Now | Volume 32, Summer 2020 appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

When Janéne and Jamie became engaged, the Sunshine Coast was top of their list for where they wanted to say their vows to one another. Read Janéne’s own words below to find out why…. 

They kicked off their wedding day with a ceremony on the waterfront Pandanas Lawn at Novotel Twin Waters Resort, complete with those iconic Pandanas Trees we love here in Queensland. 

Sunshine Coast wedding photographer Adriana Watson was there to capture all the special moments from Janéne and Jamie’s special day. If I ended up with images of myself as stunning as these of Janéne I’d be one happy bride, just saying. 

Janéne was kind enough to share some words about her special day with us, so without further ado… 

The Proposal

“We had gone to the place where we had our first date, and this was normal as we would go there every now and then. And as we were sitting together looking out at the ocean, Jamie took my hand and started reciting a poem he had written, which turned out to be his proposal and of course I said YES!”

The Location

“The Sunshine Coast is where our story began, we met at the University of Sunshine Coast and our reception venue was just as important to us as it was our favourite restaurant, where we would frequent even before we started dating and celebrated many specials occasions over the years. It was only fitting that our most special day was celebrated there too.”

Paying homage to their early days, Janéne and Jamie headed to the University of the Sunshine Coast to take some photos in the place where they first met! Then they went on to catch that perfect afternoon light at Point Cartwright with Adriana Watson Photography. 

Wedding Secrets 

Biggest splurge: Our Honeymoon. We ticked off a few bucket list items and we went to Iceland to see The Northern Lights. 

Best bargain: We had our reception dinner at our favourite restaurant.

Bridal gown: White Lily Couture  

Bride’s jewellery: Bangles – family heirloom passed down from the groom’s mother, who had worn them on her wedding day and had been given the accessories by her mother and also wore on her wedding day. Pearl earrings – White Lily Couture 

Groom’s attire: Peter Jackson 

Number of guests: 50

DIY: Reception seating cards and some decorations.

Honeymoon: Italy, Scandanvia and Iceland 

Wedding Music

Brides entrance – Andrea Bocelli “Canto Della Terra”

Couple entrance – Michael Jackson “Remember the Time”

First Dance – Anthony Hamilton “Dear Life”

Janéne’s Advice for Future Brides

“Remember that the day is about you and the person you love and to celebrate it in the way that makes THE TWO OF YOU happy. Don’t sweat the small stuff and take moments in the day to just enjoy the experience and celebrate.”

Photography: Adriana Watson Photography | Video: Sunshine Coast Videography | Flowers: Magnolia Grove | Ceremony venue: Novotel Twin Waters Resort | Reception venue: Sang’s East Asian Cuisine | Makeup: Louise Henzell Makeup Artist | Hair: Big Deal Hair | Celebrant: Bill Scurry Marriage Celebrant | Wedding night accommodation: Breeze Mooloolaba

Thank you for supporting our A-list Vendors, who helped make Janene + Jamie’s Resort Wedding so darn great… 

Learn more about… Louise Henzell Makeup Artist + Adriana Watson Photography + Magnolia Grove + Novotel Twin Waters Resort + White Lily Couture 

The post Janéne loves Jamie | Sunshine Coast Resort Wedding appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Freebies! 

First stop on your list, Hello May! Their team will be giving out free copies of their fab magazine, but you’ll need to be quick as it’s only up for grabs to the first 100 brides who arrive. Pick it up on arrival and start pouring over it for real wedding inspiration.

Everyone loves a freebie! A Darling Affair has organised a great range of prizes to be won on the day including a free engagement shoot from the super talented Adriana Watson. Adriana is known for her stunning, natural images and is a favourite photographer on the Sunshine Coast. The guys from Ice Cream Curls are also giving away a free upgrade package valued at $250 and if you haven’t tried their delicious ice cream yet, they’ll also be giving away free tastings on the day. Yum!

Meet the vendors

The wedding fair will be jam-packed full of creative, friendly wedding vendors to chat to for wedding inspiration. Grab some styling tips from Event Letters, head over to the lovely Tenille Fink and pick her brain for gorgeous photography ideas and don’t forget to stop by Heavenly Blooms and Gloriosa Florals, because no celebration is truly complete without the perfect flowers.

Paper porn

Next stop is to check out the beautiful stationery that’s on display, because we’re suckers for some gorgeous paper goods! Be sure to check out The Frankie Collective, Little Duck Calligraphy and Lindqvist Ink for awe inspiring invitations and stunning old school calligraphy. Then make a stop at Bow and Arbour for a peek at their contemporary, magazine-style wedding albums that will knock your socks off.

Logwoods Cacti Farm Wedding styled shoot by Shae Estella Photo. Sunshine Coast Wedding Photographer.

Bridal beauty time

A bride (and her bridesmaids!) deserve to look and feel their most beautiful on a wedding day, so make sure you visit Khesanh and her team of stylists from The Beauty Case for classic and on trend hair and makeup tips that your bride-to-be will love. And go say hi to the girls at Sally Townsend Makeup Artistry, who are wizards in the makeup chair and specialise in natural, airbrushed looks.

The all-important snack situation

Time for a break? Bring along a blanket and unwind on the picnic lawn while sipping on heavenly mocktails from Head Over Wheels. These guys have created an amazing mobile caravan bar that is the perfect backdrop for a relaxed celebration.

All the pretties

Be sure to pencil in time for the fashion parade, with so many drool-worthy brands lined up, this is definitely a part of the fair that you won’t want to miss. Ivie White, Ginger and Gold, Hide and Rose and LilyM Hats , will all be showing off their latest ranges and we already know that you’ll be swooning over their collections!

Fun memeories

And last, but definitely not least, before leaving grab your BFF and jump over to the Sunshine Coast Vintage Photo Booths where Fairylight Curtains will be creating some magic with a spectacular backdrop for the ultimate photo album keepsake.

So grab your tickets now and start planning your day. Your bestie will love you for it!

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Fading stars II from bxcsmxth on Vimeo.

We recently released our Spring edition of The Bride’s Tree free online magazine, which featured four incredible styled shoots with insane inspo for Sunshine Coast brides. A whole lot of gorgeous from one of the shoots, Fading Stars + Catching Dreams can be found in this here 2-minute film by BXCSMXTH

This beach bridal shoot took place at the serene Currimundi Lake, which has that untouched feeling, which is such a rarity these days. The place is magical, as is this film.

Creative Crew

Photography: Adriana Watson Photography

Videography: BXCSMXTH

Flowers: Heavenly Blooms

Styling: Coast to Country Weddings and Events

Cake: Chocolate2Chilli

Hair: Rolling Scissors Mobile Hairdressing

Makeup: The Ballerina Bride

Dress: Judy Copley Couture

Suit: Suits Direct

Dream catchers: Evie Boho

Models: Monique Mears + Bronte Wootton

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Sure, it may seem like a less important factor than, say, your wedding dress, who’s going to sit where or what kind of flowers you’re going to have… However, it is vital for your wedding morning outfit to fulfil some paramount criteria.

• It must be cute and photogenic.
• It must be button-down, wrap-around, or be able to be stretched to a point where your once done hair and makeup is not disturbed.
• It must set you apart from the rest, so all around you shall know and declare, “These gals are something else. And what’s more, they run this show.”

A short list, but an essential one. It’s what you’ll be wearing for hours on end, while you get your hairs did and your mug makeupped, eat your last supper as a single lady… And of course get your first photos of your wedding day.

Amiga, I have curated a collection of 22 wedding morning getups to help you finalise this vital decision. You’re welcome.

 I can see why these ladies are laughing it up – they’re living the monogrammed dream! Image by Todd Hunter McGaw. You don’t always adhere to labels, but when you do, they define your special role on the most special of days and they are embroidered onto your back, so they are pretty darn fine. Jennifer Oliphant Photographer. Keepin’ it real, yo, with wedding day flannos. Image by Andrea Sproxton Photography.   Dad’s oversized Hawaiian shirt! Image by Lara and Susie Photographers.

Wedding trucker caps anyone? At least until it’s time to get your hair done… Image by Lara and Susie Photographers.

  And in the glam corner, we have colourful kaftans… Image by Nicky Stone – Photographer.

… And gorgeous flowy dresses. Image by Nicky Stone – Photographer. You could always dress everyone in matching robes of floral… Image by Janneke Storm.  … Flamingoes… Image by Nicky Stone – Photographer.  … Stripes… Image by Adriana Watson Photography.

 … Or black and white foliage. Image by Bayleigh Vedelago.

 …Or let the bride stand out, starting the day in traditional white. The image of purity! Images by Byron loves Fawn.

 You could always colour everyone happily ever after! Image by Nick Evans Photo.  Even a little ribbon to give the bride distinction works. Image by When Elephant Met Zebra.  Now this one is smart: you put the date on your robe, wear it every day after the wedding and your hubby will never have the excuse that he forgot your anniversary! Image by Life and Love Photography.

A little bit of lace says, “My wedding day is today, and I’m owning it.” Image by Moments by Frankie.

 Let your floral flag fly! Image by Stacey Schramm Photography.  Maybe even match it perfectly with your fresh flower hair piece? I won’t judge… Except when I tell you you’re through to the next round of awesomeness, obviously. Image by Lindy Yewen Photography.   Just get some super cute tees and shorts, yo. Image by Tahlea Blunt Photography. Singlets work fine, too. Get your comfies on girl, we don’t mind! Image by Matt Rowe Photography.

 Go sexy-contemporary with lovely long shirts, and/or a little racy black lace showing through… Nick Evans Photo.

Most importantly: don’t forget your little gal pals, too! Images by Lou O’Brien.

The post 22 Cute-As-Anything Wedding Morning Outfits appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Lunch with close friends and family, a place where the rest of the world melts away and everybody is present in the moment. Gorgeous couple, Tamie and Henry, celebrated their engagement in exactly this fashion, and we really can’t think of any better way. 

As all their family and friends descended on their family farm, they were greeted with a rustic, yet elegant setting in complete serenity. The jolly bunch enjoyed a scrumptious catered meal, followed by a selection of cakes for dessert, then each guest took home a homely jar of honey, a gift from the couple. 

Adriana Watson was there to capture the celebration unobtrusively with results as pretty and carefree as the happy event itself. 

The Van Fine Street Food took care of the catering, so everyone could relax and enjoy the afternoon without hassle.

Simple rustic styling with a distinct elegance, executed by CL Weddings & Events for Tamie and Henry’s engagement party on the farm.

Photograper: Adriana Watson Photography | Styling: CL Weddings & Events | Catering: The Van Fine Street Food

Thank you for supporting our A-List Vendors… 

Learn more about… Adriana Watson Photography

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If you are one of the millions, who has found herself with a Pinterest board dedicated to the insanely beautiful cakes terribly talented, almost superhuman people fashion up these days, then you are going to love this Pinboard. 

Inspiration of the edible kind is our favourite, especially when it comes in the form of wedding cakes, and dessert tables filled with delectable morsels, like macarons, cupcakes, cheesecake jars and the like. All the cakes found in this particular gallery of goodness have been created by our own little artistic superhuman, Mel from Chocolate2Chilli. 

Get ready for some more toothsome inspiration, as there is more where this image above came from! Image by Adriana Watson Photography. 

The post Inspo: Wedding cakes almost too good to eat appeared first on The Bride's Tree.