Shelby and Rhys met while working their after school jobs at ages 14 and 16 respectively. After bonding over a night fill shift, the pair began walking to school together every day, and the rest is history.
Six and a half years later, the sweet young couple tied the knot at a gorgeous Sunshine Coast hinterland wedding at Solothurn Rural Resort, where they were able to cater the wedding themselves to keep the budget down, and the clever bride did as much DIY as she could.
Considering Shelby is from a big European family, 80 guests made for an intimate wedding with just close family and friends. It was important to the couple to have as many of their special people involved in the day, so friends helped with the catering, her mum and sister walked down the aisle together and friends serenaded the bride’s aisle walk.
It is clear in the photos by Sunshine Coast wedding photographer, Stacey Schramm Photography, this was a romantic day filled with love and family and all those special moments every bride dreams of.
“It was really important to us for our wedding day to reflect us as a couple and not be lost in it all and have our closest friends and family be part of the day was a big part of it. I had one of my best friends, Emma, and her dad sing as I walked down the aisle and during the ceremony. Our niece was our flower girl, our nephews were our ring bearers. “
“I paid for pretty much the whole wedding on my own. Rhys’ parents bought all the alcohol and my dad gave me about $700, but I did the rest. The deal was I pay for the wedding and Rhys will pay for our honeymoon in Europe 2016.”
“I’m from a big European family so 80 people for us was really just our closest family and friends. I had my grandparents, aunties, uncles and cousins fly up from Melbourne, friends fly from Sydney, Airlie Beach and drive hours to be there. It was really special.”
“It was really nice being back in our honeymoon suite when the reception was over and sitting together and reading all the beautiful cards from our guests… it was when it actually sunk in that we were actually married to each other! It was the best way to end a perfect day.”
“We find that respect and communication are two of the biggest factors in our relationship. We talk about problems together and respect each others opinions and as people. Never taking things too seriously also helps.” 
“My husband was an amazing support throughout the planning stages. If I ever started to get too overwhelmed he would remind me what the day was really about – getting to marry each other – and that helped me through the process.”
“I’m so happy that we met when we were so young, we have helped shape each other and we are always on the same page. While we are still our own person and very different people, I feel like Rhys has made me a better person and I’m not fully me without him.”
Wedding Secrets
Biggest splurge: We didn’t really have a splurge. We had everything we wanted at very good prices.
Best money-saver: Our long term family friends catered the wedding and waited tables and the bar. They only charged us for the price of the food, which was amazing and saved us so much money and it was nice for them all to be a part of the day.
Bride’s dress: White Lily Couture Lily gown
Shoes: Betts for Her
Bridesmaids’ dresses: Ebay
Bridesmaids’ earrings: Lovisa
Bridesmaids’ shoes: Betts for Her
Groom’s and groomsmen’s suits and shoes: Politx for suits, own shoes.
Groomsmen’s bow ties: Delic
Groom’s bow tie: Roger David
Rings: Prouds the Jewellers
DIY: Invitations, reception area set up, decorations.
Honeymoon: Europe later in 2016
Number of guests: 80
Wedding budget: $12,000
Photography: Stacey Schramm Photography | Venue: Solothurn Rural Resort | Flowers: Heavenly Blooms | Cake: There’s a Cake For That | Makeup: Kate Ellen Makeup Artistry | Celebrant: Jan Leader | Wedding night accommodation: Solothurn Rural Resort
