It’s a tale as old as time: teacher meets teacher, love blossoms and a Noosa Boathouse wedding ensues.

Seriously, the only thing that comes close to highschool sweethearts is two freshly qualified teachers on their first ever rural service post locking eyes at the local pub in North Queensland. 

Cut to 2023 and Samuel and Leah are saying their vows amongst 100 of their nearest and dearest in a Noosa wedding ceremony. As Sunshine Coast locals themselves, they couldn’t think of a better backdrop for their wedding than Maison La Plage, Noosa with the shore poking through the trees. 

What I love about this wedding is that it’s evident they put a lot of focus on the ceremony and making it really special for themselves and their guests. When going through their album to select images for this article, I almost felt like I was there as Noosa wedding photographer Alan Hughes had captured every special moment so beautifully from every angle. 

Then when reading about what the groom, Samuel, had written about how they felt saying their vows with Noosa celebrant, Philippa Holness,  was the most magical moment of the day and they splurged to make the ceremony extra special, it all made sense. The getting married part was the focus of their day, and the relaxed, atmospheric party at Noosa wedding venue, Noosa Boathouse, was the icing on the cake. 

For something different, as I mentioned, it’s the groom who has shared the story of their Noosa wedding day with us. It’s great to hear his perspective, so please do read on and enjoy! 

Vendors

Photography | ALAN HUGHES PHOTOGRAPHY

Venue | NOOSA BOATHOUSE 

Celebrant | PHILIPPA HOLNESS WEDDING CELEBRANT

Hair + makeup | SUNSHINE BRIDES

Stylist | LOVEBIRD WEDDINGS

Florist | BUD NAKED FLOWER

Cake | CHOCOLATE 2 CHILLI

Wedding night accommodation | THE SEBEL, NOOSA

Ceremony dress | CHOSEN BY KHYA

Reception dress | STILL WHITE

Suit | JOE BLACK

Big on The Ceremony

“Flowers were probably our biggest splurge. They make a huge difference to the personality of the day. Generally as well, we wanted to splurge a little on our ceremony. It means the most to us that we got that right. So we had wonderful flowers, a champagne tower and a bar for our guests.”

The Proposal

“I proposed  to Leah on a private handmade boat on Lake Como in Italy. It was one year, to the day, before our ceremony. It was a perfect day on the water and we shared it with Leah’s best friend and sister, Michaela (my photgrapher, who captured the moment). We then celebrated with champagne on a stunning rooftop terrace overlooking Lake Como.”

Wedding Secrets

Biggest splurge: The flowers and extras for the ceremony, like a bar and champagne tower. 

Best bargain: Buying a secondhand dress from Still White.

Groom’s and groomsman’s attire: Joe Black suit and shoes from David Jones.

Bride’s gowns: Chosen by Khya, and reception dress was secondhand from Still White. 

Bridesmaid’s dress: Lidee

Bridesmaid’s shoes: Bared Footwear

DIY: Electronic invitations and thank you cards to save on postage and printing costs.

Honeymoon: Port Douglas and the Daintree Rainforest in North QLD.

Number of guests: 100 to the ceremony and 70 to the reception (70 was our reception cut off, but we sent out separate invitations to some other close friends inviting them to the ceremony – perhaps a bit unorthodox, but they understood and LOVED being invited).

Budget: $30k

Actual cost of the wedding: Approx $35k 

Getting Married in Noosa

“Ensuring that our families were all able to make it was our biggest wedding priority. It was just about the only reason we didn’t elope. Oh, another priority was location. Noosa Heads can’t be beaten.

“We wanted to ensure it was local. We love that we can take some beers and wine down to the exact place we were married and celebrate our love. And, I mean, check out the photos. What a stunning place to get married. Few better places in the world.”

The post NOOSA BOATHOUSE WEDDING | Samuel + Leah appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

In honour of the new (I’d like to say “- and improved”, but 2020 got us like…) era of the 20’s, we put together a photo shoot for our latest magazine that harps back to the 1920’s. Knowing lots of shoots with a Gatsby style would start cropping up, we wanted to go in another direction, incorporating a more classic, traditional feel. 

Couples who were wed in the manor houses like the one Downton Abbey was styled off were all about luxe details, yet understated sophistication. Dreamy, lush floral arrangements were ever present, while bridal fashion was about chic lines and little embellishment for sincere glamour of the times. 

When Tradition + Modern are a Match Made in Heaven

Every detail down to the very English traditional four-tiered off-white cake, crystal glassware, and silver candelabras scream “vintage”, yet the lace table runner and dusty pink linen napkins, along with the festoon and fairy lighting bring in the modern element.

The classy stationery suite hinted at the calligraphy style that would have been sent to all of polite society in times gone by, complete with wax seals. 

Our stellar team of wedding pros came together to create something truly authentic, yet with a modern twist that resulted in some seriously unique Sunshine Coast wedding inspiration. 

Creative Crew

The post It’s a New 20’s Era, But Everything Old is New Again appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Lauren says one of the most emotional moments of her wedding day was when guests performed The Haka in tribute to her groom, James’ Maori heritage. Lauren and James loved the wedding planning process, getting super involved by doing lots of DIY for their wedding reception at Noosa Boathouse. The bride was kind enough to share her story with us below… 

Our Biggest Priority

We wanted to ensure that our guests had an absolutely amazing time and got to experience as much of beautiful Noosa as possible. Our guests travelled from all over Australia, including Western Australia and Victoria, the Gold Coast and New Zealand, and for pretty much all of them it was their first time visiting Noosa.

Moments of High Emotion

The day was full of emotion – seeing James get so emotional as I was walking down the aisle, having James’ Dad open our ceremony with a Maori prayer. The Haka and speeches were very emotional too.

Images by Alan Hughes Photography

Why James is The One 

Loving him is easy. He’s my best friend. He is kind-hearted and loving, sensitive yet strong, dedicated, determined, and most of the time, patient!

Our Next Adventure

We’re getting stuck back into renovating our first home and will hopefully buy our second home soon!

The Music

We had a lot of songs from our favourite Aussie and New Zealand bands, including Ocean Alley and Six60. Benny Hanna did an amazing job playing a mix of acoustic sets and DJ-ing at the Boathouse.

A Simple Proposal

It’s pretty simple really, James and I were back home in Perth (my home town) for a holiday and on our final morning, at my parents house, just as we were waking up he got down on one knee and asked the question. We had designed the ring together, so I knew it was coming, I just didn’t know when!

Greatest Challenge

Probably putting together our guest list!

Wedding Secrets

Biggest splurge: It would probably have been the boat cruise from the ceremony in Noosa Heads to the reception in Noosaville. I also surprised James and our guests with Wheel & Spoon (a gelato cart) at our ceremony.

Biggest money-saver: Probably using a bunch of furniture from the Noosa Boathouse and all of the DIY I/we did!

Planning resources: The Brides Tree certainly helped! Instagram and Facebook were also really beneficial. Deciding on the Noosa Boathouse for our reception early on in the planning process and checking out their recommended vendors was a great place to start. I also attended a Sunshine Coast Wedding Open Day early on in the planning stages to meet vendors I was interested in.

DIY: Stationery, decorations, grazing board for the boat, family photo display, wishing well, photo booth props, dessert table, cake topper, “Better Together” backdrop frame, wooden easel. 

Honeymoon: Fiji

Number of guests: 80

Wedding budget: Honestly we didn’t really have a budget. Not because I wasn’t budget conscious, purely because I had no idea what to expect in terms of how much anything would cost. I did a lot of research and gathered a number of quotes from vendors before locking anything in. 

Actual cost of wedding: Close to $40,000 

Check out Lauren and James’ Noosa Wedding Highlights Film

Photographer: Alan Hughes Photography | Videography: Sunshine Coast Videography | Florist: The Orange Blossom | Venue + catering: Noosa Boathouse | Gelato van: Wheel & Spoon | Cake: Chocolate 2 Chilli | Favours: Coolaz Stubby Holders | Transport: Noosa Ferry | Hair stylist: Evalyn Parsons | Makeup artist: Makeup Artistry by Lauren | Styling: Style Le Aisle | Entertainment: Benny Hanna | Celebrant: Celebrant Sam | Wooden sign: The Spoken Shop | Wedding night accommodation: Sandcastles Noosa 

Thank you for supporting our A-list Vendors below, who made the day for Lauren and James… 

The post Lauren loves James | Noosa Boathouse Wedding appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Sydney-siders Nat and Tom had one main priority for their wedding – fun! They wanted to laugh all day, and I think looking at their images we can all agree – mission accomplished! I had a lot of fun just looking through their wedding album by Alan Hughes Photography, especially seeing no opportunity to show off a few Dirty Dancing-style lifts go wasted! 

About their decision to marry on the Sunshine Coast, Nat said, “I wanted our wedding day to actually feel like a fairytale and you can’t do that when your office is three blocks away. The Sunshine Coast is simply calm and charming.” 

Nat generously shared more of their wedding planning details and sage advice for future brides below… 

The Proposal

“I’d been travelling for work all year so Tom came to me and said he wanted to spend Christmas Eve just us. The night before he was frantically packing a picnic and whispering with my roommates but I just assumed it was about my Christmas present! Tom took me up to Luke’s Bluff at O’Reilly’s and we set up the picnic. I started pouring the tea without realising that my mug changed with the heat to say “I want to have tea with you for the rest of our lives. Will you marry me?”. Before I knew it both our mums and our best friends came barreling down the hill to celebrate with us!”

Standout Suppliers 

“Alan and Harry our photographer and videographer were just so much fun. Their work speaks for itself! Cannot thank them enough for the memories we now get to keep! Sandi from Willow Bud did not have an easy task! My brief was that I literally don’t like flowers. She absolutely NAILED it on the day. I was walking down the aisle with a bouquet with the most divine mix of dried natives and what actually looked like angel wings.” 

Most Emotional Moment 

“We lost Tom’s mum only two months before the wedding. She was such a big part of our lives and of organising the whole day and we all wanted her to be there so badly. Her absence was painful but our families were all there for us. Walking down the aisle was a really emotional moment for the both of us, it’s such an overwhelming feeling and we’ll never forget it.” 

The One Thing We Would Do Differently 

“We’d probably try and be more relaxed after the ceremony, we were so hyped after it that it would have been good to take a beat and just take it all in. As for all our vendors I wouldn’t have changed a thing!” 

Wedding Secrets

Biggest splurge: The dress! I couldn’t find anything else like it!

Best money-saver: We restricted our floral and decorations budget to a minimum and let the gorgeous barn at Yandina Station speak for itself, being particular in our choices of floral and decorative set ups to highlight the rustic appeal rather than going all out on flowers and decorative items that would take away from the venue. Also, it’s crazy how al the small things add up so DIY and Ali Express was a BIG cost saver!

Greatest inspiration: The Bride’s Tree, Instagram and Pinterest

Bride’s dress: Darb Bridal Couture

Bride’s shoes: RM Williams 

Groom’s suit: Custom made in Thailand

Groom’s shoes: RM Williams 

Bridesmaids’ dresses: Ali Express! The dresses were a bargain!

Bridesmaids’ shoes: Wittner

Flowergirl’s dress: Princessly 

DIY: The arbour, menus, bombonnieres, name tags, seating chart and the welcome sign. Ali Express was the HERO for all things DIY; couldn’t recommend it enough!

Honeymoon: South America and New York

Number of guests: 85

Wedding budget: $60,000

Actual cost of wedding: $55,000 

Unforgettable Moment

“Our dance was a little wild and very us. We threw in a few of our favourite acro flips and it made it so fun for us and our guests. From there the band really brought the dance floor to life, everybody was up on their feet dancing like maniacs!” 

Advice for Future Brides

“Please stick to your guns! It’s your day, people will get over disagreements but it’s your day to remember forever! Take everything as it is on the day, even mishaps can end up being your favourite memory of all!”

Our Next Big Adventure

“Tom and I have a wacky dream of moving back to Queensland in the next 2 years to open a barn styled cafe on the Sunshine Coast… stay tuned!”

Photography: Alan Hughes Photography | Videography:Harrison Hertrick | Venue + accommodation: Yandina Station | Florist: Willow Bud | Cake: Chocolate2Chilli | Makeup: gjmua | Hair: Coastal Style Mobile Hairdressing | Entertainment: Baker Boys Band | Stationery: Paperless Post | Celebrant: Say I Do with Drew

The post Nat loves Tom | Super Fun Sunshine Coast Country Wedding appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Sunshine Coast locals, Renee and Dominic, recently moved to the area and decided they wanted to marry in a place that represented the life they were building together. Their Noosa beach wedding ceremony  was held at Maison La Plage on Noosa Main Beach among 140 guests. They followed with a reception at Locale Noosa. 

Best Friends

“Dom was not only my boyfriend, but over the five years of dating he became my best friend. He is the most supportive, loyal, funny, trustworthy and dedicated person. He Has helped me and supported me to achieve my goals in life. I could not imagine my life without him in it.”

Stand-out Suppliers 

“Alan Hughes – what an amazing guy Alan is. He captured the most amazing pictures for us which will be lasting memories. He just blended in with the day.

“Cloud nine – from the moment we decided to go with cloud nine they were so helpful with answering my many questions to creating and transforming our venues to an elegant and beautiful place for people to celebrate our special day.

“Locale – WOW! What a venue. The service they provided to all our guests was incredible. The food was incredible. The atmosphere was incredible. We Had many comments on how amazing this venue was.”

Images by Alan Hughes Photography

Wedding Music 

Walking down the aisle: Feels like home by Chantal Kreviazuk

Reception entrance: Happy Together by The Turtles

First dance: Dive by Ed Sheeran

Have a listen of the playlist I created with suggestions from real brides, and a few of my own suggestions, too. 

The Most Emotional Moment

“We were able to share the news with our family and friends that come December we would be welcoming our first baby.”

The Proposal 

“We were travelling through Europe and arrived in Santorini. We checked into our room which had a private balcony that overlooked the Caldera. There was a lovely bottle of wine and beautiful bunch of roses set up in our room. I walked out to the balcony to take in the breathtaking view and when I turned around Dom was standing behind me. He started to talk about how amazing our relationship was and how he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. He dropped to one knee and asked me if I would marry him. Of course I could not say no!”

Wedding Secrets

Biggest splurge: The reception – we wanted food that represented our heritage and could provide a great atmosphere for all of our guest. 

Best money-saving decision: Not hiring a car to arrive to the wedding in. We opted for an Uber for all the girls and to my surprise a jaguar arrived to transport the girls to the ceremony location. 

Bride’s dress: Wendy Makin Bridal Designs 

Bride’s earrings: Swarovski

Bride’s shoes: Myer

Bridesmaids’ dresses: Show Me Your Mumu 

Bridesmaids’ accessories: Sportsgirl

Bridesmaids’ shoes: Betts Shoes

Groom’s attire: Politix 

DIY: Wedding ceremony booklets

Honeymoon: Spicers Tamarind Retreat

 Number of guests: 140

Wedding budget: $45,000

Actual cost of wedding: $55,000

Bride-to-Bride Advice 

“Don’t let the planning and minor details get in the way of remembering what this day is really about – you marrying the person that you love. This day should represent you as a couple.”

Next Big Adventure

“Our next big adventure is welcoming the first of our children in December. What an amazing adventure this is going to be!”

Photographer: Alan Hughes Photography | Videographer: Zeal Visuals | Wedding planner: Cloud Nine Weddings | Flowers: Magnolia Grove | Cake: Chocolate2Chilli | Bombonnieres: Candy Addictions | Transport: Uber | Makeup: Annyse Makeup Artist | Hair: Rosemary Hipwood | Styling: Cloud Nine Weddings | Stationery: Vistaprint + Paperlust | Accommodation: Apartment #1 Hastings Park Noosa

The post Renee loves Dominic | Noosa Beach Wedding appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Luxury travel blogger, Emma Pryor, has quite literally been and seen it all from European adventures to tropical island getaways. When it came to her wedding, the only place in the world that made sense was Noosa River. Emma and her now husband, Matt, planned a Hamptons-style wedding in a place that feels like home to the Brisbane couple. 

After a beachfront ceremony on Noosa Main Beach with the calm blue waters and surfers for their backdrop beyond their stunning floral arbour, the lovers travelled to their reception at Noosa Boathouse in style with a ferry cruise. 

Emma has shared some of the highlights of her day, and how she planned the perfect Hamptons style Noosa wedding…

That Beach Life

“Including the beach was important to us as we spend so much time there. We also wanted guests to enjoy the Noosa River at sunset, as we often come up to Noosa North Shore and take out our tinnie on the river and up into Noosa Sound.

“We spend so much time at the Sunshine Coast with the majority of our family and several friends up there, but we also spend a lot of time going on adventures and dates with just the two of us as well. Once we saw wedding pics from Noosa Boathouse’s function level and did a site visit we were sold.”

Special Wedding Songs 

“Walking down the aisle was our most important song which we chose Elvis ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’, as my partner grew up watching old Elvis movies and that was one of the first songs I learnt to play on piano. It was perfect! We had our first dance to Van Morrison ‘Moondance’ which we attended lessons for to put on a choreographed dance for guests. We were both so nervous but very excited when we nailed it!”

Images by Alan Hughes Photography

Emma’s Advice for Future Brides

“There’s so much stress in the lead up, but my biggest advise is to try and chill out as much as possible when you are getting ready and just take it all in throughout the day. You’ve done all the hard planning and what will be will be. Enjoy your special day!”

Planner Mode

“Pinterest really does seem to become a good source of inspiration when planning the overall wedding theme. The wedding magazines are pretty, however working in digital I prefer blogs! I loved looking at The Bride’s Tree for some serious inspo and supplier information.”

The Biggest Challenge

“Finding a well-priced waterfront reception venue and deciding what to do in the event of inclement weather (we got very luck had had mainly sunshine and mild temperatures).”

Wedding Secrets

Biggest splurge: The photography and dress- both worth it! 

Best money-saver: Getting our flowers from Eumundi Roses, which is a beautiful rose farm and our cake from Richie’s Bakery.

Bride’s Dress: “Lexi” gown by Enzoani from White Lily Couture 

Bride’s accessories: White Lily Couture  + The Luxe Bride Co. 

Bride’s shoes: Michael Kors

Bridesmaids’ dresses: ASOS

Bridesmaids’ accessories: Lovisa

Bridesmaids’ shoes: Their own 

DIY: I made the invitations and planned the event. 

Honeymoon: Thailand

Number of guests: 100

Wedding budget: $35,000

Actual cost of wedding: $40,000 

Luxury Heist

As you can probably now tell, Emma is one gal who treats luxe like a lifestyle. Her travel blog, Luxury Heist, is just where you should go to find out how to travel in luxury. Did someone say honeymoon? 

Emma & Matt | Wedding Highlights from Unveil Films & Photography on Vimeo.

Photographer: Alan Hughes Photography | Venue: Noosa Boathouse | Styling + decorations: Splash Events | Flowers: Eumundi Roses | Cake: Richie’s Bakery | Transport: Noosa Ferry | Hair + makeup: Sugar Mobile Makeup | Entertainment: Luize Music | Stationery: Etsy | Celebrant: Jacqueline Gray | Wedding night accommodation: The Islander Noosa Resort

Thanks for supporting our A-list Vendors, who were part of Emma + Matt’s Noosa wedding Dream Team… 

Learn more about… Alan Hughes Photography + White Lily Couture  + Splash Events + Noosa Boathouse 

The post Emma loves Matt | Hamptons Wedding Style on the Sunshine Coast appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

It’s Friday, and it’s time to take a moment to ogle at some amazing wedding photography, of course. Here at The Bride’s Tree, we are huge fans of Alan Hughes Photography, and hold his work up as the highest standard. I’m sure you can see why when you take a stroll through this pin board gallery full of his incredible work. You’re welcome. 

The post Pin Board Love: Alan Hughes Photography appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

This handsome couple from Sydney came up to the Sunshine Coast to meet their wedding photographer, Alan Hughes Photography, and a holy gorgeous engagement photo shoot ensued. While they plan to marry in Yandina, their engagement session was held in Doonan, which, for those playing at home, is basically the country/inland part of Noosa. 

Having the shoot before their wedding was all about discovering how Alan works in a way to make his subjects relax, enjoy and end up with beautiful pics to boot. I’d say mission accomplished. 

The post Engaged: Melissa and Ben in Doonan appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Exactly one year to the day after they became engaged, Renai and Paul married at Hidden Grove, and then 104 of their family and friends joined them for a reception at Noosa Boathouse Restaurant. The date they chose, also happened to be Renai’s Nan and late Pop’s 60th wedding anniversary. Aww! 

Renai and Paul’s bridal fashion and styling is to die for. Alan Hughes Photography caught every special moment along the journey of their very special wedding day. 

Most Special Part

Being able to share our wedding day with my lovely Nan and late Pops 60^th wedding anniversary.

Honeymoon

We are off to Thailand. We didn’t go on a honeymoon straight away, firstly so I could extend the ‘wedding process’ as long as I could and to relax the week after with family and friends who were still here.

Family Helpers

My mum and sister helped with everything, we had weekends together dress shopping and planning which was so memorable and helpful! My sister Carly helped me out with all aspects, I could not have done it without her.

Group Holiday

We had family and friends stay up here with us on the coast for about two weeks… most amazing two weeks of our lives to have everyone we love with us for so long.

Bride’s Best Advice

Get an amazing photographer, we love being able to look back at those memories. 

Wedding Secrets

Bridal gown: Maggie Sottero ‘Lavina’

Accessories: My mums earrings, my birdcage fascintor by Ivie White Designs 

Shoes: Betts shoes

Bridesmaid dresses: Bridesmaids Only in Double Bay NSW

Bridesmaids’ accessories: Earrings from Lovisa and the girls wore their own rings.

Groom’s and groomsmens’ suit and shoes: Hired from Johns Formalwear 

Rings: Grooms: Michael Hill, Bride: NY2K in Cotton Tree, designed to have my Nan’s diamonds from her wedding band put in there. 

A-list Vendors

Photographer: Alan Hughes Photography

Venue: Noosa Boathouse Restaurant

Florist: First Class Functions

Decorators: First Class Functions

Cake: Faye Andrews from Gympie / Hair Stylist: Halo hair Mooloolaba / Entertainment: Radio Club Band / Celebrant: David Ayling

View Renai & Paul’s full wedding album.

The post Real Wedding: Renai & Paul in Noosa appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Now here is a unique idea for you. Once you are married, why not do a “trash the dress” style photo shoot with a difference and go underwater! 

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Sunshine Coast wedding photographer, Alan Hughes, convinced newlywed couple, Elisha and Stephen, to take a leap of faith and go below for their post-honeymoon photo shoot. I bet they are not sorry he did, these photos are nothing short of incredibe! 

We love the way Elisha’s dress flows in the water, and they have somehow managed to create an incredibly romantic set of images. I’m sure not all of us could pull off such a feat so gracefully, but these two, with the guidance of champion photographer, Alan, have achieved stunning results. 

The beautiful lighting and intimacy are what make these photos, and give it that sense of voyeurism. Alan has managed to take stunning photos from all different angles, and create a collection of incredibly unique photos. We must remember – Alan was in the water, too! We simply don’t know how he does it! Wonder if he wore goggles…

You can meet the man behind these incredible images on Sunday at the It’s My Wedding Expo! Here are all the details: 

It’s My Wedding Expo

Date: Sunday, May 24

Venue: Events Centre Maroochy RSL, Memorial Avenue, Maroochydore

Time: 10:00am to 3:00pm

Fashion Shows: 11:30am & 2:00pm

Entry: $10 per person (tickets at the door) 

You can score a free double pass to the Expo today! Enter via our Facebook page or Instagram @thebridestree

The post Underwater Wedding Photography appeared first on The Bride's Tree.