Marketing Manager Louise and Engineer Michael first met in primary school, when their families lived across the road from one another. Having known each other for such a long time, it’s no wonder Louise describes mutual respect as their greatest strength as a couple. 

While the couple of five years lives locally, their family and friends travelled from Victoria to spend some time soaking up the Sunshine Coast. Oh, and of course celebrating the marital union of the very gorgeous Louise and Michael. 

Jennifer Oliphant  was the couple’s chosen photographer, capturing their day in a most beautiful manner. The wedding began with a ceremony at one of our favourite venues, Anna Bella The Wedding Chapel, and followed with photos on the beach and a Maroochydore restaurant reception. 

Showing off the Region

As the majority of our guests were coming from Victoria and had not seen where we lived we wanted a location that showed the best of the Sunshine Coast – The beautiful Hinterland and the amazing beaches, all in a relaxed environment 

Families Unite

I had both my sisters as my bridesmaids, my Dad walk me down the aisle and my brother did a reading. Michael had his Uncle and two best mates as his Groomsman, and another good friend as the MC. 

Gifts All Around

I gave my Bridesmaids and Mum Peter Alexandra robes to get ready in. Michael gave his groomsman Calvin Klein Underwear and aftershave.

Mini-Honeymoon

We went on a little honeymoon to Byron straight after the wedding (stayed at – The Byron at Byron) but we are going to America early next year.

Wedding Secrets Revealed

Biggest splurge: Videography

Best money-saver: Our amazing cake, made by a friend

Bridal gown: Dressmaker, Susan Ogg

Accessories: Grandmothers eternity ring, Gregory Ladner drop earrings

Shoes: Christian Louboutins

Bridesmaids’ dresses: White Runway, ‘Danica’ dress

Bridesmaids’ accessories: Pearl stud earrings (owns)

Groom’s suit and shoes: New England and Zu shoes

Groomsmens’ suits and shoes: Red Formal Melbourne

Rings: Mario’s Jewellers Melbourne

DIY: Decorations

Number of guests: 80

Wedding budget: $35,000 

Who paid: The bride’s parents

A-List Vendors

Photographer: Jennifer Oliphant

Ceremony Venue: Anna Bella The Wedding Chapel

Makeup Artist: Allure Bridal Stylists

Hair Stylist: Allure Bridal Stylists

Celebrant: Natalie Banner

Videographer: Wild Bunch Weddings / Florist: Jabula Roses / Caterer: Ebb Waterfront / Cake: Corbolicious Cakes / Bombonnieres: Walnuts in white boxes from bride’s farm / Transport: Oak Corp limo for bridal party – Hinterland Coast Transport for guests / Decorators: Wish Events / Entertainment: Greg Doney / Stationery Supplier: Vista Print / Dance instruction: Dance 3D / Wedding Night Accommodation: Oceans Mooloolaba Penthouse

View Louise + Michael’s full wedding album

The post Real Wedding: Louise + Michael at Ilkley appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Judy Steward, who dreamt up, designed, built and now runs Anna Bella The Wedding Chapel in Ilkley had the distinct honour of hosting her own son’s wedding at her beautiful chapel recently! Their gorgeous nuptials included their very new 2-month-old bundle of joy, who was suitably doted on throughout the affair by all three of her grandparents.

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The chapel wedding ceremony was followed with bridal party photos on the farm property and dam, then  a catered marquee reception with consumate style, as planned and executed by Wholehearted Studio. 

Their dreamy day was captured by First Class Wedding Photography.

The Happy Couple

The small things matter to us. We never go to bed angry with each other. Who ever goes to work first always gives the other a kiss and an “I love you”, no matter how early. We try go on walks every day to get some quality time to talk to each other.

Surprise Gifts 

The bridesmaids bought me a pearl Tiffany bracelet and Samantha Wills earrings. I, too, unknowingly bought them Samantha Wills earrings. For one of my bridesmaids who had tunnels, and earrings wouldn’t work, she got a Samantha Wills Bohemian Bardot ring.

Patience for the Perfect Dress 

I was heavily pregnant when I was dress shopping and panic bought a dress I didn’t even like! I later found my dream Anna Campbell dress which I bought as well and wore.

Advice for Other Brides

Hire a stylist like Hayley from Wholehearted Studio. She takes care of all the decorating and ‘look’ of the wedding – there is no way I could have pulled off such a beautiful reception without her.

Delayed Honeymoon

We’re going to New Zealand with friends as our honeymoon at the end of July this year. A honeymoon with a two-month-old was going to be too hard!

Wedding Secrets

Bridal gown: Anna Campbell

Accessories: Samatha Wills 

Shoes: Bride: Melissa & Jason Wu

Bridesmaids’ dresses: Cue

Bridesmaids’ accessories: Samantha Wills

 Bridesmaids’ shoes: Joanne Mercer

Groom’s and groomsmens’ suits: Johns Formalwear 

A-List Vendors

Photographer: First Class Wedding Photography

Stylist and Decorator: Wholehearted Studio

Marquee Hire: Perry’s Sunshine Coast Event Hire

Florist: A Sculpted Leaf / Caterer: First Class Functions / Hair Stylist: Cut Your Losses / Entertainment: Acoustic River Band / Stationery Supplier: NicNac Design / Celebrant: The Noosa Celebrant

Take a peek at the Willow and Ben’s full wedding album. 

The post Real Wedding: Willow & Ben at Anna Bella The Wedding Chapel appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Oh look, just see the pretty for yourself in this gallery of images. The sample below are photos taken by Sunshine Coast wedding photographer, Aaron Shum, of Wholehearted Studio Photography + Styling. 

The post Gallery of the Week appeared first on The Bride's Tree.