I am reposting this engagement shoot today. 1. Because it’s awesome. 2. Because I’m sure as it was originally posted over a year ago, many of you would not have seen it before and I don’t want you to miss out!

Guess what? You don’t actually have to wear matching white singlets and denim to your engagement photo shoot. And, although there are stunningly gorgeous beaches here on the Sunshine Coast, you don’t actually have to have your engagement session at one of them. And you’ll never believe this – every last pic doesn’t actually have to be all lovey-dovey! 

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Not that there is anything at all wrong with any of the above. The classic denim and white on the beach, all loved-up might be just what you would love to see in a frame on your coffee table or as a nice big canvas on your wall for years to come. You will certainly be spoiled for choice with all of the gorgeous natural Sunshine Coast settings to use in your engagement photo session. 

However, we know there are some of you out there who are a little left of centre, and crave a unique, unusual idea for your engagement photo session. Man, have I got one for you. How about a multi-level carpark in Maroochydore? Sound uninspiring? Think again. You obviously have not met Julian Beattie. Jules loves to work with quirky couples with a bit of a creative spark to create fun Sunshine Coast engagement photo sessions with a bit of a difference and a lot of personality. 

Simon and Simone are clearly a couple with personality. They brought along a couple of props to their shoot – an old camera and an old Korg keyboard. They didn’t match their outfits, they didn’t limit themselves, and… take a look – they didn’t even kiss. This is nothing short of outrageous!

See what a simple idea, three open minds and a whole stack of fun can produce! 

Show us some comment love (below) and let us know which seemingly modest, underrated or overlooked Sunshine Coast location you would consider using for a unique engagement photo shoot. 

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It will be actually quite simple and cheap to DIY your own photo booth props for your Sunshine Coast wedding. Here’s how Taryn went about it. 

Taryn first tackled her old dress up box, found stashed at her Mum and Dad’s, then hounded her brothers and pals for their haul from recent themed parties. She only had to actually purchase a few items brand new, such as the variety of fun coloured sunglasses. A very inexpensive exercise! 

As you’re looking through, you may notice a couple of familiar faces in this lot… such as the awesome Sunshine Coast photographer, Julian Beattie, and… The Bride’s Tree’s own Sally, who just so happened to be a guest! 

Julian Beattie Photography is also responsible for these here images, sure to put a smile on your dial this lovely Friday. Have a beautiful weekend, lovely Sunshine Coast brides! 

Psst… the blondie below is The Bride’s Tree’s own co-director, Sally! 

Look who else got in on the fun… Oh, you’re a cheeky little photographer, Julian Beattie! Always a blast having you around!

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Sheree's dad had just walked in, looked at her and started to cry. Sheree had a one beautiful big tear roll down her cheek and Dave was lucky enough to capture it. ADORE! 

Have a beautiful long weekend!

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So we figured, you might need some talking points to bring up with Luke when you pop in to visit him and see more of his amazing work. To that end, we grilled the guy and as usual, Luke's responses to our tough questions were intelligent, considered, honest and quite captivating. Much like the man himself!

What's your favourite book?

LG: I always find it impossible to decide on a favourite book, movie, band etc. I do have my all-time favourites for sure, but to decide on one as the ultimate favourite is a gruelling task. So, I decided my favourite book that I have read in the last 12 months would have to be "The Grapes Of Wrath" by John Steinbeck. This book absolutely floored me. Steinbeck's ideas we're way beyond his time, reflecting the humanitarian attitudes of social justice and equality that we are so privileged to live with today, and this was written in 1939! The heartbreaking story of Tom Joad and his stoic family, is one I will never forget.  

Where do you do your best thinking?

LG: Going walking with my partner, is when all the magic happens for me. Leaving the house, the office, the domestic distractions behind, I find my mind can be totally free to dream, to envision the vision and think big. I love this ritual, although I wish I could do it more often. But when we do go walking together we usually arrive back home inspired with plans for the next few months. It's a great space for a board meeting.

Tell us about something special in your life.

LG: Well, this has to be my daughter Pearl Magnolia. She is 11 days old and seems to have taken the top spot for "most important thing/person in the world" for me right now. She has captured my entire heart and soul!

Black & White or Colour?

LG: This is a BIG question for a photographer. Most people have a soft-spot for Black & White, but I was fanatically obsessed with it for MANY years. So much so, that I set my digital camera setting to shoot only B&W, which is a big no-no as I can never turn those images to colour. Not that I'd want to. I love the dramatic intensity of B&W. The contrast of light and shadow, the intriguing textures and patterns it can magically manifest. When ever an image is made B&W it is instantly transformed. I love how it draws focus on the subject, while subduing the distracting nuances of a colourful background. A big contributor to my love of B&W was the inspiration of early 20th century photographers. The early pioneers like Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, Minor White, Cartier-Bresson, Werner Bischoff and Andre Kertesz all played a hugh part in opening my eyes to the emotional impact of photography. Their vision was an artistic vision. They saw that photography was much more then mere documentation, but was a medium (as worthy as any) for the heart and imagination to express itself in the exploration of light and composition. They were the innovators that have made photography what it is today.

What's your favourite thing about photographing weddings?

LG: Weddings are the modern day fairytale. They can be as extravagant or as personal as the bride and groom desires. They are the one event in a person's life that allows them to feel magnificent and exceptional, like they are the princess that they dreamed of when they were a little girl. This atmosphere is electric and phenomenal to photograph. But the element that always inspires me the most is the love story that is at the centre of it all. The energy that sparks between the couple is magnetic to my lens. It is the formula that creates spellbinding images, and fulfils the musings of the bride's childhood dreams of love and the feeling of being adored.

Where on the Sunshine Coast would you like to most photograph a wedding?

LG: The two places that I would love to photograph that I haven't yet are Yandina Station and Annabella, The Wedding Chapel. Both of these places have a unique difference that really captivates me. I look forward to the day when I have the privilege of being invited to shoot at one of these places.

What is your best advice for brides?

LG: I can't stress the importance of being 'in love' with your photographers work. To see the artistic value in their work helps give a photographer the confidence to follow their own artistic vision to create a unique portrayal of your day. The photographer provides more then just the service of documenting your day. They also provide the invaluable commodity of your images. Images that will become priceless as the generations roll by. With this perspective, it is likely that brides will start to appreciate the value of their investment. It may seem a lot of money now, but what is that money worth in a few years time? More than the immeasurable relief that you will feel knowing that you invested in a creative professional to be the visual narrator of the most significant chapter of your love story? I hope not : )

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Hayley really understood exactly what the heart of The Bride's Tree is all about. It's pretty, it's vintage-inspired, it's joyful, feminine goodness. It's about friendship, it's about being inspired, it's about enjoying what we do so very much. The styling by Hayley was so very pretty and thoughtful, we were overwhelmed by the effort she went to in making our shoot unique and very "us."

Meanwhile, Emma made us feel at ease and captured every moment beautifully. Oh look, enough of me rabitting on about it, you can see for yourself. I'd like to introduce us, The Bride's Tree team, Jenny and Sally.

Thanks to Jaye Create for the cute-as-a-button signage!

Love these cute crates and stool, available from Willow and Bird

Meet The Bride's Tree team: Sally (left) and Jenny (right)

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See more of Pablo's beautiful images in his photo gallery, found right about here.

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For transportation, the couple hooned around town in awesome hired red and yellow Mustangs, first to their ceremony at Ravenwood Park, Noosa Sound, and then on to their reception at Trio’s On The River at Noosa Marina.

When planning their wedding, Larissa and Lewis placed their highest level of importance on finding the right photographer. They wanted to be able to look back and relive their magical day for years to come with beautiful images that told their story. They couldn’t be happier with the result in these amazing photos by Level Eleven Photography.

“My mum was amazing, without her there wouldn't have been a wedding!”

 "We met through a mutual friend. It's funny we lived in Noosa for our whole lives, had mutual friends, even went to the same school, but never met!"

“At Trio’s we were able to have a formal area for dinner and speeches then an amazing area for dancing and celebrations.”

A Word of Advice From the Bride

“Slow down, enjoy and remember if something doesn't go according to plan on the day it’s okay, you’re most likely the only one that's going to know about it!”

Larissa & Lewis' Wedding Secrets Revealed

Biggest splurge: The reception took over half the budget, but they say it was worth every cent

Best bargain: Alex & Alex shoes from a vintage store in Eumundi

Bridal gown: Sugar & Spice Bridal

Accessories: Nan's wedding band, Swarovski 

Shoes: Alex & Alex ruby slippers

Bridesmaid dresses: Paco from Sketch Noosa

Bridesmaids’ accessories: Swarovski tennis bracelet & earrings 

Groom’s suit and shoes: Yd 

Groomsmens’ suits and shoes:  Yd

Jewellery: Rosendorff Jewellers  Bombonnieres: DIY Jars from online and conversation hearts and lolly buffet lollies sunshine coast confectionery warehouse

DIY: The table place cards, invitations, the gorgeous L&L wedding sign was made by Lewis, all the table setting birdcages and signs were made by the couple, flower arrangements, flower girls' and junior bridesmaid dresses, lolly buffet.

Number of guests: 80

Total cost: $12,000

The Hand-picked Team That Made It All Happen

Photographer:  Level Eleven Photography

Florist: Noosa House of Flowers

Caterer: Trio's On The River

Cake: Chocolat Patisserie

Transport: Stangfever International

Makeup Artist: Makeup by Jana

Hair Stylist: Ziggies Hair

Decorators: First Class Functions

DJ: Elite Sounds Entertainment

Stationery Supplier: DIY

Celebrant: Joyclyn Humphries  

Other: Digi-Diary video guest book kiosk, nails Shellac by Pia Pedersen 

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Set in intimate surrounds amongst towering weeping figs, the Secret Garden is an enchanting concept that delicately combines elegance and glamour. The eclectic mix of mismatched chairs, stunning chandeliers, crystal vases and vintage mirrors, alongside a tea light aisle way, combine to create a truly magical and feminine scene.It’s the little details that really make this styling so special. We love the macramé chandelier and handwritten mirror set upon an elegant white easel. So special!

Now, let's talk about this candy buffet… my goodness, what a delectable display! Pretty apothecary jars, teacups and books make for a whimsical trip to sweet tooth heaven! Not to be outdone, the refreshments table is equally as divine. I love to death the wine glasses-come teacups. Who wouldn't love drinking from these?! Seriously, who? Find me the person – this is my challenge* to you.

These beautiful images were taken by none other than the super talented and super sweet, Jennifer Oliphant, who is one of our favourite Sunshine Coast wedding photographers. She has captured this styling beautifully, as she does with all of the weddings she photographs.

*You cannot win this challenge. You will fail.

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Love, love, loving this image by Sunshine Coast wedding photographer, Tanya of Chesterton Smith Photography! It was taken at one of our favourite Sunshine Coast wedding ceremony spots, Wirranda Park in Buderim. The canopy of trees is so very magical!

As always, Tanya has done an amazing job of capturing the special moments for this beautiful couple, which is why today we have chosen this image as our photo of the week. Sunshine Coast brides, if you have not yet looked at the Chesterton Smith Photography image gallery here on The Bride's Tree, you had better high tail it over there, as you stand to find out why we just adore this incredible lady!

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There's more than one kind of Sunshine Coast beach wedding? I hear you ask.

Yes, my sweet, unassuming, Sunshine Coast bride, there is. There are infact limitless possibilities! Today we are sharing with you two classic themes using similar colours with a strong beach theme, which can be used at your beach ceremony, and continued right through to your wedding reception.

Sunshine Coast wedding decorators and stylists, Splash Events, created these two gorgeous themes. They are classic, use natural colours, and each have something truly special. These lovely images were taken by Lindy Photography in the Splash showroom at the recent launch of their new decor catalogue, which itemises all of their styling hire items (psst – it's available to download on their website!) 

We went along to the launch of the catalogue at the amazing Splash showroom and managed to nab a copy. It just makes life so easy for planning exactly which decorating items you would like to have for your wedding and allows you to keep track and plan within your budget, because every item is priced. It completely allows you to see where you can splurge and where you can save with so many choices and alternatives right on the page in front of you.

Lindy also cleverly put together the two inspiration boards, showing off two classic Sunshine Coast beach wedding themes – Shabby Chic Beach and Beachy Glam, styled in a fresh and unique way. Enjoy!

SHABBY CHIC BEACH

KEY ELEMENTS OF THE SHABBY CHIC BEACH WEDDING THEME

• Natural colours, teamed with lots of white
• Thrown together look throughout – nothing too "in place" or matching
• Tea light candles in mix and match candle holders of white ceramic and glass with large twine crochet
• White furniture and decorating items with indicative shabby chic treatment
• Shells
• Throw cushions
• Various parasols in white and natural colours
• Wicar baskets

BEACHY GLAM

KEY ELEMENTS OF BEACHY GLAM WEDDING THEME

• Natural colours, teamed with lots of white
• Symmetry in design and placement
• White candles in clear glass
• Contemporary outdoor furniture
• Subtle inclusion of pastel colours (eg. peach and mint green)
• White canopy on bamboo frame
• Chalkboard (very on trend)

As you can see, both styles allow for relaxation and comfort in two very different ways. Who knew "beach" as a theme was so versatile! If you haven't seen enough of Splash Events' stunning beach wedding styling, take a peek inside our current edition of The Bride's Tree free online bridal magazine. Our fave ever beach wedding theme, styled by Splash Events, is in there – it's a bohemian beach wedding! In stark contrast to these two themes, it is full of lots of colour for once again, a completely different Sunshine Coast beach wedding theme.

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