I’m going to apologise right now. I realise we have just caused an argument between you and your betrothed. 

The bone of contention: When you win the Creative Tours & Events Craft Beer Tour, will it be you or your groom who takes your mates for the best day out ever?

Sunshine Coast Buck’s Night or Hen’s Party Tour

The 5-hour tour takes you behind-the-scenes to local breweries and a craft beer bar we didn’t even know existed in Mooloolaba, Maleny, and Pomona. Pile in the bus, because – well, beer tasting will be afoot, and enjoy the scenic ride to each destination. When you arrive at each brewery, you will be taken on a tour and shown just how these quality local craft beers are made. Meet the brewers, who share their knowledge and experience, and of course enjoy a sampling of the beers, some of which cannot be found anywhere else on the Sunshine Coast. 

We’ve teamed up with Creative Tours & Events to give away an incredible prize, valued at $1000. 

The Prize

Your 5-hour Sunshine Coast Craft Beer Tour prize for up to 7 people includes… 

• Transport to two breweries + one craft beer bar
• Beer tastings
• Lunch 
• Tour of a working brewery
• Bottled Water

TOTAL PRIZE VALUE: $1000 

Gals like craft beer, too!

Now you only need to decide… will you keep this prize for yourself and your hens? Or give your groom the best Sunshine Coast Buck’s night (well, day…) ever, and earn the coveted status of the best wife-to-be in all the land?

Enter below. 

*Please note that by entering the competition, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions here.

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I’d like to give some pin board love to blissing out today! Soul & Skin Spa in Peregian makes me feel instantly relaxed and reminiscing about my own experience there has me yearning for some girly time at the day spa again… 

For inspiration for a relaxing hen’s day or couple’s spa experience you will want to repeat over and over again, take a peek at their pin board of day spa images. 

The post Pin board: Bliss Before the Big Day appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

When asked to test drive Peregian day spa, Soul & Skin Spa, I kindly obliged. I was to experience the kind of day a bride, her bridesmaids and closest gal pals would on a typical hen’s celebration in this Bali-esque little haven. 

Let me first tell you, I had the most blissful day of my life, which consisted of a delicious blueberry peel, time relaxing in the spa, by the pool and detoxing in the infrared sauna. Let me tell you second how it all went down…. 

It was the most beautiful April day when we arrived. Oh yes, I took along with me two friends, one of whom is the wonderful Hayley from Wholehearted Studio. Hayley was kind enough to take these here rad photos of our day. The other was my gorgeous friend, Gemma, who was visiting the Sunshine Coast for the week and decided to tag along with me to “work” this particular day. Funny, she didn’t join me in the office the whole rest of the week… 

Upon arrival, we were treated to a beautiful jasmine tea, which we took by the pool, as we familiarised ourselves with our home for the day. Soul & Skin Spa owner, Rachel Deguara, showed us around and explained how the day would work. We would be allowed some time to enjoy the facilities at our leisure before our treatments. 

For a hen’s party, Soul & Skin Spa can cater champagne and nibbles, and sushi, or you can BYO everything yourself. 

The infrared sauna was too good to resist. Stocked with magazines and Angel Cards, and bench seats to fit up to four giggling gals, as we were, the infrared sauna is a great start to a relaxing day, because it fills with dry heat that works on detoxifying your body from the inside out. Re-emerging into the real world, we were well and truly on our way to true relaxation. 

At this point, we each went off to our respective treatments. Hayley was hankering for a deep tissue massage to ease muscle tension, Gemma was in desperate need of a good pedicure, and I – well I had to test drive one of Soul & Skin Spa‘s famous facials. 

Spa Parties at Soul & Skin are extremely affordable, and start from only $100 per person for 4+ people, which includes a one-hour treatment and exclusive use of the facilities for the duration of your visit. 

I was introduced to the lovely Janelle, who I was told was a genius when it comes to facials. My skin was in desperate need of some loving care and attention. Whenever the cooler months are approaching, and especially if I am experiencing a certain level of stress, (which is always, because I am a workaholic perfectionist type), I start to experience a tingly itch under my nose or under my chin, which if I’m not careful, results in a full-blown flaky patch that hangs around for months. I kid you not. It’s horrifying. 

Determined to avoid this hateful fate this year, I told Janelle of my woes, and the fact that my pores were feeling somewhat clogged and I had been experiencing a few uncharacteristic blemishes. I seriously need to stop talking myself up like this. 

In light of my sad skin tales, Janelle suggested we try the Blueberry Detox Firming Peel to work on those pores and give a nice deep exfoliation, and some calming products to help – well, to help calm my skin, as it were. The result was the most amazing feeling skin that was completely renewed. But that was only the half of it. 

The actual experience of having the facial was what really made this experience for me. Janelle is indeed a genius, and worked on not only face, but on pretty much the whole rest of my body with massage. I would go back a million times. 

Another favourite part of the spa for me was the outdoor monsoon shower, beneath breathtaking Australian native trees and palm trees. I could have stayed in there forever. It was so refreshing after swimming in the pool and relaxing in the spa, which had the best massage jets ever. 

As we reluctantly said goodbye to our haven for the day, we drove out of the spa and waved goodbye to the kangaroos enjoying the grass and the sun across the road. 

If you would like The Bride’s Tree team to test drive your product or service, send your request to sally@thebridestree.com.au 

The post Relaxing Spa Hen’s Day appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

These are the cutest thing since sliced white bread made in a Disney’s Thumper-shaped tin, then wrapped in pink edible foil, and painted with a sweet twinkle in his little bunny eye. That’s a thing, right? No? Should be, just sayin’. 

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So, as I was saying, these cutie patootie party hats are super simple to make, and would be perfect for amping up the festivities at your Bridal Shower or Hen’s Night! Forget the penis straws and tacky fuschia veils, get your crepe paper on! You and your bridesmaids could knock a few up for all of your guests, or if you happen to be a group with a crafty inclination, you could even kick off the event with this as your first activity. 

Can you imagine your group of gal pals getting about the Sunshine Coast for your bridal shower or hen’s night celebrations in these freakishly gorgeous hats? You have to admit, this would definitely get your guests in the right frame of mind for a fantastically fun occasion. 

Find the DIY step-by-step at Oh Happy Day, a blog we absolutely adore here at The Bride’s Tree. 

For more information on Hen’s Nights and Bridal Showers, visit our Resource Guide. 

The post Cute Bridal Shower DIY – Floral Party Hats! appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

SUZIE PLEDGER

Winning caption:

Your girlfriends will always be by your side, even when you tell them to go jump!!

CONGRATULATIONS Suzie and a BIG THANK YOU to everyone that entered the competition!

This competition is now closed.

It’s GIVEAWAY time! We are very excited to announce the biggest prize we have ever given away. It is a package experience worth $5000. The best part is, the lucky winner gets to share the prize with up to 3 of her besties!

The Lucky Winner Will Receive…

• 4 Lucy and Loo convertable dresses

• A Photo shoot with Sabra Creative Photography, at Flaxton Grove + a disk of images for each of the 4 winners

• Professional hair & makeup services for all four ladies by Dot & Birdie and Powder Me Makeup Studio.

• High Tea Pampering session at Flaxton Grove including a pedicure, High Tea + a gift bag for each of the four ladies, all from Allure Hair and Beauty

• Accommodation for the 4 winners + 4 friends (total of 8 people) at Flaxton Grove

• A bottle of champagne.

Total prize value: $5000.

How to Enter

‘Like’ ALL the Facebook pages of our generous sponsors listed below, and The Bride’s Tree Facebook page found here. Complete the entry form at the end of this post and tell us your caption for the last photo below.   This will provide you with your official entry into the giveaway.

SABRA CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY

It is Sabra Creative Photography‘s mission to create carefree, timeless and creative wedding imagery inspired by nature, coupled with professional, friendly service and presented using quality products wrapped in clever, earthy packaging.

Sabra Creative Photography’s Facebook page can be found here

LUCY AND LOO

Lucy and Loo make luxurious convertible dresses and tops that are so soft and lovely on your skin you will never want to take them off.  Twist and wrap these convertible dresses into over 50 different styles! Dress it up for weddings, dress it down for resort wear.  Seriously, you will LOVE the Lucy and Loo Dress!

Lucy and Loo’s Facebook page can be found here

FLAXTON GROVE

Flaxton Grove is a grand three story manor home which is surrounded by acres of English style gardens, complete with swimming pool and gazebo, all perfectly manicured within the gated entrance.  It is a beautiful accommodation venue a short stroll from their other world renowned venue, Flaxton Gardens.

From vast coastal views to the adjacent rolling hills, mature gardens and grand winding pathways, Flaxton Grove is the perfect location for a photo shoot and an overnight’s stay.

Flaxton Gardens’ Facebook page can be found here

ALLURE HAIR AND BEAUTY

Who doesn’t love a high tea? With pretty little food, vintage tea cups and every thing that is good and right with the world! Well, in addition to mobile bridal hair and makeup styling, Allure Hair and Beatuy offer mobile Tea Party Pampering events which are perfect for bridal showers. They arrive at your venue and style a beautiful table of High Tea-inspired treats, served on pretty vintage tea ware, all to be enjoyed while being pampered with with gorgeous organic products.

Allure Hair and Beauty’s Facebook page can be found here

POWDER ME MAKEUP STUDIO

Whether your style is soft, natural, classic & traditional or bold and dramatic, Powder Me Makeup Studio have up to 20 years experience ensuring a professional finish that wears beautifully throughout the day.  Their stylists are exclusively yours on your wedding day – as they only do one bridal party per day to ensure a personalised service.

Powder Me Makeup Studio’s Facebook page can be found here (images by AWPP)

DOT & BIRDIE 

Dot & Birdie is a quirky cottage in Maleny where you will be pampered and beautified, whether it be for a special occasion or everyday!

Dot & Birdie’s Facebook page can be found here

Caption This Photo Below to WIN!

BONUS ENTRIES!

This step is not compulsory but it will improve your chances to win! If you would like to share this giveaway with your friends and family to receive an additional 2 entries per day for the duration of the competition, this will drastically improve your chances to win!  To share and obtain your additional 2 daily entries, click here and ‘public’ share this image via Facebook (it must be shared as public as we do need to be able to verify it.) Then copy and paste this in your status ‘Come and enter this amazing giveaway at The Bride’s Tree for a chance to win “A Big Day Out With Your Besties”. Complete this option and again, fill out the entry form below with a new caption idea.  AND remember you can do this each day to gain a total of 30 bonus entries for this step! COMPETITION TERMS & CONDITIONS: This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook or any other social media platform i.e Twitter, Instagram, Google+. You are providing your information to The Bride’s Tree and not to Facebook. Entry is only open to entrants who are 18 years old and over. The competition commences at 7.00am (EST) on Monday 25^th March, 2013 and closes at 8.00pm (EST) Monday 8^th April, 2013.  The winner will be the best photo caption entry and will be chosen by The Bride’s Tree. The prize must be redeemed on Friday 24^th May, 2013.  If you are not available on this date then unfortunately you are not eligable to enter. You must be a page “Liker” of the following business Facebook pages to be eligible to participate and enter the competition:  The Bride’s Tree, Lucy and Loo, Sabra Creative Photography, Flaxton Gardens, Allure Hair & Beauty, Dot & Birdie, Powder Me Makeup Studio. The prize is not transferable or refundable for cash or product. The prize can only be redeemed together as a group on FRIDAY 24^th MAY, 2013.  Due to supplier availability, this date cannot be changed and cannot be split up over several days. If you are not available on this date, unfortunately you are not eligible to enter and your entry will be withdrawn from the competition. Please ensure you have read the full terms and conditions of this competition, here.

Remember, you must like the following Facebook pages to validate your entry:

Like Lucy and Loo on Facebook

Like Sabra Creative Photography on Facebook

Like The Bride’s Tree on Facebook

Like Flaxton Gardens on Facebook

Like Allure Hair and Beauty on Facebook

Like Powder Me Makeup Studio on Facebook

Like Dot & Birdie on Facebook

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And it's been all the more incredible at The Bride's Tree HQ for all the inspiration being thrown at us left, right and centre. Luckily we are not a selfish pair, but very kind and sharing. 

We kicked off the week with another thing finder guest blog from styling extraordinaire, Hayley Shum. The clever lass she is had us reeling with this cool wedding guest book idea. 

Tuesday we brought you the sweetest floral styling idea for a Christmastime wedding, or an anytime wedding, really. 

Wednesday was a day for all kinds of pretty and the best bridal shower idea ever! 

On Thursday we got to know a brilliant Sunshine Coast wedding celebrant and all-round lovely lady a little better. 

Friday's Gallery of the Week was all about stunning Sunshine Coast wedding photography from one photographer we love. 

So that is the week that was, lovely Sunshine Coast brides! We hope you enjoy a gorgeous Sunday. Make sure you check out our incredible Photo of the Week and we will see you back here tomorow!

The post Just in case you missed it… appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

At least that's what lovely Sunshine Coast bride, Jane, found when she enlisted the help of her sister, Hayley Shum of Hayley Wholehearted, for the job of planning and executing her very special high tea bridal shower. from the decorating, to the food, the flowers and of course the tea cups, everything was perfect. The party was full of ladylike loveliness and genuine vintage pretties that had been locked away for years.

Take a look at the pretty and creative styling in these photos by Sunshine Coast wedding photographer, Greg Parsons Imaging and some words from the bridal shower stylist herself, Hayley. 

"We used all my Mum's antique tea cups that were passed down from my Nanna and Grandmother, and a lovely neighbour loaned me some of her vintage tea cups. These tea cups hadn't been used for years as they had been safely locked up in their display cupboards, so it was lovely to get them out and use them for such a special occasion.

 "My mum made a lot of the food and it looked and tasted beautiful!

"Guests were given tea for two packs to take home and matching tea etiquette cards to read so that we had good ladylike manners at the shower- and ladylike we were!

"I bought the flowers from the local markets and made them up myself, picking carnations to match the tissue paper poms. To keep it modern paper doilies were used rather than real ones and they were cut and delicately stitched into long garlands."

Are you a lovely bridal shower lass, or a last hurrah hen's night kinda gal? Let us know in the comments below on this here blog post.

The post High Tea Bridal Shower appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

"When I arrived at Ikatan Day Spa, Noosa, I could hear the most relaxing music being played and then when I approached reception, I was greeted by one of the loveliest receptionist’s ever.  She sat me down and gave me a glass of Strawberry & Creams tea, which was DIVINE!  Honestly, I feel like my Ikatan Spa experience could have ended there and I would have been blissfully happy & incredibly relaxed.

Then I met  the owner of the spa, Katrina, and her passion for Bali and supporting Balinese communities is so inspirational.  Katrina has a special affinity with anything Balinese – she was even married there herself! She has designed each treatment room at Ikatan like a little Balinese hut and the whole Spa is set amongst incredible tropical Rainforest.  I honestly felt like I was in Bali again!"

There are so many wonderful things to share about Ikatan Day Spa, but today we are sharing with you their simply divine spa parties, (or as Katrina refers to them – Sparties!), for brides-to-be. An alternative to a Hen's Night, it's more like a Bridal Shower with a difference, combining a range of absolute treats. I could think of no better way to relax and unwind in the lead up to your Sunshine Coast wedding than by spending a day in this undeniable paradise. 

At your Sparty, you can expect to be thoroughly pampered with massages, relaxing wraps and facials, and treated to a scrummy high tea and of course – champagne! You and your girls will just think you have stumbled upon a little slice of heaven. 

There are two amazing package options to choose from:

Luxury Pamper and Party Package 

90 minute Spa treatment from below choice + High Tea and complimentary Champagne and T2 Tea + Ikatan gift bag 

• 60 minute massage + 30 minute facial
• Frangipani wrap + 45 massage                                   
• 60 minute facial + 30 minute massage
• 45 minute pedicure + 45 minute oriental head massage

Pamper and Party Package 

60 minute spa treatment from below choice + High Tea and complimentary Champagne and T2 Tea + Ikatan gift bag

• 30 minute massage + 30 minute facial
• Mini manicure + mini pedicure (no french polish)
• 30 minute pedicure + 30 minute head massage
• Back massage + 45 minute facial

Ikatan gift bag for everyone to take home – the gift bag helps support the community in Bali who make these beautiful makeup bags full of spa goodies for you. 

The packages are priced per person. For more information, visit the Ikatan Day Spa, Noosa, website here. 

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