OPAL + JASON | PELICAN WATERS from Graeme Passmore on Vimeo.

It’s a sneaky little spot, nestled quietly away in the corner of Caloundra, a serene and private oasis surrounded by natural bushland. Pelican Waters Golf Club is one photogenic venue – impeccably kept, yet preserving a rustic ultimately Australian feel where Opal and Jason were married. 

The couple chose to lean into the natural tones of the setting, adding richly coloured native florals and burgundy to the colour theme. Their highlights wedding film by Graeme Passmore Photography & Films captures the sheer happiness and love of their Caloundra wedding day, set to a song I’m personally adding to my next playlist – “Blackbird” by Beeches. 

The Crew

Cinematographer: Graeme Passmore Photography & Films | Venue: Pelican Waters Golf Club | Celebrant: Heart 2 Soul Ceremonies | Styling: Cloud Nine Weddings | Flowers: Wendy’s Flowers & Event Hire | Music: Emma Dau Weddings 

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To make a seaside wedding into a real celebration, take one pretty bride, add some pretty-coloured flowers, a bright lip, and some carefree tresses. 

Using bright pops of colour in the bridal bouquet and flower crown and a pink lip is a perfect look for a fun beach bride. Throw some large balloons and confetti in the mix and you’ve got yourself a colourful, happy and fresh wedding look! 

Photos by Stacey Schramm Photography

Pink lips and warm toned natural eyes are a perfect pairing in this wedding makeup design by Sally Townsend Makeup Artistry.

Love this gorgeous combination of fresh, fun colours in the bridal bouquet, perfectly teamed with the sweet flower crown. Both by Magnolia Grove. 

A sneaky little braid peeps through soft wispy curls in a carefree style by Sass & Niki’s Wedding Hair.

The Dream Team

Photography / Stacey Schramm Photography

Hair / Sass & Niki’s Wedding Hair

Makeup / Sally Townsend Makeup Artistry

Flowers / Magnolia Grove

Models / Tegan + Tariq Al Said

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Enchanting and alluring, our Seaside Sirens shoot from our Summer 2015 magazine was so incredibly stunning, we couldn’t even fit it all in our pages. So I’m sharing a few more of my favourite images today before we take a short blogging hiatus over Easter. 

We will be back in the blogging business on April 13. Until then, scoot on over to our Facebook and Instagram pages, where we will continue bringing you daily inspiration and enjoy today’s prettiniess right here. 

The Dream Team

Photography // Terri Hanlon Photography

Florist // Magnolia Grove

Fashion // Erin Clare Couture

Hair // Sass & Niki’s Wedding Hair

Makeup // Sally Townsend Makeup Artistry

Location // Shelly Beach, Caloundra

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Away from the prying eyes of their 70 wedding guests, Katie and Anthony shared their own private moment on their wedding day with a “first look” prior to their wedding ceremony. It is non-traditional, but a growing trend in weddings that we are quite keen on, as a matter of fact. It’s really sweet to have that intimate moment between two people, who are about to become husband and wife.

This pair, who met on Australian dating site, eHarmony, are definitely not ones to be tied down by tradition. They put their own personal flair on their Caloundra wedding day by having a paper bridal bouquet, and even having their bridal party photo shoot take place in the Caloundra Air Museum. 

Photos of this unique wedding were taken by Glen and Fiona Photographers. 

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“The first look was amazing and special. We got to spend that first moment without the nerves of 70 people watching us.”

“We used one of the lobby’s of the hotel we were staying in (Oaks Oasis Caloundra) for our ‘first look'”

Katie & Anthony’s Hand-picked Dream Team

Photographer: Glen and Fiona Photographers

Venue: Caloundra Powerboat Club

Cake: Judith Brosnan Cakes

Transport: Redback Car Rentals

Makeup Artist: TF Makeup

Hair Stylist: Charly Angelz

Decorators: Beedazzled Events

Dance instruction: Five Star Dance Academy

Gift registry: Myer

Celebrant: Vikki Speller

Wedding Night Accommodation: Oaks Oasis

“Ask your photographers to provide a copy of photos for both parents as a pledge before the wedding. Then your family (especially those in the front row) can relax and enjoy the moment without their cameras. Plus then your awesome professional photos aren’t ruined by family holding cameras in front of their faces or holding up iPads.” 

“If you ask Anthony what the best part of the day was, he would say it was going to the Caloundra Air Museum. For me it was dressing up and being the centre of attention! Marrying my sweetheart was all that mattered in the end.”

“As part of our ceremony Anthony and I exchanged love letters and put them in a time capsule to open in 5 years time along with a bottle of wine.”

“I  had 3 bridesmaids, my best friends Fiona, Michelle and Amanda. I was blessed to have a lot of family from NZ fly over too.”

“I roped in the bridesmaids to spend hours making flowers for the bouquets.”

Wedding Secrets Revealed

Best money saver: I made origami flower bouquets, which were much cheaper, but still looked awesome.

Bridal gown: Maggie Sottero

Accessories: Silver Shop

Shoes: Suna Shoes

Bridesmaid dresses: Alfred Angelo, shortened by Marilyn Crystelle

Bridesmaids’ accessories: Silver Shop

Groom and groomsmens’ suit and shoes: Spurling

Rings: Wallace Bishop

DIY: We made the flowers, invites, seating charts, menus and table numbers ourselves, and my mum, Annette, made the flower girls dresses. 

Music: Our DJ played a mix of modern party tunes and classic pub rock.

Number of guests: 70

Wedding budget: $18,000

The post Real Wedding: Katie & Anthony in Caloundra appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

A beach wedding can be as casual or as classically elegant as you see fit, lovely Sunshine Coast brides. Take our gorgeous model, Kirra, here. Sporting a relaxed chignon hair style and natural, but striking makeup, the elegance is amplified in a couture gown by Erin Clare Couture. 

“Ella” was created with laser cut lace and layers of soft tulle. The illusion neckline and plunging back are delicately embellished with this unique lace.

Adding to the polished bridal look, an exquisite posy bouquet of cream and dusty pink roses with dusty miller leaves, and an arrangement of fresh florals in Kirra’s hair. 

These images were ones taken on a recent fashion shoot for our Summer 2015 free online magazine, but alas we did not have room to show off all of the inspiring beauty. These are never-before-seen shots from our shoot at Shelly Beach in Caloundra. 

The Dream Team

Photography: Terri Hanlon Photography

Concept and styling: Sally Townsend

Flowers: Magnolia Grove

Hair: Sass & Niki’s Wedding Hair

Makeup: Sally Townsend Makeup Artistry

Dress and jewellery: Erin Clare Couture

Model: Kirra 

The post Classic Beauty for the Beach Bride appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

As you know, our latest free online magazine came out yesterday, and it’s full of all kinds of inspiring real weddings that I adored so much, it was impossible for me not to share them with you my dear readers. It’s because I adore you with all my little heart, lovely Sunshine Coast brides! 

So I thought I would share with you my top 4 real wedding picks from our Summer 2015 magazine, which is free for you to view and download. Here goes. In no particular order… 

Bec and Brett’s Maleny Retreat wedding (pictured above was all smiles all the time. From wedding cake and help-yourself afternoon tea with panoramic views of the Glasshouse Mountains to the lawn games to the carnival style marquee reception. What’s not to love? Photo by Don’t Say Cheese Photography. 

If insanely gorgeous flowers that make you spontaneously combust from the full frontal assault of pretty is your thing, then you will enjoy Rebecca and Rhys’ Flaxton Gardens wedding. Photos by Chesterton Smith Photography. 

This couple wanted to keep things intimate, so the Sunshine Coast hinterland’s own French-provincial inspired luxury estate, where everyone could make a weekend of it, was a wonderful choice. And that Jacaranda tree in full bloom… oh, if I had the emojis, there would be heart eyes all up in this place right now. Make sure you check out Stephanie and Ben’s Spicers Clovelly Estate wedding. Photos by Jennifer Oliphant Photographer. 

Finally, Kori and Jonathan’s Maleny wedding took place at Weddings at Tiffany’s, making use of the clean white space and adding colour and flavour with a hint of Mexico to celebrate their heritage. Photos by Deb Boots LOVE STORIES. 

So those were my top 4 Editor’s picks for my fave weddings from our latest magazine. Cause I’m the Editor. And I was picking my four faves. Totally legit… Okay fine, I may have pulled the wool over your eyes, dear readers. In a manner of speaking. While yes, you’re right, four is the total number of real weddings in our summer edition, they really are all my faves! 

I hope you have not lost all faith in me for this deceit. I’m pretty sure you’ll be with me once you have seen them all – picking one fave is impossible when they are all so amazing! 

The post Editor’s Picks: 4 Fave Real Weddings from The Bride’s Tree Magazine Summer 2015 appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Ex-pats Chelcie and Joseph originaly met in their hometown of Christchurch, New Zealand. Chelcie was a just 19 years old at the time. 12 years and three children later, the happily committed couple made the decision to officiate their relationship with a wedding ceremony. 

I absolutely love Chelcie’s heart-melting words about marrying the love of her life after having long ago committed to one another, and the unexpected feelings that came along with a marriage she never expected or aspired to. 

Chelcie and Joseph were the super lucky winners of a $5,000 wedding package, which certainly helped towards the wedding budget, and gave them access to some amazing Sunshine Coast wedding professionals. Winning the prize package really kickstarted their planning and within six months they were saying “I Do” at Moffat Beach in Caloundra. Following this beautiful family-oriented ceremony, they had a fun party at Maroochy Surf Club. 

Andrea Sproxton Photography was there to capture their special day.

“My gift to the groom? That was me arriving and walking up the aisle with a big smile!” 

“We were lucky winners of the Sunshine Coast Wedding Package and had amazing prizes, which coverered or part covered the cost of many important and big costs in any wedding. The wedding total cost for us was $12,000. It would have been $5,000 more should we not have won the prize!” 

“It was tricky having tow of the three bridesmaids live far away, but I created a group Facebook message system that all three bridemaids and myself communicated through, and on many occasions we were in fits of laughter over the funny smaller details of the wedding. It was a great way to get excited and feel connected to them all. 

“I made up a box for each of the bridesmaids, prepared with all the goodies for the day. I enclosed thank you gifts, including wine with a personalised bottle cover of which read, “the best party is a wedding party.” Also enclosed was a shawl for the reception and the earrings for the day.” 

“We are a relaxed couple that have matured together over time and enjoy each other and our quirks. We support each other in our little life projects and both stand strong in our commitment to ensure the best life and love we can provide for our three gorgeous children. I think this was why we didn’t get married for so long, we really didn’t feel the need for any more commitment, we had it a long time ago.” 

“After 12 years together, and three children, we thought that our commitment was enoug. There was something amazing about an occasion just for us; the people who travelled from far and wide, and even close by, just for us. It was a beautiful and personal day for us and we will always remember it fondly, as will our children. I personally am happy to finally have the same surname as my childres as well – kind of like coming full circle.” 

“We had a family feel (at our wedding.) I think we didn’t even openly plan it that way, it just happened. The rings were made by family, the song up the aisle was sung by family. The reading in the ceremony was conducted by family and the sand ceremony was to tie us together as family. 

“As a young girl I never thought I would get married, and it has never really been something I aspired to do – but since that day, I believe it creates a beautiful connection and promise, not just between you and your husband, but between your family and friends that witnessed it, too.” 

“Our two young daughters spent a long time researching and writing their speeches for the reception. Our eldest read a poem about the importance of love and our youngest read a quote taken from her favourite character and tedding, “Pooh Bear”. I think there was one thing that people felt that day – that it was about our family, and love!” 

Wedding Secrets

Bridal gown: Elizabeth De Varga (part of the prize package!) 

Bride/ Bridesmaid/ Flowergirl Acessories: Etsy

Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Bridesmaid dresses: For Her and For Him

Flowergirl dresses: Dollcake

Groom + groomsmens’ suits and shoes: Suits Direct 

Rings: Carter Stewart, NZ

DIY: Name place cards, table numbers, Jenga guest book, thank you cards tied to napkins. 

Number of guests: 60

Wedding budget: $12,000 + $5,000 prize package

A-List Vendors

Photographer: Andrea Sproxton Photography

Florist: Ginger Lily & Rose Floral Design

Cake: Chocolate 2 Chilli

Hair Stylist: Rolling Scissors

Reception Decorations: Splash Events

Reception Venue: Maroochy Surf Club

Celebrant: Your Celebrant Shona

Wedding planner: Dream Wedding Ceremonies / Transport: Sunshine Coast Luxury Transfers / Makeup: Makeup 4 Brides / Wedding Night Accommodation: Aqua Vista Resort

“You don’t have to do any part of a wedding tradition you don’t like – it’s your day, do what makes you happy.” 

See the rest of Chelcie & Joseph’s beautiful wedding album. 

The post Real Wedding: Chelcie & Joseph at Moffat Beach + Maroochydore appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Have you seen the Small Town Charm feature in our latest magazine? It is so seriously cute, I can hardly stand it! 

Oh, but I must. As must you. Since we couldn’t fit all of my fave images from this shoot in the pages of our magazine, here is a whole pin board full of images from the shoot for you to oggle with your boggles. Enjoy! 

The Dream Team 

Suit: Suits Direct

Hair and Make Up: The Beauty Case 

Flowers: Ginger, Lily and Rose Floral Design

Cake: Ideas in Icing

Celebrant: Penelope Watson

Transport: Deluxe Kombi Service

Photographer: Love and Emvy Photography / Dress: Retro Bride / Location: Dicky Beach and Kings Beach / Reception contributors: Miss Poppins Nanny & Babysitting Service / Models: Chi, Kodan, Melissa, Brendan and Wolfie

The post Styled Shoot: Caloundra Retro Wedding appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

If you have a favourite, go for it. If you’re looking for some scent inspiration, you’ve come to the right place. We asked a stack of Sunshine Coast brides what they wore or will be wearing on their wedding day, and these were the results. 

Angel by Thierry Mugler – Joanne from Caboolture

Rocking Rio by Escada – Bree from Currimundi

Red Door by Elizabeth Arden – Jessica from Golden Beach

‘L’ de Lolita by Lolita Lempicka – Liz from Caloundra

Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker – Melissa from Bokarina

Rose by Dolce & Gabana – Nicole from Brisbane

Angel and Demon by Givency – Talina from Currimundi

Oscar by Oscar de Lorento – Carly from Kawana Forest

Flower Bomb by Viktor & Rolf – Alana from Sippy Downs

Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel – Lisa from Aroona, photo by Chesterton-Smith Photography

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Narciso Rodriguez For Her – Sarah from Mackay

Chanel No. 5 – Krystel from Wurtulla

Chloe` Eu de Parfum – Stacey from Caloundra

Classique by Jean Paul Gaultier – Emma from Moffat Beach

Eternity by Calvin Klein – Melanie from Pelican Waters

Chance (Green) by Chanel – Jo from Sydney

Florale by Issy Miyake – Chloe from Wurtulla

Bright Crystal by Versace – Janine from Caloundra

London by Burberry – Jen from Pelican Waters

Euphoria by Calvin Klein – Maron from Caloundra

 Romance by Ralph Lauren – Carly from Caloundra, photo by Lee-Ann Wilson Photography

This is a perfect reason to take that practice honeymoon and get some great duty free deals, no? Show us some comment love below and tell us what will you be wearing on your wedding day! 

The post Smell Like a Bride appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Meagan and Will were married in May of 2011, on what they describe as being an absolutely perfect day, both weather-wise and in terms of everything running smoothly. A dream come true for Meagan, who only wanted to be able to enjoy her big day without the worry of things going awry. How did she pull it off? 16 months of careful planning, my friends.

Their classic romantic theme with roses, and pearls and lace detail, is a lesson in elegance and timelessness. But of course this is no typical couple – as you will see in the absolutely awesome photos by Sunshine Coast wedding photographer, Julian Beattie, they had fun with a lot of laughs and edgy cool factor, too. 

The couple were married in a traditional Catholic ceremony at Our Lady of the Rosary in Caloundra, had their bridal party photo shoot in various locations around Caloundra, before joining their 68 guests at the popular Clio’s Wedding and Function Centre in Palmwoods, which has now moved to beautiful Clio’s on Rosemount. Meagan says their food and decorating was taken care of by the venue, and they couldn’t have been more pleased with the outcome.

Meagan and Will were engaged after a sweet courtship of two and a half years. Both long-time Sunshine Coast locals, the pair met at Mooloolaba hot spot Zachary’s (now called Soave.) While they now work and reside in Brisbane, they simply had to be married on the Sunshine Coast, and conduct most of their wedding planning here, too.

Meagan and Will say their relationship is based on a strong foundation of being each others’ very best friend in the whole world! Aww…  

“I felt like a princess in my Sottero & Midgley dress“

”I was very calm and composed until we pulled up out the front of the church and finally the nerves got the better of me.”

“The best moment of the day was kissing my husband after our I Do’s – we hadn’t seen each other in a few days!”

The Hand-picked Team That Made It All Happen

Photographer: Julian Beattie Photography

Videographer: A friend, who works in animation.

Florist: Val Sparks in Caloundra 

Makeup Artist:  Sally Townsend Makeup Artistry 

Hair Stylist: Julieanne Gant

DJ/Band: Rockin U Wild DJs

“I could not have asked for better weather. It was PERFECTION!”

Meagan and Will’s Wedding Secrets Revealed

Bride’s Dress: Sottero & Midgley from Casar Elegance, Maroochydore 

Shoes: “Grettel” by Tony Bianco

Bridesmaid dresses: Forever New, Sunshine Plaza, Maroochydore 

Groom and groomsmens’ suit and shoes: Roger David, Sunshine Plaza, Maroochydore 

Best Bargain: The boys’ suits were purchased from a fantastic sale at Roger David

Biggest Splurge: Meagan’s Sottero & Midgley Dress

DIY: Stationery – invitations, place cards and menus.

Total Wedding Cost: Approx $14,500 paid for mostly by Meagan’s father, with some help from Will’s mother and the couple themselves also paid for some things.

“My husband’s vows and wedding speech at our reception took my breath away.”

“For the beginning, and during the meals, we had big band and jazz music and then once everyone was on the dance floor we had a mix of everything.”

From Bride to Bride

”Just remember that on the day if anything does go wrong you cannot change it, so make the most of it. Your day will go SO QUICKLY, so remember to spend some time with your husband, too. Also I would recommend above anything else to hire a great photographer and videographer, because your day goes so fast you do tend to forget a lot of what has happened.”

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