Amanda and Trev were highschool sweethearts, who fell truly, madly, deeply and hopelessly in love over exchange of sweet childish love letters. Those same love letters are the ones Trev bundled together in a vintage jewellery box for Amanda to open on her wedding day morning. How she turned up to her wedding ceremony without puffy eyes, we will never know! 

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This beautiful couple had a long engagement of four years before they finally tied the knot at gorgeous Sunshine Coast hinterland wedding venue, Flaxton Gardens. It was a perfect day, with their ceremony overlooking the gorgeous hinterland, which they say was their favourite part of the day. Kristy Ellis of Weddings with Kristy was their wedding celebrant, who engaged their guests and helped them to have the emotional, yet fun ceremony they had always wanted. 

We absolutely adore the colour scheme Amanda chose – the fresh white with hints of blue and coral are simply stunning and perfect for a Sunshine Coast wedding. We particularly love the florals by Ginger Lily & Rose Floral Studio with its nod to the colour theme in such a creative and intricate fashion. Love, love, love! 

Enjoy these beautiful photos by Sunshine Coast wedding photographer, NKN Photography.

“My advice to other brides is to use reputable and professionals for your wedding suppliers, their creativity and professionalism is worth every cent and you are less stressed for it.”

“I wanted a fresh, timeless look that had a modern palette using coral, white, grey and light blue.”

” As our children are very young it was important to us that our wedding was captured on film using a professional videographer that we thought would capture our personalities and our special moment as a family so we can all watch together and so that our children can see the commitment we have made to each other.”

“Our ceremony was the most special part of the day. It was so personal but fun at the same time. It was everything I had always imagined and it went perfectly.”

“Our very clever seven year old son (who was six at the time) read a beautiful and funny poem at the start of our ceremony which introduced what a wedding was all about and what our guests would be experiencing throughout our special day. Our guests loved it and were in fits of laughter, some were even crying.”

Wedding Secrets Revealed

Biggest Splurge: Videography and photography

Best Bargain: I bought my wedding shoes for $50 at Williams on sale

Bridal gown: Anna Campbell, Ivory Collection, ‘Grace’ Dress, $1099 From Eve Boutique

Accessories: Samantha Wills ‘Come Away With Me’ earrings and Pearl Bracelet

Shoes: C Est Bon $50.00 Williams Shoes

Bridesmaid dresses: Bariano One Shoulder Twist, $299.00 from Hoe Boutique

Bridesmaids’ accessories: Samantha Wills Amour Noir Earrings, $75 each from Eve Boutique, they wore their own shoes

Groom’s suit and shoes: Always Habit Paddington, $650.00

Groomsmens’ suits and shoes: Roger David $275 each

DIY: We made a chalkboard sign the day before our wedding of our love story and our children illustrated it  with pictures of themselves playing guitars and love hearts. We also had homemade cookies as bonboniere and a cool drink coaster that had “Eat, Drink, Dance – To you and to yours“,  and our names and our wedding date written on it.

Number of guests: 80

Wedding budget: $25,000

“My husband surprised me with a beautiful pearl bracelet and had a vintage jewellery box filled with love letters we had written each other over the last nine years. As I was in school when I met Trev some of them were so funny and childish. I really appreciated this as Trev isn’t the most emotional person I know.”

“The weather was amazing, not a cloud in the sky. There was a slight breeze however which made for great photos of my veil floating in the soft wind.”

“We decided to swap the standard sit down entree to cocktail food out on the terrace which gave us more time to mingle with our guests, the food was amazing, all our guests have complimented this aspect to our wedding. Then we moved inside the Winery Room to our mains which were Twice Cooked Pork Belly in a soy jus and Pan Roasted NorthTerritory Barramundi, we had a Cherry Ripe Chocolate Mudcake by Sunny Girl Cakes for dessert with a traditional top layer of fruit cake which we have kept for our first year anniversary, this was served with coconut Icecream and raspberry coulis”

Amanda & Trev’s Hand-picked Team That Made It Happen

Venue and catering: Flaxton Gardens

Photographer: NKN Photography

Florist: Ginger Lily & Rose Floral Studio

Cake: Sunny Girl Cakes

Celebrant: Weddings with Kristy

Makeup Artist: Makeup 4 Brides         

Hair Stylist: Hair 4 Brides

Videographer: Sunshine Coast Videography

DJ: Moove It DJs / Stationery Supplier: Invitation Designs By Eliza

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Our spotlight is trained to a true superstar of the Sunshine Coast wedding industry today. Shona Anderson is someone who really brings it to each and every wedding ceremony she officiates on the Sunshine Coast. When you meet Shona, you can see beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is one lady, who truly adores what she does. Her bridal couples mean the world to her, and being there for them in the lead up to their wedding day to put together their own personalised perfect wedding ceremony is what makes Shona’s world turn.

Anyway, enough about this business stuff. Let’s get to know Your Celebrant Shona on a more intimate level. We got all the goss from this vivacious lady, and she had us giggling away at her big personality, as only Shona can! 

Where is your fave place to go for a tea/coffee on the Sunshine Coast?

I am quite partial to a Chai latte anywhere near water so “One on La Balsa” Mooloolaba/Buddina is high on my list, also nice to do some celebrity spotting!

What is one of your absolute fave things to do in your down time?

Again water features quite high on my list, The Hubster (Robert) and I go Kayaking with our Moodle ~ Missy on Currimundi Lakes, we pack picnic lunch and chill out for a few hours. Jet skiing runs a close second!

If you planned one perfect day, what would it involve?

Actually my previous answer pretty well sums it up, but add our four adult children and our new granddaughter to the mix and then it would be absolute perfection!

What is something that is really important to you in your life?

Family and friends. I adore special times with these fabulous people in my life! It can be as simple as a BBQ or as glam as a cocktail party; when family and friends are around me I am one very happy lady!

When you meet an engaged couple, what is one thing you love to learn about them?

I adore hearing their love story and family history. Why? Amazing information is revealed that makes for inspiring wedding ceremony content that will enthrall their guests and set the tone for the rest of their wedding day. For example, one couple had all their grandparents and parents all still happily married (that’s quite rare!), the combined tally of all of those marriages was 290 years, The grandparents and parents were honoured in the ceremony in a significant way and gave advise to the couple, which has remained with me to this day!

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

For several years I worked on Hayman Island in the royal suites and was the gopher for Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, Lord Wedgwood, Henry Kissinger, Andre Mastrassi among other VIPs – yep they are just like you and I, burps, fluffs and all!

If you could offer one piece of sound advice to brides and grooms, what would it be? 

Compromise! It’s the key to success in almost any given situation. 

Image by Chesterton Smith Photography

What made you want to become a wedding celebrant?

Back in the day in another locale, The Hubster and I were married by a Civil Celebrant, who did a half-hearted ceremony. I thought to myself, “I’m darn sure I could do better than this” So I did my studies and made a pledge to myself to strive really hard to create ceremonies that are unique and meaningful to each and every client and to go the extra mile for my clients, I’ve found it’s always the sweetest mile to travel with them.

What do you love about your job?

Confucius said “Find a job you like and you will never work a day in your life!” –  I’d have to agree, except, I don’t like my job, I love it! Be it a wedding, naming, funeral or any other special occasion; I feel very honoured to be a part of such important moments in peoples’ lives. Meeting so many lovely people with varied cultures and beliefs is an absolute joy to me. Symbolism and ritual research intrigues me and can be the crucial difference between a glorious or ghastly ceremony.

The post Spotlight on a Supplier: Your Celebrant Shona appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Today some words of wisdom from guest blogger, Fiona Roberts of Celebrate With Fiona. This lovely lady is one amazing Sunshine Coast wedding celebrant we simply adore! Take it away, Fiona! 

So you thought it would be great to write your own vows, but now a substantial dose of writer’s block (not to mention an overriding fear of embarrassing yourself) has hit you squarely on the head.  Not sure how to transform your life-altering feelings into a paragraph of coherent words?  You’re not alone — but don’t worry, your goal is within reach.  Just take it one word at a time!  

Before you get started…

Make sure your Celebrant will accept personalised vows.  If you’ve chosen a Civil Marriage Celebrant, you’re in the clear – as long as you include the legal wording “I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, A.B., take you, C.D., to be my lawful wedded Husband/Wife/Spouse.”  Religious Celebrants, on the other hand, may require you to recite all or part of the traditional vows, though in most cases that’s left to the celebrant’s discretion.  Having said all of that, please remember: even the most accommodating Celebrant should review your words in advance!

Agree on your ‘tactics’

Ensure that you and your fiancé feel the same way: Are you each going to pen your own vows, or will you write them together?  Will you show them to each other before the ceremony?  Or will they remain a romantic secret to be shared on your special day?  Something to remember: Secret vows often mean tears on the day – happy tears of course – but tears nonetheless.  So, if you do take this option, you may want to have a tissue somewhere handy!

Establish some ground rules

An outline helps to establish a structure, so that your vows (whilst perhaps different), are still a similar length and follow a similar format.   For example, plan to first talk about how you met, then about how wonderful life has been as a couple, then about what you’re vowing to each other.  Don’t underestimate the power of humour either – consider throwing in at least one playful sentiment.  The most important thing is that your vows ring true and sound like they’re from your heart – after all, these are the promises you are basing your Marriage on!

What on earth do you say?!

To help you think of what to include, take turns answering these questions. When you’re done, look through your answers for the phrases that best capture your intended message and blend them into the structure of your vows.  Alternatively, your Celebrant may have some ‘sample’ wordings that you can check out – here you will be able to get a feel for the sorts of words and phrases that you like and don’t like, and then you can incorporate those ideas.

1.      What did you think when you first saw him/her? Start from the very beginning.  When did you realise you were in love? The more specific you are able to be, the more touching the story. 

2.      What do you have now that you didn’t have before you met?  Focus on the heart and head, not material possessions.

3.      How has your view of the world changed? Life has likely gotten better since the two of you joined forces, so share that!  What do you miss most when you’re apart?  Where do you see yourselves in 10 years? What are your long-term hopes and dreams?

4.      Do parts of the traditional vows resonate with you? Maybe you’re not too sure about the obey part, but can you really go wrong with love and cherish?  Perhaps try a little humour here to lighten the traditional sound – for example: I promise to cherish and honour you all the days of my life, especially when curled up on the couch with takeaway.

5.      Can you think of a funny or touching experience that put your partner in a new light?  Is there a harrowing experience that strengthened your bond? 

6.      What goals and values do you both have? Stating your common bond may just expose your inner wordsmith.  What about him/her inspires you?  What do you most respect about your partner? 

7.      What promise can you make to show your devotion? Here’s an opportunity to personalise your vows — many couples pledge their endless love, but how many promise to take the rubbish out, even the rubbish in the bathroom, without being asked?  (Yes, that HAS happened!)

8.      How will you change together? You know what your goals are — think about the steps the two of you will need to take together to reach them.  Why are you entering the bond of marriage?  Why is marrying your fiancé is so special.  What will keep your marriage strong? 

9.      What are you most looking forward to about married life? The wedding is just the beginning.  What do you expect out of married life? Defining your expectations will help you make and keep promises. Think about your dreams, and what you’ll have to vow to do to make them come true.

10.  What words do you associate with love? Make a list of romantic terms so you can avoid overusing love — too many repetitions dilute its power.

So there you have it, some useful tips for making your vows your own.  Don’t forget, your very best source of assistance is your Celebrant.  Ask for help if you need it – I personally love being able to help couples craft the perfect vows to reflect their relationship and base their Marriage on!  And one last thing – if you are feeling shy, consider writing your vows together and reciting the exact same promises.  If there’s more you want to say, there’s always the option to say it privately, in a card or on your honeymoon!

Image by Chesterton Smith Photography, taken at a Point Cartwright wedding. 

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