Simone and Corey spent a couple of years planning their Cotton Tree wedding, the key thing they attribute to its success. Having given so much time and thoughtful planning to the day, even an unexpected change of venue didn’t rattle them.

Their organisation allowed for a relaxed day and made way for some seriously sweet details, like the surfboard they had made which became both their ceremony signing table and guest book. 

The local Mountain Creek couple were married in a beach ceremony at Cotton Tree, and followed it up with a reception at Maroochy Surf Club overlooking the ocean. 

Simone has shared all her wedding planning experiences and best tips for those wanting a day as perfectly calm and enjoyable as hers… 

The Proposal

“On NYE 2016 Corey took me for a picnic on Alexandra Headland hill. We then went down for a walk on the beach where he asked me to turn around and close my eyes and got down on one knee. His friend hid in trees and captures the moment, which is so nice to look back on.”

Wedding Planning Priorities 

“After looking at many wedding venues we decided a beach wedding was important to us because we spend so much of our time together there. Good entertainment was also important as we love a good party.”

Stand-out Suppliers

“Mallory Sparkles (photography) is incredible, Natalie Hunter did a beautiful job with our makeup, and Ceri fromEvalyn Parsons (hair) was amazing. Emilia from Bloodwood Botanica is so talented, her flower creations took my breath away. Aaron from Cut a Rug (DJ) was so much fun and really knows how to work a crowd. Maroochy Surf Club was great too, they made everything to do with the planning so easy.” 

Images by Mallory Sparkles Photography

Unforgettable Moments

“There are so many special moments. Walking down the aisle and seeing Corey’s face, our first dance which was different to a traditional wedding dance – it was a Brazilian style of dance called Zouk. And dancing on the beach under the fireworks.”

The One Thing We Wouldn’t Change for the World

“Having our dogs at our ceremony. They are our babies.” 

Simone and Corey’s Next Adventures… 

“Our next goal is to buy our family home and to go to Europe for a holiday.” 

Wedding Secrets 

Biggest splurge: Fireworks 

Best bargain: We bought our cake from The Cheesecake Shop and decorated it ourselves 

Bridal gown: Made with Love Bridal from The Sphere Collective 

Bride’s accessories: Etsy

Bride’s shoes: Betts

Bridesmaids’ dresses: Lulus

Bridesmaids’ accessories: Colette by Colette Hayman

Groom’s and groomsmen’s attire: Myer

DIY: Bombinerres, cake decorating and we got a surfboard made (by Beckham’s Surfboards) and used it as our signing table then got everyone to sign it as our guest book.

Honeymoon: Maldives

Number of guests: 85

Wedding budget: $20,000

Actual cost of wedding: $25,000 

Wedding Songs

Walking down the aisle – Latch by Sam Smith

Reception entrance – You’ve Got the Love by Florence and the Machine

First dance – Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran

Check out this Spotify Playlist comprised of real couples’ picks for their songs to walk down the aisle to, and a few suggestions of my own… 

Photography: Mallory Sparkles Photography | Venue: Maroochy Surf Club | Videography: Forever Features | Flowers: Bloodwood Botanica | Cake: The Cheesecake Shop | Table name cards: Wooden Letters Australia | Lolly/mint jars: Etsy | Makeup: Natalie Hunter Makeup Artist | Hair: Evalyn Parsons | Styling: Buzzing Events (ceremony), Creative Bowerbird (macrame arbour), Splash Events (reception) | Entertainment: Cut a Rug | Stationery: Vistaprint | Dance instruction: Absolute Aerials and Dance | Fireworks: KC’s Fireworks | Celebrant: Janelle Watene | Wedding night accommodation: Aqua Vista Resort

The post Simone loves Corey | Cotton Tree Wedding appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Emily was off on her London adventure five years ago, expecting all the typical things you would in a work/travel/play around the UK and Europe – Pimms in Hyde Park in summer, weekend trips to Morroco for winter sun, a culture and music feast all year round. What she didn’t expect was to meet her future husband a mere four weeks after landing at Heathrow. A fellow Aussie, Tim took this Sunshine Coast girl’s fancy good and proper. 

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Considering most of their family and friends were back home in the prettiest of all the lands, Emily and Tim planned a destination wedding to this sunburnt country, and brought a few of their English chums along with them for the holiday of a lifetime. 

The travellers were treated to a perfect beach wedding at Cotton Tree, and Trang from Styl In Images was there to capture each splendid moment. In the bride’s own words, here are all the details about their special day. 

Destination Wedding Logistics

I planned everything via the internet. Because I was in the UK, I had to really place my trust in the suppliers I chose.. and thankfully they were all fantastic! No one let me down, everything was done on time and all expectations exceeded! Highly recommend everyone. 

Attire Bargains

The groomsmen already had dark grey suits from other weddings/work, so we asked them to BYO suit! The logistics of hiring suits was too hard as all the groomsmen were from Perth and the wedding was in QLD. Not to mention the groom being in London!

My wedding dress was not a “traditional wedding dress”, I got it from a London high street and I bargained it down to £400 ($650). It actually cost less than Tim’s suit (which he had handmade in the UK).

Choreographed First Dance

Neither Tim nor I are good dancers so we had many lessons and our instructor even choreographed our dance. It included spins and a lift at the end. The crowd went wild. 

Organic and Natural 

The venue made a huge impact to the wedding day, it set the tone of the whole experience. We were married under the beautiful cotton tree, amazing water views, grass lawn overlooking the water for nibbles, old boat shed for dinner. It was perfect.

We didn’t really follow a theme. It was very organic to our personalities, simple and not overdone. The venue was beautiful enough and we did not want to detract from the natural environment. Location and quality of food were the two most important priorities. We also wanted the ceremony and reception at the same place so that guests did not have to travel.

The Happy Couple

We met through my housemate four weeks after arriving in London.We have the same opinions and sense of humour. But most importantly Tim isn’t afraid to share domestic duties, he does all the cooking and grocery shopping and I do all the cleaning and manage our bills.

Fabulous Florals

All correspondence with my florist, Julia (Ginger Lily & Rose Floral Studio) was via email and we didn’t meet until the wedding day! I described the colour and type of flower I wanted, andJulia emailed straight back with some pictures examples and types she recommended that would be in season and then she had complete discretion to make whatever she wanted! Julia even included a throwing bouquet for free which I hadn’t even thought of. 

Timing is Everything! 

My cousin, Rena, came from the UK and she was responsible for project managing the big day. We only had 45 minutes to set up the venue due to The Boat Shed not finishing their lunch service until 3 o’clock (the ceremony started at 4 o’clock.) There is no way things would have gotten done without her!

My two aunties and uncle assisted Rena with cleaning up The Boat Shed (including trimming the big cotton tree so we wouldn’t hit our heads on the branches!) and setting the tables (i.e. putting the flowers out and our favours, which were “Spread the Love” jam. My bridesmaid Caet’s husband along with two of my close squash friends strung the bunting up perfectly. All the above happened within 45min!

Proposal-themed Cakes

I asked  Skye (Sunny Girl Cakes) for Eiffel tower pictures on our cupcakes (Tim proposed to me overlooking the Eiffel Tower in Paris), Skye sent me a pic, then we agreed on white chocolate cake with lemon butter icing. The cake was delicious!

Wedding Secrets

Biggest splurge: The flowers, they were so beautiful, I loved them. 

Best bargain: A graphic designer from my work designed the invitations, then I used SnapFish to print them. All up they cost £100 ($150).

Bridal gown: Non-designer gown from Coast (UK high street store)

Accessories: Didn’t wear any apart from earrings, found them in Prouds (nothing special)

Shoes: Blue strappy heals found on the internet for £10 ($15)

Bridesmaid dresses: Cooper Street

Bridesmaids’ accessories: Only wore earrings, one of the bridesmaids found them.

Groom’s suit and shoes: Custom made suit in the UK.

Groomsmens’ suits and shoes: BYO suits

Jewellery/rings: Rings from the UK, engagement ring was designed by the bride. 

DIY: Because it was a destination wedding we had to keep the DIY to a minimum. I made the seating plan, it was a joint effort on the jam jar favours (bridesmaid Caet made the jam, while I designed the labels), Tim’s mum made the bunting decoration. 

Number of guests: 85

Wedding Budget:  £25,000

A-List Vendors

Florist: Ginger Lily & Rose Florial Studio

Cake: Sunny Girl Cakes

Makeup Artist: Sally Townsend Makeup Artistry

Photographer: Styl in Images / Caterer: The Boat Shed  / Hair Stylist: Taryn Smith Hair & Makeup / Entertainment: Matthew Barker Music / Stationery Supplier: Snapfish / Gift registry: John Lewis department store in the UK / Celebranty: Groom’s family friend from Perth / Wedding Night Accommodation: The Rovera, Cotton Tree

Take a peek through Emily and Tim’s full Wedding Album

The post Real Wedding: Emily & Tim in Cotton Tree appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Natalie and Orren broke tradition in so many ways for their Cotton Tree wedding. They had a very non-traditional, yet ever-growing in popularity “first look”, whereby the bride and groom have a very private and intimate meeting prior to their ceremony. 

They also took their bridal party photos before the ceremony, forewent a theme, invited children, and provided a picnic for the guests upon arrival. I love the way this couple took every measure to ensure their guests had an amazing day with very thoughtful considerations. 

Chloe from White Images caught the entire beautiful affair on camera. Take a peek! 

Pre-ceremony Photos

The enjoyment of our guests was top priority. Followed by music and food.  We had our photos taken before hand because we didn’t like the idea of our guests having to wait around without us.

A Long Engagement

We foster children with additional needs and have an 18 month old daughter of our own. We were engaged two years – we found out we were pregnant with our daughter, just after our engagement so the wedding had to wait!

Altogether Now

My brother and sister (sister was one of my bridesmaids) read the words to the song “Grow Old with You’ by Adam Sandler from the movie ‘The Wedding Singer.’ Bridal party were involving in the majority of the planning, we brainstormed ideas – this mainly took place at the pub with lots of wine! 

Children Welcome

We decided to invite children – we really thought hard about how we could make sure they also had a good time; magician, sparklers, a big box with balloons, bubbles, colouring books etc.. Having kids there, hearing them laugh and having them dancing with us was awesome!

No Theme Day

My best friend, who was in bridal party, spent the first six months of my engagement stressing that I needed to have a theme. I’m still not sure what our theme was!

Entertainment

We had a fabulous guitarist named Rob McMullen who played multi-genres: flamenco guitar, covers with singing and then later in the night he DJ’d for us. He was great and well worth the money.

The Food

When guests first arrived we had picnic baskets with ploughman’s platters (breads, cheese etc), we then had canapés and for dinner The Boat Shed ran a menu for us with a choice of three entree’s, mains and desserts – it was a modern Australian menu. 

Wedding Day Secrets 

Biggest splurge: Our magician – I booked him without telling Orren! And then said I’d  have crepe paper flowers instead of real flowers for my bouquet in order to save cash! Then the bridesmaids and I attempted  to make the crepe paper flowers without any luck, so I ended up with both a magician and flowers. 

Best bargain: Four Anna Campbell blue dresses for my bridesmaids – we bought them band new online from a girl who had got them from an Anna Campbell sale (after she had decided on a different dress for her bridesmaids). We got them for $250 each and they retail for $600.

Bridal gown: Anna Campbell Gown with a Babushka Ballerina tule skirt over the top (which was later removed for the reception). Cost Approximately $2500 including alterations. Purchased at Babushka Ballerina.

Accessories: Pearl earrings and bracelet – cheapies from Target and Lovisa

Shoes: Very light tan coloured pointy heels with ankle strap by Nine West.

Bridesmaid dresses: Anna Campbell rrp $600, although we got them on ebay for $250.

Bridesmaids’ accessories: Lovisa

Groom’s suit and shoes: Shirt Jeff Banks from Myer, pants from Rodger David, shoes from David Jones

Groomsmens’ suits and shoes: Industry Shirts from David Jones and own shoes.

Rings: both rings from Angus and Coote 

DIY: The bridesmaids and myself made the invitations, name place cards and our table seating chart. 

Guests: 100

Wedding budget: $30,000

A-list Vendors

Photography: White Images

Celebrant: Lynette Maguire

Makeup Artist: Make Up 4 Brides

Venue: The Boat Shed / Florist: Flowers from Etsy shop  / Cake: Sugar Dreams / Bombonnieres: In lieu of bombonnieres, we are donating money to an orphanage in Penang /Hair Stylist: Rebecca Whittington, Adam and Eva Salon / Entertainment: Rob McMullen, Magician Glen Rhodes / Gift registry: Myer

View Natalie and Orren’s Full Wedding Album 

The post Real Wedding: Natalie & Orren in Cotton Tree appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Monday we were thrilled to once again show you a beautifully photographed wedding by none other than the amazing Luke Going. This Maleny wedding was something a little bit different with bridal party photos taken on pristine traditional land. 

Tuesday was another day for thing finding, as our resident thing finder, Hayley, went hunting for a creative placecard and guest book idea of the wooden variety.

Wednesday was super exciting, because we shared with you how to have your own intimate wedding at the multiple award-winning Maleny Manor for as little as $2000 with the release of their new elopement packages. 

One savvy Sunshine Coast bride shared all her best tips on how to stick to your wedding budget, while still having the wedding of your dreams, on Thursday. 

Cotton Tree is one of The Bride's Tree team's fave spots on the Sunshine Coast, and also a lovely place to hold a waterfront wedding ceremony. That's why it was our Gallery of the Week on Friday. 

Make sure you check out yesterday's awesome Photo of the Week by the brilliant Matt Rowe Photography. It's sure to put a smile on your face this fine Sunday! If you are still looking for more Sunshine Coast wedding planning advice, why not head over to our Resource Guide, where you will find all our best wedding planning tips and inside information. 

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

We adore the little part of the world, and feel extremely fortunate to get to go there any day of the week. A Cotton Tree wedding is always a winner, which is why this ceremony location gallery is featured as our Gallery of the Week!

These ceremony location galleries have been created for you, so while planning your wedding you can scope out the area without even leaving your home. Super handy, we know! View all the best spots from every which angle riiiight… here. 

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When you want to have a religious ceremony, deciding upon where to commit your matrimonial vows is a tricky one. Depending on your religion, you may have no choice – a church ceremony is perhaps a must. If you belong to a religion not so strict on the location of the ceremony, you may have the opportunity to keep your religious aspect, and your dream natural setting, too.

CHURCH

The surroundings

Many old and new churches have beautiful interiors. The wooden pews, the stain glass, and wood or stone flooring are features that make a church ceremony feel extra special. The pews are easy to dress up with aisle runners and floral arrangements.

Forget the weather

Church weddings can be truly beautiful, and completely necessary with some religions. The great thing about a church wedding is that you are safe from the elements. As we all know, Queensland weather can be very unpredictable. A beautiful summer’s day can start out with blue skies and end with thunderstorms. So taking the question of whether or not you will be the victim of a washed out ceremony or is one less stress, that’s for sure. If it happens to be a gloomy or windy day, it won’t matter a wink to you!

The Little White Wedding Chapel, Maleny

Please be seated

Everyone gets a seat at a church wedding. This can be particularly important if you have either very young, or elderly guests. Some beach or garden weddings are standing only, which could be very difficult for poor Great Aunty Bessie with her bad back and hip replacement.

Seen and heard

At an indoor church ceremony, there is no wind to contend with, and there is usually a PA at your disposal, making it it very easy for all of your guests to hear you clearly. Also, as your guests will be seated, and you and the officiant and possibly the bridal party will be raised, you will all be seen perfectly, too.

Privacy

The great thing about an indoor church ceremony is that it is completely private. The church will usually be booked out for you, and there are no passers by, or gawkers loitering about.

The best of both worlds at Maleny Manor's purpose-built Pavillion

Photographic aspects

Unfortunately with a church ceremony, you are less likely to capture that beautiful light you get with outdoor ceremonies. However, that’s not to say you won’t necessarily end up with some lovely images. Be sure to ask your photographer if he/she has had much experience photographing church ceremonies and how the lighting issue can be dealt with. If your photographer is unfamiliar with the church you have chosen, an excursion to familiarise him/herself is on the cards. Same goes for your videographer.

As for getting your photos taken afterwards, be sure to get some nice shots outside the church if it’s one with a beautiful big steeple, as these are just gorgeous in your wedding album.

NATURE

The surroundings

What could be more beautiful than a beach ceremony, overlooking one of our stunning Sunshine Coast beaches? Or a gorgeous garden ceremony, surrounded by green and colourful flowers under a pretty tree? If you’re going to go for a natural setting, the Sunshine Coast is definitely the place to do it.

Back up plan

The first thing you need to do once you have decided upon your outdoor ceremony location is to lock in a back up plan. The unpredictable Queensland weather could have you rained or blown out, so whether it is your reception location or somebody’s house with some room, as long as it’s indoors where you can be safe from the elements, you’re covered should the weather decide not to cooperate.

Maroochy Bushland Botanical Gardens

Spicers Clovelly, Montville

Versatility

Your beach, garden, farm, winery or similar setting for your wedding ceremony can be very versatile. If you’re only having a small wedding, that is only short, you may choose to forego the chairs and have your family and friends standing close around you, feeling the love. However, be considerate of elderly, very young, disabled or pregnant guests, who may prefer to sit and have some chairs available.

Floral decorations, aisle carpet and arches are all popular for decorating and theming. Some couples are also providing guests with refreshments while they wait during summer months.

You can take along a PA, which is definitely advisable for a beach ceremony, where wind and passers by can make it difficult for your guests to hear your vows.

Sunshine Beach

Cotton Tree, overlooking the river

Noosa Waterfront Restaurant & Bar – as the name suggests, it's a lovely waterfront location

Photographic aspects

Natural lighting will produce the best result photographically speaking, so your natural setting should be perfect for getting some beautiful ceremony photos. However, bear in mind that full sunlight can cast shadows down the face and cause you to squint, so a bit of shade is preferable. Then again, speckled light, such as that which occurs through the leaves of trees, can also cast strange shadows. It is best to pick a spot, where there is plenty of light, but your faces are shaded. A gazebo or tree well-endowed with leaves is your best bet.

All of the beautiful wedding images above are by the amazingly lovely Karen Buckle Photography. This and many other helpful articles on planning your wedding can be found in our Resource Guide. 

So, are you dreaming of saying "I do" out in the elements or staying inside? Tell us, where are you tying the knot? 

The post Church vs Nature appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

We fell in love with this photograph for the beauty of the couple and the sunset with the contrast of the cute dinghies on the beach and the Duporth Ave skyline. Not only this, it was also taken by one of our favourite photographers, Eliza Addision. This lady is a really special person, who you would be very fortunate to have about on your wedding day. She is one of those lovely souls that make everything calm and easy, and of course – creates beautiful results in her photography!

Eliza Addison Photography is definitely a Sunshine Coast wedding photographer to watch.

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