Brisbane couple, Madeleine and Sam, carefully chose Sunshine Coast hinterland wedding venue, Flaxton Gardens, for the spot to say their vows and celebrate their holy matrimony with 80 of their closest family and friends. 

A huge part of the appeal of have a destination wedding – albeit a fairly close destination wedding – was to revel in the planning process with weekend wedding planning mini-breaks in the 12 months leading up to the big day. Looking at venues and meeting suppliers was shuffled in-between soaking up the sun and cafe hangs at Cotton Tree. I can’t say I blame them, Cotton Tree is one of my fave local spots, too. 

Their wedding turned out absolutely beautifully. You can certainly tell all the little details were planned with love. Matt Rowe Photography was there to capture all the special moments. 

“Once we had our theme, the next most important thing was our florist, bridal gown, hair and makeup.”

“Being positive in all things you do really helped for stress free organising, and a stress free day!“

“We added the special touch of a vase of sunflowers to represent Sam’s Pa, who loved to grow sunflowers – it was very special for him and his family.”

“People say the wedding day itself fly’s by – that is definitely true! We found ourselves just standing back for a few moments throughout the day, to reflect on everything around us, and enjoy every second! It is definitely an amazing chapter in people’s lives, one we will never forget!”

“The planning stage brought so much joy and excitement. Travelling up to the Sunshine Coast, meeting with suppliers, and gathering ideas – we would camp at Cotton Tree and make a weekend of it!“

“After booking at Flaxton Gardens, we fell in love with a simple rustic theme.”

“Photography was the first priority after booking our venue. Flaxton Gardens served tempura prawns and gnocchi for entrée, chicken and beef for main, and wedding cake for dessert.”

Wedding Secrets 

Biggest splurge: “More like who was the most spoilt? The Bridesmaids had three different pairs of shoes! Rain, Hail or Shine basically!”

Best bargain: “The Groomsmen’s belts – $5 from Kmart!”

Bridal gown: Judy Copley Bridal

Accessories: Judy Copley Bridal veil; hair clip, The Silver Shop

Shoes: Myer & Bett’s For Her

Bridesmaid dresses: When Freddie Met Lilly

Bridesmaids’ accessories: Toowoomba Pearl’s

Groom’s and groomsmens’ suit and shoes: When Freddie Met Lilly & YD

Rings: Michael Hill

Number of guests: 80

A-List Vendors

Photographer: Matt Rowe Photography

Florist: Ginger Lily & Rose Floral Studio

Caterer: Flaxton Gardens

Makeup Artist: Natalie Hunter Makeup Artist

Hair Stylist: Evalyn Parsons Hair

Entertainment: Cut a Rug DJ

Wedding Night Accommodation: Flaxton Gardens

Videographer: Luke Bickley / Cake: Bespoke Cake’s by Anna / Bombonieres: Personalised Favours / Transport: Oakcorp Limousines / Stationery Supplier: Sarah Alison Boutique Stationary / Gift registry: Myer / Officiary: Pastor Peter Millican 

Do yourself a favour, lovely Sunshine Coast brides, and take a peek at the rest of Maddie and Sam’s wedding album.

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Caitlyn & Matthew // Short Wedding Film // Little White Wedding Chapel & Flaxton Gardens from Jasper & Ruby Visions on Vimeo.

No soft romantic tinkling tunes and slow-motion gazes or glistening tear trickling down the face of this bride and groom. Oh no, this wedding highlights film is action-packed and high energy from start to finish. Such fun! 

I think Jasper & Ruby Visions really captured the essence of these two happy people and their awesome guests at their Flaxton Gardens wedding. What do you think? 

A-list Vendors

Videography: Jasper & Ruby Visions

Ceremony: The Little White Wedding Chapel

Reception: Flaxton Gardens

Photography: Andrea Sproxton Photography

Hair + Makeup: The Beauty Case

Flowers: Ginger Lily & Rose Floral Studio

Can’t get enough of this cute couple? Check out their adorable engagement shoot. 

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Come with us on a journey as we go through the looking glass…

This ceremony styling is like something from  a fairytale, and in the incredible hinterland setting of wedding venue, Flaxton Gardens, it is a sight to behold. Peering through the looking glass doors to the outrageously stunning view of the Sunshine Coast hinterland beyond… hola perfection. 

Autumn colours have been used throughout the styling by talented sister duo, Style le Aisle, and followed through in the florals. We love this ceremony styling for a Sunshine Coast hinterland wedding in autumn. 

So go on, take a little adventure through the looking glass, and fall in love with these images by Jennifer Oliphant Photographer. 

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Cecile and Trent may just be the cutest couple we’ve seen. It definitely takes a very strong couple to work together and live together, as these two events planners do. 

Trent proposed to Cecile in 2013 just as they both completed the Kokoda Trail. They wed in a beautiful ceremony at Flaxton Gardens, following it up with some sensational location shots around the hinterland in Flaxton and Maleny.

They then head back to Flaxton Gardens to rejoin their 105 guests for a relaxed reception. Jennifer Oliphant was there to capture every moment of their special day. 

“I wanted a Tiffany theme as the first present Trent ever gave me was a beautiful Tiffany bracelet. I also wanted a classic and simple theme and I think the Tiffany blue colour is beautiful.”

“We made sure to invite only the people we really wanted in our wedding. We had all our close friends and family there. I also had my parents, sister and her partner, brother and his partner and a close friend travelling all the way from Norway.”

“Make sure to make time during your wedding day to take it all in. Trent and I did all our bridal party photos onsite and then we went off on our own to do our couples photos. We also took some time during the reception to be just us. “

“We’re best mates and we trust each other 100%. We work together and pretty much sit next to each other in our office and we couldn’t imagine having it any other way. I guess an important thing that makes us work so well together is that we share the same values and goals in life. We both very family orientated and we can’t wait to start a family together in a couple of years’ time.”

“We spent a week in Noosa after the wedding with my family from Norway but that didn’t count as our honeymoon. We’re planning an extended trip to Europe and South America in 2015. “

Wedding Secrets

Biggest splurge: Photographer and videographer

Bridal gown: The Bridal Centre

Accessories: The Babushka Ballerina

Shoes: Myer Centre – Brisbane

Bridesmaid dresses: The Babushka Ballerina

Groom’s suit and shoes: Strictly Formal

Groomsmens’ suits and shoes: Strictly Formal

Rings: Stones Diamonds

Gift registry: Wishing Well

Number of guests: 105

Wedding budget: $60,000

Honeymoon: Europe

A-list Vendors

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Flaxton Gardens

Photographer: Jennifer Oliphant Photographer

Cake: Ideas in Icing

Celebrant/Other Officiary: Weddings with Kristy

Videographer: Lumina / Florist: Exclusive Wedding Flowers / Caterer: Flaxton Gardens / Bombonnieres: Candy Buffet / Hair and Makeup Artist: Latonas Makeup / Stationery Supplier: Nic Nac Design / Dance instruction: Larissa Meade / Wedding Night Accommodation: Spicers Tamarind Retreat

The rest of Cecile and Trent’s wedding album full of gorgeous wedding details is awaiting you. 

The post Real Wedding: Cecile & Trent at Flaxton Gardens appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Shelly and Elmsly are a gorgeous young couple, who were recently married at one of the Sunshine Coast hinterland’s premium wedding venues, Flaxton Gardens. They kicked off their wedding planning simply by ensuring their dream wedding photographer, Emma Nayler Photographer, was available, and say everything fell into place from there.

Easy-going and carefree, this cute couple’s only theme concept was simple and elegant. They absolutely acheived this by cleverly choosing some of the hands-down best in the business wedding industry professionals to put together a perfect Sunshine Coast hinterland wedding. Shelly called on the ultimate professionals in floral design, Mondo Floral Designs, so they just couldn’t go wrong on their Flaxton wedding day! 

Crazy beautiful bridal bouquet by Sunshine Coast hinterland florist, Mondo Floral Designs

“We didn’t have a theme in mind we just wanted our day to be simple and elegant.”

“My sister who was also my maid of honour was amazing she helped me out every step of the way, words can’t describe how great she was, it wouldn’t have been the day it turned out to be without her I can’t thank her enough she was an angel.“

“Apart from Elms having a shaving mishap where he forgot to put the longer length blade on his clippers and shaved his beard off by accident we were pretty lucky nothing went wrong.”

“Our wedding was far from traditional so, as our ceremony wasn’t until 4:45pm, due to another wedding at the same venue earlier, we decided to have our photos before the ceremony. We still got ready separately, however we were able to have our first look at each other at the house where we were staying. Elms was outside in the garden waiting for me, so being able to share our first look with just the two of us was really special; a moment I will never forget.”

Shelly and Elmsly’s Hand-picked Team That Made It All Happen

Photographer: Emma Nayler Photographer

Florist: Mondo Floral Designs

Venue and Caterer: Flaxton Gardens

Cake: Sweet Creations / Bombonnieres: Pink Frosting / Transport: 1969 Black Ford Mustang / Makeup Artist: Powder Me Makeup / Hair Stylist: Dot and Birdie Hair Beauty Bridal / Celebrant: Barbara Burt Civil Marriage Celebrant

“Elms and I were so relaxed throughout the whole planning we had little preferences when it came to the wedding the one thing I wanted that I wasn’t compromising on was Emma Nayler Photographer I had seen her work and the incredible and unique photos she had taken with other weddings and always said before we even got engaged that no matter what, I wanted Emma so she was the first person I got in contact with, I found out what dates she was available and planned our wedding date from there.”

“We went to various locations between Flaxton and Maleny, Emma took us to the most amazing spots with incredible views our photos were brilliant and the location was perfect.”

“I was so blessed my cousin who I am really close to was originally unable to make it to the wedding as he had just moved out to Mount Isa for work commitments, however he ended up surprising me last minute and flew home especially for the day, and walked me down the aisle, which meant the world to me.”

“The most special part of the day was our wedding vows, we wrote our own personal vows to each other, we didn’t share them with anyone or each other until the day. The vows Elms wrote to me were nothing short of amazing I couldn’t help but cry they were perfect. Words can’t describe how special that moment was it was just Elms and I for that very instant I forgot anyone else was there.”

“Deciding to go through Flaxton Gardens was the best decision we made, owner manager, Georgina, was amazing and made our day and the time leading up to our wedding absolutely stress free, she went out of her way to make sure our day was perfect and did and thought of everything, We’ve never seen service like what we experienced at Flaxton Gardens we can’t thank them enough.“

Wedding Secrets Revealed

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The bride’s 1000-watt smile says it all! This here is a joyous occasion, and we’re so happy to share it with you all.

Ema and Shaun were married at Flaxton Gardens after a lifelong romance that began for this gorgeous local couple in Grade 7 at Mooloolaba Primary School! Their family and friends flocked to Flaxton Gardens, where they were married in a ceremony with coastline views. Bridal party photos were taken on site amongst the gorgeous gardens and vineyard. 

Tara Lee Photography was there to capture every moment of Ema and Shaun’s fabulous Flaxton wedding. 

Wedding Day Priorities

The most important thing for us was to not make it stressful we wanted to be able to enjoy every minute. The venue was also very important it had to have the perfect feel for us. We knew we wanted a garden wedding. Traditional and romantic.

We Are Family

We had 4 attendats all up – maid of honour and bridesmaid were my cousins, the best man was Shaun’s best friend and the groomsman was my brother. Right from the beginnings the whole family and bridal party where involved. Shaun and I are very family orientated and so we wanted everyone to be as involved as they could. We had a family dinner to decide the food and wine. My bridesmaid was our florist. We had a wedding folder with all the things we had decided on and different ideas that came everywhere we went. My mum and I made all the stationary and the night before the wedding all us girls made the favours.

The Music

We had a Dj that played romantic song love songs – blues- Michael buble, van Morrison etc. after dinner we went with a lot of jimmy Barnes -rock and roll, up beat types of songs- we allowed all of our guest to request songs through out the night. 

The Food

Amazing food!. We had a 3 course dinner with the wedding cake as dessert. We had a 3 drop system and we decided to do one sea food, poultry and meat to be on the safe side it was all amazing! 

Reception Highlight

All the speeches where beautiful and really made the evening. We had a lot of speeches and people were worried there was too many, but  we worked them in between meals and it all worked perfectly. It was very beautiful and moving to have so many people we love speak at our wedding. 

Bridal Party Gifts

We kept it simple for the gifts the groomsmen got wedding underwear on the day for fun but their gifts where their cuff links that said -BEST MAN- and -GROOMSMAN- and that is how shaun asked the boys if they would be in our bridal party. The brides maids got their shoes and accessories as gifts.  

Advice for Other Brides

Don’t stress. Don’t stress about things going wrong, don’t stress about the weather, don’t worry about anything because at the end of the day your still marrying the man you love and that’s all that matters. Relax and enjoy your day together and take in every moment.

Wedding Secrets 

Biggest splurge: The venue, and worth every cent!

Best money-savers: Making the stationary, wedding favours and other thing was a good way to save money. We tried to spend as little or nothing on the little things for the wedding as possible so we could spend more on the bigger thing. My dress was a great buy too. 

Bridal gown: Casar Elegance

Accessories: Earrings found on the Myer sales rack, my bracelet was from Prouds the Jewellers

Shoes: Bridesmaids’ shoes where from Bets. 

Bridesmaid dresses: Hills in Hollywood 

Bridesmaids’ accessories: Handmade

Groom’s and groomsmens’ suit and shoes: Ferrari Formal and Bridal

Rings: Flair Jewellery

DIY: We made everything we could. I am very crafty and love creating so I made the petal throwers, all the stationary- save the dates, invitations, order of service, menus and place cards. Wedding favours, my garters, bridesmaids’ accessories, crystal tablecloth weights, painted all the table words, small embellishments on my dress. And other decorations.

Number of guests: 100

Wedding budget: $40,000

A-list Vendors

Photographer: Tara Lee Photography 

Videographer: Sunshine Coast Videography 

Venue & Decorations: Flaxton Gardens

Celebrant: Weddings with Kristy

Entertainment: String quartet-  Offen Bach strings + DJ Greg Gordon / Gift registry: Myer / Master of Ceremonies: Greg Gordon / Wedding Night Accommodation: Tree Houses Montville / Cake: Ideas in Icing / Bombonnieres: Candy Addictions / Hair and Makeup Artist: Christian Alexander / Florist: The Orange Blossom – Chanteau Masters

The rest of Ema & Shaun’s wedding album is well worth a look! 

The post Real Wedding: Ema & Shaun in Flaxton appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Their wedding album is full of stunning images by First Class Wedding Photography. View the full album here. 

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The Proposal 

Jack proposed to me at the snow in NSW and recorded the proposal through recordable snow goggles. We arranged prior to the wedding for our videographer to put ‘our proposal into a mini film clip’ and this way played and shared with our guests on the night of the wedding on the big screen projector. A very special moment captured on video and it was so nice to share it with all of our family and friends at once.

The Happy Couple

We met through his sister Ellie who I am friends with, at the Caloundra Race track on Melbourne Cup Day 2008. We give each other the freedom to be ‘who we are’. We encourage one another, we have a high respect for each other, and that helps us be the best version of ourselves. Our wedding day was our 5 year anniversary. 

Photography a Priority

I planned everything around my photographer; I made sure he was available before we booked ANYTHING! After then it was choosing the venue, then locking in the wedding date, and then choosing and booking in our marriage celebrant.

DIY Goddess 

I thought it was standard for the Bride to do the amount of DIY things that I did however I was told by several people from the venue on the day that I went over and above. I am a little bit crafty so when I found the beautiful ideas on Pinterest that you can’t buy from anywhere, I didn’t have any other choice but to recreate those ideas myself.

The Food

We were spoilt for choice at our venue, as all of their dishes were amazing. With the entree we went for a cocktail style, with three hot and three cold canape selections. Our mains were the Salmon and the Lamb dishes (alternate drops). Our dessert was individual mini cakes (chocolate mousse and cheesecake flavours) made by a German Chef, served with coconut ice-cream and premium strawberries. Jack and I and our parents kept the actual wedding cake for ourselves (we didn’t cut it up for the night). It was a very pretty and traditional fruit cake.

The Perfect Location

We didn’t go off site at all, we were very lucky that our venue had so many great spots which meant we had more time to take more photos! 

A Celebration Between Friends

Jack not only got ready with his groomsmen, he invited his other very close friends and his dad there the morning of the wedding for a beer and a catch-up. I did the same, I spent the night before and the morning of the wedding getting ready with not only my maid of honour (my sister), my bridesmaid (my best friend), but also my mum, Jack’s mum and Jack’s little sister.

Bridal Party Gifts

Wedding Secrets Revealed 

Biggest Splurge: The wedding venue, you get what you pay for and we wanted something really classy with quality service.

Best Bargain: I bought my reception wedding dress online for $700, instead of paying $4000! 

Bridal gown: Allure, Princess style, Hills in Hollywood

Accessories: The vintage leaf hair piece, Silver Shop; Pearl / Diamond earrings, The Silver Shop; A Dimontie necklace, Myer; A leaf ring, Panodora

Shoes: White peep toe shoes with dimontie bow, Forever New.

Bridesmaid dresses: Mr K was the designer, Sugar and Spice Brisbane

Bridesmaids’ accessories: Pearl / Diamond earrings, Angus and Coote; Pearl bracelet, Angus and Coote

Groom’s & Groomsmens’ suits and shoes: Myer.

Rings:  McKim’s Jewellery Brisbane, our rings were designed and handmade by Craig McKim

Number of guests: 98 (no children.) 

A-Listers

Photographer: Greg Gardner, First Class Photography

Hair Stylist: The Guillotine Hair Artistry

Videographer: Sam Hart / Cake: Richard at Dutchy’s Bakehouse / Bombonnieres: Tea Towel Keepsakes / Transport: The Pickup Company transferred all of our guests. Jack and the boys had a 1950 Restored Classic Bentley from Private Transfers / Makeup Artist: Envious Beauty, Mountain Creek  / Celebrant: Karen Faa 

See the rest of Breeanna and Jack’s Wedding Album here. 

The post Real Wedding: Breeanna & Jack in Flaxton appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

The rest of the week was dedicated to showing you the wonderful work of the amazing and generous businesses who have donated their time and products to this competition. 

All you need to know about the Pamper High Tea Party that's included in the prize, and… 

an elegant vintage Hinterland Wedding by the very same photographer, who will be photographing your shoot with your gal pals at the venue, which owns the private luxury accommodation house you will be staying in, and… 

the Versatile Convertible Bridesmaid Dresses you stand to win in one of their many hues of your choice, and… 

a stunning Bridal Lingerie Photo Shoot, which features the work of the very same hair and makeup artists, who will be prettying you up for your super fun photo shoot when you win your Big Day Out With Your Besties worth $5000! 

The competition is open till 8.00pm (EST) Monday 8^th April, and all you have to do is enter your details and come up with the winning caption for the photo we have chosen. You can find said photo and all the details and entry form right here. 

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There were 70 guests at the Flaxton wedding, who were conveniently able to enjoy walking from the ceremony directly to the reception, as Flaxton Gardens have both a stunningly gorgeous spot to say your vows with the most incredible view, as well as a choice of reception locations. Delicious food is an absolute certainty in this place, we can tell you that from experience! 

Being married in the Sunshine Coast hinterland is not only a great choice for the romantic locations and prettiness galore for the day itself, but it also offers more charm, interesting and beautiful sights, and relaxing times than should really be allowed in one place. Guests absolutely adore a getaway to such a wonderful place on this earth. 

Nina and John’s day was captured by Sunshine Coast wedding photographer, Sabra Creative, who is one of our faves for their brilliant work and photographer Shawn’s beautiful personality. 

“Don’t stress about the minor details, and give yourself plenty of time to look through websites and magazines – you will gain insightful knowledge and probably find some great new ideas!”

“Our beautiful location and wonderful family and friends made our day so special.”

“John’s family played two songs on guitar, violin, drums and vocals during the ceremony.”

“The best part of my day was marrying the groom!“

Wedding Secrets Revealed

Biggest splurge: The honeymoon!

Best money-saver: Doing our own stationary and lolly buffet

Bridal gown: Shiraz Bridal (Gold Coast)

Accessories: Earrings from Etsy, bracelet a gift from my mother

Shoes: Joanne Mercer

Bridesmaid dresses: Casar Elegance

Bridesmaids’ accessories: Collette Hayman

Groom’s suit and shoes: Peter Morrisey

Groomsmens’ suits and shoes: Peter Morrisey

DIY: We found a photo of us with each of our family and friends and used them as the place cards.We also created the photoframes these went in which then doubled as our bomboniere. They were a great talking point all evening.

Number of guests: 70

“We have an appreciation for the same things.”

“We found a photo of us with each of our family and friends and used them as the place cards. We also created the photo frames these went in which then doubled as our bomboniere. They were a great talking point all evening.”

Nina and John’s Hand-picked Team That Made It All Happen

Guess what, my lovelies? You can actually WIN your very own photo shoot with Sabra Creative, a night at Flaxton Grove, a newly aquired luxury accomodation house run by Flaxton Gardens, which opens in just a couple of weeks! The prize also includes a pamper high tea, makeup and hair styling and beautiful new dresses for you and three of your best gal pals. The prize is worth $5000! Enter here to WIN. 

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Having rustic vintage elements in mind, Janelle DIYed her way to a gorgeous Flaxton wedding at Sunshine Coast hinterland wedding venue, Flaxton Gardens. Chalk boards and rustic wooden signage made for cute styling in the gorgeous setting. Delicious food for all the guests was of utmost importance, and the catering at Flaxton Gardens did not disappoint. The guests were treated to scrummy canapes, followed by a sit down dinner with a choice of chicken or salmon dishes that were a big hit.

Janelle and Shane called on their wonderful friends to help out with the wedding in many different ways. Their transport was a friend’s gorgeous blue Kombi van, another pal pitched in and made a tier of cupcakes for the wedding cake, while another was acted as DJ throughout the reception, playing all the couple’s fave tunes.

The beautiful photos below are by Sunshine Coast wedding photographer, Terri Hanlon Photography, and all of the other amazing wedding professionals responsible for this dream wedding are listed below them. 

"We are truly best friends"

"Shane and I met whilst we were both working in Lake Louise Canada. We lived next door to each other and I served him coffee everyday."

"The day before the wedding, three of my best friends and mum came up and helped me put all my ideas together."

"Everyone loved the attention to detail and said the whole day was amazing and it's sad it had to end."

"The whole day was very relaxed, time for everyone to catch up and just have fun. Everything was planned so no one had to do anything but relax and enjoy the day."

Wedding Secrets Revealed

Biggest splurge: The food – the happy couple wanted everyone to eat well and enjoy it!

Best bargain: The boys’ suits were made in Bali for $100!

Bridal gown: Eve Boutique

Bridal accessories: Eumundi Markets

Bridesmaids’ dresses: Sportsgirl

Bridesmaids’ accessories: Eumundi Markets

Groom and groomsmen’s suits: Janelle designed them and had them made in Bali

Groom and groomsmen’s shoes: Mathers

Bombonieres: Cupcake and a little brown bag of chocolates

DIY: Just about everything – the decorations, programmes, invitations, flowers, and dessert table

Total cost: $12,000, paid for by Janelle’s dad

Janelle and Shane’s Hand-picked Team That Made It All Happen

Photographer: Terri Hanlon Photography

Location: Flaxton Gardens

Florist: Maleny Florist

Caterer: Flaxton Gardens

Makeup Artist: The Makeup Boutique

Hair Stylist: Kooshka

Celebrant/Other Officiary: Pastor Jonathan Gullo from Suncoast Church

The post Rustic Vintage Real Wedding in Flaxton appeared first on The Bride's Tree.