fun wedding Archives | The Bride's Tree

Meet Steven Murray | A-List Vendor Story

Sally Townsend — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 19:30:07 +0000

Steven Murray worked as a wedding photographer in our nation’s capital, Canberra, for 20 years before shifting his focus ever so slightly and becoming a celebrant. He says being a celebrant is one of the most rewarding experiences of his life. Playing such an important role in a couple’s life, surrounded by so much love is something he considers himself lucky to be able to do over and over again.

Couples are drawn to Steven’s relaxed, humorous style, so we wanted to get to know him a little better. Below he shares a few of his favourite things, what it’s like to be a wedding celebrant on the Sunshine Coast…

Tell us a secret, Steven!

Most people only ever see me in a suit and bow tie, but when I am not working I love driving my 1971 Kombi. It is probably a boy thing, but I just love that van. It took 12 months to rebuild it to almost show condition and to add some modern touches, so it is fun to drive and beautiful to look at (well I think so). I have had quite a few VWs over the years, but this one is the best one yet. I am lucky as my partner, Wendy, shares my Kombi love and comes with me to most of the VW shows up here on the Sunshine Coast.

You have a completely free day to hang out on the Sunshine Coast. Get out about! Where are you going, what are you doing and who are you with?

I wish I had moved to the Sunshine Coast sooner as there is just so much to do! Wendy and I love heading down to Moffat Beach for a swim and lunch on the beach, followed by shopping in Mooloolaba. Then if we aren’t too full, on the way home to Reesville, we drop into Maleny Food Co. for our favourite ice cream – Cherry Ripe – Yummmm!

What makes you stand out from the crowd?

There must be a million celebrants on the Sunshine Coast, and that makes it a challenge for couples to choose who is best for them. My point of difference is that I have 20-plus years experience in the wedding industry, both as a wedding photographer and celebrant. So I have been on both sides of the fence, which has allowed me to gain valuable experience of all aspects of the wedding day. I have been involved in weddings of 2 people up to 600, from mountains to churches, beaches to lounge rooms and have seen just about everything that can happen on a wedding day, actually happen! (maybe I should write a book!). My style is very relaxed and easy going, with just the right amount of humour. The biggest point of difference is that I wear a bow tie!

What do your happy clients say about working with you?

My couples always comment on how easy I made the whole process and how much their guests enjoyed their ceremony. In fact the majority of my bookings come from referrals from past couples. It is a shame I can’t give those past couples a discount on their next wedding as a thank you for referring me! Not a good thing to offer!

How do you prepare for a wedding on the day?

I usually have everything ready to go a couple of days before the wedding day, but I still do another check to ensure all the paperwork is correct, the speaker system is fully charged, the weather is okay and I do a final check on Google maps to see if there any any issues with roads on the way. The hardest part is working out what bow tie to wear!

I will ensure I am there at least 30 minutes before the ceremony so I have time to chat with the groom, setup my equipment, coordinate the arrival music and ensure the rings are there (three times the Best Man has left them behind – scary!). I work closely with the wedding coordinator and will seat guests once we know the bride is close by. Finally, I ensure all phones are off or on silent and then the ceremony begins! The best bit!

Photo credits: The Beautiful Collective, T8 Photography, Creative Image Photography

Contact Steven Murray, Sunshine Coast Wedding Celebrant, to find out if he’s available to perform your wedding ceremony!

The post Meet Steven Murray | A-List Vendor Story appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

5 ways to have more fun at your wedding reception

Sally Townsend — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 12:51:33 +0000

5. Have a dessert table.

Everybody loves a dessert that never ends.

4. Giant Jenga!

Hours of fun can be had with this oldie, but goodie.

3. Hire an amazing DJ.

This is imperative. Nothing kills a wedding like a dud DJ, so make sure you get an awesome one that will keep you all twerking till dawn.

pete & kristy vid 1.0 from Aaron Duncan on Vimeo.

2. Definitely get a photo booth.

If you’ve not experienced a photo booth before, you don’t know what you’re missing. There are PROPS and COSTUMES, it’s creative and it’s basically a hands-free selfie. What’s not to love?

And the number one way to have a super fun wedding….

1. Choreograph your first dance with a compilation of hip hop and RnB music utilising different forms of dance, mime and lip-synching, and involve your entire bridal party.

Obviously.

The post 5 ways to have more fun at your wedding reception appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Jasmine + Ashley’s Montville Wedding

Sally Townsend — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 03:05:39 +0000

Beautiful bride, Jasmine, married her love, Ashley, in a gorgeous wedding at Flaxton Gardens in the charming Sunshine Coast hinterland town of Montville. Their wedding was as sweet as the cute couple themselves, complete with cheerful flowers and floral printed bridesmaid dresses, bringing in a perfect Springtime style to their big day.

Baby animals and luxury Kombi vans brought an element of youthful fun into the day. Adriana Watson was there to capture every memorable moment.

Photographer: Adriana Watson Photography / Venue: Flaxton Gardens / Celebrant: Beth Dancing Free / Florist: Willow Bud / Makeup Artist: Ruby Jade Makeup Artistry / Hair: Rolling Scissors / Transport: Deluxe Kombi Service / Photo Booth: Sunshine Photo Booths / DJ: Elite Sound

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Real Wedding: Kirby and Daniel in Maleny

admin — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 19:00:00 +0000

What about this fabulous dress! Toowoomba couple, Kirby and Daniel, planned their destination wedding in Maleny with the help of Kirby’s mum, who she says has great taste and an eye for detail. Mum even threw in some super fun surprises for the happy couple, like a ferris wheel – an actual ferris wheel! It was particularly fitting for their wedding, because Daniel proposed to his bride on the Ferris Wheel at Luna Park in Sydney. In fact, the Ferris Wheel became the theme of the wedding.

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I think Kirby’s mum knows her very well indeed, because the bride’s dress was only almost matched in showstopping va-va-voom by her cake. An outrageously gorgeous four tiers adorned with feathers and jewels and intricate icing detailing – another big suprise from mum!

Today we are sharing Kirby and Daniel’s wedding album with images by the wonderful Sunshine Coast photographer, First Class Wedding Photography.

A-Listers

Photographer: First Class Wedding Photography

Venue: House of Laurels

Celebrant: Bill Scurry – Marriage Celebrant

Videographer: Innovate Media

Bouquet and button holes: Mondo Floral Designs

Ceremony flowers: House of Laurels

Catering: House of Laurels

Wedding Planner: Rhonda Dalgleish / Makeup Artist: Runway Express Experience / Hair Stylist: Runway Express Experience / Dance instruction: Dancensations

See all the photos from Kirby and Daniel’s wedding album.

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