When you happen to live in one of the most picturesque parts of the Mary Valley, it makes absolute sense to host your wedding there. That’s exactly what Nikki and Matthew did, creating a day filled with love, friends and family.

They may have had the additional challenge of Covid Lockdowns to contend with, but in the end they pulled off their dream day complete with a gorgeous ceremony flowing with florals, a romantic post-ceremony horse ride and finished the night celebrating with live music under a Sperry Tent.

Bride, Nikki, has been kind enough to share the details of her Mary Valley Private Property wedding day.

Vendors

Photographer | GRAEME PASSMORE PHOTO + FILM

Wedding planner | CL WEDDINGS & EVENTS

Florist | MONDO FLORAL DESIGNS

Catering | THE OHANA GROUP

Cake | ZOË CLARK CAKES

Hair + makeup | SILK HAIR & MAKEUP

Entertainment | DAN McGAHAN

Celebrant | NATALIE SKYE – THE SUNNY CELEBRANT

Tent reception | SPERRY TENTS

Bridal gown | PALLAS COUTURE

Suit | WIL VALOR

Love at First Sight

When Nikki and Matthew were introduced by mutual friends, they found an instant connection, discovering they shared the same passions in life. Then when it came time to propose, Matthew chose to do so surrounded by family and friends on Nikki’s birthday at her favourite local restaurant – Locale Noosa.

The Best Bits

Nikki says the person she married is the one wedding day detail she wouldn’t change for the world… Awww! She walked down the aisle to INXS ‘Never Tear Us Apart‘ and both bride and groom were overcome with emotions and cried during their vows.

Wedding Secrets

Biggest splurge: My Pallas Couture gown

Biggest money-saver: Holding our wedding at our own property

Tip for wedding success: A wedding planner is worth their weight in gold!

Honeymoon: Mexico

Number of guests: 70

Wedding budget: We didn’t really have one

Final cost of wedding: $60,000

The post Nikki loves Matthew | Mary Valley Private Property Wedding appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Theirs is nothing if not a modern day love story. Having met online, their banter and bond was built through some sweet messages back and forth before a humble meet up down at the beach. Ever the contemporary couple, their wedding was an elegant modern white wedding that will stand the test of time in its timelessness.

It’s such a gorgeous love story, and their Maleny wedding day was equally as beautiful. Watch to see all the prettiness and get all the feels from this short highlights film, captured by the talented Graeme Passmore Photography & Films. Images by Estella Photo.

Stylist: Simply Style Co.
Venue: The Old Dairy
Photographer: Shae Estella
Catering & Bar: Vanteen Catering
Sperry Tent: Sperry Tents Sunshine Coast
Florist: Willow Bud
Stationery: Bluebird Invitations
Videography: Graeme Passmore Photography & Films
Celebrant: Sommer Saunder Celebrancy
Music: Amy Kate Music
Cake: The Sweet Society Co.
Hair: Sarah Harrington
Makeup: Natalie Lucas Makeup Artistry
Bridal Gown: White Lily Couture
Alterations & Reception Headpiece: Ella Moda
Groom’s Suit: Politix Menswear

The post Kat + Kerrod’s Maleny Wedding | Wedding Film appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

With a little (okay, maybe a lot) of help from their friends, Tilly and Lachlan managed to come in under budget. Let’s take a moment to give them some snaps, cause this is almost unheard of! 

The couple married in the exact spot where they met, Woodfordia, home of the famous Woodford Folk Festival. What we love most about this wedding is the stunning imagery, captured by Graeme Passmore Photography & Films. Graeme is famous for his knack for getting those candid shots everybody wants. The only problem I had was narrowing down the following selection for you, as there was an abundance to choose from since he was with Tilly and Lachlan from morning till the end of the night. 

Tilly has shared her wedding planning story and memories from her dream wedding at Woodfordia… 

The Proposal

Lachlan proposed to me on the cliffs overlooking the Blue Lagoon in Malta. This was the country that my grandfather lived for 4 years in the 50’s, and yearned after my Nanni (our flower girl). Upon his return to Australia, they were engaged.

The Location

I grew up on the Sunshine Coast, and always knew this would be somewhere i’d love to get married. The site we used is the same site as the Woodford Folk Festival, which is where we met. After looking far and wide, this site just made sense, and completed the journey we’d come on together.

Images by Graeme Passmore Photography & Films

Most Emotional Moments

There were two. Just before i walked down the isle, my mum told me she’d be walking on the other side of me (my dad was on the other). They’ve been separated for 25 years, and it was the first time i can remember being physically between them. The second was when my sister got up and sang Nick Cave’s ‘Into My Arms‘, and we all shed a tear. After a long, emotional day, the beautiful song just got the better of us!

Unforgettable Moment

The day before the wedding, when we were bumping in, i looked up at one point. Lachlan had just arrived back from our aunties farm with a truck full of flowers and foliage, and all of our friends and family (around 20-30 of them) were all running around moving flowers and transforming the space. the love and support of them all was overwhelming, and a reflection of our everyday lives. We are so lucky.

Biggest Wedding-planning Challenge

The guest list changing. Honestly, it really throws you out when people can’t make it last minute, and puts a lot of stress on every element of the planning!

Advice for Future Couples Getting Married

Only invite the people closest to you- everyone else can take a back seat. Take the time to really plan what you want, and surround yourselves with people who will support your vision and help bring it to life. remember, it’s you and your partners wedding, no one else’s!

Wedding Secrets

Biggest Splurge: Wine and Fireworks! We both LOVE good wine, so it was important to us to have a really great selection at out reception. Lachlan has always loved fireworks, and it was the one thing he wanted, so we put aside some $$ from the beginning to put on a good show. It helps that our friend is a really talented pyro-technician, which made it really affordable.

Best money-saver: We have a LOT of really talented and useful friends who work in the events and arts industries. Instead of gifts from them, we asked them to help put the wedding together, which meant we were able to bump in and create a stunning space for $0 labor cost.

Bridal gown + veil: Marilyn Crystelle Bridal

Shoes: Wittner

Groom’s and groomsmen’s suits: Tony Barlow Menswear

Groom’s and groomsmen’s accessories: Peggy & Finn

Bridesmaids’ gowns: They all chose their own dress from various shops- they were just told to get something white and lacey that they felt beautiful in.

Flowergirl: My Nanni was our flower girl, and she chose something special from her wardrobe. The only brief she was given was to feel beautiful and confident! She also grew roses in her garden over a year and dried the petals to use to sprinkle down the isle.- so special.

Wedding planning resources: Lots of Pinterest and wedding magazines. I collected photos, quotes and stories across the first year of our engagement and used that to create our vision.

DIY: Lachlan made the arbor from scratch, we did all our own flowers and table settings, I painted all the signs and designed all the styling myself. Even the cheese table was done by a friend! All we employed people to do was the catering and the band- everything else was done by us or a loved one.

Honeymoon: Hawaii and Japan

Number of guests: 60

Wedding budget: $30,000

Actual cost of wedding: $28,858

Photographer: Graeme Passmore Photography & Films | Videographer: Allard & Thompson | Venue: Woodfordia | Catering: Cuisine on Cue | Hair & Makeup artist: BySARAHJANE | Decor + rentals: Arctix Fox Weddings + Hampton Event Hire | Band: Tower, booked through agency Red Chair | Stationery: Paper Alphabet (printing), Eliza Allard (design) | Celebrant: So Sides Celebrancy | Wedding night accommodation: Airbnb in Maleny 

The post Tilly loves Lachlan | Wedding at Woodfordia appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Six months before their wedding date, Tori and Sharn had the worst happen. Their wedding venue cancelled their wedding! It’s every couple’s worst nightmare, but in this particular instance, things worked out for the best.

Tori and Sharn were reminded of their dream venue they visited before becoming engaged – Spicers Clovelly Estate in Montville. By a stroke of luck the date was available! They booked their dream wedding venue there and then, and had the best day of their lives. 

Tori says the best decision they made when planning their wedding was to have a wedding film of their day made, as the memories captured make them feel like they’re reliving their day over and over again. Keep scrolling to watch their stunning wedding highlights film by Graeme Passmore Photography & Films for yourself! 

Tori has shared her dream Montville garden wedding secrets with us below… 

The Proposal

It was our nine-year anniversary, Sharn had planned a weekend at the Sofitel Noosa. We had an amazing day relaxing by the pool, drinking cocktails. Sharn had planned a picnic to be set up in our suite, with champagne and cheese! Then he asked! It was intimate and perfect.

Standout Vendors 

Graeme Passmore, our photographer, he was amazing! Made us feel really comfortable the whole day. And our musician, Michael Eotvos, he is so incredibly talented, everyone commented on how great he was; such a beautiful voice!

Images + film by Graeme Passmore Photography & Films

Wedding Secrets

Biggest splurge: The venue, Spicers Clovelly Estate was our dream venue! We visited a year prior to getting engaged and both agreed that it would be an incredible place to get married.

Best money-saving decision: Flowers, we didn’t have a bridal party and I only wanted greenery as decor and one bouquet.

Planning resource: Instagram, pages like The Bride’s Tree, were so helpful.

Bride’s dress: Madi Lane Bridal at Luv Bridal

Earrings: Artemis & Co.

Shoes: Myer

Groom’s suit: Mr. A Taylor

Groom’s accessories + shoes: RM Williams

DIY: Place cards, guest book, olive leaf cones and my hair. 

Honeymoon: Fiji, it was magical! 

Number of guests: 40 – family only.

Wedding budget set: $20,000

Actual cost of wedding: $22,000

Wedding Day Song Selection

Aisle Song – ‘Stand by Me’ by Florence + The Machine

First Dance – ‘I’m With You’ by Vance Joy

Check out this First Dance playlist, which I curated using suggestions from real brides + a few of my own faves… 

Unforgettable Moment

Standing at the outlook, watching the sunset with my new husband. It was during our photos, but we didn’t even know our photos were being taken at the time. It was an incredible moment for just us to take it all in together.

Advice for Future Couples

Get quotes and do your research! Also ask suppliers if they can tailor any packages to suit your needs. It’s ok to ask! Be open minded and listen to the professionals, they know best and do this everyday.

The one thing you wouldn’t change for the world… 

Getting the video done! We’ve watched the video hundreds of times and it’s like we get to do it all over again.

TORI & SHARN | SPICERS CLOVELLY ESTATE, MONTVILLE from Graeme Passmore on Vimeo.

Photography + videography: Graeme Passmore Photography & Films | Venue + catering: Spicers Clovelly Estate | Flowers: Pollen Weddings & Events | Cake: Sweet Life of Cooke | Makeup artist: Janise Chan Makeup Artist | Entertainment: Michael Eotvos | Celebrant: Sarah May Alexander Celebrant | Wedding night accommodation:Spicers Clovelly Estate

Thanks for supporting our A-List Vendors below, who made Tori + Sharn’s Montville garden wedding day… 

The post Tori loves Sharn | Montville Garden Wedding appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Chloe and Julian will soon be sharing their carefully planned wedding at Eumundi’s Imperial Hotel. Before the big day, they opted to have a test run with their wedding photographer, Graeme Passmore. 

Graeme says he can’t wait to shoot the couple’s wedding day in Eumundi since having a such great afternoon with them. 

“Chloe and Julian met me in the pineapple fields on the Sunshine Coast to play with that gorgeous afternoon light. They also brought along their big pup, Diego.

“Engagement sessions are just about my favourite type of photo shoot. It’s casual, we have no time limits and we can include dogs! Their chemistry and love is so evident. It shines through in every eye contact, smile and their silent complicity. It shines through when she laughs at Julian’s jokes and the way he looks after Chloe with so much care and tenderness.” 

Aw..! I’m not crying, you’re crying! 

 Images by Graeme Passmore Photography & Films

The post Pineapple Fields Forever Engagement Shoot | Chloe + Julian appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

They say travel broadens your mind and makes you see things from an entirely new perspective. If that’s true – and I believe it is – it’s little wonder Graeme Passmore of Graeme Passmore Photography & Films has such a unique eye for photography. Graeme brings all his unique life experiences from being raised in the bush with a pet Dingo to walking across Spain to his craft.

Learning more about photographer and cinematographer Graeme was a real eye-opener in itself! Read on to find out more about his life adventures, predicted wedding trends, and how you can get in on an adventure of your own with Graeme…

What do your clients always say after working with you?

“Wow!” and “I can’t believe you captured all those moments!”, “I didn’t even notice you all day”, “All my friends & family are just raving about you”, “You’re such a gentleman”, “You were so professional & respectful” and “My grandma just loves you!” I actually get that last one a lot.

You have a completely free day on the Sunshine Coast. Where are you going? What are you doing? And who are you with?

Well I don’t want to give away all my secret spots! But I like to get off the beaten track that’s for sure. I like to pack plenty of snacks, along with my partner and cheeky little daughter, and hit the hills. A nice drive out into the country is often what I crave. I like to dabble in a bit of hiking.

Kenilworth is a great little stop as you drive out towards Conondale National Park to have a swim at Booloumba Creek. A beer and a game of pool at Kenilworth pub is a nice way to end the day.

If we are doing something dog-friendly then a nice little Sunday bike ride from Marcoola to Coolum and back with a bakery stop is also on the cards. We’d also take a few little swims at the gorgeous beaches along the coastline. Beach walks at Mudjimba North Shore and a surf is where you’ll often find me when free time calls.

We heard you have an exciting new offering on the table. Please, do tell!

After my recent trip to the United States I’ve been inspired to offer Adventure Sessions. Just like an engagement shoot but for those a little more adventurous and looking for something epic and wild. I love working with clients who share an appreciation for beautiful landscapes and aren’t afraid to hike up a mountain, venture into a forest, or explore a secluded beach. We basically go hiking and exploring for half a day to capture some amazing images. You can find more info about my Adventure Sessions here.

What’s trending in weddings in 2019?

This year I’ve actually got a few surprise weddings lined up which is pretty exciting. I’m noticing young couples decide to have smaller weddings, elopements and first looks, straying away from some of the traditions.

Have anything exciting planned this year?

Every year I take on a select few destination weddings. It’s a good way to refresh my work and mentally prepare for something different. Last year I was lucky enough to visit Western Australia, Ireland and the USA. This year I’ll be keeping it a little closer to home as I am now a responsible Dad, but I’ve got Phillip Island, Dubbo and Coffs Harbour in the books as we speak.

Go on, Graeme, share some interesting facts about you with us…

I probably have a few random facts I’m happy to share, the rest are better told over a beer. I was born and grew up on a National Park out in Alice Springs, NT. Probably why I still love the bush. I even had a pet Dingo. I’m well travelled and spent a fair bit of time living overseas, during that time I worked in a summer camp and looked after Hugh Hefner’s kids. I witnessed Hurricane Katrina firsthand, survived obviously. I walked across Spain. Literally walked from one side of the country to the other. I’m pretty handy on the golf course, I’m a killer at darts and I’m a bit of a red wine connoisseur.

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