If there’s one thing we’re passionate about here at The Bride’s Tree, it’s being eco-savvy and mindful of the environment and implementing sustainable practices. That’s why our magazine is completely online – no paper!  That way, only those who wish to have a paper copy need download and print it. Otherwise you just enjoy its pretty splendour online. 

Get ready to be inspired by these great eco-friendly wedding ideas for your Sunshine Coast wedding! Details below the images. 

1.  Custom made, fabric flower wedding bouquet with rhinestone and pearl brooches from Cultivar.

2. Eco Friendly Wedding Invitations made from recycled paper from Beacon Lane.

3. Argyle Cognac diamond from Ethical Jewellery Australia.  This company only uses diamonds and stones sourced from traders that are against child labour, where all workers experience fair working conditions, where they have the right to not be exposed to toxic chemicals and that guarentee communities directly benefit from the sale of their natural resources.

4. Picnic baskets from Love My Food. These picnic baskets are a unique alternative to traditional table decorations and your guests will LOVE them!  Each picnic basket is filled with gourmet delights such as lebna cheese marinated in olive oil, smokehouse paprika salamis and Moroccan cheese logs with peas and dukkah.  All their food is made from scratch and brimming with local seasonal ingredients and contain no preservatives, additives or genetically modified foods. Photography by Kate Green Photography.

5. Ditch the plastic packaged bombonieres and give your guests a potted herb plant.  Not only will it be a cute table decoration and make your reception venue smell a treat, but your guests will also love taking these home to plant in their own garden. This lavender plant bomboniere is from Flourish Bombonieres. 

6. Instead of asking your guests to choose a gift from a registry, ask them to make a donation on your behalf to a local charity like Australia Zoo Wilidfe Warriors.  Every year their Wildlife Hospital treats over 8,000 native animals and they rely soley on donations to keep this wonderful facility operating.

7. Head down to your local second hand shop and pick up an old window or doorframe which you can recycle into a unique table seating plan.  Alternatively CL Wedding & Events have sourced a fantastic range which are available for hire. Photography by Julian Beattie Photography.

8. Nominated four times as the “Best Destination Spa” in Australia, Ikatan Day Spa in Doonan is an environmentally friendly day spa that uses natural and organic products.  Kick back and relax on the ergonomic spa treatment beds amongst the lush Balinese inspired tropical gardens.  Ikatan Day Spa support and give back to local Sunshine Coast and Balinese community groups such as the Noosa Hospital Club Chemo, Sunshine Coast Oncology Clinic, Cambodian School Project and the Balinese Street kids Community and Orphanage.

9. Secrets On The Lake, Montville is perfect for your wedding ceremony, wedding night accommodation or for your entire honeymoon.  It is nestled beneath mountainous rainforests and next to a tranquil lake and the grounds feature beautiful carvings, rock pools, love seat swings, lush lawns and an antique style boat house.  They also have a bunch of creatively themed treehouse cabins which provide a range of accommodation styles, each exquisitely decorated and carefully constructed to preserve the pristine rainforest environment. 

10. Limited edition, handmade vintage garter by The Forever Dress. This clever Sunshine Coast Designer creates individually designed garters by incorporating pieces of beautiful vintage laces and fabrics. The garter pictured is an Ivory silk and tulle garter with an antique limoge porcelain centre.

The post Eco Friendly Wedding Inspiration appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

If you are leaving for your honeymoon immediately, tossing it to one of your dear friends may not be worrisome to you at all. However if you plan to enjoy your bridal bouquet for the days to come while it lasts, you should be prepared with a back up for the traditional bouquet toss.

Here’s a handy tip for you, lovely brides. Have your florist put something together for you that your single gal pals will be motivated to fight for, but also that you will be quite happy to part with. 

Below hilarious photographs are by Sunshine Coast wedding photographer, Julian Beattie Photography, taken at the wedding of Brisbane couple, Taryn and Ben.  

The post Wedding Tip: Backup Bouquet appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

In a whimsical woodland themed wedding at Yandina Station, Phoebe and Lochlan were married amongst an intimate gathering of their closest family and friends. The Dairy at Yandina Station was transformed delightfully with an outdoors-in feel, featuring tree stumps, moss and roses. The whole affair was gorgeously full of floral arrangements by Twig and Grace.  And something truly special – not one, but three cakes! 

////

Glowing bride, Phoebe, shares her day with us in her own words and we have the treat of some Julian Beattie photos to pour over. 

“Our wedding was a surreal, magic, love-high kind of a day. We felt completely surrounded by the blessings and warmth of our friends and family. We loved getting married in such a naturally beautiful place, with the rustic old buildings and mist rolling across the paddocks. I remember how nervous and excited I was – laughing and being ridiculous with my sister as we got ready. Most of all, I remember the look on Lochlan’s face as I walked down the aisle. He had tears running down his cheeks and I thought, “This is real”. It was such a moment of clarity and presence, everything else kind of faded away into insignificance. It was beyond words.”

Wedding Secrets

Bridal gown: Erin Clare Couture featuring lace handmade by my great-grandmother

Bridesmaid’s dress: Erin Clare Couture

DIY: Bunting handmade by mum. 

A-List Vendors

Venue: Yandina Station

Photography: Julian Beattie Photography

Flowers: Twig and Grace

Cakes: Cherry Murphy

See all the beautiful photos in Phoebe & Lochlan’s Wedding Album

The post Real Wedding: Phoebe & Lochlan at Yandina Station appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Look around before the time comes and find something beautiful, funky, cool and creative to do with your bridal gown for the dress photo. Think outside the box – not even the old Hills Hoist is out of the question!

////

Personalised hangers are very special

Photo by Jennifer Oliphant Photographer

A pine hanger to match the decor, and get all the girls involved!

Photo by Chesterton Smith Photography

Utilise the other decor, especially if it goes with your wedding theme. And a crochet hanger is always a winner

Photo by Nicky Stone Photography

Your lace gown will look amazing back lit, bringing out all the little details

Photo by Alan Hughes Photography

More backlit loveliness, and artistically bringing in the colour with the bridesmaid gown

Photo by Greg Gardner Photography

Get creative with the lighting

Photo by Julian Beattie Photography

Frame it in a pretty window

Photo by Andrea Sproxton Photography

Focus on the intricate detailing

Photo by Katja Anton Photography

There’s nothing wrong with a bit of Hills Hoist action!

Photo by Julian Beattie Photography

Another way to utilise the backyard, and get back to nature

Photo by Emma Nayler Photographer

Keep it real

Photo by Julian Beattie Photography

Always make use of a stunning view

Photo by Julian Beattie Photography

Dress photo bomb? I guess it’s really that special, it can steal the limelight even from your fabulous shoes!

Photo by Melanie McNiven Portraits

Have you any plans for your wedding dress photo? We would love to hear all! Share in the comments below.

The post The Dress Photo appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

It will be actually quite simple and cheap to DIY your own photo booth props for your Sunshine Coast wedding. Here’s how Taryn went about it. 

Taryn first tackled her old dress up box, found stashed at her Mum and Dad’s, then hounded her brothers and pals for their haul from recent themed parties. She only had to actually purchase a few items brand new, such as the variety of fun coloured sunglasses. A very inexpensive exercise! 

As you’re looking through, you may notice a couple of familiar faces in this lot… such as the awesome Sunshine Coast photographer, Julian Beattie, and… The Bride’s Tree’s own Sally, who just so happened to be a guest! 

Julian Beattie Photography is also responsible for these here images, sure to put a smile on your dial this lovely Friday. Have a beautiful weekend, lovely Sunshine Coast brides! 

Psst… the blondie below is The Bride’s Tree’s own co-director, Sally! 

Look who else got in on the fun… Oh, you’re a cheeky little photographer, Julian Beattie! Always a blast having you around!

The post DIY a Fabulous Photo Booth appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

This beautiful little morsel is complemented with royal blue silk flowers and tied with a gorgeous ivory ribbon, pinned with a sapphire rhinestone. Gorgeous bride, Taryn (whose DIY styling we recently featured), ordered her brooch bridal bouquet online at Etsy store, Noaki Jewelry. Their customisable bouquets are carefully constructed with each little gem and brooch wired in to make the perfect shape. 

Taryn says she simply sent a photograph of her bridesmaid gowns as a colour sample, and the bouquet arrived perfectly matched to suit her theme. It even served as her something blue for her special day. We love this trend for Sunshine Coast weddings, if you are looking for that something a little bit different. 

Images by Julian Beattie Photography, makeup by Sally Townsend Makeup Artistry & Hair

Taryn’s bridesmaid also carried a brooch bouquet

Noaki Jewelry also make button holes for the groom and groomsmen 

The post Brooch Bouquet appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

From the relaxed to the intricately structured, from the asymmetrical to the… well, the symmetrical, here are some fabulous styles fit for any kind of Sunshine Coast wedding, that you can draw plenty of inspiration from. Of course they have been created by some of our most talented Sunshine Coast wedding hair stylists. Enjoy!

Hair: Hair by Nicola

Hair: Silk Hair & Makeup, Photo: Andrea Sproxton Photography

Hairstyles: Taryn Smith Hair Artistry, Photos: Matt Rowe Photography

Hair: Evalyn Parsons Hair, Photo by Melanie McNiven

Hair: Hair by Nicola, Photo: Calli B Photography

Hair: Julieanne Gant, Photos: Julian Beattie Photography

Hair: Hair4Brides, Photo: Brock Beazley Photography 

Hair: Hair by Nicola, Photos by Lindy Photography

The post Upstyles for Blonde Brides appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

What screams “romance” to you? 

Jules from Julian Beattie Photography says… 

“I’d say that romance is a lot like this image in certain ways. I consider romance to be the support that holds up a relationship (Of course, there are lots of other factors, too) …. but it is the perfect ying and yang mixed with the perfect balance from both people on the swing that is love. And I think the balance is held together a lot better when you constantly, consistently and honestly reassure the other person just how much you cherish that balance and therefore your love. And in a lot of ways, romance does that both directly and inadvertently — It shows that you’re willing to put in the thought, the effort and time over the years to really make the other person feel special.

“The greatest part about this balance, this love, is that it doesn’t just have to be shown on the big Hallmark days … but Valentines Day is an awesome excuse to do that. And let’s face it, it’s freaking cute. Long story short, I think romance is so important in a relationship and truly keeps the fun alive — it keeps the excitement going and keeps that swing nice and strong, able to hold both of you out of the water …. See what I did there? Ahhh, ahhh!“

This brings us to a close for our day of romance. We hope you have enjoyed the loveliest of Valentines Day and shared in a little romance of your own. We would love to hear all about it in the comments below! 

Of course your ultimate day of romance still awaits you… Happy Valentines Day, and Happy Wedding planning!

The post The Most Romantic Day… So Far – Happy Valentines Day! appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Whether it be tears or glee, the reaction is an emotional one that brides absolutely delight in reliving later on when they gaze upon their beautiful wedding albums. Especially the fortunate Sunshine Coast brides who have been clever enough to hire one of our amazing Sunshine Coast wedding photographers, like the ones responsible for the images below. 

So today we are setting aside all things bridal and making it all about the men we do so dearly love and adore. I will give you fair warning – a hanky may be required! 

A true emotional moment. Don't you just love him?

Glee!

The moment he has waited for has finally arrived!

Images above by Andrea Sproxton Photography

These next ones are from Emma Nayler Photographer 

He can't believe his luck!

The affection and pride is evident

He is found

The anticipation is almost too much!

Another gleeful groom. Adorable!

Overwhelmed with love and amazement

Now if you're not yet reaching for your hanky, just one moment please, we'll get you yet… take a peek at these next couple by Adori Studios! 

Holding it in as best he can…

… then giving in to the moment. We adore this man!

I know you're already tearing up, but wait, there's more! These last ones below are by Julian Beattie Photography

Nervous excitement with more than a hint of admiration

He's built up this moment, and he's full of anticipation…

… and he's overcome with emotion. Naw! 

Only has eyes for his bride

It's a beautiful thing this marriage biz. He knows it

The post Gorgeous Grooms appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Whether you are having a vintage-themed wedding or not, a chauffer-driven classic car for your Sunshine Coast wedding is not only a stylish choice, but I guarantee you, it's a magical one. Take a look at these beauties.  All photos by Sunshine Coast Wedding Photographers.

Photo by Penny Riddoch

      Photos by Alex Ball

Photo by Penny Riddoch

A London taxi! Photo by Penny Riddoch 

Photo by Penny Riddoch

Photo by Julian Beattie 

Photo by Emma Nayler

Photo by Emma Nayler

Photo by Emma Nayler

Photo by Emma Nayler

Photo by Emma Nayler

Photo by Emma Nayler

Photo by Emma Nayler

Photo by Emma Nayler

What kind of car are you having as your wedding car? Share in the comments below. 

The post Classic Car = Wedding Day Magic appeared first on The Bride's Tree.