Lovely Sunshine Coast bride, Megan, planned a beautiful vintage beach-themed wedding on a budget. With a little help from family and friends, her DIY efforts started with the invitations, continued with putting together bombonieres and even went so far as arranging the flowers and hair styling. 

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The pair were married at Kawana beach under a bamboo canopy the bride and her father constructed together, and then held their modestly catered reception in their church hall. As a very sweet touch, the couple surprised the bride’s father, a long-time Kombi van enthusiast with a super rad mode of transportation from Deluxe Kombie Service that really went with the vintage beach theme, too! 

You can see for yourself just how beautifully Megan and Matthew’s wedding came together from their creative efforts in these stunning photographs by Sunshine Coast wedding photographer, Jennifer Oliphant Photographer. 

“The best part of my day was marrying my best friend and love of my life, which I know is corny, but true.”

“Our families have been friends for many years before we were born so we grew up together.  Matthew moved to the Sunshine Coast a few years before me and when I did later we saw each other in a different light and started dating.”

“Our family friend and pastor officiated the ceremony and we had a good friend of mine sing during the signing of the registry.“

“We always tell each other the truth and never hide anything from each other.”

“I changed my mind about the theme a few times just shortly after we started planning.  It wasn’t till the last few months I really decided on beachy vintage theme.“

“We gave the boy’s tool kits and the girls a personalised bag with a pearl bracelet, nail polish, snacks, tissues plus a few things they might need on the day.”

“My dad has always been a massive Kombi van fan as he used to drive one before kids, so we organised the transport of a Kombi van as a surprise for him and when it pulled into the driveway to take us to the ceremony his face was priceless! “

Decorating and styling by Beedazzled Events

Wedding Secrets

Biggest splurge: Flowers. I had lots of flowers!

Best money-saver: Lots of DIY

Bridal gown: Alfred Angelo sweetheart neckline tulle dress with an A-line skirt bought from Casars Elegance  in Maroochydore. It cost $900 and I had alterations done by Marilyn Crystelle Bridal.

Accessories: I had a brooch from each of my grandmother’s, one on my dress and the other on my bouquet.  My veil was my mum’s and with the beautiful embroidery on the edging it was stunning!

Shoes: Gold glitter ballet flats from Payless Shoes

Bridesmaid dresses: Cream lace dress from Cotton On

Bridesmaids’ accessories: Belt made from ribbon I added myself.  Flower girls crown made by myself.

Groom and Groomsmen’s suit and shoes: They all already owned black pants and white shirt and Matt’s grandmother made the vests.

Rings: Michael Hill

DIY: I made the stationary, cake, arranged my flowers, decorating, all our hair and favours.

Number of guests: 80

Wedding budget: $10,000

A-list Vendors

Photographer: Jennifer Oliphant Photographer

Decorators: Beedazzled Events

Transport: Deluxe Kombie Service

Florist: DIY arrangements with flowers bought flowers from Suncoast Flowers / Caterer: The Golden Roast / Makeup Artist: Powder Me Makeup Studio

Want to see more of Jennifer Oliphant’s beautiful photographic work? View or download your FREE copy of  Volume 5 of our online bridal magazine, where you will find a positively toothsome styled shoot, Into the Wilderness, that our Jen has photographed. 

The post DIY Kawana Beach Wedding appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Perfect lighting and the pretty blue sky are the stars of this shot, alongside the beautiful couple of course, and we absolutely adore her fun and colourful bouquet as well! Just too many reasons why this is today’s Photo of the Week, and none more than the fact that it has come from one of our absolute fave Sunshine Coast wedding photographers, Emma Nayler Photographer. 

Happy Easter Saturday, lovely Sunshine Coast brides! 

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

When thinking of some of the loveliest, most talented wedding photographers on the Sunshine Coast, one name is always sure to pop up – Jennifer Oliphant Photographer. Not only is this super-friendly lady a delight to spend time with, but her photography is absolutely top notch. We have featured Jen’s work both on the blog and in our free online magazine, we really do love her work that much! 

Having photographed many a Sunshine Coast wedding, and being a longtime local, we knew she would be a good one to ask our pressing questions about important wedding day advice and also about the Sunshine Coast region. We were right! Jen gave us the skinny on where to go, what to do, and she even gave away the exact location of her happy place! 

Jen, where is your fave spot to lunch or coffee with the girls?

With so many to chose from where do I start….  for great food and wine, plus an awesome view I love  The Boat Shed at Cotton Tree. The Curry Bowl at Kawana Waters is great for a small cozy get together, and for a quick coffee if I am not working on a saturday the farmers markets at Kawana Waters, so then I can also grab my fresh fruit and veggies for the week as well!

How do you spend your down time?  

With my husband and two children. We love hanging out at La Balsa, Pt Cartwright.  It is such a great spot to go for a walk, fish or bbq.  It is my favourite location on the Sunshine Coast, my happy place.

What is something very special to you in your life?

Family, friends, my home,  exercise, good health plus always being the best you can be.

What made you want to photograph weddings?

I have always loved taking photos, but it was planning my own wedding that inspired me to become a wedding photographer. I am a people person so I love being surrounded by people. Especially people who are happy in love.

Which moment do you always try your best to capture at your weddings? 

The bride’s entry to the ceremony. I love to try and capture the groom, brides and father of the bride’s facial expressions. Such a beautiful memorable moment

What is your best piece of advice to brides?

Try and have all your special items ready to be photographed when the photographer arrives and have your bridesmaids dressed and ready so they can assist you. It should be all about the bride! Plus it is important to check the timing with your hair and makeup artist so everyone is running on time. If your hair and makeup is on time, this ensures the photographer will be able to capture amazing shots of you before you leave for the ceremony.

The post Spotlight on a Supplier: Jennifer Oliphant Photographer appeared first on The Bride's Tree.