Mallory Sparkles Photography Archives | The Bride's Tree

Shaylea loves Zak | Spicers Tamarind Retreat Wedding

Sally Townsend — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 02:17:14 +0000

We recently shared Shaylea and Zak’s engagement shoot with their photographer, Mallory Sparkles, and today we have their stunning wedding for you. Here’s the story of their wedding day in bride Shaylea’s own words.

Our Wedding Venue

Maleny had always been a dream wedding location for both of us, it is just so beautiful! When we visited initially looking for wedding venues, we walked into Spicers Tamarind Retreat and just knew straight away that it was perfect! It had everything we had wanted and the day ran so smoothly, they were wonderful.

Wedding Day Priority #1

Our main priority was our photographer! We had no other real ‘priorities’ other than each other and to have amazing photos for memories of our day.

Wedding Planning Challenges

Our main challenge was our seating plan, making sure everyone would be happy. Wedding planning for us was so much fun, and not really challenging at all. We we very laid back and whatever happened, happened! We were just focusing on ourselves and enjoying the process.

Would we change anything?

No I don’t think we would. Everything was perfect and anything else that happened is now a funny story!

Advice for Future Brides

Just focus on yourself and your partner, nothing else on the day matters as much as marrying the love of your life.

Our Special Songs

I walked down the aisle to Stronger by Ziggy Alberts and our first dance song was Hands I Can Hold by Ziggy Alberts.

Check out this First Dance playlist, compiled of songs from real couples, as well as a few of my own suggestions…

Wedding Secrets

Biggest splurge: Photography. We really wanted our day to be captured beautifully.

Bride’s dress: The GC Bridal Lounge

Earrings: Ayla & Oak

Anklets: Etsy store – Cynthier

Bride’s shoes: Billini

Groom’s and groomsmen’s attire: Connor

Bridesmaids’ dresses: Dissh

Bridesmaids’ jewellery: Ayla & Oak

DIY: Copper sign, menu + favours.

Honeymoon: Bali

Number of guests: 75

Thank you for supporting our A-List Vendors below, who were part of this dreamy Spicers Tamarind Retreat wedding in Maleny…

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Inspiration For A Sunshine Coast Winter Wedding | The Lakehouse

Sally Townsend — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 19:30:28 +0000

Overlooking Brightwater Lake in a centralised location of the Sunshine Coast is The Lakehouse Sunshine Coast, which sets our scene. This shoot is all about giving you inspiration for a winter wedding on the Sunshine Coast.

Renée Paolini from The Lakehouse put together a stellar team of wedding professionals based right here on the Sunshine Coast to create a seriously stunning winter-inspired lakeside bridal shoot.

In a place where summer often appears to reign supreme, a lakeside location is the ideal setting for a wedding taking place in the cooler months.

“On the Sunshine Coast, we’re very lucky to be able to utilise our outdoor ceremony locations, even in winter. The late afternoon light and cool lakeside breeze provide the perfect excuse to snuggle up to your honey as you relax by the water with a glass of something cold.” Renee points out.

Personally, winter weddings on the Sunshine Coast are my favourite, and this aesthetic is perfectly on point.

Images by Mallory Sparkles Photography

The Film

The Lakehouse Styled Shoot – Winter from Jensen CREATIVE on Vimeo.

Hampton’s Wedding in Australia

Renee says of The Lakehouse‘s classic style, “Our aesthetic is modern Hamptons and this is reflected in the styling. The luxurious décor including the chaise lounge, vintage glassware, antique jewellery, faux fur stole, abstract table vessels for the florals and generous candles tell a story of comfort, cosiness and lakeside winter luxury.”

Winter Colour Palette

Renee from The Lakehouse Sunshine Coast says her inspiration for this shoot tied in with the season.

“I was really inspired by the gorgeous moody jewel tones that marry perfectly with our cool Queensland winter weather. Our cosy fireplace provides a beautiful backdrop to the table décor of deep raspberry and sweet winter blush and pinks.”

CREATIVE CREW

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Sierra loves Harrison | Point Cartwright Wedding

Sally Townsend — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 19:00:25 +0000

Sierra and Harrison met in the water, got engaged in the ocean, and were married in the rock pools at Point Cartwright. This surfer couple’s wedding was all about being wild and free, and natural simplicity.

Bride, Sierra, has shared her dream wedding day with us, which the unpretentious couple pulled off for just $6000…

Unforgettable Moment

I should probably say something like our vows but in all honesty it is probably the cheeky bum squeeze I gave Harrison right after we signed our marriage certificate during the ceremony. We were behind a table and I managed to pull it off without anyone seeing.

The Wedding Morning

I actually surfed with Harrison the morning of. We love surfing and it’s how we met. Forget the tradition of not seeing the bride before the wedding! We got sunrise pictures in the water the morning of and some fun little waves.

Images by Mallory Sparkles Photography

Why a Sunshine Coast Wedding?

We live here! And I had connections for my reception venue so I got it very affordable, it only cost $80 for a permit to get married on the rocks at Point Cartwright. It’s absolutely breathtaking there. We met in the ocean, got engaged in the ocean, and had to get married in the tide pools there to finish it off!

Standout Vendors

Sally Townsend came to my location to do my make up. She was quick, efficient, and listened to what I wanted. Mallory (Mallory Sparkles Photography) went above and beyond even helping direct people around that morning so I wouldn’t have to because I didn’t have a point person to take charge.

The Proposal

We were squeezing in yet another ocean adventure between my night class training and my daytime teaching schedule so it was very spontaneous. We were paddling to Old Woman island (a special place for us) off of Mudjimba beach. We were about halfway when there was a fish/bird/ splashing full blown feeding frenzy so there’s a good chance there’s also sharks feeding on the fish. We stopped and Harrison wasn’t sure we should continue but I was all for it. I said this is the kind of adrenaline I needed in my life so Harrison did it right there in the water on our surfboards. We then went to the island and had a surf and adventure around the island.

Why I Married This Man

Harrison is my best friend. We love having fun adventures together and hanging out. We are opposites that balance each other out and are able to get along with our very different personalities. Harrison is very patient and kind. He’s a peacemaker and his humility before God and dedication to do what is right is what first attracted me to him.

One Thing I’d Change

Get a point person to boss everyone around for me and make everything happen. I wrote an itinerary with instructions for everyone but no one really followed it and some transitions were not so smooth. But I didn’t mind, I was dead set on having fun.

The Music

I walked down to “Best Friend” by Queen because it was fresh and funky just like our whole relationship. Also just so accurate. Harrison had to surprise me with our first dance. He chose “Dancing in the Moonlight” by King Harvest since we spent a lot of time running around beaches at night and it was one we loved.

Check out our Walk Down the Aisle Playlist with suggestions from real couples, and some of my own suggestions…

Wedding Secrets

Biggest Splurge: My amazing photographer Mallory (Mallory Sparkles Photographer). Harrison and I are very bare essentials and DIY sort of people. So having a photographer that was not one of Harrison’s friends was a slight debate. However, we decided in the end that it was worth it to get a professional in the mix. Mallory captured our day in it’s raw and beautiful form so we can continue to relive it! While we were looking through our wedding photos Harrison said, “You we’re right, Mallory was totally worth it. She made it really fun and easy to have genuine photos.”

Best bargain: I custom-ordered my dress online only 1.5 months before our wedding. It was only $250. Luckily I got it early enough to have the underlay of the dress altered because it wasn’t quite right. I got referred by a friend to an amazing seamstress who did it for $80.

Bride’s dress: Ali Express, the supplier was named Nancy Li. I was afraid I’d end up with one of those online orders that comes nothing like the picture but I messaged her extensively before ordering asking about the fabric and everything. She was very responsive and I had buyer protection so I could send it back for a full refund.

Groom’s attire: Country Road on sale for $300

Shoes: No shoes. Wild and free just like us!

Bridesmaids’ dresses: Baby Lemonade

Groomsmens’ attire: Whatever white shirts they had and Country Road pants

DIY: Table centrepieces, cakes, wedding favours (shells we found on the beach during our engagement), bride’s hair, and bridesmaids’ hair and makeup.

Honeymoon: Road trip down the East Coast of Australia. It was amazing we scored some pumping surf at Lennox Heads, Angourie, Cabarita Beach, Coffs Harbour.

Number of guests: 80

Wedding budget: As little as possible!

Actual cost of wedding: $6,000

The One Thing I Wouldn’t Change

Enjoying every minute, even the messy moments. Being spontaneous and going off script with dancing and my vows.

Our Next Adventure

Probably just change the world for Jesus, following the passions he’s given us and watching how he unfolds his plan to use us.

The Crew

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Mikaela loves Nick | A Wedding at Tiffany’s

Sally Townsend — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 14:08:23 +0000

High school teacher, Nick, and hairdresser, Mikaela, planned their Maleny wedding day exactly in a way that reflected them as a couple. Bride, Mikaela, has shared all of the highlights of the day, and their wedding planning journey with us. So let’s crack on, shall we?

Island Proposal

We went to Fraser Island (our second home) with family and friends on a holiday. Just the two of us we climbed to the top of a sand dune over looking the ocean. I was taking a photo and as I turned around, Nick was on one knee asking me to marry him! After I said a huge YES… we had all our family and friends there to celebrate straight away!

Highest wedding priority

Both Nick and I just wanted everyone to have a great time with us so our highest priority was making sure all our guests were catered for!

The Venue

Weddings at Tiffany’s was the first and only venue we looked at. We both fell in love with the Glasshouse Mountain views and we knew the service would be exceptional which they went above and beyond!

Images byMallory Sparkles Photography

How I knew he was The One

Like I said in my vows… in Nick I’ve found the love of my life and my closest, truest friend. I knew instantly that he was truly a genuine person and someone I knew would always treat me the way I deserved. It stills feels so surreal that I got to marry my best friend!

Emotions running high

The most emotional moment for me was definitely walking down the aisle… I think I’ve seen my husband cry twice in five years and he’s always such a bubbly and happy person. I always expected to see him with the BIGGEST smile on his face but as soon as I looked up, his eyes were filled with tears and his bottom lip turned and that is by far the most emotional I think I’ve ever been.

Unforgettable moments

One thing we both won’t ever forget is the love we felt throughout the entire wedding day from our family and friends. It truly was the most magical time of our life to date and I wish we could relive that feeling forever… lucky love lasts a life time!

Wedding Secrets

Biggest splurge: Our biggest splurge would have to be the fireworks we booked that went off when we cut the cake. It absolutely topped our night off and made the moment so special.

Best bargain: We only spent $100 on wedding invitations through Vista Print. I chose a basic theme with native florals that matched our wedding style. Hint hint, create your invites and then leave them saved on your account until the website emails you with a sale!

Dress: White Lily Couture

Bridesmaids’ dresses: Shona Joy

Groom’s and groomsmen’s attire: MJ Bale & Hugo Boss

Groom’s shoes: RM Williams

DIY: I did SO much DIY for our engagement party… when it came to our wedding I was more than happy to pay someone else to create everything for us.

Honeymoon: Qualia, Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays

Number of guests: 60

Wedding budget: Budget?! To be honest we didn’t really have one… we just booked and as we went we decided if we thought the prices were reasonable for that service. We spent less on what was least important and more on what was.

Check out our A-List Vendors below, who helped make this stunning Maleny wedding so, well gosh-darn stunning…

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How to Style a Quintessentially Romantic Wedding

Sally Townsend — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 03:45:05 +0000

Today I wanted to share with you some tips on how to style a romantic wedding.

In the latest edition of The Bride’s Tree online magazine, we have shared three unique wedding styles – sleek modern, relaxed boho, and this here quintessentially romantic. Let’s go with tips on how to style a romantic wedding…

TIP 1: Create a colour palette that speaks the language of love loud and clear. Our team went for soft pastel tones with touches of gold.

TIP 2: Use lush flowing fabrics that make you want to reach out and feel them slip through your fingers. Layer them up for a sensory experience.

TIP 3: Go for luxury – long stem candles, crystal ware, gold cutlery and Hamptons-style chairs all scream luxe.

TIP 4: Use lots of flowers where each bloom has been carefully chosen and lovingly crafted into the perfect design for romantic wedding feels.

TIP 5: Choose a dress that makes you feel like a fairytale princess. If you can’t imagine singing while bluebirds and squirrels flock to you, then it’s not romantic enough. Sorry.

Our model wears ‘Femke‘ by Nicole Spose from White Lily Couture, an enchanting ivory princess line dress with stunning off-the-shoulder illusion neckline for a true fairytale style.

TIP 6: Your handsome prince should also look the part! Muted tones to blend with the overall colour palette will have him seamlessly slotting in to the romantic wedding vibes.

Our model wears a mid-grey wool two-button single breasted suit with paisley tie from Wil Valor.

See more from The Style Sessions in the latest edition of our free online bridal magazine.

Creative Crew

Concept, planning + bridal wear: White Lily Couture

Location: The Warehouse, Brisbane

Photography: Mallory Sparkles Photography

Videography: Emilly Kaate Videography

Gowns + accessories: White Lily Couture

Menswear: Wil Valor

Styling: Simply Style Co.

Floral design: New England Flower Co.

Hair and Makeup: The Beauty Case

Cakes: SweetP Cakes and Cookies

Stationery + calligraphy: The Pleasantry

Cutlery hire: Gold Wedding Hire

Silk ribbons: Silk & Bramble

Models: Nikkita, Meghann, Gabrielle, Niam & Alessandro

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Sweet Peach Modern Bridal Style

Sally Townsend — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 11:33:06 +0000

In the heart of the Sunshine Coast hinterland, a cohort of local vendors came together to put their creativity to task and create this sweet peach bridal style. It’s equal parts pretty, romantic, modern and chic with a soft pastel colour palette and the quintessential hinterland location – the iconic Weddings at Tiffany’s.

Fashion + Flowers

Although meticulously styled, the look appears effortless with clean lines in the bridal gowns from White Lily Couture and a soft peach and white floral colour palette with muted foliage. The bouquet by Tiffany’s Flowers was fastened with a flowing peach silk ribbon for a romantic twist.

Hair + Makeup

Bringing in a popular contemporary element, model Nikita’s hair was styled by Evalyn Parsons with fishtail braids, giving a boho vibe. Her stunning makeup by Louise Henzell Makeup Artist was expertly designed using flattering soft peach and nude tones with luscious lashes as the main feature.

Images by Mallory Sparkles Photography

Cake + Dining

The modest single tier naked cake topped with blooms to suit the sweet peach bridal style, set on display in the clean contemporary Weddings at Tiffany’s dining room. Stealing the show, the hanging floral installation rests in the rafters of the chic wedding reception.

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Simone loves Corey | Cotton Tree Wedding

Sally Townsend — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 19:00:06 +0000

Simone and Corey spent a couple of years planning their Cotton Tree wedding, the key thing they attribute to its success. Having given so much time and thoughtful planning to the day, even an unexpected change of venue didn’t rattle them.

Their organisation allowed for a relaxed day and made way for some seriously sweet details, like the surfboard they had made which became both their ceremony signing table and guest book.

The local Mountain Creek couple were married in a beach ceremony at Cotton Tree, and followed it up with a reception at Maroochy Surf Club overlooking the ocean.

Simone has shared all her wedding planning experiences and best tips for those wanting a day as perfectly calm and enjoyable as hers…

The Proposal

“On NYE 2016 Corey took me for a picnic on Alexandra Headland hill. We then went down for a walk on the beach where he asked me to turn around and close my eyes and got down on one knee. His friend hid in trees and captures the moment, which is so nice to look back on.”

Wedding Planning Priorities

“After looking at many wedding venues we decided a beach wedding was important to us because we spend so much of our time together there. Good entertainment was also important as we love a good party.”

Stand-out Suppliers

“Mallory Sparkles (photography) is incredible, Natalie Hunter did a beautiful job with our makeup, and Ceri fromEvalyn Parsons (hair) was amazing. Emilia from Bloodwood Botanica is so talented, her flower creations took my breath away. Aaron from Cut a Rug (DJ) was so much fun and really knows how to work a crowd. Maroochy Surf Club was great too, they made everything to do with the planning so easy.”

Images by Mallory Sparkles Photography

Unforgettable Moments

“There are so many special moments. Walking down the aisle and seeing Corey’s face, our first dance which was different to a traditional wedding dance – it was a Brazilian style of dance called Zouk. And dancing on the beach under the fireworks.”

The One Thing We Wouldn’t Change for the World

“Having our dogs at our ceremony. They are our babies.”

Simone and Corey’s Next Adventures…

“Our next goal is to buy our family home and to go to Europe for a holiday.”

Wedding Secrets

Biggest splurge: Fireworks

Best bargain: We bought our cake from The Cheesecake Shop and decorated it ourselves

Bridal gown: Made with Love Bridal from The Sphere Collective

Bride’s accessories: Etsy

Bride’s shoes: Betts

Bridesmaids’ dresses: Lulus

Bridesmaids’ accessories: Colette by Colette Hayman

Groom’s and groomsmen’s attire: Myer

DIY: Bombinerres, cake decorating and we got a surfboard made (by Beckham’s Surfboards) and used it as our signing table then got everyone to sign it as our guest book.

Honeymoon: Maldives

Number of guests: 85

Wedding budget: $20,000

Actual cost of wedding: $25,000

Wedding Songs

Walking down the aisle – Latch by Sam Smith

Reception entrance – You’ve Got the Love by Florence and the Machine

First dance – Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran

Check out this Spotify Playlist comprised of real couples’ picks for their songs to walk down the aisle to, and a few suggestions of my own…

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Wild + Free | A Darling Affair Photo Shoot

Sally Townsend — Sun, 03 Feb 2019 19:30:33 +0000

In the lead up to the latest ah-mayzing wedding planning event put on by A Darling Affair, a team of consummate professionals banded together to create a beach wedding shoot to spark your inspiration.

The relaxed beach shoot featured styling by Sacred Wilde in gorgeous earthy tones in keeping with the setting. The minimalism trend was out in full force, and brought a chic feel to the shores.

Images by Mallory Sparkles Photography

Creative Crew

Photography Mallory Sparkles Photography
Concept and styling Sacred Wilde
Video Goodness Gracious Wedding Films
Hair Sass & Niki’s Wedding Hair
Makeup Sally Townsend Makeup Artistry
Flowers Yūkari Botanicals
Tableware The Supper Club
Jewellery Mark Neil Jewellers
Stationery Paper Paper
Cake WildChild Cakes
Dress L’eto Bridal

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Wild & Free | Beach Wedding Film

Sally Townsend — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 19:04:29 +0000

Wild & Free / A Darling Affair from Goodness Gracious on Vimeo.

In the lead up to the relaunch of boutique wedding fair, A Darling Affair 2018, the Sunshine Coast contingent got together to create the quintessential coastal bridal style shoot. It was rustic and raw with a natural colour palette to complement the beach setting at Point Arkwright.

This beach wedding film is less than two minutes long, and trust me you’d be doing yourself an extreme disservice if you didn’t take the time to give it a watch. It redefines a wedding film – it’s paced to hit all the right points and accompanied by a song that is such an unusual choice, but it’s one I’m now positively obsessed with.

Creative Crew

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