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.

Beach wedding, country wedding, resort or private property – you can have your tipi wedding almost anywhere on the Sunshine Coast. Here are 12 times we felt the tipi magic. Click any image for more details.

Above image by Shae Estella Photo.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Bride’s Tree (@thebridestree) on May 11, 2019 at 1:34am PDT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Bride’s Tree (@thebridestree) on Jan 7, 2019 at 2:29am PST

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Bride’s Tree (@thebridestree) on Oct 2, 2018 at 1:07am PDT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Bride’s Tree (@thebridestree) on Dec 11, 2017 at 2:48am PST

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Bride’s Tree (@thebridestree) on Jul 9, 2018 at 1:00am PDT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Bride’s Tree (@thebridestree) on Apr 4, 2018 at 3:15am PDT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Bride’s Tree (@thebridestree) on Mar 18, 2018 at 8:17pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Bride’s Tree (@thebridestree) on Jan 20, 2018 at 12:56am PST

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Bride’s Tree (@thebridestree) on Dec 4, 2017 at 1:35am PST

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Bride’s Tree (@thebridestree) on Nov 26, 2016 at 2:09pm PST

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Bride’s Tree (@thebridestree) on Aug 31, 2016 at 5:04pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Bride’s Tree (@thebridestree) on Jul 22, 2016 at 8:21pm PDT

The post 12 Times We Felt the Tipi Wedding Magic appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Artisan Wedding Yurt Styling 

Colour Palette

Bridal Fashion + Beauty

Caravan Catering

Thanks for supporting our A-List Vendors below, who were intrical to the beautification of this styled  shoot… 

The post Earthy Artisan Wedding Yurt Styling appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Larissa and Anthony consider themselves very fortunate to call the Sunshine Coast home, and so going local was an easy choice. For their Yandina marquee wedding, they wanted their 132 guests to feast family style at long tables under a clear marquee with the stars twinkling above. The Rocks Yandina provided the perfect secluded spot for such a celebration. 

Take a peek at their special day, which in my opinion has the best music selections I’ve heard of in quite some time, and some carefully curated elements that achieve both an on-trend and simultaneously classic feel. Larissa was kind enough to share the details of her Yandina marquee wedding… 

The Location

“We chose to get married on the Sunshine Coast as we are lucky enough to call it our home. We knew from the beginning that we wanted a glass roof marquee reception and long tables. The Rocks at Yandina was able to provide this for us and all with delicious food and a stunning back drop. From the first meeting John, Michelle, Anne and the team were so accomodating and welcomed all of our ideas.”

Getting Ready 

“On the morning of our wedding, I was surrounded by my lovely Mum, sister and seven of my closest friends.”

Stand-out Vendors

“Our standout suppliers were definitely The Rocks Yandina,Images by Luke Middlemiss Photography and Nat from Heavenly Blooms. They knew what we wanted even when we didn’t and helped us to seamlessly organise our day from beginning to end. I mostly found my suppliers on The Bride’s Tree, Sunshine Coast Brides’ Tribe and social media.”

Images by Luke Middlemiss Photography

Most Emotional Moment

“We both agree that the most emotional part of the day was meeting each other at the end of the aisle. We held each others hands so tight, it all felt so surreal. We were finally there are about to be married.”

Surprise Performance

“I will never forget when Anthony got up with the band, played the guitar and sang Ho Hey by the Lumineers to me. The most amazing moment! I was in awe of his talent!”

The Music

“We were lucky enough to have the Siena Catholic College String Quartet play at our ceremony and before our reception. I walked down the aisle to their version of Ben Folds Five – The Luckiest, it was beautiful. At the end of the ceremony we walked back up the aisle to Nat Cole – This Will Be (An Everlasting Love), and our first dance was a version of Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling In Love played by our band The Easy Tigers.”

Check out this playlist of Aisle Recession songs I’ve compiled from those used in actual real weddings, as well as some of my own suggestions… 

The Man

“Anthony is the most wonderful, kindhearted and generous man I have ever met. The only thing bigger than his heart is his smile.”

Hardest decision

“To decide if we should have a videographer. We deliberated over it for months and then when I was at my first appointment at Bertossi Brides, Joe’s (Joseph Bertossi) card was perfectly positioned on the shelf and the decision was made.” 

Wedding Secrets

Biggest splurge: Flowers + photography

Bride’s dress + veil: Bertossi Brides

Bride’s earrings + bracelet: Stephanie Browne

Bride’s shoes: Nine West

Bridesmaids’ dresses: All chose their own from various stores

Bridesmaids’ shoes: Betts Shoes

Groom’s and groomsmens’ attire: Country Road + MJ Bale

Groom’s and groomsmens’ belts + shoes: RM Williams

DIY: Invitations, menus, signs and guest gifts

Honeymoon: Tokiriki Island, Fiji

Number of guests: 132

Photography: Luke Middlemiss Photography | Videography: Joseph Bertossi | Venue + catering: The Rocks Yandina | Floristry: Heavenly Blooms | Cake: Cakes Actually | Transport: Coastline BMW | Makeup: Tan Addiction | Hair: Linda Robinson | Entertainment: The Easy Tigers | Officiant: Fr. Joe | Wedding night accommodation: Monaco Resort, Caloundra 

Thanks for supporting our A-list Vendors below, who Larissa named as her stand-out vendors…! 

The post Larissa loves Anthony | Yandina Marquee Wedding appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

When you get a group of talented Sunshine Coast wedding professionals together and give them creative license to deck out a stunning space as they see fit, you know you’re in for a treat. 

The Decor 

Under the canopy of a Sperry Tent, the crew from Simply Style Co. created a dreamy wedding space that brought in both timeless and trending elements. Using a modern colour palette of white, oatmeal, gold and pastel tones, they dressed the tablescape with luxurious oatmeal linen, layered with textured muslin table runners. They set the table with white Bentwood chairs, gold taper candles, bohemian crystal glassware and modern gold and white cutlery. 

The Flowers

Willow Bud‘s Sandi Shankster took to the tent with the aim of showcasing exactly what can be done in a large tent space, ensuring plenty of variations in floral designs from hanging installation to trailing pole installation and various arrangements and bouquets, so brides with varying budgets can imagine their own wedding flowers. 

“We wanted to use a current colour palette that brides have been loving for 2020 weddings but take it to the next level with adding hints of plum with the foliage and subtle terracotta tones. We subtly wanted to bring in the dried floral trend with incorporating lunaria, dried fern, preserved ruscus and other textural elements.” – Sandi, Willow Bud

Creative Crew

Styling: Simply Style Co.

Florals: Willow Bud

Photography:  Jennifer Oliphant Photographer

Stationery: Peach Perfect

Structure: Sperry Tents Sunshine Coast

Dress: Marilyn Crystelle Bridal

Ribbons: The Coterie

Hair Stylist: Rolling Scissors

Makeup Artist: Louise Henzell Makeup Artistry

Thank you for supporting our A-list Vendors below, who were creative forces behind this stunning collaboration… 

The post Modern Romance in the Hinterland appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Jenna says it’s lucky opposites attract, because she and Sam couldn’t be more different. However the important things they both hold close, like family values, goals and taking each day as it comes. 

They were a most united front when it came to planning their country-style wedding day with festival vibes (or westival, as the cool kids call it!) They hired a bunch of food trucks and tipis to create their own idea of the perfect chill wedding day in Yandina with their 80 loved ones, and all on a $12,000 budget. 

Bride, Jenna, has shared all her best wedding tips with us… 

Choosing the Venue

“We wanted a September wedding so booking the venue first was a must, so we didn’t miss out on a date in September. we wanted an outdoor wedding with a country vibe which limited options. We also wanted a venue where reception and ceremony can be held in the one place.

“We had talked in the past about having a wedding with hay bales to sit on. Food trucks and bath tubs full of alcohol. Something very simple and not to structured.”

Biggest Priority

“We wanted someone to capture the day in the right way. I think the photographer is the most important to be honest. The day is a whirlwind. So you need to have a great photographer to capture the day so you can look back on the day.”

“Lee from Life and Love Photography was outstanding! I cannot speak highly enough of Lee. After all when the day has been and gone, photos are all you have to look back on to remember the day. I think this is one vendor that is not to be tampered with. Don’t call on a friend that’s dabbled in photography. Get a professional. Trust me you wont be disappointed.”

“Mum lit a candle during the ceremony for those who have passed or simply couldn’t be there to celebrate our day. This candle burnt all night.”

The Best Part of Our Westival

“It was one big party. It was so nice to catch up with family and friends that we don’t get to see often as we live so far from them. So to have them all in one place at one time just meant so much to us.”

Wedding Secrets

Biggest splurge: Tipi Luxe marquees 

Best money-saver: My sister-in-law made our invitations and my mum made our cake 

Bridal gown: ‘Sascha’ gown by Made with Love Bridal – White Lily Couture

Accessories: Hair piece by The Posy Co.

Shoes: Famous Footwear 

Bridesmaid dresses: Thurley

Groom’s suit and shoes: yd. 

Groomsmens’ suits and shoes: yd. 

Rings: Bride’s engagement and wedding band – Diamonds International, Groom’s wedding ring was a vintage find (A gold sovereign ring. He has always wanted one.)

Honeymoon: Bali. We love bali as we got engaged there a year prior to the wedding. So we decided to go back to celebrate our honeymoon. 

Number of guests: 80

Wedding budget: $12,000

The Bride’s Best Advice 

“Keep it simple! Less room for error this way. In the long run no one remembers the finer details. Its all about having fun. The more structured the wedding the more that can go wrong. So this is why we kept it simple.”

Meet the Photographer 

On July 15 at the Sunshine Coast Bridal Showcase you can meet Jenna + Sam’s ahmayzing photographer, Lee from Life and Love Photography in the flesh, along with 100+ local Sunshine Coast wedding vendors. 

When: July 15 from 10:00am 

Where: Novotel Twin Waters Resort

Cost: $10.00 Early Bird tickets, or $14.00 at the door 

Giveaways: Each bride will receive a show bag filled with information and copies of FREE Queensland Wedding, Wedding & Bride, Queensland Bride Magazine and Your local Wedding Guide. Valued at over $65.00.

Prizes: $15,000 worth of prizes to be given away at the fashion shows! It’s a lucky door entry, so get in before the first fashion show at 11:30am 

FREE ticket giveaway! 

Scroll to learn how you can win a double pass to the Sunshine Coast Bridal Showcase on July 15. Follow us on Instagram for more chances to win. 

Photography: Life and Love Photography | Venue: Hidden Valley | Flowers: The Posy Co. | Marquee: Tipi Luxe | Styling: The Vintage Stockroom | Dress: White Lily Couture | Hair + makeup artist: Edward Brown by Cassie| Entertainment: G & M Event Group | Stationery: Jersey Art & Design | Celebrant: Jade Webster | Favours: Coolaz Stubby Holders | Catering: Rolling Stone Pizza, The Bun Mobile, Tinker Travelling Events, Atlas Specialty Coffee

Thanks for supporting our A-list Vendors below, who helped make Jenna + Sam’s Westival wedding so amazing… 

 

TICKET GIVEAWAY / Fancy a free double pass to go to the @scbridalexpo on July 15th? It’s less than 2 weeks away and this time they’re also giving away over $15,000 worth of prizes. Imagine how much that is going to help with your wedding plans! We have 5 double passes up for grabs. For your chance to win a double pass, comment below and tag the person you most want to take along with you. Good luck! Winners drawn on Tues 10th July 8pm and notified on this post shortly thereafter. . You can also meet a few of our vendor faves at this event – @nicolahollandphotography, @magnoliagroveflowers and @suitsdirect⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ . Image credits: Photography: @nicolahollandphotography⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Venue: @therocksyandina ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Florals: @magnoliagroveflowers ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Hair + Makeup: @allurebridalstylists ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Dress: @erinclarebridal ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Suit:: @suitsdirect ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Horse: @your_mane_event ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Gold cutlery: @goldweddinghire ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Stationery: @studiobcouture ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Bridal Hat: @lilym_hats_headpieces_bridal⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Celebrant: @coastalweddings_celebrant ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Models: Stefanie + Ben.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #sunshinecoastbridalexpo #scbridalexpo #bestweddingexpos #weddingexpo #weddingideas #weddinginspiration #weddingplanning #horsesatweddings #bestsunshinecoastweddingphotographers #bestweddingvenues #weddingflowers #sunshinecoastweddingflorist #bestweddingflorists #suit #suitup #groom #groomssuit #mooloolabasuithire #sunshinecoastsuithire #sunshinecoastweddingsuithire #therocksyandina #therocks #animalsatweddings #sunshinecoastwedding #yandinawedding #countrywedding This competition is in no way endorsed or sponsored by Instagram or Facebook. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

A post shared by The Bride’s Tree (@thebridestree) on Jul 4, 2018 at 3:15am PDT

The post Jenna loves Sam | Westival Tipi Wedding on a Budget appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Earlier this week we announced the brand new launch of the outdoor space at Weddings at Tiffany’s. Already one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular wedding venues, the brand new expansion now allows couples to hire the outdoor space. Overlooking the rolling hills of the hinterland, this is perfect for an elegant garden party or rustic, boho-style wedding complete with yurt. 

Yurt Wedding 

I know what you’re wondering… “What the yurt are you talking about, Sally?” Honestly, the yurt is new to me, too, but I’ve discovered it’s super cool! Yurts originated in Mongolia thousands of years ago for those needing shelter to complement their nomadic lifestyle. 

Montville Yurts have handcrafted these artisan marquees with care and authenticity. A yurt creates shelter for your outdoor wedding as an unforgettable alternative structure. 

Packages

Weddings at Tiffany’s offer fully-inclusive packages, where the wedding coordinators have accounted for absolutely everything. From ceremony to flowers to catering, you’re in great hands. Be sure to get in touch with the team at Tiffany’s to enquire about their new outdoor space. 

Images by Karen Buckle Photography. 

Adding a little magic to your boho wedding, China the owl will serve as your ring bearer, or just be there being all majestic and stuff.  Colourful and satisfying, a grazing feast is a favourite among wedding guests. Weddings at Tiffany’s offer a rustic presentation with wine barrels adding an interest piece, yet blending with the natural surrounds. 

 VENUE + CATERING: Weddings at Tiffany’s | PHOTOGRAPHER: Karen Buckle Photography | BRIDAL COUTURE: Judy Copley Bridal | SUIT: Suits Direct | SWEETS TABLE: Elizabeth & May | CHEESE TOWER: Maleny Food Co. | FLOWERS: Tiffany’s Flowers | FURNITURE: Simply Style Co. | YURT: Montville Yurts | CAR: Deluxe Kombi Service Photo booth Kombi | HAIR & MAKE-UP: Dot & Birdie  | OWL: Raptor Vision | DOG: Rosie the Pug

Thank you for supporting our A-list Vendors responsible for this boho wedding styling in Maleny… 

Learn more about… Weddings at Tiffany’s  + Tiffany’s Flowers + Karen Buckle Photography + Judy Copley Bridal  + Deluxe Kombi Service + Simply Style Co. + Suits Direct

The post Boho Yurt Wedding in Maleny appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

It’s a classic tale of two highschool sweethearts wed in a marquee backyard wedding. Johanna and Chris have been best friends since they were 16 years old, so this classic romantic story definitely needed to be told here on Valentine’s Day. 

The pair share a mutual love of dogs, and Johanna says since Chris has seen her at her worst and still loves her, it’s without a doubt truly, madly, deeply. Their wedding was planned for their sixth anniversary in a backyard wedding stamped with the couple’s own personal touches.

A clear marquee was set up for their backyard wedding so everyone could stay on and celebrate under the stars. 

As a chef, Johanna made sure everyone attending her wedding would be well fed with nothing short of amazing catered food, and the prettiest cake and donuts to finish. 

Images by Roy Byrne.

“My dad, who is also a chef, helped prepare food for the reception, my sisters helped with the set up and finer details I may have overlooked, and my mother-in-law and sister helped create some very potent punch for the guests upon arrival.”

“We went through so many themes, I was addicted to Pinterest so I kept changing my mind. In the end we went with slate, marble, gold and natural greens. Our centrepieces were from the surrounding gardens so we had kafir lime leave branches, peaches and jasmine sprawled across tables setting off a fabulous aroma.”

“The best thing about our wedding was being surrounded by so much love. I’ve never felt that loved before, it was the most beautiful feeling.”

“I forgot my underwear and had to wear a spare pair of my mother in laws spanx… Yep.”

“Remember that the day is about you and your husband, don’t let anyone or anything take that away. Also remember to pack underwear, maybe pack two just in case.”

Wedding Secrets for a Backyard Wedding

Biggest splurge: Our honeymoon. 

Best money-saver: Focusing more on the food, alcohol and music. It’s all your guests will care about in the end. 

Bridal gown: Grace Loves Lace

Accessories: Mimco, borrowed Armani

Shoes: Nine West

Bridesmaid dresses: Vintage

Bridesmaids’ accessories: Forever New, Mimco

Groom’s suit and shoes: Clay Rondo Menswear, Aquila

Groomsmens’ suits and shoes: Roger David, Politix 

Rings: Michael Hill Jeweller

DIY: We did the whole wedding ourselves. From the set up to the anti pasto platters for reception. It’s alot of work but so rewarding.

Honeymoon: We went to NYC and then on a 12-night cruise of the Caribbean, coming back from that was hard. 

Wedding budget: $43,000

Who paid: We paid, with some help from our parents.

Photographer: Roy Byrne | Caterer: The Canape Project | Cake: Tome | Transport: Champers Rolls Royce Hire | Makeup Artist: Sally Townsend Makeup Artistry | Hair Stylist: Joel Reilly | Rentals: Noosa Party Hire, Hamptons Hire | Entertainment: Jackson Clayton | Gift registry: Envelope Registry | Celebrant: Kath Tilly Marriage Celebrant | Wedding Night Accommodation: Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort

Thank you for supporting our A-List Vendors, who helped make this wedding so darn special… 

Learn more about… Sally Townsend Makeup Artistry + Kath Tilly Marriage Celebrant + Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort + Politix

The post Johanna loves Chris | Marquee Backyard Wedding appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Katrina and Mick assembled a team of ahmayzing wedding vendors to help transform the pretty, yet humble, Mapleton Farm Stay into a dreamy setting fit for their wedding day. The secluded spot in the small hinterland town was the perfect spot to hitch up a clear marquee, and drown it in delicious florals. 

Katrina was the picture of a country bride in her form fitting lace gown with capped sleeves and a subtle flare, followed by a sweet little train. Her darling flower girls wore dresses to match with the twirliest of tulle skirts. 

All of the day’s special moments were captured by Empire Art Photography. 

Thank you for supporting our A-List Vendors, who helped make Katrina + Mick’s wedding so amazing…

Learn more about… Made to Match Events + Simply Style Co. + Coastal Style Mobile Hairdressing + Willow Bud

The post Katrina loves Mick | Farm Stay Marquee Wedding appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

If there’s one place on earth that was born for hosting an outdoor wedding, it’s here on the Sunshine Coast. Over recent years, we have witnessed what was admittedly a great formula for outdoor weddings evolve into what I would now say is beyond a doubt the perfect recipe for a fun, pretty and personalised outdoor wedding. So let’s talk about… 

The Anatomy of an Outdoor Wedding 

Below, friends, is everything you could possibly need for a successful outdoor wedding here on the Sunshine Coast, which as previously mentioned is pretty much the perfect place to have such a celebration. 

The Setting

In our neck of the woods you’ve got, well, woods – or at least private properties in secluded country settings with some trees. You have expansive open spaces in the hinterland overlooking the Glass House Mountains. You have outdoor areas attached to fine dining restaurants, and even beach locations where you can walk out onto sand and dip your toes in the water between dances. 

A Marquee

There are now so many great styles of marquees, which can add to the character of a wedding and essentially create your own custom venue from scratch. I mean, how great is that – if you can’t find a venue that ticks all your boxes, you can just whip up your own!

From small tipis that accommodate small weddings of 50 people or less to huge structures with space for hundreds of guests, a dance floor, separate rooms and a place for the band – there really isn’t anything off limits. You can go for the traditional white marquee with walls, a clear marquee so you can still sit under the stars while protected, or a nomadic tent or tipi. 

Entertainment

Many of the places you can have a marquee wedding are the kinds of places where seclusion is on your side and allows for you to party all night. DJs and live bands to get bums off seats, or chill sessions with an acoustic duo or a more elegant option of a string quartet or pianist are all reasonable options for a marquee wedding. 

Other entertainment for an outdoor weddings to bring in the element of fun are lawn games, photo booths, even jumping castles! 

Food and Drink

Of course this is a very important part of all of all weddings, and with an outdoor wedding this can present some limitations, however it also opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Catering companies tend to offer much more flexibility in choosing your menu. Depending on the space you have to work with, you can also hire food trucks and caravan bars. Some catering companies also offer services where you can BYO your beverages, and simply hire their bar staff, so you get the full bar experience without the hefty price tag. 

Accommodation

While more of an optional element, onsite accommodation would be particularly handy after all that night-long celebrating and BYO bar! 

Flowers

When you’re in the great outdoors, it’s lovely to add to the natural setting with some botanical pieces of art and decoration. Floral chandeliers are one of my favourite ways to adorn your tipi or marquee. 

Lighting

This is where it gets really fun. Twinking fairy lights lining the ceiling of a clear marquee is positively dreamy, while Chinese lanterns add an unparalleled sense of festivity, and for the hipsters and tres chic among us, strung festoon lighting adds plenty of on-trend character. 

This Sunday get yourself down to the Sunshine Coast Bridal Showcase, where you will find an entire section dedicated to showcasing your options when it comes to outdoor weddings. 

Four different kinds of marquees and three ceremony areas will be set up completely for you to experience. To help you really get the feel for a great outdoor wedding, live musical entertainment will be playing throughout the day with something for everyone’s tastes from an acoustic duo to a string quartet.  

Love Note Music, Backroom Vegas Wedding Band and Offenbach Strings will be alternately performing at the Showcase on Sunday. A wedding trail map and gig guide will be available to all Showcase attendees. 

The post The Anatomy of an Outdoor Wedding appeared first on The Bride's Tree.