We have a spot of advice for you today, which has come from a woman very much in the know. Suzanne Riley is a savvy Sunshine Coast wedding celebrant, who always looks the part, so be sure to heed her advice, lovely brides…

So there is a list for everything!! But don’t we just love lists, we get everything done perfectly and we can tick things off! LOVE IT.

Its not every day we wear a lush gown,  have a room full of ladies helping us get ready and are preened from head to toe, so here are some tips to make the lead up to your walk down the aisle, flow as smooth as silk.

Here’s a common sense approach to getting dressed on your wedding day. Before you even reach for the gown, tick off this checklist. 

Holding your wedding here on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, the weather can be quite hot and sometimes sticky, so getting ready in air-conditioned comfort is something that can be pre-planned and is well worth the forethought.  This makes the process much more comfortable.

Here goes…

• Air-conditioning is on
• Your hair is perfect
• Teeth Cleaned
• If you have had your veil fixed by your hairdresser, then you will already have your veil attached if not, you can leave the veil until after the gown is fitted
• Pantyhose and shoes on – saves bending and creasing the dress or negotiating the gown if you put your shoes on first
• Underwear all in place
• Your makeup is complete – all powders (anything that can mark the gown) put away
• Deodorant on and dry
• Insect repellent on
• Sunscreen on
• Favourite fragrance on
• Jewellery can be fitted after the gown just in case of snags

wedding dresses available on the Sunshine Coast

NOW all of that is done…..  here are the last ‘must check’s’

• Do you need to go to the loo? This is your last chance realistically before you get to your reception so take advantage of one last visit!
• Any pets have been taken outside – we don’t want paw prints or claw pulls in the gown before we leave the house.
• Have something small and simple to eat, with nerves and excitement you may not have an appetite, but try to have something small, a sandwich, maybe have a protein drink or a small energy bar at least on hand and make sure you have ‘something’.  Your breath will smell sweeter, your blood sugar will thank you, you will probably find you are less emotional and there will be no fainting at the wedding.
• Many clean hands for the next step…. so everyone wash your hands, we’re about to tackle to gown….
• First choice for dress fitting is STEP INTO your gown if possible….. make sure your heels are securely on the floor and not on your gown at all before your gown is pulled up.  If your gown must be fitted over your head, wear a makeup saver over your hair/face whilst you’re being fitted into your gown.
• If your gown has a large separate underskirt, put this on first and fit the dress over your head.
• If your gown has many buttons or lace up ribbon, make sure to leave plenty of time for this as it can take longer than you imagine.
• If you need a nibble or to freshen up your makeup after the gown is fitted, protect the gown with a clean sheet, towel or makeup saver
• Final check….. Do you have your ‘something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue’?
• Take a deep breath!

Now you’re good to go.

Above images by Emma Nayler Photographer

Suzanne Riley has invaluable wedding knowledge by the basketfull. If you would like to learn more about this lovely lass and her wedding celebrant services here on the Sunshine Coast, you find all you need to know right here. 

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To get in contact with the lovely Suzanne, visit her vendor profile. 

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Local teacher, Jess, married her love, Travis, in a beautiful classic wedding at Sunshine Coast purpose-built wedding venue, The Lakehouse. Their wedding styling was inspired by the location and decor of the waterfront coastal venue, and Marine Engineer Travis’ affinity with all things nautical. Jess also included a hint of vintage in her fashion and with the inlusion of old family wedding photographs. 

Images by Lou O’Brien captured their day in a gorgeous fashion. 

“We gave our attendants their dresses and suits as well as nice bottles of champagne and scotch and the girls also had pretty robes for getting ready as well as earrings. My nieces and nephews all had presents on the table to entertain them during the reception.”

“My daughter, Lotte, did a reading during the ceremony as did one of Trav’s childhood friends, Melissa. We also gave the bridal bouquet to my grandparents as the longest married couple at the wedding. My three older brothers, Adam, Ben and Jarred were also our MCs for the day and this was very special to me.”

Jess and Travis said their vows by the water at Brightwater in a ceremony performed by celebrant, Suzanne Riley. 

“We have identical values, love for family and admiration for each other as people. We wanted to keep everything simple but have a wedding that reflected who we are as people, a couple and things that were important for us to share.” 

“My dad also surprised us in his speech by acknowledging our wedding day as the same date my Mum and Dad got engaged. Not having Mum with us physically was very difficult but she was there with us in so many other ways. Her wedding photo featured in our decorations.”

“Trav is a huge ‘boaty’ so the nautical theme worked and we combined this with my love of teaching… and chalkboards became the feature for this.

“A highlight for me was a special father daughter dance that Dad and I had worked out together and singing a song to Trav with my brother Ben on guitar was pretty special (once I got in the right key!)”

Wedding Secrets

Biggest money saver: Doing so many things ourselves – invitations, bonbonniere, thank you cards

Bridal gown: Ferrari Bridal and Formal wear – $1900

Shoes: I had a pair that I hadn’t really worn much which were perfect! I wanted a neutral colour to theme with vintage style.

Bridesmaid dresses: Forever New $200 each

Bridesmaids’ accessories: Angus and Coote Jewellers, Bras and Things robes

Groom’s suit and shoes: Male Manor, Carindale $1600 for all three

Groomsmens’ suits and shoes: Male Manor, Carindale

Rings: Selig’s Jewellers in Caloundra $1400

DIY: I work with wonderful people where I teach at St John’s and the amazing ‘Arty’ teachers Fiona and Jas, who happen to be great friends, made our centrepieces, which were incredible. 

Number of guests: 110

Wedding budget: $35,000

A-list Vendors

Celebrant: Suzanne Riley

Venue & Catering: The Lakehouse

Florist: Willow Bud

Photographer: Images by Lou O’Brien / Videographer: Wildbunch Weddings / Cake: Lee Berryman Cake Designs / Bombonnieres: Miniature heart chalk boards on pegs (ordered online) and doubled as name setting / Transport: Noosa Limousines / Makeup Artist: Pru Edwards  / Hair Stylist: Katrina from Universal Hair / Entertainment: Rockin You Wild DJs

See Jessica & Travis’ full wedding album. 

The post Real Wedding: Jessica & Travis at The Lakehouse appeared first on The Bride's Tree.