Welcome back, beautiful brides! I know we will have some brand-spanking new brides-to-be in our midst. With the Season of Joy, we always see some extra fun joy occur in the form of marriage proposals, which we LOVE. So if you are joining us for the first time, let me first say welcome. I’m Sally, editor of this here bridal blog, and I will be your wedding planning guide. Are you ready? Please keep up, we have a lot to cover. 

Let me second say, you’re in for a darn exciting time, my new pals. However long you plan to be engaged, I plan to personally make this the time of your life. I will be bringing you wedding inspiration every day, and this year a stack more helpful planning and etiquette articles are coming your way. 

This time of year is particularly exciting for those in the throse of planning their nuptials, as there are some fabulous events coming up. One such event is the Sunshine Coast Bridal Showcase, the Sunshine Coast’s longest running bridal expo. Of the 80 local exhibitors at this event, many of them will be running expo exclusive deals and discounts, and giving away prizes. 

Here are all the details of this must-do event for any bride and groom. 

[Above image by Jennifer Oliphant Photography]

Sunshine Coast Bridal Showcase

Sunday 18th January 2015

Show Hours:    10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Venue:             Novotel Twin Waters Resort
Admission:      $10.00 each available online for pre purchase tickets

$14.00 each at the door

Giveaways
Each bride will receive a show bag filled with information and copies of FREE Brides Diary magazine, Ideal Bride, Queensland Wedding, Wedding & Bride, Queensland Bride Magazine, Coast Bride and Your local Wedding Guide . Valued at over $75.00

Prizes
Every attendee goes into the draw to win any number of lucky door prizes valued at over $10,000.

There is also an amazing wedding gown from Ferrari Formal Wear worth $1500 up for grabs!

More of what to expect at the Sunshine Coast Bridal Showcase in this 2-minute film. 

Sunshine Coast Bridal Showcase | Playback Films from Playback Studios on Vimeo.

The post Welcome Back + Sunshine Coast Bridal Showcase 2015 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.

Amanda and Trev were highschool sweethearts, who fell truly, madly, deeply and hopelessly in love over exchange of sweet childish love letters. Those same love letters are the ones Trev bundled together in a vintage jewellery box for Amanda to open on her wedding day morning. How she turned up to her wedding ceremony without puffy eyes, we will never know! 

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This beautiful couple had a long engagement of four years before they finally tied the knot at gorgeous Sunshine Coast hinterland wedding venue, Flaxton Gardens. It was a perfect day, with their ceremony overlooking the gorgeous hinterland, which they say was their favourite part of the day. Kristy Ellis of Weddings with Kristy was their wedding celebrant, who engaged their guests and helped them to have the emotional, yet fun ceremony they had always wanted. 

We absolutely adore the colour scheme Amanda chose – the fresh white with hints of blue and coral are simply stunning and perfect for a Sunshine Coast wedding. We particularly love the florals by Ginger Lily & Rose Floral Studio with its nod to the colour theme in such a creative and intricate fashion. Love, love, love! 

Enjoy these beautiful photos by Sunshine Coast wedding photographer, NKN Photography.

“My advice to other brides is to use reputable and professionals for your wedding suppliers, their creativity and professionalism is worth every cent and you are less stressed for it.”

“I wanted a fresh, timeless look that had a modern palette using coral, white, grey and light blue.”

” As our children are very young it was important to us that our wedding was captured on film using a professional videographer that we thought would capture our personalities and our special moment as a family so we can all watch together and so that our children can see the commitment we have made to each other.”

“Our ceremony was the most special part of the day. It was so personal but fun at the same time. It was everything I had always imagined and it went perfectly.”

“Our very clever seven year old son (who was six at the time) read a beautiful and funny poem at the start of our ceremony which introduced what a wedding was all about and what our guests would be experiencing throughout our special day. Our guests loved it and were in fits of laughter, some were even crying.”

Wedding Secrets Revealed

Biggest Splurge: Videography and photography

Best Bargain: I bought my wedding shoes for $50 at Williams on sale

Bridal gown: Anna Campbell, Ivory Collection, ‘Grace’ Dress, $1099 From Eve Boutique

Accessories: Samantha Wills ‘Come Away With Me’ earrings and Pearl Bracelet

Shoes: C Est Bon $50.00 Williams Shoes

Bridesmaid dresses: Bariano One Shoulder Twist, $299.00 from Hoe Boutique

Bridesmaids’ accessories: Samantha Wills Amour Noir Earrings, $75 each from Eve Boutique, they wore their own shoes

Groom’s suit and shoes: Always Habit Paddington, $650.00

Groomsmens’ suits and shoes: Roger David $275 each

DIY: We made a chalkboard sign the day before our wedding of our love story and our children illustrated it  with pictures of themselves playing guitars and love hearts. We also had homemade cookies as bonboniere and a cool drink coaster that had “Eat, Drink, Dance – To you and to yours“,  and our names and our wedding date written on it.

Number of guests: 80

Wedding budget: $25,000

“My husband surprised me with a beautiful pearl bracelet and had a vintage jewellery box filled with love letters we had written each other over the last nine years. As I was in school when I met Trev some of them were so funny and childish. I really appreciated this as Trev isn’t the most emotional person I know.”

“The weather was amazing, not a cloud in the sky. There was a slight breeze however which made for great photos of my veil floating in the soft wind.”

“We decided to swap the standard sit down entree to cocktail food out on the terrace which gave us more time to mingle with our guests, the food was amazing, all our guests have complimented this aspect to our wedding. Then we moved inside the Winery Room to our mains which were Twice Cooked Pork Belly in a soy jus and Pan Roasted NorthTerritory Barramundi, we had a Cherry Ripe Chocolate Mudcake by Sunny Girl Cakes for dessert with a traditional top layer of fruit cake which we have kept for our first year anniversary, this was served with coconut Icecream and raspberry coulis”

Amanda & Trev’s Hand-picked Team That Made It Happen

Venue and catering: Flaxton Gardens

Photographer: NKN Photography

Florist: Ginger Lily & Rose Floral Studio

Cake: Sunny Girl Cakes

Celebrant: Weddings with Kristy

Makeup Artist: Makeup 4 Brides         

Hair Stylist: Hair 4 Brides

Videographer: Sunshine Coast Videography

DJ: Moove It DJs / Stationery Supplier: Invitation Designs By Eliza

The post Family Wedding at Flaxton Gardens appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Enjoy these amazing photos by Sunshine Coast wedding photographer, Lindy Photography.

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Some incredible Sunshine Coast wedding professionals came together to create this stunning shoot with oodles of glamour and style. The bride was pure vintage Hollywood movie star glamour with sleek finger waves and pin curl rolls, chocolate brown smoky eye colours, vintage claret lips, and of course the classic beauty spot! The bride carried a bouquet made of red ippeastrums, red roses, white Oriental Lilies and Dodda Vine wrapped in taupe chiffon ribbon.

The bridesmaid took a classic look from the 50’s with long waves and curls with stunning black fascinator and vintage brooches, powder perfect skin, white soft shimmer and blush eye colours, classic eyeliner and tea rose lips and cheeks.

To amp up the glamour, some provincial style furniture and lace parasols and fans came into play on the absolutely gorgeous hinterland property on a perfect Sunshine Coast day.

Photography by Lindy Photography

Lace Parasols and lace fans by Parasols With Love

Provinence armchair by Splash Events

Bouquet: By Rebecca at Blooms of Noosa

Bides Dress: Sherri Hill Rosette Wedding Gown in white by Angels Noosa Bridesmaids Dress: Black & White low cut vintage evening gown by Angels Noosa

Swarovski accessories, jewellery by Angels Noosa
Shoes by Luckystar, Angels Noosa

Hair and Makeup by Vicki at Silk Hair and Makeup 

The post Vintage Bride: 1940’s Beauty and Fashion appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

And we have been meeting hundreds of brides at the It's My Wedding Expo, where we revealed our new contemporary eclectic styling for our expo stand. Don't worry, lovely Sunshine Coast brides, we made sure we shared all of our behind-the-scenes and…

Just in case you missed it… 

Our week began with a vintage bridal look that had me reminiscing about my own Grandmother's bridal look in the 1940's

Then we unveiled our new expo stand styling by one of the Sunshine Coast's most talented stylists.

On Wednesday we shared some creative ways you can find your "Something old" for luck on your wedding day

Towards the business end of the work week, we brightened your day with a relaxed and beautiful Chambers Island wedding

We made you all green with envy as we shared our competition winner's Big Day Out with her Besties in the Sunshine Coast hinterland!

And yesterday we revealed a secret about a positively magical Sunshine Coast wedding photographer with our photo of the week.

New to The Bride's Tree

Coast to Country Weddings and Events

Coast to Country Weddings and Events specialise in wedding styling and decorating concepts with a personalised service for your event, across the Sunshine Coast & Hinterlannd.

Image by Calli B Photography

Noosa Hinterland Tours

Affordable transport solutions for your wedding party. Our deluxe coaches move your family and friends in comfort to & from your venue, reception & guest's accommodation.

Brilliant Bridal Beauty Tip

By Karla Davis from Allure Hair & Beauty

We trial our hair and makeup so it's a fantastic idea to trial your tan pre-wedding to ensure the perfect colour and application is achieved. Look for products that guarantee 'no orange' tones and prep your skin beforehand with thorough exfoliation. Tanning two days prior to the wedding day is perfect to allow the colour to settle and look the most natural on your skin tone.

The post Weekly Round Up appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

It’s an outrageously gorgeous sunset love story for Djanisa and Rana, and we are hopelessly in love with it! Matt Rowe is one Sunshine Coast wedding photographer to watch – you mark our words. Have a beautiful weekend, lovelies! 

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

We think her unbridled happiness must be because this very happily married woman sincerely enjoys being part of other couples’ journey into married life. But hey, enough speculating, because there’s simply no need – Fiona has answered all of our probing questions. So let’s train our spotlight on this star of the Sunshine Coast wedding industry and read all about being a modern, young celebrant on the Sunshine Coast.

Officiating a Kings Beach wedding, image by Phill Jackson Photography

Fiona, you’re a bit of a funky young celebrant. What keeps you young?

Why, thank you! I like to think that my positive outlook on life and a never give up attitude helps to keep me feeling young.

We happen to know you’re a bit of a cyclist. Where is your fave place to cycle on the Sunshine Coast?

My secret is out! Yes, I am part of the lycra brigade! I am currently training for the Ride to Conquer Cancer so I love to join my team in a cycle from our place at Kawana Forest up to Point Cartwright, then down to Pocket Espresso at Moffat Beach for a yummy hot chocolate or juice on a Sunday morning.

If you planned one perfect day, what would it involve?

Wow, what an excellent challenge…I may even put this on the bucket list to try! Most of it revolves around food, which isn’t surprising!

I would start with a climb up Mt Coolum – what better way to view the Sunshine Coast? Then head to some farmers markets to grab some breakfast and some local goodies for lunch. Next I would head up to the hinterland for a picnic, making sure I stop at Maleny Cheese for some more goodies.  Once I am stuffed to the brim, enjoy a leisurely drive back down the range before heading to our favourite restaurant in Mooloolaba – Via Italia – for a pizza and a drinks. To top it all off, I would then scoot down to Brisbane for a show at QPAC or outdoor cinemas.  Of course, my husband Ritchie would be right by my side, it wouldn’t be perfect without him.

What is something that is really important to you in your life?

My husband Ritchie, my fur child Rosie, my family and friends. But also maintaining a good balance between work and play

When you meet an engaged couple, what is one thing you love to learn about them?

I love to hear how the couple met and what they first thought of each other, but especially to see the reaction they give each other when asked – the whole unspoken look of ‘which story do we tell?’!

I give each of my couples a questionnaire to answer about their relationship and their dreams – the honesty in the answers I receive is just beautiful and I feel very blessed that they have shared such detail with me.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I am a first dan black belt in karate!

Fiona celebrated her 30th Birthday in style – on a flying trapeze lesson at Twin Waters Novotel Resort!

If you could offer one piece of sound advice to brides and grooms, what would it be?

I have two: 1) Make a wet weather plan. It will reduce the stress for all of us!  2) Don’t sweat the small stuff – only you will know if the small details aren’t exactly right.

What made you want to become a wedding celebrant?

It all started when we were looking for a celebrant when we got married 8 years ago.  We wanted someone who was younger and modern. The internet wasn’t as great with wedding blogs (no Bride’s Tree back then!) and websites so most of the research I did was through magazines. So I knew there was a market out there. Four years later and I finally did something about it. It appealed to me on many levels and I enjoy it even more than I thought I would.

Fiona in action, doing what she does best and having a ball! Image by Level Eleven Photography

What do you love most about your job?

Meeting new couples, being involved in their journey, even just for a fragment of time, but knowing that I played a huge part of their wedding day.

The post Spotlight on a Supplier: Fiona Duce appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

With her design, Kerrie-anne had a stamp made, which she applied to transparent paper and fixed it to balsa wood. We absolutely adore the attention to detail and care put into every one of Kerrie-anne’s designs. 

Kerrie-anne Designs has both custom design options and also an uber cute customisable off the shelf range perfect for your Sunshine Coast wedding. 

The post Nautical Wedding Stationery appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

The stand outs for us at this wedding were Justine’s positively toothsome Manolo Blahnik blue heels a la Carrie Bradshaw (eep!) and the catering by Spicers Clovelly, which was a 5-course degustation! Talk about decadence! It was all lovingly captured by super dooper, super fun Sunshine Coast wedding photographer, Ritchie, from Level Eleven Photography. Enjoy! 

“Having breakfast with everyone and then going for a walk with Simon before getting ready just made things more calm.“

“Once I had the dress, I realised that the venue was tying in with the romantic, vintage-style of the dress. I think our wedding was romantic, intimate and vintage-inspired with a modern twist.”

“Our parents gave us to each other; it was a joining of families, rather than a traditional giving away.”

“We invited immediate family & grandparents only as we always wanted a very intimate wedding“

Gorgeous hair styling by Hair by Nicola

Beautiful makeup by KJ Artistry

“Everyone was asked by the celebrant, Natalie Banner- Celebrant of Noosa, to make a vow to support us etc at the beginning of the ceremony and everyone blew bubbles at the end as we walked back down the aisle.“

Wedding Secrets Revealed

Biggest splurge: 5-course degustation dinner, where each guest made their own selection for each course.

Best money-saver: We made our own playlist on an iPod for our ceremony and reception music so we could have exactly the type of music we wanted. We didn’t need a DJ.

Bridal gown: Allure Bridals

Accessories: Earrings I had bought at Nordstrom in the US years ago but hadn’t worn. I guess they needed a special enough occasion!

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik Hangisi in blue for the ceremony (my something blue) and Manolo Blahnik Sedaraby in silver for the reception. I’m very much a shoe girl so having special but not ‘bridey’ shoes was important to me. I always knew I wanted my something blue to be my shoes.

Groom’s suit and shoes:  A tailored Zegna suit with peaked lapels and no vent (like Daniel Craig’s in Casino Royale) & Julius Marlow shoes.

Number of guests: 10

“All photos were at Spicers Clovelly Estate because it was such a beautiful setting with lots of great locations for photos.”

“We did everything our way & didn’t let ourselves become influenced by others so we felt completely relaxed on the day. Having everyone staying on site was great, especially at the end of a long day. Everything was wonderful, from the ceremony to the cake and stay at Spicers Clovelly Estate.“

Justine and Simon’s Hand-picked team That Made It All Happen

Photographer: Level Eleven Photography

Celebrant: Natalie Banner- Celebrant of Noosa

Makeup Artist: KJ Artistry

Hair Stylist: Hair by Nicola

Venue: Spicers Clovelly Estate

Florist: Mondo Floral Designs

Cake: Eden’s Cakes & Cupcakes

Decorators: Spicers Clovelly Estate

The post Intimate Wedding at Exclusive Hinterland Estate appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Over at A Darling Affair we’re gearing up for our first event of the year – The Celebration Fair. All of our planning has us in a party mood and nothing says party and excitement like CONFETTI!

We reflected on the invention of confetti and found that it originates with the tradition of showering newly weds in things such as rice as they leave their wedding ceremony. Indeed an expression of LOVE as it represents showering the bride and groom in well wishes for their life together. Continuing our series of details that say, “I love you”…nothing says “Hooray! We are so happy for you!” like tossing confetti up in the air and over the happy couple. Give your guests the perfect way to show their love for you by providing confetti at your wedding.

So let’s kick off with paper confetti. There is something so festive about these little circles of colour – as they explode and flutter in all of their bright, spotty glory. This traditional form of confetti is by far our favourite, and you’ll find that it’s a trend for all kinds of design projects. Confetti is “so in right now”.

Photo by Anna Gilbert Photography, Styling by Style le Aisle

If you’re looking for even more “pizazz” why not throw some sparkle in there. Toni, of Float Balloon knows how to add an extra hit of shimmer to a confetti mix.

You may find that your venue will not allow the paper and glitter confetti varieties due to the clean up involved. However there are more “nature-friendly” options. You will find biodegradable paper options, but it can be far easier and more affordable than that.

One commonly used alternative is flower petals, colourful, floaty and a natural option.

Photo by Mode Photography

We are especially loving lavender and the vintage touch it adds as a form of flower confetti.

Photo by Boots Photography

Food, such as rice and small fruits were often used traditionally. However, for a more colourful option – why not use sprinkles! Much more fun and colourful!

Cake pops by Jhar Binx & Zave Cake Artistry

If you have a phobia of having things thrown at you – you can always opt for bubbles, or sparklers.

Sparklers from Anna’s Perfect Parties

You’re sure to find confetti-a-plenty at our Celebration Fair, along with plenty of colourful inspiration for your big day. Pop on down to Lake Kawana Community Centre on March 16th for a fun day out.

The post Confetti – A Shower of Love appeared first on The Bride's Tree.