Want Steph the Celebrant at your wedding?

How cool is Steph?! If you know you want to meet the woman herself to talk about your wedding, get in contact today.

Steph is taking bookings for 2022 Sunshine Coast weddings and beyond.

Image credits: Florence Lemyre, Daniel Neucom, Jac Lee, Bridget Kane Lewis. 

The post Meet Steph the Celebrant | A-list Vendor appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

 

Since 2018, Danielle has been running her own business,Your Story Celebrant. In just four years, her reputation as a caring, entertaining celebrant has seen her grow to be one of the Sunshine Coast’s most sought after in her field. Many key local wedding venues name Your Story Celebrant as their preferred celebrant, and she’s known her being an advocate for authenticity and a reliable professional. 

 

Danielle’s couples love her relaxed approach, always ready to have a laugh, while taking pride in her business. She creates memorable bespoke personalised ceremonies where every person present walks away feeling loved up and ready to kick off the celebration of the couple of the day. 

Take me through your process of your on-the-day job.

On the day of a wedding, I only accept one booking per day, as to me it’s important my phone is on for my couples, and I am available for any last minute request or support they might need.

 

I begin the day by nourishing myself with a big healthy breakfast before taking the morning to get in the zone by relaxing with a face mask and cuppa, taking a walk or doing yoga. I double check all the couple’s paperwork and ensure my equipment is charged and ready to go before glamming up and heading off to the wedding with plenty of time and loads of snacks to spare.

 

I’m not going to lie, I’m also known on the drive to crank up the tunes way too loud and belt out some songs to warm up my vocal cords, much to the person in next car over’s amusement at a stopped traffic light! Normally I’ll choose some 90’s bangers, or my most recent pre-wedding fave, The Wedding Singer Soundtrack. Who doesn’t love a bit of 80’s cheese to get you in the pre wedding mood!

 

I always arrive early to the venue, as I like to set up, be there for any last minute issues, and ready for the couple’s guests to arrive and be welcomed with a big warm smile. Following the ceremony and still riding the love buzz, I’ll always stick around for a big congrats squeeze or glass of champagne to toast in the happy couple before getting back on the road. Then I head to the office to lodge couple’s documents online to Births, Deaths and Marriages.

 

Share something that’s interesting about you, or something a lot of people don’t realise.

I’m an empath, more introverted than extroverted, definitely more of a listener than a talker. My friends and family are always amazed that I have chosen a career in public speaking, as this was never something I could have ever imagined myself enjoying. But absolutely LOVE IT!

 

It really is amazing looking back on ceremonies and see myself in action, as the passion for what I do takes over, and, believe it or not, I am more comfortable in front of a microphone than anywhere else. Sometimes you just have to face your fear and follow your heart no matter how scary it may seem.

What’s happening in your specific area of weddings this year? 

Trends this year are definitely scaled back weddings. 50 guests is the new normal and couples are more open to weddings going ahead regardless of travel restrictions for family and friends. Couples are more daring to go for different whether that be in what they wear, making their own traditions or adding in elements to their day that reflect them. Elopements are definitely on the rise in such uncertain times. A lot of couples coming through are choosing to elope now and have their large celebration with family and friends when times are a lot more certain.

Love what you hear? Danielle is taking enquiries for 2022 weddings now. 

The post Meet Danielle | Your Story Celebrant appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Steven Murray worked as a wedding photographer in our nation’s capital, Canberra, for 20 years before shifting his focus ever so slightly and becoming a celebrant. He says being a celebrant is one of the most rewarding experiences of his life. Playing such an important role in a couple’s life, surrounded by so much love is something he considers himself lucky to be able to do over and over again. 

Couples are drawn to Steven’s relaxed, humorous style, so we wanted to get to know him a little better. Below he shares a few of his favourite things, what it’s like to be a wedding celebrant on the Sunshine Coast… 

What makes you stand out from the crowd? 

There must be a million celebrants on the Sunshine Coast, and that makes it a challenge for couples to choose who is best for them. My point of difference is that I have 20-plus years experience in the wedding industry, both as a wedding photographer and celebrant. So I have been on both sides of the fence, which has allowed me to gain valuable experience of all aspects of the wedding day. I have been involved in weddings of 2 people up to 600, from mountains to churches, beaches to lounge rooms and have seen just about everything that can happen on a wedding day, actually happen! (maybe I should write a book!). My style is very relaxed and easy going, with just the right amount of humour. The biggest point of difference is that I wear a bow tie!

What do your happy clients say about working with you? 

My couples always comment on how easy I made the whole process and how much their guests enjoyed their ceremony. In fact the majority of my bookings come from referrals from past couples. It is a shame I can’t give those past couples a discount on their next wedding as a thank you for referring me! Not a good thing to offer!

Photo credits: The Beautiful Collective, T8 Photography, Creative Image Photography

Contact Steven Murray, Sunshine Coast Wedding Celebrant, to find out if he’s available to perform your wedding ceremony! 

The post Meet Steven Murray | A-List Vendor Story appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

These are the people who know all the legal ins and outs of getting married, and with celebrancy being highly regulated, ensuring you’re hooked up with a consummate professional is paramount. The celebrants below are the top 10 we recommend here on the Sunshine Coast.

So in no particular order, please take a peek at your shortlist! Click straight through to their Instagram pages to learn more about each one and see who would be a good fit for you!

Philippa Holness

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Your Celebrant is likely your first port of call for ‘all things wedding’ questions. These are a selection of those I’m most frequently asked. Link in bio ❤️❤️ KEELEIGH + SAM signing the all important paperwork @whiteivylounge captured here by @mallorysparklesphoto . . . . #weddingceremony #sunshinecoastwedding #noosaweddings #weddingcelebrant #noosabride #sunshinecoastbride #bridetribe #marriagecelebrant #destinationwedding #weddinginspiration #elopementsunshinecoast #elopement #elope #elopetonoosa #liveauthentic #weddingplanning2020 #weddingstyle #thebridestree #trueelopement #tinywedding #elopeaustralia #realwedding #weddingcelebrantnoosa #weddingcelebrantsunshinecoast #wereengaged #beachweddingaustralia #engaged #weddingplanning #itsofficial #weregettingmarried

A post shared by Philippa Holness ♥️ Celebrant (@noosaweddinglove) on Feb 24, 2019 at 12:38am PST

Suzanne Riley

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Kat and Duncan on board @setsailcruises so happy xx happy anniversary what beautiful memories xxxxx @lifeandlovephotographybyleeb @oldskoolkombis @katbalaz ❤️ #lovekindaday #lovemooloolaba #mooloolaba @mooloolababeach @mooloolaba_chamber_4557 @visitmooloolaba @visitsunshinecoast #elopemooloolaba #auntpegs ???❤️ #suzannecelebrant #celebrantsuzanne

A post shared by SUZANNE RILEY?QLD (@suzannecelebrant) on Feb 16, 2019 at 12:20am PST

Big Love Weddings (Jo)

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It wasn’t ALL lol’s during Carolin & Mark’s ceremony, but there certainly were lots. . And they were expertly caught by the ever talented @bonniejenkins . . Florals @heavenlyblooms Styling @bohosisters

A post shared by Brisbane Marriage Celebrant (@bigloveweddings) on Jan 30, 2019 at 4:59pm PST

Kath Tilly

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Expo ready at @scbridalexpo

A post shared by Noosa Wedding Celebrant (@kathtilly_celebrant) on Jan 12, 2019 at 6:38pm PST

Coastal Weddings (Fiona)

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I love my couples to be connected for the ceremony – not only does it deliver better photos, but when you’re packing bricks in front of your closest people, you’ve got your closest person keeping you grounded.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Sent via @planoly #planoly Photographer: @translucent_photography⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Videographer: @topchoisproductions⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Publication: @becomingone.co ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Venue: @montvillecountrycabins⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Concept/Stationary/Co-Styling: @studiobcouture⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Co-Stylist & Floral Design: @peridot.pretty⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Furniture & Decor: @huskandvine⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Celebrant: @coastalweddings_celebrant⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Cake Artist: @wildchildcakes⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Bridal Couture: @lunawillowbridal⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Hair & Makeup: @emiliamariamakeup⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Suit: @wilvalor / @wil_valor_groom⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Horses: @your_mane_event⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Luna the Barn Owl: @raptor_vision⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Couple: @keiarnakerr & @_steviemac_official⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #flowers #weddingstyle #wedding #weddingflowers #bride #groom #celebrant #weddingcelebrant #noosawedding #noosacelebrant #coastalweddings #justmarried #marriagecelebrant #ido #isaidyes #engaged #engagement #marriage #love #elopement #ceremony #weddingceremony

A post shared by Fiona Duce: Marriage Celebrant (@coastalweddings_celebrant) on Mar 10, 2019 at 3:24pm PDT

Toni Collett

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My beautiful couple at the amazing Flaxton Gardens.. image by the lovely Shellbells Photography and gorgeous flowers by the talented Poppy Lane Flowers By Design.. 10th Aniversary Celebrations soon for Flaxton Gardens (check their page)..Get your entry in to Win a $10,000 wedding.. would to have you in the next image.. ?? #weddingsunshinecoast #gettingmarried #sunshinecoastcelebrant #gettingmarried #elope #celebrantsunhinecoast #gettingmarriedonsunshinecoast #highlycommened #marriedbytoni #love #marriage #isaidyes #bride #groom #thebridestree #abiaaustralia #queenslandweddings #sunshinecoastweddings #loveyourqueenslandwedding #justmarried #itstartedwithakiss #loveisreal #beachweddingbliss #tonicollettweddings #yourqueenslandwedding #loverslikeusweddingprofessionals #loveyourqueenslandwedding @flaxtongardens @poppylaneflowersbydesign @shellsbellsphotography @yourqueenslandwedding @loverslikeus @thebridestree

A post shared by Toni Collett (@celebranttonicollett) on Nov 24, 2018 at 12:23am PST

Ceremonies to a Tee (Belinda)

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I love it when beautiful couple moments like these are captured forever on film. Thanks to the dream team at #littlelovebugphotography #sunshinecoastcelebrant #sunshinecoastwedding #weddingcelebrant #yandinastationwedding #yandinastation #foreverlove

A post shared by Belinda Tee (@ceremonies_to_a_tee) on Dec 30, 2018 at 12:33am PST

I Heart Ceremonies (Beth)

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V I B E S ? Smiles all round for B + L late last year, married under the massive Moreton Bay Fig at @yandinastation . . . . Photographer @jannekestorm Venue @yandinastation #iheartceremonies #yandinastation #sunshinecoastwedding #sunshinecoastcelebrant #vibes #nothingbutgoodvibes #brideandgroom #weddingday #marriagecelebrant #sunshinecoast #noosawedding #noosacelebrant #weddingsatyandinastation

A post shared by Beth // I Heart Ceremonies (@iheartceremonies) on Feb 4, 2019 at 12:10am PST

Pamela Marriage Celebrant

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A post shared by Pamela Marriage Celebrant (@pamelamarriagecelebrant) on Feb 19, 2019 at 1:37pm PST

Kirsty Spencer

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Groomsmen selfie! How good does Jacob and his grooms squad look in their white polka dot shirts and floral ties ?? @jacob_kiraly #onefinekiraly

A post shared by Sunshine Coast Celebrant (@kirstyspencercelebrant) on Oct 28, 2018 at 2:04am PDT

The post Top 10 Sunshine Coast Celebrants appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Emma looked like a dream on her wedding day when she became the wife of handsome Josh. The pair chose a waterfront location in Maroochydore to say their vows before family and friends in a super fun ceremony, officiated by Sunshine Coast celebrant, Lynette Maguire. 

Their memories were captured in an outrageously beautiful fashion by none other than one of our all-time faves, Matt Rowe Photography. The couple say the most fun part of the day was their bridal party photo shoot, mucking around and coming up with creative group shots! 

“There are so many great memories from our wedding day but I think the most stand out one for me would be mucking around after the ceremony with Josh and the bridal party getting our photos taken doing stupid poses and just having a laugh.”

“The whole lead up to the wedding it did not feel real, as soon as I put my wedding dress on I got butterflies in my stomach and it really hit me that I was getting married today.”

“The pendants on the bouquet symbolise my grandmothers, two of which we have lost, and I had my dad tie a silver sixpence to my shoe for good luck. The ribbons at the ceremony were a Celtic hand fastening where friends and family ask us questions which Josh and I would then have to promise to – something to get the quests involved in the ceremony.”

“Josh and I really wanted a fun and relaxing day, more of a party feel then a formal wedding ceremony and reception.”

“The funniest time for me would have been the exchanging of our own vows which we had no idea what the other was going to say.”

“I felt so excited and nervous at the same time when I first saw Josh.  FINALLY after 12 years I was marrying my best friend.”

A-List Vendors

“Married life is exactly the same as before… I still haven’t been able to change my last name because our dog ate half of our marriage certificate!

Take a look through Emma & Josh’s full wedding album

The post Real Wedding: Emma & Josh in Maroochydore appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Oh, there are some good people in the world! Case and point: Lynette Maguire. This lovely lady was so moved several years ago by a couple she married in her capacity as a Sunshine Coast celebrant, where the groom was suffering a terminal illness and as his last wish wanted to marry the love of his life. Lynette is now dedicating her time to making other deserving peoples’ wishes come true. 

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Along with a merry band of 30 or so other Sunshine Coast wedding vendors, Lynette helped Christine and Nathan have their dream wedding at the Award-winning Maleny Manor. If you’ve not yet read this inspiring story of human compassion and love, you need to check out our interview with Lynette, published it in our latest free online magazine. Guaranteed to warm the heart. 

The post Interview: Lynette Maguire, My Wedding Wish appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

By Guest Blogger, Ann Hills, Sunshine Coast wedding celebrant

All weddings are beautiful, but there are some that stand out.  It is not just the wedding dress or the colour of the bridesmaids or the location and mind you there are some stunning locations particularly around the Sunshine Coast. It is a moment in time.

I had a wedding recently that has stuck in my mind.  The location was – The Little White Wedding Church in Maleny.

The weather was perfect and I was standing at the front of the church with the Groom anticipating the arrival of the Bride. At the back of the Chapel the double doors remained closed.   The word came that the Bride had arrived and was having last minute photos attended to. The music chosen was a classical piece which set the tone for expectation, the bridesmaids entered from the side door looking exquisite.  A few second lapsed and then with a burst, the double doors opened and there stood the bride, her veil covering her face, looking demure and absolutely exquisite.   It took everyone’s breath away.  I glanced at the groom who burst into tears and I must admit I shed a few tears myself.  The effect was stunning.

I wish this for every Bride and Groom on their special day.

Meet the lovely Ann Hills at the the Noosa Wedding Expo this Sunday, February 16. We will be there, too!

Noosa Wedding Expo

Noosa Springs Resort

Sunday, 16th February

10am – 3pm

Entry is $10 per person (pay at the door)

Fashion Parades will be at 11.30am and 2.00pm

Major Prizes

Fraser Island Honeymoon package from Kingfisher Bay Resort

Honeymoon package and spa treatments from Noosa Springs Resort

Photographic package from Tim McIvor Photography

Engagment photo session with Karena Nuttall – Photographer

Expo Specials

Many of the exhibitors will be holding special deals for expo-goers only, and all areas of wedding services will be represented at the expo. From transport to photography, from jewellery to cakes. You really can plan your entire wedding in one outing, and save a stack of money while you are at it. 

Ticket Giveaway

Tell us below in the comments which wedding services or products in particular you are hoping to lock in at the expo and we will send you two tickets to join us at the Noosa Wedding Expo this weekend. Today we are giving away two double passes.Winners will be notified via email, so be sure to include your email address in the comment.

Photo by Chesterton Smith Photography

The post Magic Moment In Time appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Your Celebrant Shona works with many couples from different cultures. One of her beautiful Chinese couples gave this beautiful explanation of why the fourth finger is traditionally the wedding ring finger. We have never heard this explanation before, and we were positively blown away by this practical demonstration!

Firstly, hold your open palms face-to-face, and bend your middle fingers down  and hold together back-to-back. Next, open and hold the remaining fingers and thumb tip to tip as shown. 

Now, try to separate the thumbs – these represent The Parents and you will notice they separate easily, because your parents are not destined to live with you lifelong and will leave you sooner or later. 

Rejoin your thumbs, then go ahead and separate the index fingers. These represent your siblings, and again will come apart easily, because your siblings will go on to have their own families and lead their own lives separate to your own. 

After rejoining the tips of your index fingers, try the same with your pinkie fingers. They will open, too, as they represent your children, who will one day fly the next, marry and settle down one day. 

Finally, place the tips of your pinkie fingers back together and try to separate your ring fingers, which represent your spouse. You will be surprised to find you cannot! This is because husband and wife should remain together all their lives, through thick and thin. 

Isn’t this a beautiful way of demonstrating the nature of marriage!

The post Why the Fourth Finger is Traditionally the Ring Finger appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

On the exact eighth anniversary of the first kiss, Anna and Ivan were wed in an intimate wedding ceremony with just their close friends and family by their sides.  In fact most of them were staying with them in the expansive home, looking out over Baroon Pocket Dam in Montville.

But it is what this wedding inspired, that this story is about.

It can be difficult for some in the industry to desire a wedding of their own, given they see so many weddings.  It can all become blasé.

This photographer’s lover had found weddings far too overwhelming for her; she hated being the centre of attention, and did not desire one of her own….until Anna and Ivan. 

She said, “Luke had shot an elopement, which really opened our eyes to how weddings didn’t have to be such a big event to be beautiful and personal.  After seeing Luke’s photographs of Anna & Ivan’s wedding, a little seed was planted in our minds and an idea sprouted ‘If we were to ever get married, THIS is how we would do it“.

So…how did they do it? 

Neither Anna nor Ivan needed to be given away on their wedding day.  They chose instead to arrive together down the grassy path and over the little wooden bridge, as a reflection of their “already togetherness”.  They were wed in a little grassy glade surrounded by rainforest, in the garden of the house, surrounded by a few special family and friends.  Their ceremony was soft and intimate, natural and about them.

When, in my role as celebrant, I spoke with them it was clear they wanted a simple ceremony, one in which they simply married each other in a down to earth fashion. 

They mentioned the Desiderata, a poem of very practical advice on life, penned in 1927 by Max Ehrmann.  This was used to inspire the ceremonial wording.

The word, desiderata is Latin.  It means the things that are wanted or needed or necessary, especially to complete something.  To say something has desiderata means it requires certain virtues deemed important or necessary for success.

What a great metaphor for marriage.  Anna needs Ivan, Ivan needs Anna.  They need each other to continue their success.  This is not to say that an individual is not complete on their own; far from it.  When the other is in their life, theirs becomes a relationship in which neither takes life from the other but in love and grace new life is formed in between, which is deeper and more creative than each living alone.

So what were the key elements that convinced the photographer’s girlfriend?

She said, “For me it was the intimacy and sincere emotion of their wedding day that was so obvious in the photos.

I just love the idea of having a wedding that’s all about what we want and nothing at all to do with how we ‘should’ do it or who we ‘should’ have there. We’d like just a handful of our very closest friends and our beautiful kids. Once you invite one member of your family you really have to invite them all! Then it gets bigger and bigger until before you know it your wedding has grown to be much bigger than you originally planned and much bigger than the initial idea that inspired you in the first place. It can SO easily get out if hand! We want to relax and actually enjoy the time with our kids and our besties.”

This is what Anna and Ivan said:

“Kari is super friendly and easy going. She understood exactly what we wanted in a ceremony and delivered it in just one draft. She made our ceremony special and totally about us, and our family. Everyone commented on the uniqueness of our ceremony and really enjoyed it. We highly recommend Kari!!”  Anna & Ivan

Thanks to Luke Going Photography for the beautiful images.

It’s My Wedding Expo! 

Doesn’t Kari sound delightful? We can tell you from personal experience, she sure is! So why not come along to the expo and meet the woman herself, and stacks more Sunshine Coast wedding professionals!

Date: Sunday, 25th August

Time: 10:00am to 4:00pm

Fashion parade times: 11:30am and 2:30pm

Location: Noosa Springs Resort, Links Drive, Noosa Heads

Entry Cost: $10 per person

Prizes: Two $1,000 gift vouchers from Gowns of Elegance

Two nights at Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island

Two nights in a luxury apartment at Noosa Springs Resort + full buffet breakfast, sparkling wine and chocolates on arrival

$1,200 photographic shoot from Tim McIvor Photography

FREE TICKETS!

To WIN a double pass to the It’s My Wedding Expo, simply fill out the entry form below and let us know if you would ever consider an elopement, or if you simply can’t go past the big wedding with all of your family and friends there to cheer you on.

[gravityform id=4 name= COMPETITION ENTRY FORM ajax=true]

The post The Wedding that Inspired the Photographer’s Lover appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

TBT: Where is your fave place to buy local and support small business on the Sunshine Coast?

MPS: I love to eat out with family or friends, and there are many great eateries in the Hinterland.

"My children are very special to me"

TBT: If you could spend a day indulging in some “me time”, what would we find you doing?

MPS: Relaxing at a resort, enjoying a relaxing massage and spa.

TBT: What really makes you tick?

MPS: People, I love meeting people.  No matter how brief or long that meeting may be. I love hearing their story, everyone is different and interesting.

"A family that rides together, have a bike each"

TBT: What is your fave ceremony custom/tradition?

MPS: My favourite part of the ceremony is when the Bride starts to walk down the aisle and the Groom sees her for the first time, he is just breathless and in awe of his beautiful bride, its a really heartwarming moment for me.

TBT:Which is your fave ceremony location on the Sunshine Coast?

MPS: There are many magical locations on the Sunshine Coast and in the Hinterland to get married.  I don't really have a favourite but I do really love an outdoor ceremony. 

"This is a photo of me officiating a wedding at Flaxton Gardens"

TBT:What piece of advice do you give to all your couples? 

MPS: Don't run with scissors? … No that's not it, although it is good advice. I don't have a 'standard' piece of advice. However, to all Brides and Grooms; Relax and enjoy the day. There is no right or wrong way to get married, so when it's your day, do it your way!

"An intimate ceremony at Ebb Waterfront Restaurant, Maroochydore"

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