As you must know by now, the hinterland is having its event of the year this weekend. A Village Wedding Expo will be host to a whole tribe of local wedding professionals. We decided to put together a short list of people we know you will want to make sure you talk to on Sunday, and perhaps make them part of your own personal wedding tribe. 

Time to meet our friends… 

Tanya Chesterton-Smith

Profession: Photographer

Business name: Chesterton Smith Photography

Why we love her

Tanya knows all the best spots on the Sunshine Coast to capture beautiful images, and she always has her camera trained just right to capture the big moments, the small, but important, moments, and the unexpected moments you want to remember, too. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen Tanya without a welcoming smile on her face, and having been a bridesmaid for a wedding she photographed and having worked with her on photo shoots and weddings since, in my experience this is one wedding pro, who gets it right every time, always with a humble elegance. Tanya possesses an easy-going personality, and talent in spades – what’s not to love? 

If you’re looking for a great deal on your wedding photography, to celebrate being in the biz for 15 years, Chesterton Smith Photography is offering 15% off wedding photography packages booked before 31st July, 2016. Chat with Tanya at the Expo for further details on this great offer. 

Natalie Hunter

Profession: Makeup Artist

Business name: Natalie Hunter Makeup Artist 

Why we love her

I honestly don’t know whether her work or her personality should come first in the things we love most about Nat. I guess we will have to settle for an equal first on that one! You know those people, who just make you feel great every single time you spend time in their presence? That’s Natalie. She emanates a calmness that reaches out and grabs hold of you, and you even get to take it with you when you leave. Who doesn’t like a little take away good vibes? And on a professional note, well her work speaks for itself really. I mean, just look…

Natalie Hunter Makeup Artist is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most sought after in her field, so if you want to bag her for your wedding day, I suggest you seek her out this weekend and ask her to check her calendar for availability on your wedding date! 

Sandi Shankster

Profession: Florist

Business name: Willow Bud

Why we love her

The real question is, what’s not to love? Sandi is not only a bloody amazing florist with creativity and skill to spare, she’s also a seriously fun person to be around. Sandi is a straight shooter, who is nothing if not authentic – both as a person, and in her business. Rarely would someone have a consultation with Sandi and not come away counting down the days till their wedding, just to see the stunning creations she comes up with. Of course constructing the perfect bouquet is second nature for Sandi, but where she really shines is when she’s commissioned to make stand-out installations. I’ve seen her create overflowing arches, 8-foot tall wall features, centrepieces that dreams are made of, and even giant chandeliers – all from fresh flowers. I honestly don’t know how she does it! 

If you have big dreams for your wedding flower arrangements, then you need to talk to Sandi from Willow Bud about making them a reality. The girl can do anything with flowers! 

Matt Rowe

Profession: Photographer

Business name: Matt Rowe Photography

Why we love him

Matt is a true artist. In the way he approaches his photography, and the results his careful consideration and artistic eye produces. Every bride and groom we have ever heard feedback from says the same thing – the bridal party photo shoot was one of the most fun parts of the whole day, because of Matt’s unobtrusive approach, and ability to make everyone enjoy the process and feel at ease. 

If you want wedding photography that’s wall art worthy, be sure to strike up a conversation with Matt Rowe at the Expo. You are guaranteed to be impressed by his local knowledge and easy nature – you’ll make a new mate if nothing else. 

Bill Scurry

Profession: Celebrant

Business name: Bill Scurry Marriage Celebrant

Why we love him

At first glance, you might think Bill is a mild-mannered gentleman, and you’d be right, he sure is. He’s also a consummate professional with wedding officiating experience that spans longer than my lifetime. However, what we really dig about Bill is his ability to deliver a well-timed quip that leaves you in stitches, especially as it’s usually accompanied by a straight face – only with an unmistakable twinkle in his eye. Someone who loves life this much is someone you want at your wedding. 

Bill Scurry still remembers the first wedding he officiated back in 1978, and he’ll happily share some stories with you as well as his wealth of knowledge and experience in weddings when you meet him this weekend at the expo. 

Evalyn Parsons

Profession: Hair stylist + Hairdresser 

Business name: Evalyn Parsons Hair

Why we love her

When it comes to the Sunshine Coast wedding industry, there is not a single person more talented in their field than Evalyn. It really doesn’t matter what kind of hair style you want – I can guarantee you, Evalyn knows how to make it work. Think your hair is too thin? Too thick? Too short? I doubt it; I’ve personally witnessed Evalyn do things with hair akin to pulling a rabbit out of a hat. A hair styling magician is pretty darn accurate, to be honest! Evalyn and her styling team are always ultimate professionals, super efficient and all-round lovely people to have around on your wedding morning, as well. 

If it’s that classic chignon, perfectly oversized bun, relaxed asymmetrical messy-not-messy style, boho braids, hollywood curls, wild carefree curls – Evalyn and her team can do it all, so make sure you ask her to check her availability for your wedding day, and keep your fingers crossed! 

Jennifer Oliphant

Profession: Photographer

Business name: Jennifer Oliphant Photographer

Why we love her

Jen takes consistently beeyootiful photos, and we’ve yet to fault her. She has that certain thing that only the best photographers have, which I don’t quite understand, I only know that it results in images that make you sigh. Opening up my emails to find a submission from this lovely lady always results in a little desk chair dancing with glee, and sometimes falling into a prettiness coma, so I can only imagine how brides and grooms feel when they receive their wedding day images! 

Go straight to Jennifer Oliphant Photographer, do not pass Go. Only collect cake samples on the way. 

The post The Pros You MUST Meet This Weekend at A Village Wedding Expo appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

This Sunday, the best of the Sunshine Coast hinterland wedding industry come together in a showcase you will not want to miss. It’s free to attend for all, and held in the centre of charming Montville, in the Montville Village Hall and St. Mary’s Hall. 

Doors open at 9:00am, and you can expect to find some gorgeous displays and gain invaluable information from the local suppliers, who create the most stunning hinterland weddings every weekend in the region. 

You can win some seriously amazing prizes, including accommodation in some of the most romantic hinterland cottages and retreats, such as The Falls and Spicers Clovelly Estate, pamper packages and even a stunning bridal gown. In all there is $6,500 worth of prizes to be won on the day. 

Stick around till 3:00pm for complimentary canapes and a glass of bubbly on the lawn, enjoyed while you watch the fashion show of bridal gowns from local designers, such as Judy Copely Bridal, Elizabeth De Varga and Erin Clare Couture. 

Here are all the details in a nutshell: 

Sunshine Coast Hinterland Weddings Showcase

When: Sunday, June 15 – 9:00am to 4:00pm

Where: Montville Village Hall & St. Mary’s Hall

Catwalk and Canapes: 3:00pm – this is when the prizes will be drawn! 

Entry cost: Free! 

Images by Marion Jonkers Photography

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Flaxton Gardens, is a short drive from the town centre of charming Montville. This family owned and operated wedding venue is absolutely beautiful, with colonial homestead styling and impressive statement Egyptian crystal chandeliers. A highlight is the manicured gardens complete with water features and gazebo. The restaurant provides a romantic tranquil reception venue for your special day. And then of course there is the view of the beautiful rolling hills of the hinterland and Glass House Mountains. 

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Flaxton Gardens offers wedding packages for 20 up to 250 guests

Divine food choices of canapes, or a seated three-course dinner, as well as fully licensed bar

Relax and enjoy your day by having your ceremony and reception in one place

The Low Down

Minimum number of guests:  20

Maximum number of guests:  250

Operating as a wedding venue: 15+ years

Wedding days available: Seven Days

How many weddings in a day: One Ceremony with possible two receptions

Air conditioning: Yes – both venues – The Winery and The Restaurant

Adequate parking: Asphalt car park for 70 cars

Wheelchair accessible: Yes

Operating hours: 9.00am – 11.30pm

Ceremony locations: Two: The Escarpment, The Restaurant Gardens with Gazebo

Reception locations: The Winery, The Restaurant

Music: Live or iPod – in-house acoustic lined venue

Bring own cake: Yes

Fully staffed bar onsite: Yes

BYO: Yes, up to 36 bottles

Dance floor: Yes

Room for a band: Yes

Audio equipment with speakers and a microphone: Yes

Wet weather ceremony back up plan: The Barrel Room

Acccess to rest of venue: Yes

Amazing Hinterland Wedding Professionals Showcasing at Flaxton Gardens

Celebrant: Bill Scurry Marriage Celebrant

Flowers: Ginger Lily & Rose Floral Studio

Hair: Hair by Nicola

Photography: AWPP Studio

Transport: Mystic Mountain Tours

Cakes: Eden Cupcakes

Entertainment: Lee Bevington

Map to Flaxton Gardens

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We fell head over heals for this wedding in the Sunshine Coast hinterland at one of our all-time fave wedding venues. 

One clever bride shared exactly how she begged, borrowed and rented her way to vintage DIY wedding success. 

We dove into our Thing Finder Files to bring you some of the best wedding favour, guest book, place card and gift ideas we've seen to date. 

Just for all of you beautiful blonde brides out there, we shared nine amazing upstyles for our fair haired friends. 

The work week was ended with the most comprehensive list of items for a wedding day emergency kit we've ever happened upon. 

Of course yesterday was Photo of the Week day, and my goodness it was a bee-yoo-ti-ful one from a Maleny engagement shoot! 

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Want to know what you’ll find in our latest edition? Well to start, we know you have all been screaming out for a gorgeous marquee wedding, so you can find out the how, who and where to have an amazing sprawling, undisturbed, exclusive marquee wedding in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. We have also found one of the most cute and clever real DIY weddings ever, and the ultimate vintage styled wedding photo shoot with lovely lace and antique furniture. 

We are not going to give away all the juicy details, so you will have to check it out for yourself. It’s free to download, and you can even print the pages to keep on hand all of your fave bits for inspiration. Enjoy, lovely Sunshine Coast brides! And make sure you let us know what you think of our latest edition in the comments below, we would love to hear from you! 

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I'm sure once you see the images of the beautiful venues below, you will only want to see more. So that's why you should take a lovely drive up the range today to enjoy the last day of the Maleny Montville Wedding Professionals annual bridal showcase. This collective of the best of the best wedding suppliers will help you to plan the wedding of the year! 

Below are links to all the venue reviews we shared with you this week, and once again the information you need to attend the many different showcase locations and places open for inspection today. And… the prizes you can win if you come along! 

By the way… the hinterland area is usually a few degrees cooler than the coast – just another incentive to mosey on up to see us today. 

Flaxton Gardens

Spicers Clovelly

Vue de Lumieres

House of Laurels 

Pomodoras on Obi

Make sure you come along and say hi to The Bride's Tree team at Maleny Manor today. We would love to meet you, and you could win some fabulous prizes! Last chance! 

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What’s more, many other amazing wedding professionals from photographers and celebrants to hair and makeup artists will be stationed at each venue so you can meet them and talk all things wedding. More details on the Maleny Montville Wedding Professionals’ Showcase below the images, but now let’s talk Pomodoras on Obi, which will be one of the venues open for your viewing pleasure this weekend. 

Pomodoras on Obi is a family owned and run Mediterranean-style restaurant with a European flare. Their seasonal menu options complement the surroundings that overlook the Obi Obi creek, and their chefs source as much produce as possible from the local farmers and the Maleny Maple street businesses. We love to shop local!

Offering a eat, drink and stay all in one package, Pomodoras is home to unique luxury cabin accommodation. Being within walking distance to Maleny’s main street frontage, a wedding at Pomodoras allows you to fully immerse in the charming hinterland community. 

Each of the five cabins has a decking platform which looks out into the tree tops of the Obi Obi creek. During your stay keep your eyes peeled as if you are lucky enough you may even see the much loved and talked about Obi creek Platypus.

Natural rattan woven chairs with mustard green cushions complement the locally made timber tables, while the glass windows and concertina doors open out onto the large deck area has unspoilt views of the natural beauty of Maleny’s Obi Obi creek.

 Chef/Owner Chris Bond grew up in the South West of England and has worked in many 5 star restaurants in London.

The Low Down

Minimum number of guests: For exclusive use of the venue 30 mid week Sun-Thursday, 50 Friday/Saturday

Maximum number of guests: 70 sit down / 100 cocktail style

Operating as a wedding venue: 2 years

Wedding days available: Tuesday – Sunday

How many weddings in a day: One

Air conditioning: Yes

Adequate parking: Yes

Wheelchair accessible: Yes to the reception, not yet to the garden

Operating hours: 
Restaurant opening hours Tuesday – Friday 10am – 10pm Saturday 9am – 10pm Sunday 8am – 3pm

Ceremony locations: Garden down by the Obi Obi Creek

Reception locations: Restaurant

Music: In-house sound system for iPod music, due to a condition on our  liquor licence at this stage we have to apply for a temporary  variation to play live music, but this is an easy process at the venues expense no extra cost to the bride

Bring own cake: Yes

Fully staffed bar onsite: Yes

BYO: No

Dance floor: Yes, can be accommodated, depending on number of guests

Room for a band: Two-piece acoustic band  

Audio equipment with speakers and a microphone: Yes wireless microphone with surround sound system

Wet weather ceremony back up plan: on the restaurant veranda

Acccess to rest of venue: 5 on site accommodation cabins, rainforest walk next to the creek

Amazing Hinterland Wedding Professionals Showcasing at Pomodoras on Obi

Photography: Alan Hughes Photography

Hair and Makeup: Allure Hair and Beauty

Planners/Decorators: Coast to Country Weddings and Events

Map to Pomodoras on Obi

Make sure you come and meet the team and find out about Pomodoras on Obi’s wedding packages on offer. You will also be able meet all of the above fantastic wedding professionals at Pomodoras on Obi on the day. 

Watch this space – tomorrow we will have another beautiful hinterland wedding venue to share with you and all of the details on what’s happening there this weekend! 

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Every one of Spicers Clovelly Estate’s ten luxurious suites has been designed with comfort as the first priority. From beautiful modern French furnishings and luxurious linens, to simple conveniences such as iPod docking stations, every one of the rooms is an oasis of calm so captivating you’ll almost never want to step outside your door.

This idyllic hinterland wedding venue is set in beautiful gardens, perfect for exchanging vows and taking bridal party photos, ideal for an intimate reception of up to 120 guests. There is a decadent, tastefully decorated dining room in the main house, or elevated Library Deck available for reception celebrations, and for your ceremony, the perfect spot under a sprawling Jacaranda tree. 

But hey, don’t take my word for it – go along on this Saturday and Sunday for an open inspection, as part of the Maleny Montville Wedding Professionals Bridal Showcase. This will be your one opportunity in 2013 to view all of the best wedding venues in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. 

You also have the opportunity to meet a stack of other wedding professionals, such as makeup artists, photographers, celebrants and more from the hinterland area, as they will be exhibiting at each of the venues. Details of who can be found at Spicers Clovelly Estate below the images. 

Spicers Clovelly Estate’s romantic Sunshine Coast Hinterland setting, beautiful reception venue, and memorable catering and service provide all the essential ingredients to make your special day perfect

Spa Anise at Spicers Clovelly Estate offers two spacious rooms with stone and timber flooring, a large corner spa and private courtyard providing the perfect tonic for tired bodies

The chefs’ creations are not only absolutely delicious, but positively toothsome to look at, as well

Relax and leave yourself in the hands of the experts for the seamless co-ordination of every detail of your special day

The tranquil Sunshine Coast hinterland provides an idyllic backdrop with its mountain air, starry night skies and lush forests

The Low Down

Minimum number of guests: Can accommodate elopements and small groups

Maximum number of guests: 80 guests for a sit down event, 120 for a cocktail reception

Operating as a wedding venue: 4 + years

Wedding days available: Every day of the week

How many weddings in a day: Only one, the whole property is dedicated to the event

Air conditioning: Yes

Adequate parking: Yes

Wheelchair accessible: Yes

Operating hours: Wedding days run from 11am to 11pm

Ceremony locations: Under the beautiful Jacaranda in the gardens or on the Elevated Library Deck

Reception locations: In the Main House or on the Elevated Library Deck

Music: Use our sound system with iPod connection

Bring own cake: Yes

Fully staffed bar onsite: Yes

BYO: No

Dance floor: Yes

Room for a band: Yes room for soloist, duos, trios and low amplified jazz musicians.

Audio equipment with speakers and a microphone: Sound equipment for music on site, microphone on Library Deck.

Wet weather ceremony back up plan: Yes, either inside our dining room opening to the courtyard or on the elevated Library Deck.

Access to rest of venue: Guests stay in our luxurious accommodation on site as part of the wedding celebrations. The bridal party has access to the whole property for photos during the wedding day.

Amazing Hinterland Wedding Professionals Showcasing at Spicers Clovelly

Celebrants:  Your Celebrant, Shona

Photography: Tanya Chesterton-Smith Photography and Andrea Sproxton Photography

Hair and Makeup: KJ Makeup Artistry and The Rolling Scissors

Videography: Sunshine Coast Videography

Flowers: Mondo Floral Designs

Cakes: Ideas in Icing

Map to Spicers Clovelly

Make sure you come and meet wedding coordinator, Michelle, and find out about Spicers Clovelly’s wedding packages on offer. You will also be able meet all of the above fantastic wedding professionals at Spicers Clovelly on the day. 

Watch this space – tomorrow we will have another beautiful hinterland wedding venue to share with you and all of the details on what’s happening there this weekend! 

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Right, it's the New Year, the world did not end in December 2012, so it's time to get serious about planning your wedding. We have just the way to kick off your year with some very productive researching.

On January 12-13, there is but one place you should be – at the Maleny Montville Bridal Showcase! This is your best opportunity to see all the best wedding venues in the picturesque Maleny and Montville in our Sunshine Coast hinterland. There is no more romantic place in the world, and there are no better wedding professionals than the ones you will find at the Maleny Montville Bridal Showcase. 

Chesterton Smith Photography

All of the best hinterland wedding venues will be hosting you, so over the course of the weekend, this is a brilliant time to have a good old nosy about them. 

You can still pre-register your interest in attending the showcase, specifying which venues you are most interesting in viewing, and you will gain entry into a prize draw to win $1,500 cash to spend on your wedding with the amazing Maleny Montville Wedding Professionals! 

Andrea Sproxton Photography

KJ Artistry

$1,500… think of all the ways you could put that money to great use – hair and makeup, cakes, photography, beverage package, celebrant's fees… the possibilities are endless! And let me tell you, your fiance will love you even more for shaving a bit off the cost of the wedding. Or… now, just putting this out there, but you could maybe just omit telling him and give that little bit of the budget back to your dress shopping!

CL Weddings and Events

There are also a bunch of other prizes you could win, including a cake by the incomparable Lee Berryman of Cake Designs, who is an amazing pastry chef with a wealth of experience, including having worked at Harrods of London. 

The Bride's Tree team will be stationed at Maleny Manor on the day, and we can't wait to meet all of you lovely Sunshine Coast brides! Alongside our little stall, you will find a bunch of brilliant wedding industry professionals, and many more at each of the venues showcasing over the weekend. Next week, we will be sharing with you some of these venues and the details you will need on where you can find all of the Maleny Montville Wedding Professionals you have been dying to meet. 

Maleny Manor

Photo by Calli B Photography

Bill Scurry Marriage Celebrant

 Penny Riddoch Photography

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Now, we know it's a ways away at the moment, but we are bringing this up now for a very good reason. See, you can actually pre-register your interest in attending the showcase, specifying which venues you are most interesting in viewing, and you will gain entry into a prize draw to win $1,500 cash to spend on your wedding with the amazing Maleny Montville Wedding Professionals! 

$1,500… think of all the ways you could put that money to great use – hair and makeup, cakes, photography, beverage package, celebrant's fees… the possibilities are endless! And let me tell you, your fiance will love you even more for shaving a bit off the cost of the wedding. Or… now, just putting this out there, but you could maybe just omit telling him and give that little bit of the budget back to your dress shopping!

There are also a bunch of other prizes you could win, including a cake by the incomparable Lee Berryman of Cake Designs, who is an amazing pastry chef with a wealth of experience, including having worked at Harrods of London. 

Thumbnail image by Penny Riddoch Photography. 

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