5 unique elements at Sarah and Andrew’s Cleveland wedding

The brief for Sarah and Andrew’s wedding day was for a fun and unique celebration.

So how did they achieve those unique elements?

1 – Sarah has a strong personality. Her platinum blonde spiky hair, thick lashes, and all over tattoos ensure she stands out. For her wedding dress, she surprised guests with a hunter green wedding dress. As she alighted from the car on arrival at the ceremony venue, she held up a cathedral length black lace veil. “Is this too much?” she asked. I replied that it definitely was too much – and therefore suited Sarah perfectly.

2 – A couple often enjoys some “in” jokes – shared moments that make up the tapestry of their relationship. Sarah surprised Andrew by choosing Elton John’s ‘Crocodile Rock’ as her processional song.

3 – Instead of nominating a ring bearer, Sarah and Andrew hid their wedding rings under two of the guest chairs. When it was time to exchange the wedding rings and I asked Andrew if he had them, he patted each pocket in mock panic, before I requested the guests to look under their chairs. The lucky finders had the honour of presenting the rings to the couple. This was a unique and fun way to present the rings, and also included the guests.

4 – As an alternative to prior nomination of witnesses to sign their marriage certificates, guests who found pens underneath their seats had the honour of acting as witnesses. Andrew’s dad, in his 70’s, had a laugh when I asked him to confirm if he was over 18, sober, and willing to testify in a court of law as to the proceedings of the day if he ever should be called upon. Comically, Terence didn’t immediately find the pen cleverly taped to the underside of his chair, and for the first time during a wedding ceremony, I had to crawl on my hands and knees around the guest chairs to acquire the well attached pen.

5 – Instead of a traditional wedding cake, the couple arranged for wheels of cheese to be placed atop each other for the dessert.

There were so many other elements to the styling of the ceremony area, including table runners depicting black crows, Corpse bride statuettes, table centre pieces made from plastic eyeballs and skulls and topped with crows on branches, and pumpkin décor.

This was such a memorable and fun wedding, but despite all the quirky distractions, Andrew and Sarah only had eyes for each other.

#quirkywedding

#greenweddingdress

Wedding at The Lighthouse, Cleveland

David and Helen chose a modern twist on traditional wedding elements for their October wedding at the Lighthouse, Cleveland Point.

Rather than following the tradition of having bridesmaids and groomsmen, David and Helen decided to involve all of their guests in the wedding party. To achieve this, they requested that everyone attending wear shades of blue to the celebration. This creative approach meant that the wedding party included every guest, with attire ranging from pale blue and electric blue, to navy blue, as well as blue spots and blue stripes. The result was a cohesive and visually striking theme, with each guest contributing their own variation of blue to the overall look of the day.

In keeping with their desire to personalise their wedding and include each guest, Helen chose to forgo the traditional bridal bouquet. Instead, she invited each guest to bring a single flower with them to the ceremony. As guests arrived, they presented their flower to Helen, who gathered them together to form her bouquet. The resulting arrangement was eclectic and vibrant, reflecting the individuality of each guest and creating a colourful display, finished with a ribbon. This thoughtful gesture not only replaced the conventional bouquet but also symbolised the collective support and presence of everyone attending the celebration.

As an alternative to the traditional arrangement of chairs on either side of a central aisle, Helen and David opted for a more inclusive and intimate setup for their ceremony. They arranged the guest chairs in a semi-circle formation, creating a sense of unity and closeness among everyone attending. The semi-circle was positioned around a beautiful white floral arbour, which served as the focal point of the ceremony. This thoughtful arrangement was set against the stunning backdrop of the sparkling bay, adding a picturesque element to the occasion and allowing all guests to share in the special moment from a central vantage point.

David opted for a casual contemporary look, wearing a beige suit complemented by a crisp white shirt and a vibrant orange tie. This choice added a dash of personality while retaining a classic style.

Helen embraced elegance with a white Grecian-style dress. Her hair was styled in an updo, adding to the graceful aesthetic. Adding a playful and distinctive touch, Helen completed her outfit with comfortable, eye-catching orange knee-high Go Go boots worn beneath her dress. This unique footwear choice not only reflected her fun-loving spirit but also provided comfort throughout the day.

David and Helen suggested that I select the opening song for their ceremony - wow - no pressure! I chose “Daydream” by The Lovin’ Spoonful. As the gentle melody began to play, the couple walked together, hand in hand, towards the arbour, accompanied by their toddler granddaughter. This song set a warm and joyful tone for the ceremony, highlighting the relaxed and heartfelt atmosphere that David and Helen had envisioned for their special day.

Following the short and sweet ceremony, David and Helen received warm congratulations from their friends and family. Many guests added to the festive mood by bringing bubble wands, creating a festive scene as bubbles floated through the air while well-wishers surrounded the happy couple. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and cheer as everyone came together to hug and congratulate the newlyweds.

Once the initial congratulations were shared, the entire gathering moved beneath the shade of the nearby Moreton Bay Fig Tree. Here, guests assembled for group photographs, capturing the spirit of the occasion and the happiness that radiated throughout the day.

While the guests enjoyed relaxing after the ceremony, I made my way to the reception venue, the Lighthouse Restaurant, to ensure everything was ready for their arrival.

As the newlyweds entered the venue and were introduced to their friends and family, the DJ began playing “Sweet Disposition” by the Temper Trap. This signalled the start of David and Helen’s first dance as a married couple, and a special surprise choreography.

Family and friends—who had secretly learned the choreography via a video link—joined them on the dance floor in a surprise flash mob. This energetic and heartfelt performance set the perfect tone for an evening filled with celebration and dancing, making the start of the reception truly unforgettable for everyone in attendance.

David and Helen’s wedding at The Lighthouse, Cleveland, was a shining example of how couples can make their wedding day truly their own. By embracing creative elements—such as inviting guests to dress in theme, contribute individual flowers for the bouquet, and join the bridal flash mob dance—they fostered a sense of unity and personal connection. Their celebration was a testament to the magic that unfolds when a couple chooses to celebrate their love in ways that are meaningful to them, creating unforgettable experiences for everyone involved. Their wedding day was just fabulous.

Redlands Wedding Ceremony location: Cleveland Point Recreation Reserve

Redlands Marriage Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry

Redlands Stylist: Beautiful Illusions Capalaba

Redlands Photographer: Romana Saeheng

Redlands Wedding Reception venue: The Lighthouse Restaurant, Cleveland

DJ: Travislee_sings_djs

MC: Cheryl Landsberry

Wedding dance choreography: Wedding Dance Creations

Micro wedding at Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mount Coot-tha

Micro wedding at Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mount Coot-tha

Aidan and Tiana wanted the best of both worlds. They wanted a relaxed, intimate and tranquil micro wedding with just their immediate families, and they also wanted a big party to celebrate with all their nieces and nephews, uni friends, and work colleagues present. They decided to do both.

On a sunny spring Friday afternoon, the team from Elope Brisbane set up a rustic timber arbour under the huge Fig Tree at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mount Coot-tha. Aidan arrived looking dapper in a black tuxedo. The couple’s parents and siblings arrived at the ceremony location, glad for such a shady spot on a warm afternoon.

Tiana walked down the path, accompanied by both her parents, to a piano version of Tayla Swift’s song “Lover”. Tiana looked elegant in a satin, one shoulder, fitted white gown. She wore her mother’s wedding veil pinned under her bun – a veil which had been created by her grandmother who recently passed away. Tiana carried a bouquet of soft pink and peach coloured flowers.

Tiana and Aidan took hands under the arbour and exchanged their promises to each other. The guests joined the couple in a laugh as Aidan promised to let Tiana win occasionally at Mario Kart, knowing full well that Tiana was more often the household champion.

During the ceremony, Tiana’s brother, Riley, played a special role by passing the wedding rings to each guest. As the rings made their way around, every family member held them briefly, taking a quiet moment to offer a wish or prayer for the couple. This heartfelt gesture allowed each guest to be involved in blessing the marriage, infusing the rings with the warm wishes and support of their loved ones. After the rings had completed their journey, Tiana and Aidan exchanged them, sliding them onto each other’s fingers, now carrying the best wishes of their family.

Tiana’s parents have a beautiful tradition of lighting their wedding candle each year on their anniversary. Inspired by this meaningful gesture, Tiana and Aidan chose to continue the tradition in their own marriage. For their wedding, they sourced a custom candle, carefully embossed with their names and wedding date, and adorned with a black bow. After signing their marriage certificates, the newlyweds lit their special candle together, marking the beginning of their own tradition. Tiana and Aidan plan to relight this candle every year on their anniversary, honouring both their new life together and the legacy of love passed down from Tiana’s parents.

Following the ceremony, Tiana and Aidan took some time to capture special wedding portraits with their families. These moments provided an opportunity for each family member to share in the joy of the day, resulting in some gorgeous pics to treasure.

Afterwards, their photographer, Romana, guided the newlyweds on a stroll through the picturesque surroundings of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens. Together, they visited a variety of scenic spots, taking advantage of the natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere for a series of stunning photos. These images will serve as cherished keepsakes, preserving the happiness and love shared on their wedding day for years to come.

The newlyweds made their way by Kombi Van to their reception party where their extended family and friends were invited to join them to celebrate at a nearby restaurant.

Ceremony Venue: Fig Tree Lawn, Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mount Coot-tha

Coordination: Elope Brisbane

Brisbane Photographer: Romana Saeheng

Brisbane Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry

Flowers: Capalaba Carnations

Cake: Cakes by Simone

Kombi Van: @Bonnie 77

HMUA: Hollywood Brides

#microwedding

#gardenwedding

#brisbanewedding

Bridgerton inspired wedding at Lagoon View Nursery at Redland Bay

With Maddi working in costume dressmaking for musical theatre, and Jarod having a keen interest in all things medieval, I knew that their wedding was going to be something quite creatively unique.

Maddi and Jarod knew what they wanted for their wedding ceremony. They wanted the ceremony to be serious and meaningful, but not dull. They wanted a little tradition and an air of elegance. What did they look for in a celebrant? Someone who could coordinate their ideas and weave them into a genuine and memorable ceremony. They wanted a celebrant who was flexible, understanding, cooperative and who would deliver the brief.

We held a rehearsal at the nursery gardens on the afternoon before the wedding, and marked out where the chairs would be set out, where the couple and their attendants would stand, and how the bride and bridesmaids would enter. Super organised Maddi was decisive and was delighted seeing her vision come to life. Groom Jarod found that the rehearsal really helped him to imagine how the wedding ceremony would pan out. He said afterwards that the rehearsal made him feel calmer about the following day’s events.

On their wedding day, guests arrived at the ceremony location wearing an array of colourful and elaborate costumes. Jarod wore a long brown coat, with a white shirt and brown trousers tucked into long brown boots. He carried a decorative sword on his belt. His sister and groomsmen wore historically influenced outfits in the same colour scheme – all designed and sewn by the very creative bride.

The bridesmaids arrived, wearing dresses in pastel colours, and they walked down the aisle to a string version of Wildest Dreams by Taylor Swift. Maddi walked down the aisle in a fabulous gown with a satin overlay and tulle underskirts, designed and sewn herself.

The ceremony was simple and sweet, and included a prayer from Maddi’s mum. The highlight of the ceremony was the ring bearer, Luna the owl, who delivered the wedding rings to Jarod.

As the couple walked back down the aisle, guests stood and waved ribbon wands. This was a first for me, and I thought they created a visual and euphoric spectacle. I’m going to suggest ribbon wands again!

Photographer, Lauren, created a grainy vintage look by placing a stocking over the camera lens. The photos are just remarkable - amazing memories of a truly personal and memorable wedding day.

Email ido@cherylwedding.com for your Redlands marriage celebrant.

Ceremony location: Lagoon View Nursery

Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry - Marriage Celebrant

Luna the Owl: https://www.facebook.com/raptorvisionbirdsofprey

#themedwedding

Lauren Karolina Photography

Spring garden wedding at Cherbon Waters, Burbank

Spring garden wedding at Cherbon Waters, Burbank

When I’m packing up my paperwork after delivering a wedding ceremony, the greatest compliment is for the guests to come over and tell me that the ceremony was “so them”, indicating that the ceremony perfectly reflected the newlywed couple.

Jess knew from the moment they were pulled over by the police in Luke’s hoon car on their first date that life with Luke would be a wild ride. Who would have guessed that opposites attract, with Jess enjoying breakfast dates, crafts and spreadsheets, and Luke being drawn to bikes, boats, and abseiling. Jess lives life on the edge as Luke insists on driving another 20km with the fuel light on, but at the end of the day, they love coming home to each other.

The brief for their wedding ceremony was “goofy, genuine, and relaxed”. I asked them what they didn’t like, and Jess replied with “mushrooms”. This wasn’t what I had in mind when asking the question, but gave me an idea of the quirky couple sitting in front of me. With a few emails flying back and forth, I pieced together a ceremony which delivered just the right amount of gasps, laughter, and happy tears.

A rehearsal at the wedding gardens helped to alleviate those last minute nerves, and Jess and her bridesmaids left the rehearsal feeling confident and excited.

Their wedding day was a gorgeous spring afternoon, and the gardens at Cherbon Waters were looking immaculate. Horses in the nearby paddocks grazed the lush grass as the wedding guests started to arrive and make their way to the ceremony lawn. The suit colour was a surprise for Jess, and the fellers turned up in emerald green suits which were surprisingly dapper. The bridesmaids arrived in a pale blue Kombi van, and Jess and her dad, Bill, drove up the gravel pathway in an electric blue Chevrolet Impala.

As happens in the Redlands, it turns out that the mother of the groom and I recognised each other from the local shopping centre.

The ceremony was so beautiful, funny, and personal, with Luke and Jess both delivering vows that were absolutely apt for their relationship.

I can’t wait to see the video footage!

Also – Jess looked gorgeous! I must find out where her dress was from.

#gardenwedding

#brisbanewedding

#springwedding

Ceremony and Reception location: Cherbon Waters Garden Weddings & Marquee Receptions

Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry - Marriage Celebrant

Photographer: Judy from Iris Faith Photography & Film

Video and Drone: Phil from Red Door Studios

Suits: InStitchu

Music: @mcgee entertainment

Cake: @butter meets sugar

Makeup: @katedevlin

Hair: @aimeeleahair