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
MC: Cheryl Landsberry
Wedding dance choreography: Wedding Dance Creations
