20 year anniversary Vow Renewal ceremony at Curtis Falls, Mount Tamborine

 20 year anniversary Vow Renewal at Curtis Falls, Mount Tamborine

Twenty years ago, when Erica and Jason were married, they had the wedding that everyone expected of them. Now, two children and a mortgage later, they held the celebration that suited them.

Erica and Jason chose a remote rainforest location at Mount Tamborine where they could celebrate this milestone surrounded by a few special people in their lives.

Organising the celebrations from their home near Sydney, NSW, Erica used Google to find their ceremony location – a waterfall in the rainforest of Mount Tamborine. When Googling for a celebrant, Erica was looking for someone wasn’t an Insta Influencer, so I was delighted that she found me and we quickly were on the same page for the low key and genuine vibe of the day. After working with photographer Romana at Curtis Falls several times, I recommended her services to Erica. Erica also sourced some beautiful bouquets featuring proteas, booked accommodation on the Gold Coast, and hired a limo to drive the group to Mount Tamborine.

The girls all dressed up for the day, wearing pretty dresses and flower crowns. Footwear had to be a little more practical, with a 10 minute hike down a bush track needed to reach the ceremony location. Instead of bringing my PA system, I brought along a small Bluetooth speaker to play the chosen ceremony music, and we lugged a fold up table for the signing of the special Renewal certificate.

The ceremony I created for Jason and Erica was simple, heartfelt, and light. As well as the story of the couple and their achievements in their marriage, we also included some of their favourite memories of their original wedding day. The couple made some beautiful vows to each other and recommitted to their marriage.

After the signing of the Renewal certificate, there was plenty of afternoon light in the rainforest to capture some family portraits before the limo arrived to transport the group to dinner back on the Gold Coast.

If you have a memorable milestone anniversary coming up, why not make a memorable event of it. There are no rules – you can be on a beach, in a rainforest, or in your own backyard.

Ceremony location: Curtis Falls, Mount Tamborine

Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry - Marriage Celebrant

Photographer: Romana Saeheng Photography and Graphic Design

#vowrenewal

#20yearanniversary

#waterfallwedding

Garden Wedding at Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mount Coot-tha

 Garden wedding at Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mount Coot-tha

Lukas and Brittanie wanted a leafy, modern garden wedding, full of fun for their friends and families. They booked the team at Elope Brisbane to bring it all together for them.

The team from Miss Weddings had set up a timber arbour, draped with pale blue fabric, and decorated with florals and foliage.

The ceremony started with Lukas and his groomsmen walking into the ceremony space to “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King. The groomsmen all wore shirts in varying shades of light blue and took a seat in the front row.

Team Brittanie then walked down the aisle to “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Kina Grannis. First was Brittanie’s friend as “Flower Woman”, then four bridesmaids dressed in shades of light blue, then Brittanie’s friend, Brad, as Man of Honour in a light blue shirt. Team Brittanie also had seats reserved in the front two rows of the right side of the ceremony space.

Brittanie walked down the aisle in a pretty white lace dress, wearing a flower crown atop her curled hair.

With just Lukas and Brittanie standing under the arbour, the couple read their vows to each other from little vow books which they had written themselves. The vows were very personal and sweet, and will be remembered by them forever.

After the ceremony, some fun snaps to remember the day were captured by photographer Romana. The couple and their guests headed off to Club Parkwood for their reception.

Brittanie gave a five star review, "Cheryl did an absolutely amazing job. She was so well spoken and made our ceremony run smoothly. She is the best person for the job."

Coordination: Elope Brisbane

Ceremony location: Botanic Gardens, Mount Coot-tha

Photographer: Romana Saeheng Photography and Graphic Design

Videographer: Amy

Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry - Marriage Celebrant

Ceremony styling: Miss Weddings

Transport: Kandid Kombi

What Name do I sign my Marriage Certificate with?

What Name do I sign my Marriage Certificate with?

This is a question which is often asked as a couple is about to sign their marriage certificate.

In Australia, you sign your marriage certificate using your current name, using your usual signature.

Even if you plan on changing your surname after the wedding, you sign all three certificates using your same signature as you signed the previous forms - Notice of Intended Marriage and Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage.

Here’s what the Guidelines to the Marriage Act say about this:

” The signatures should be the usual signatures of the persons. The parties should sign in the same manner as they did on the NOIM.”

Photo by Romana Saeheng Photography and Graphic Design

 

Wedding on their 10th Anniversary as a Couple

Married on their 10th anniversary

Jacqui and Dale decided to marry on the exact date of their 10 year anniversary as a couple. Monday weddings aren’t common, but it turned out that there were quite a few advantages to their date falling on a Monday.

The couple booked the Simply Elope package with Elope Brisbane, which includes a local celebrant and photographer. They booked the arbour ceremony space and function deck at Redland Bay Golf Club for their ceremony. Jacqui’s sister helped out with the organising, and created beautiful rustic centrepieces with sage green round mats, slices of timber, tea lights, and white flowers in milk jars. Dale and the couple’s young son wore matching sage bow ties.

Jacqui, her daughters, and her father all arrived in a turquoise blue Chevrolet classic car. They walked down the aisle to the song, “Ocean Eyes,” by Billie Eilish. Celebrant Cheryl Landsberry asked Jacqui’s dad for his best wishes for the couple, then he kissed his daughter on the cheek and shook the groom’s hand before taking his seat in the front row. With the groom’s mum communicating in Auslan, Cheryl signed to ask if she welcomed bride Jacqui into the family. We then paused to remember Dale’s father, whose ashes and photo were placed on a seat at the front of the ceremony.

With young children, Dale and Jacqui agreed that a morning ceremony and lunch reception would suit them best, and their family and friends were glad of the excuse for a day off work to celebrate with them.

Venue: Redland Bay Weddings

Coordination: Elope Brisbane

Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry - Marriage Celebrant

Photographer: Romana Saeheng Photography and Graphic Design

DJ: Mr Entertainment Weddings & Events

Wedding at Plunkett Villa, Tamborine

Cheyenne and Jared first met at the birthday party of a mutual friend. When they first met, Jared noticed that Cheyenne was sassy and outspoken. Cheyenne noticed Jared’s effeminate dancing style. Surely he couldn’t be straight?

Nevertheless, the two started chatting and found that they had lots in common.

Jared thought Cheyenne was sweet, kind, and cute, and asked her out on a date to the movies. They walked out of the cinema hand in hand, and as Cheyenne smiled at Jared, he knew that she was everything he could ever want or need. That was five years ago, and they have never looked back.

Cheyenne and her mum, Katrina, spent countless hours planning the dream wedding. They chose a new wedding venue at Tamborine, Plunkett Villa, which has open ceremony spaces, a vintage caravan bar, and a permanent marquee. Cheyenne’s beautiful white lace dress was from White Lily Couture, and Lucie from Bella Brides curled Cheyenne’s beautiful long hair.

Cheyenne’s bridesmaids wore hot pink, and the floral bouquets were brightly coloured. As Jared and Cheyenne walked back down the aisle as newlyweds, confetti canons filled the air with colour.

Bride: Cheyenne Biggs

Venue: Plunkett Villa Tamborine

Photographer: NSI Productionss

Content Creator: Socials Only

Hair & Makeup: Bella Brides Hair and Make up

Dress: White Lily Couture

Photo Booth: Frankie & Mavis

Wedding at North Stradbroke Island

Cheryl and Tony wanted a relaxed and fun celebration with their family and friends. The group headed over to North Stradbroke Island for their wedding ceremony.

 Cheryl, in shimmery rose gold, was escorted to the ceremony in a bright orange Kombi van with her sons. Her Matron of Honour, Mandy, wore blues and greens like the colours of the Pacific Ocean.

 As they waited for the bride, guests were treated to a show of whales frolicking just off the coast. One guest commented that he saw more whales from the beach on that day than he had on a full day ocean whale watching cruise overseas.

All eyes turned as Cheryl arrived at the ceremony space, bubbling with emotion and excitement.

Celebrant Cheryl Landsberry created a personal ceremony for the couple, adding a little humour to relax the couple. Guests remarked afterwards that the ceremony was just “so them” which is exactly what we aim for.

After some group, family, and friend photos, the guests headed off to the iconic Straddie pub to enjoy a refreshing ale in the midday winter sun while the couple took a little time out to capture some romantic photos.

 

Ceremony location: Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island

Coordination: Elope Stradbroke

Photographer: Romana Saeheng

Styling: Miss Weddings

Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry

Transport: Kandid Kombi

Flowers: Little Miss Flower Shoppe

Cupcakes: Cakes by Simone

Beach Wedding at Coochiemudlo Island, Brisbane

Beach Wedding at Coochiemudlo Island

A & L are private people and have requested no photos on social media.

To them, Coochiemudlo Island is a place of significance. It’s a place to slow down and collect their thoughts and revitalise.

In their ceremony, L & A acknowledged the history of the island and the relationship with indigenous people, early settlers, the military, and more recently local tourists.

The ceremony of A & L was genuine and true, just like their relationship.

We were blessed with a calm and clear day, and the sparkling waves gently lapped at the sand under the winter sunshine.

Coochiemudlo Island is a 10 minute ferry trip from Victoria Point, a south-east suburb of Brisbane.

 

Sunrise Wedding at North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)

 Susan and Craig had their heart set on a sunrise beach wedding, and luckily, the elements obliged with a picture-perfect winter sunrise on their wedding day.

The team from Elope Stradbroke set up a sunrise ceremony feature with white Americana chairs on the foreshore at Point Lookout. Groom, Craig, walked down from their nearby apartment to set up tea lights along the aisle. With a sunrise ceremony start time, all this had to be accomplished in the dark!

Just as the sun rose over the horizon, bride Susan arrived in a boho crochet white wedding dress with a wrap around her shoulders, white sparkly thongs on her feet, and a flower crown in her hair. She’d been awake since 4am with Suzie curling her hair and applying a light makeup. The couple’s two daughters were adorable in pink tulle skirts and warm cardigans.

Susan and the flower girls walked down the aisle to 'I'm Yours' by Jason Mraz as the colours in the sky turned from orange to pink.

After a simple and beautiful ceremony, and a quick photo session to capture the memories, the group headed off to St Stradbroke for a celebration breakfast.

 Ceremony location: Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island

Coordination: Elope Stradbroke

Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry

Photographer: Romana Saeheng

Styling: Miss Weddings

Transport: Kandid Kombi

Flowers: Little Miss Flower Shoppe

Hair and Makeup: An Eye for Style Wedding Hair and Makeup

Cupcakes: Cakes by Simone

Wedding at Bush Chapel, Mount Coot-tha

 

Katelyn and Josh have been together for seven years. They decided on a simple and relaxed secret wedding ceremony with just their closest family and friends attending and planned to reveal their secret marriage at their upcoming engagement party. What a great way to avoid stress and drama!

Josh and Katelyn booked the Simply Elope package with Elope Brisbane, which includes a marriage celebrant and photographer. They chose the Bush Chapel at Mount Coot-tha for their ceremony, which is a hidden outdoor chapel with timber logs forming pews and a historic concrete slab floor amongst the bushland.

We were blessed with a gorgeous winter day, which was cooled by the shade of the surrounding tall trees. Josh and his brother waited at the front of the ceremony space and watched as Katelyn walked up the path behind her sister.

Katelyn’s dress was a beautiful white lace with a leaf motif, featuring a champagne coloured underlay. She wore a gold circular hair vine which sparkled in the sun.  Her sister, Courtney, wore a matching champagne coloured Infinity dress. Josh and his brother, Lachlan, wore smart navy jackets with chinos.

With a nod to their favourite TV show, Katelyn walked in to an adaptation of, “I’ll be there for you” by Brent Morgan. They also asked me to read Joey’s famous speech from Monica and Chandler’s wedding, which had all the guests chuckling.

Photographer, Amy, took the opportunity to captures some family photos with the grandparents after the ceremony.

As the afternoon cooled, the guests headed to Eat Street for a celebration dinner.

Katelyn and Josh were thrilled with their ceremony, and sent an email the following day,

“Thank you so much! It was everything we wanted and more you are amazing!”

Another happy couple doing things their own way.

Ceremony Venue: Bush Chapel, Mahogany Trail, Mount Coot-tha

Coordination: Elope Brisbane

Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry

Photographer: Amy

Evening wedding at Mowbray Park, East Brisbane

The thought of planning a traditional wedding with a seating plan, alternate drop meals, and a garter toss just didn’t fit with Steph and Curtis’s vision. Instead, they contacted the team at Elope Brisbane and booked the Simply Elope package with just the essentials – celebrant and photographer.

Steph and Curtis decided on a 7pm ceremony, to coincide with their anniversary time, so the hunt was on to find a ceremony location in Brisbane with night lights. Mowbray Park at East Brisbane alongside the Brisbane River was the perfect location, with the giant Fig trees decked in fairy lights providing plenty of light and ambience for the occasion. The heritage park looks over the river to the Story Bridge, which is also lit up at night, and provided gorgeous backdrop for the photos.

Steph grew out her golden hair and curled it for the ceremony. She looked gorgeous in a J’Adore sparkly purple evening gown, topped with a black wool cross over. Silver heels completed the look. Curtis was matching in a smart grey suit with a purple tie. He managed to include his lucky Meerkat socks to top off the outfit.

The couple organised a pre-wedding photo shoot in the afternoon to enable them to have some daylight snaps, then met their families at a Kangaroo Point bar for a sunset drink. Once the sun set, the families headed to Mowbray Park and were relieved to see the area had plenty of parking available.

The winter evening was crisp and clear, and the park looked magical. Steph and Curtis exchanged their marriage vows under an ancient fig tree, watched on by just their closest family. Their mums witnessed their signatures on the marriage certificates, and after a couple of family photos, the newlyweds and their parents drove off for a celebratory dinner in the city.

We loved working with this genuine couple and were so pleased we could bring their wedding vision to life.

 

Ceremony Venue: Mowbray Park, East Brisbane

Photo Shoot Venue: Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mount Coot-tha

Photographer: Romana Saeheng

Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry

 

Brisbane backyard winter wedding

Saturday's backyard wedding had it all – a huge white marquee, a bagpiper, a beautiful bride, a groom in a kilt, a unified family, flower boys tossing petals down the aisle, a drone, and a gum tree edged yard bathed in winter sunshine.

Karolina and Connor first met at the gym, where they were instantly attracted to each other. They set about organising a date, and found that they had an immediate connection. Connor was drawn to Karolina’s vitality, and Karolina appreciated Connor’s sincerity. Before too long, they became a couple and soon couldn’t imagine spending their life with anyone else.

Connor and Karolina planned their wedding for 70 guests on the acreage property of Connor’s parents. The whole family pitched in with the mowing and landscaping, and they set up a marquee with long tables styled with gum leaves and Baby's Breath. A platform with a circular arbour was constructed for the ceremony, and this was styled with Pampas grass. Cable drums were upended to create standing bars, and festoon lighting was strung across the yard in readiness for sunset.

The ceremony begun with a striking note as Connor’s dad strode down the aisle playing the bagpipes. Next, Connor’s mum walked down the aisle accompanied by two of Connor’s brother. Next, groom Connor made his way down the aisle wearing the family tartan to the applause of the gathered friends and family. After hugs all around, the family took their seats and Connor stood at the front of the ceremony space to await his bride.

Next, Connor’s younger brother and Karolina’s brother danced down the aisle scattering flower petals to “Snowship” the Thomas Jack remix. They were followed by Karolina’s mum who carried the small son of the couple – also the ring bearer.

Finally, radiant bride Karolina walked into the ceremony on the arm of her dad to “The Rope” by Lane 8.

We were blessed with a sunny Brisbane winter afternoon, and guests enjoyed the warm rays as they witnessed the sweet, funny and personal ceremony of the couple.

Within a half hour, the formalities were dispensed with and the guests enjoyed Mimosas as the afternoon cooled.

A legal marriage ceremony in Australia needs only three sentences by the celebrant and one each from the couple. The remainder of the ceremony can be whatever the couple want it to be, and I’m so glad couples have such novel ways to celebrate their wedding day in exactly their own way.

Photos by Vaughan Harris

Surprise wedding at a backyard birthday party

Surprise backyard wedding at a birthday party

With Allan and Erin both approaching milestone birthdays, they decided to throw a birthday bash for friends and family. And after 9 years, three children and a home together, they decided to also celebrate by finally marrying.

The couple set up the yard with wine barrels as high tables, industrial bar stools, and festoon lights from Freeman's Party Hire at Capalaba. Singer/guitarist Jamaal Sugars set the relaxed vibe for the party as the guests arrived in country/western glam dress.

Erin’s sister, previously a marriage celebrant started the speeches by announcing the surprise wedding, and she told the story of the couple’s meeting and falling in love, before handing over to me for the legal aspects of the ceremony.

Allan and Erin were attracted to each other as soon as they first met, and their chemistry still sizzles after their years together. Allan dressed up for the surprise ceremony by adding a jacket, and Erin slipped into a long sleeved, silver sequined mini dress. Jamaal played Paul Simon’s, “You can call me Al” as the couple walked over to the ceremony area, which was designated by a row of bamboo flare torches.

The guests all were delighted to witness their friends marry, and after a simple and legal wedding ceremony, they partied into the evening.

Venue: Backyard

Hire: Freeman's Party Hire

Music: Jamaal Sugars

Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry - Marriage Celebrant

Photographer: Captured by Sarah

(certificate blurred for privacy)

 

Micro Wedding at Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mount Coot-tha

 

After making the decision that they were in it for life, Mandy and Adam pictured a simple but elegant wedding with just their closest family present.

Mandy and her lifelong bestie, Maddi, prepped for the ceremony together, before arriving at the ceremony location in a sleek, black car. Mandy wore a beautiful white lace dress from @White Lily Couture, and Maddi wore a slinky midnight blue slip dress. Both had waves in their hair. Mandy takes care of her beautiful fair skin and looked luminescent  - a timely reminder of the importance of sun protection (I’m vowing to put this into practice more often now!)

Mandy and Maddi walked into the ceremony to “Across the Stars” by John Williams – a nod to Mandy and Adam’s shared passion of all things Stars Wars.

Deb from Miss Weddings had set up a white circular arbour with blue florals and white Americana chairs in the ceremony space at the Palm Tree Lawn at Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mount Coot-tha.

Adam was looking super dapper in a crisp navy suit with a white shirt and a navy tie. His hair and beard were freshly trimmed, and he smiled as he caught sight of Mandy walking down the aisle towards him.

I loved working with this quirky couple to create a ceremony which reflected their personalities. We included a quote from Lord of the Rings, a reference to building Lego models together, a mention of the couple’s haughty  cat, Salem, and goals of coffee drinking on the balcony together.

It wouldn’t be a Mandy moment without a Taylor Swift song, so Adam’s first concession to his new wife was walking back down the aisle to “Paper Rings” by Taylor Swift.

After their intimate ceremony, the couple and their guests enjoyed cupcakes to reenergise during a photo shoot around the gardens.

Ceremony Venue: Palm Tree Lawn at Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha

Coordination: Elope Brisbane

Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry

Photographer: Romana Saeheng

Styling: Miss Weddings

Flowers: Little Miss Flower Shoppe

Cupcakes: Cakes by Simone

Dress: White Lily Couture

Wedding at Cascade Gardens, Victoria Point

Making your wedding day unique and memorable does not necessarily involve spending up big.

Second time rounders Letitia and Andrew wanted their ceremony to be relaxed, family focused, and semi traditional with a fun twist.

They set up the ceremony area at Cascade Gardens with an arbour and chairs and were pleased to see that the local Redland City Council had freshened up the paths and gardens around the gazebo so that everything looked wedding ready.

Andrew and Letitia’s sons escorted their grandmothers to their seats, and then walked down the aisle scattering flower petals from their bum bags to the Flaming Lips song, “Do you realise”. Andrew followed the lads down the aisle to the ceremony space.

Then all eyes turned as Letitia and Andrew's daughters walked down the aisle to “Songbird” by Fleetwood Mac. They were followed by bride, Letitia, who wore a cherry red, sequinned, slinky, Jessica Rabbit style dress. Va va voom!

After I had told the story of the couple’s meeting, first date, and their subsequent falling in love, Letitia and Andrew made their vows to each other, which were so personal, genuine and moving.

As they were introduced as husband and wife, guests randomly stood and started singing along to the recessional song, “So happy together” by the Turtles. I’ve always wanted to be part of a flash mob choir, and although I wasn’t invited to sing along, I joined in by grinning deliriously! It was such a euphoric moment. Can I insist that every wedding have a flash mob singalong?

Ceremony Venue: Cascade Gardens Victoria Point

Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry

Photographer: Joanne Mason Brisbane Photography

Livestreaming: Ian at Stream Machine

Choir: Freedom Train Community Choir (check them out – fabulous vibe!)

Reception Venue: Victoria Point Sharks Sporting Club

#FlashMobChoir