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

Wedding at Roma Street Parklands

 Wedding at Roma Street Parklands

Bec and Lincoln met at the cinema, where they were both working part time to earn some pocket money during their university years. So it was only fitting that at their wedding ceremony, they included a picnic basket full of bags of popcorn for their guests to enjoy with a glass of bubbles. The little verse on the stickers read,

“You’ve made this a day

We won’t forget

Here’s something sweet

From where we met.”

I love the creative ideas that couples come up with to represent their unique relationship and their back story.

Bec prepped for the wedding day in a Brisbane City hotel, with hair and makeup artist Ellen creating a very natural look for Bec. Her dress was super pretty, with the bodice featuring a white daisy pattern. Bec was chauffeured to the ceremony site by Kandid Kombi, and walked down the aisle to “I’m with you” by Vance Joy.

The colour scheme of the wedding was Autumn colours, with bridesmaid Danielle wearing a toffee coloured dress. Best man, Christiaan, wore a toffee coloured bow tie. Miss Weddings styled a white hexagonal arbour with dried flowers in rust and burnt orange. The bouquet also featured Autumn coloured flowers.

After the ceremony, the couple joined their guests for a celebration at The Port Office Hotel in the Brisbane CBD.

#sibleythebest23

Ceremony Venue: Roma Street Parkland – City View Saddle

Reception Venue: Port Office Hotel – Edward Street

Coordination: Elope Brisbane

Photographer: Romana Saeheng Photography and Graphic Design

Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry - Marriage Celebrant

Transport: Kandid Kombi

Styling: Miss Weddings

Flowers: Little Miss Flower Shoppe

HMUA: Ellen Munro

Wedding at Cedar Creek Lodges, Mt Tamborine

Brooke and Conor went to the same high school, but they were not in the same circle of friends, and didn’t really connect. Some time later, Brooke dropped by the local Sushi store and saw Conor working there. Their eyes met over the Sushi train, and both were immediately mesmerised. They couldn’t take their eyes off each other.

Fast forward a few years, and Brooke and Conor were planning their wedding day. They wanted a relaxed, modern, intimate, and genuine ceremony for just their family and a few close friends. They chose Cedar Creek Lodges at Tamborine Mountain for their ceremony and reception. The couple and their wedding party checked in to the rainforest cabins the day before their wedding, and were able to dress and prepare for the wedding day in their comfy cabins.

Brooke chose a fitted white lace dress from Studio Minc, and the bridesmaids wore boho teal coloured dresses. They all wore Birkenstocks. Hair and Makeup was by Isabella Jane.

Brooke and Conor chose the Simply Elope package from Elope Brisbane, which included experienced wedding professionals celebrant Cheryl Landsberry and photographer Romana Saeheng.

Brooke walked into the ceremony space on the arm of her dad to Jack Johnson’s “I got you”. The ceremony area at Cedar Creek Lodges features a bubbling creek and waterfall, and is set amongst palms, ferns, and tropical rainforest. Time stood still for a few moments as the adorable young couple just gazed at each other, soaking up the tranquil atmosphere.

Conor spoke his vows to Brooke, including, “I promise to love you in sun and rain and forever hold you in my care.” Brooke replied with, “I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever.”

Following the ceremony and photos, the couple and their family enjoyed a reception in the dining room and then retreated back to the rainforest cabins for the evening, avoiding the need to drive home back down the mountain.

Venue: Cedar Creek Lodges

Coordination: Elope Brisbane

Photographer: Romana Saeheng Photography and Graphic Design

Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry - Marriage Celebrant

Dress: Studio Minc

HMUA: Isabella Jane

 

Midday Wedding at The Grand View Hotel Cleveland

Lunchtime Wedding at The Grand View Hotel, Cleveland

Like many couples, Mary Ann and Martin were both ready to meet someone to share their life with, and they went about creating an online profile to reflect their personalities and criteria.

Martin thought Mary Ann looked adventurous in her kayaking profile pic, and once Mary Ann read that Martin was looking for a fellow “lover of cheese”, she was sold. The two agreed to meet up in person. The click when they met could be heard around the world. (I love this line – I didn’t write it, but I’m determined to find a spot for it in every wedding from now on!)

The brief for their wedding was for a low-key, relaxed, enjoyable, family focused celebration. They didn’t want drama, cliches, pomp, or formality. Both from the UK, Mary Ann and Martin had previously only attended weddings in stuffy churches, town halls and manor houses so they relished the prospect of an outdoor wedding, bathed in Queensland sunshine, and cooled by the fresh bay breezes.

To avoid the need for designated drivers, Mary Ann and Martin hired a bus to collect their guests and transport them to the wedding location. The guests all piled off the bus in high spirits, setting the vibe for a festive ceremony.

Their chosen venue was the historic Grand View Hotel, Queensland’s oldest licensed pub. Built in 1851, the hotel features wrought iron balconies and views out over Moreton Bay towards North Stradbroke Island. Mary Ann and Martin chose to marry under one of the outdoor gazebos on the hotel grounds, aptly named the Stradbroke Gazebo. The couple hired Mel from Miss Weddings to place a circular foliage arbour with white Tiffany guest chairs.

The couple's favourite memory of the ceremony was when I reminded them to take in all their surroundings to remember the moment - the smiles on the faces of their guests, the bay views, the sunshine, and the look in each other's eyes. The wedding ceremony is over so quickly, even practical Martin was lost in a sea of blue as he gazed into Mary Ann's eyes.

After the relaxed and joyous ceremony, the couple and their guests snapped a few photos before heading upstairs to the verandah for a celebration lunch, heeding the advice of Thorin Oakenshield: “If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world." They enjoyed a delicious meal, the fresh breeze, excellent service, and the sunshine streaming through the trees.

Venue: Grand View Hotel Cleveland

Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry - Marriage Celebrant

Stylist: Miss Weddings

 

Morning Wedding at The Pavilion, Mt Tamborine

 

Kristen and Brody decided on a morning wedding at beautiful Mount Tamborine. Although it’s early to be up and wedding ready, mornings are a gorgeous time to marry, especially in the rainforest surroundings.

 Brody and Kristen chose the Pavilion near the Curtis Falls walking trail for their ceremony and breakfast reception. The Pavilion is a vintage tea house, with a gazebo for wedding ceremonies. Tables and chairs for the reception can be set up inside the tea house, on the deck, or around the gardens.

 What a beautiful little spot for a quiet morning wedding.

Venue: The Pavilion Mt. Tamborine

Coordination: Elope Brisbane
Photographer: Romana Saeheng Photography and Graphic Design
Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry - Marriage Celebrant 

The Marriage Celebrant's Role: Step Two: Writing the Ceremony

Most of the celebrant's role happens behind the scenes, with wedding guests only seeing that half an hour of ceremony time.

The celebrant's role can be broken down into four categories:

1 / The meeting

2/ Writing the ceremony

3/ The rehearsal

4/ The ceremony

Today, I'll tell you a little more about step two: Writing the ceremony.

When do I start writing the ceremony? Whenever you are ready to send me your choices. Sometimes this is a year before the wedding, and other times it might be a month before the wedding. But I like this to be an unhurried process, so the you have time to read the first draft and let it settle. Probably the ideal time to start writing the first draft would be three to six months before the wedding.

What kind of input is needed to write the ceremony? I do like to have some contribution from you in order to make the ceremony more personalised to the two of you. But this shouldn't feel like homework. And not everyone wants to have a personalised ceremony - some are happy with something more standard.

Where do clients find information for their ceremony? My resources handout has lots of suggestions, ideas, and vow samples. You can choose from three ways of creating the ceremony:

1/ let me create the ceremony for you without needing to provide input

2/ choose options from the resources folder. Eg #3 for the asking, #7 for the vows, #2 for the wedding ring exchange

3/ draw inspiration from the samples to create your own vows

How long does it take to write a marriage ceremony? On average, probably one to two hours would have the first draft covered.

How many edits can couples make? As many as you like. We can email back and forth until the ceremony is just the way you want it. Some couples are satisfied with the first draft - no changes required. Others will add ideas or change things around - that's no problem!

The story of you is my favourite part of the ceremony. I love this to be a little sweet and a little funny - the kind of humour that will have your Nanna chuckling. From a questionnaire, I'll gather together your story points and weave them into a wedding highlight.

Sometimes as I'm writing, the words pour out of my brain, and I can scarcely type fast enough. At other times, I'll sit and agonise over a word or phrase for ten minutes, right clicking through the options of synonyms and not finding the one which is quite right.

As inspiration, I like to listen to the songs which you've chosen for the ceremony as I write - it helps to create the atmosphere that we're aiming for.

There are some celebrants who outsource the writing of their ceremonies, but this is one of my favourite steps in the wedding process, and I often find myself smiling to myself as I write and feel quite accomplished when I receive a grateful reply from the couple -now they can actually visualise their ceremony coming together.

Wedding at Redland Bay Golf Club

Emma and Callum loved the beautiful green grounds at Redland Bay Golf Club, and chose this for their wedding ceremony and reception. The Golf Club has three different ceremony areas to choose from, but as their wedding day was a little windy, the couple decided to switch to the gazebo, which provided some protection from the elements.

Callum and Emma planned their wedding day a year in advance, so had plenty of time to attend to so many details for their celebrations.

The colour palette of the wedding was dusty pink and eucalyptus green, which was carried through from the bridesmaid dresses to the cupcakes.

Emma wore a beautiful lace dress from @luv bridal, and wore a white floral headband in her hair with a veil. Callum was very handsome in a three piece grey suit with a dusty pink tie.

The dusty pink colour was continued in the florals, with Emma’s bouquet, Callum’s boutonniere, and florals on the signage created by Mary from @lillicreek. The elegant fresh flowers were quite a feature.

Taking a peek into the reception room, a lolly buffet (also in pale pinks and greens) had been set up by Simone with cupcakes in the same hues.

The room (and also the ceremony arbour) was styled by Beautiful Illusions. The round tables featured white cloths with sparkly gold runners and gold chair sashes. The napkins were pale pink. The centrepieces were glass pyramids with foliage, white and pink flowers, and fairy lights.

So many little elements of the wedding really added to the ambience and made this a wedding to remember.

Dress: Luv Bridal

Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry - Marriage Celebrant

Photographers: Hawthorne Creative

Bouquet: Lillicreek Florals

Hair + Makeup: InVogue Hair Designers + Glow Studio By Velbella

Venue: Redland Bay Golf Club

Cake: Cakes by Simone

Styling: Beautiful Illusions

Signage: Amber Luxe

Shoes: Mathers + R.M.Williams

Suit: Ferrari Formalwear & Bridal