Wedding at Bullocky Rest, Joyner

Wedding at Bullocky Rest, Joyner

Bullocky Rest is a beautiful picnic area on Lake Samsonvale. The area is managed by SEQ Water, so bookings for weddings can be made on their web site. Unfortunately for this wedding, when we arrived to set up, there was another wedding underway. I’m not sure if SEQ Water double booked, but this was disappointing for our couple.

Nevertheless, the area was spacious enough to find another location by the lake, and sylist Deb from Miss Weddings set up white Americana chairs, a white aisle runner carpet, a signing table, and an arbour with white fabric draping.

As the guests started to arrive, they marvelled at the tranquil setting, with blue Spring skies and the lake a shimmery blue. In a nearby Gum Tree, a mother koala nestled with a joey on her back.

Despite saying they would never marry again, once they found each other, Darren and Christine decided they never wanted to part. Darren waited at the ceremony with his groomsmen all in suits, as Christine arrived in a red sports car. She was walked down the aisle by her twin 2 year old grandsons. Well – that was the plan, but she ended up carrying one grandson and her beautiful daughter, Katie, dressed in navy, carried the other. Flower girl, Skylah was adorable in white.

Christine and Darren promised to grow old disgracefully together in a relaxed and fitting ceremony delivered by Brisbane marriage celebrant Cheryl Landsberry. Photographer Dee captured photos of the ceremony, the couple, and all their guests against the backdrop of Lake Samsonvale.

After the ceremony, the guests headed off to Pine Rivers Bowls Club for their reception.

Ceremony location: Bullocky Rest, Joyner

Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry - Marriage Celebrant

Styling: Miss Weddings

Photographer: DeePauline.Photography

 

Beach wedding on Straddie

Beach Wedding on Straddie

Louise and Travis don’t like being the centre of attention. For their wedding, they decided on a micro wedding at their favourite place in the world – North Stradbroke Island. With just their immediate families present, the couple started their forever on the white sands.

Louise and Travis chose the Sun Salutations option with beach wedding specialists Elope Stradbroke. The package included local Redlands celebrant Cheryl Landsberry, who created a personal ceremony with the couple, local Redlands photographer Romana Saeheng who captured memories of the ceremony , guests, and couple, and styling with a sun arbour, jute mat, signing table, and Americana white chairs.

Louise looked stunning in a slinky white dress with a low back, and a long veil pinned under her bun which caught the ocean breezes. She wore a retro string of pearls. Tradie Travis tied up his dreadlocks and donned a mint green jacket for the ceremony. The colour really suited the gorgeous aqua colour of the ocean.

After a short and sweet ceremony, the couple exchanged wedding rings and signed their marriage certificates. They grinned with delight at the simplicity of it all. Louise said laughingly, “it was that or nothing” echoing the feeling of so many couples who are delighted with their choice to celebrate with a stress-free micro wedding.

After a celebratory dinner with the family, the couple plan to throw a party in their backyard to celebrate with all their friends. That’s the way to do it!

Ceremony location: South Gorge, Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island (booked through Redland City Council)

Coordination: Elope Stradbroke

Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry - Marriage Celebrant

Photographer: Romana Saeheng Photography and Graphic Design

Styling: Miss Weddings

 

Wedding at Redland Bay Golf Club

 

Wedding at Redland Bay Golf Club

Tram and David imagined a romantic, sweet, and relaxed ceremony for their August wedding. They chose the Redland Bay Golf Club for the beautiful green landscapes and the convenience of the reception and ceremony in the one location. They chose Sage green and dusty pink as the colour palette, with the bridesmaids wearing soft, satin green dresses. The groomsmen wore grey suits. The team from @Beautiful Illusions styled the reception with long tables and native foliage and flowers.

Tram and David were invested in their ceremony and took some time considering the vows they wrote to each other. We also corresponded back and forth to create their story. The result was a beautiful and personal ceremony, that so many guests commented upon afterwards.

David wrote, “Your happiness will be my priority and your smile will be my goal.” Is that not the most adorable thing you’re heard?

Thanks to Tram, who is both eloquent and elegant, for providing this much appreciated feedback:

“Absolutely thrilled with our wedding celebration orchestrated by Cheryl From start to finish, it was an absolute blast. The attention to detail, the seamless coordination, and the incredible energy made our day truly unforgettable. Our guests are still raving about the fantastic atmosphere and how smoothly everything ran. Cheryl is the real MVP of making dreams come true. If you're looking to turn your special day into an extraordinary memory, don't think twice – book Cheryl!”

“What an absolute gem we found in Cheryl! From the moment we met, we knew our wedding was in the best hands. Cheryl is a force to be reckoned with – her creativity, professionalism, and dedication are unparalleled. Our wedding day was an absolute dream, flawlessly executed with every detail thoughtfully considered. The memories created are beyond priceless, and it's all thanks to Cheryl. If you're looking for a wedding celebration that's nothing short of extraordinary, don't hesitate to choose Cheryl. We're forever grateful for the magic they brought into our special day! #FiveStarCelebration #WeddingPerfection”

Coordination: Chelsea from Redland Bay Weddings

Venue: Redland Bay Golf Club

Photographer: Jess from Shutter and Film

Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry - Marriage Celebrant

Ceremony styling: Beautiful Illusions

Signage: Amber Luxe

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