After a warm and steamy afternoon for their rehearsal, we weren’t expecting torrential rain on the morning of Daphne and James’ wedding day. Morning showers were a possibility, however, the couple were surprised when 100mm of rain fell on their wedding morning. Daphne and James, however, decided that nothing would dampen their excitement for their day.
Luckily, their wedding venue, Rainforest Gardens, has a plan B weather option. The Bell Tower pavilion was constructed to provide an undercover ceremony area, which protects the wedding party and guests from bad weather. Daphne and James invited 60 guests, and they were all comfortably accommodated under the pavilion. The outlook from the pavilion is beautiful, looking over the lush gardens and lily pond.
Function coordinator, Kodie, liaised with the couple to put Plan B into action. The guests arrived, and were provided with umbrellas to make their way from the car park to the pavilion. Jamie and his four groomsmen were glad of the cooler weather, wearing suits in light blue. Their ties matched the colour of the bridesmaid dresses.
The wedding cars could be heard as they drove up the hill to Mount Cotton, and videographer, Alex, sent up the drone to capture their arrival from overhead.
First to walk into the ceremony area were the three page boys, wearing caramel coloured trousers with braces and bow ties. They led the dogs of the couple, who were presenting the wedding rings. Next danced in the three flowergirls, scattering rose petals. Daphne’s four bridesmaids wore dusty mauve dresses. Daphne walked down the aisle on the arm of her brother. She looked stunningly beautiful, in a slim fitting dress adorned with white beads. Daphne smiled as she saw James grinning delightedly, and the couple took hands under the arbour (which can I mention was decorated with gorgeous, gorgeous florals by Daphne’s friend?).
The personalised ceremony included the story of the couple’s meeting at Oktoberfest when Daphne was just new to Brisbane. James and Daphne were immediately drawn to each other, their sense of humour sparking their instant compatibility. Daphne also made some special vows to Jamie’s daughter, presenting her with a beautiful necklace to celebrate their connection. The trio then poured sand into a vase – in earthy tones of gold, charcoal, and white, as a symbol of their family unity.
After signing the certificates, the couple were showered with confetti as they celebrated their newlywed status.
They made the most of photo time with the resident Highland Cattle before joining their guests to party into the evening.
I’m so glad the weather eased before the ceremony started, and by the time the reception started, the skies were clear. And I’m especially thankful for the plan B weather option at the gardens. You hope never to need it, but when you do, it’s very much appreciated.
Venue: Rainforest Gardens
Photographer/Videographer: Hawthorne Creative
Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry - Marriage Celebrant
