Sunrise beach wedding at North Stradbroke Island

Surfers Jamie and Mike absolutely adore each other and knew they would spend their forever by each other’s side. They decided to marry on the beach at sunrise on their anniversary as a couple. They pictured an intimate, relaxed, and authentic ceremony with just their immediate families present, and asked the team at Elope Stradbroke to help make it happen.

In the lead up to their wedding day, I met the couple to complete their legal Notice and chat about their vision. We spent time corresponding back and forth to create a tailored ceremony, with the couple even penning a poem to include. Coordinator, Romana, booked the beach ceremony site with Council (who had to check twice that 4am, not 4pm was the correct time), booked our barge and accommodation, organised hair and makeup, and offered a selection of styling elements for the couple to choose from.

Mike and Jamie found a beautiful holiday home with an outlook of the beach, booked their barges, invited their parents and siblings, purchased wedding rings, and found their perfect outfits.

On their wedding eve, the Elope Stradbroke team travelled to North Stradbroke Island by barge, checked into our accommodation, then checked in on the couple to sign some declarations and ensure that everything was all set for their early morning wedding.

We then had time to duck into the Gelato shop for a passionfruit Gelato, before cooling off in the surf at beautiful Cylinder Beach at Point Lookout. We had a simple dinner at the Amity Tavern before setting alarms and bunking in for an early night.

At 2:20 am, Suzie was on the road to meet our bride Jamie and curl her long locks. Not far behind her, Romana, Steve, and I set out for the ceremony site to set up. The wildlife on Straddie is abundant, and care was taken to avoid Tawny Frog Mouths, Kangaroos, and Curlews.

We arrived at secluded South Gorge while the full moon was still high in the sky, and the first streaks of pink were starting to appear in the east. Steve carried the bamboo arbour and chairs down to the sand and had racked up his daily 10,000 steps before sunrise. Romana hung the macrame backdrop to create a boho look in a neutral colour scheme, as selected by the couple. I set up my PA and laid out the ceremony documents on the lace table cloth.

Mike arrived at the beach with his parents and brother just as light broke across the horizon. He wore a sand coloured suit with an open neck white shirt, and if it wasn’t for his boisterous grin, you’d think he had just stepped out of an Armani catalogue.

As the song, “Never seen anything quite like you,” by The Script played softy, and the first rays of sunlight kissed the ocean, Jamie walked onto the sand, with her parents either side, wearing a slinky white fitted dress with spaghetti straps that showed off her petite figure. Her dark hair was curled and pinned up with white flowers. Jamie’s shy smile highlighted her stunning natural beauty.

Hand in hand, against a backdrop of hues pink, orange and gold glinting on the ocean, Jamie and Mike made their forever promises to each other. Their words were filled with love and sincerity, echoing the beauty of the morning around them. Each family member then added a shell, along with a wish for the couple, to a glass jar.

After a kiss, and the signing of certificates, the couple were congratulated by their doting and supportive family members, celebrating the promise of the newlywed’s beginnings.

The dawn sunlight on the beach was just perfect, and with the gentle ocean breeze fluttering lightly, memories were captured with photos which will be shown proudly by the parents of the bride and the groom to friends and family all around the world.

After a celebration breakfast, the couple planned to grab their surfboards to commemorate their wedding day enjoying their favourite pastime.

And the Elope Stradbroke team grabbed coffees and chocolate croissants before heading back to the barge homeward bound. I’m keen for a nap, but my heart is still buzzing with all those good vibrations – Beach Boys style.

Coordination and Styling: Elope Stradbroke

Photographs: Romana Saeheng Photography and Graphic Design

Ceremony: Cheryl Landsberry - Marriage Celebrant

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

Transport: SeaLink Stradbroke Island

Wedding at Rainforest Gardens, Mount Cotton

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

#brisbanewedding

Wedding at The Courthouse Restaurant, Cleveland

Wedding at the Courthouse Restaurant, Cleveland

When Gigi and Paul first met, they bonded over their mutual love of music. They decided to base their wedding theme on live music and set about creating a party vibe for their wedding day.

The invitations for their wedding were created in the style of music event tickets, with VIP Guest Pass printed on each invitation. They titled the event the “We Found Love Tour”. All the table names at the reception were named after different bands the couple experienced live – Kiss, Fleetwood Mac, the table centrepieces were created from rolled up sheet music which was collected by Gigi’s later mother, and the place cards were printed to look like a cassette tape. Their wedding cake was adorned with a guitar made from icing.

Gigi and Paul chose a black and white colour scheme, asking all their guests to wear either black or white – or a combo of both. The groomsmen – sons of the bride and the groom, wore black trousers and a white shirt. The bridesmaids – daughters of the bride and the groom, wore slinky black dresses in different styles. Paul looked sharp in a black suit with a fine white check and a white shirt. And Gigi looked gorgeous in a flowing lace dress with a dusty pink underlay.

Flowers were an important part of the wedding day. Pink Gerberas lined the aisle, and the bridesmaids carried bouquets of pink Oriental Lilies. The groom and groomsmen also wore hot pink floral boutonnieres. The table napkins were also hot pink.

We spent some time liaising back and forth to create a fun, relaxed, party vibe for the ceremony, while still acknowledging the significance of the day and completing legal requirements for a valid Australian marriage. I told the story of the couple’s first connection and early dates, and of the qualities that they admire in each other and their priorities in their relationship moving forward – respect, gratitude, and a commitment to assist each other to overcome their shared debilitating Mondayitis.

Music featured in their ceremony, with the couple choosing The Cure’s “Friday on my Mind” to walk out of the ceremony hand in hand to. When I left, the DJ was starting to pump the tunes and the wedding guests were enjoying mini Bruschettas and champagne on the lawn overlooking a sparkling Moreton Bay. What a way to spend a Friday!

I love experiencing the different ways couples choose to celebrate their wedding days. Gigi and Paul's wedding day was a vibrant and joyous event which will be fondly remembered for all the right reasons.

Congratulations, Lovers!

Venue: The Courthouse Restaurant
Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry
Photographer: Romana Saeheng Photography and Graphic Design
Singer/Guitarist/DJ/MC: @Mr Entertainment Weddings & Events
HMUA: An Eye for Style Wedding Makeup & Hair Stylists
Cake: Cakes by Simone
Styling: @Paper Blooms Co

#brisbanewedding
#brisbanecelebrant

Micro Wedding at North Stradbroke Island

 Micro Wedding on North Stradbroke Island

Emily and Sam first met at high school in New Zealand when they were just 17 years old. Sam noticed the new girl at school straight away. He was struck by her beauty, and he tried to find an opportunity to talk to her for weeks. Once they connected, the two found they shared so many interests, and got along together so easily.

Twelve years later, they married in an intimate ceremony on North Stradbroke Island, with just their immediate families present. Their Border Collie, Aspen, carried the wedding rings.

The couple entrusted their wedding planning to Elope Stradbroke, and booked the Sun Salutations package, which included a sun shaped arbour, and white Americana chairs, myself as celebrant, and photos for the couple and guests. The couple chose to add on hair and makeup and a beautiful bouquet of native flowers.

On their wedding day, Sam woke up early and headed out for a game of golf while Emily, her mum and sisters had their hair styled and make up applied.

We met at a beautiful grassy reserve overlooking the ocean. The water really is as turquoise as the photos show. Sam waited at the arbour, wearing a simple white shirt with chinos. Emily walked down the path alongside her dad to, “Maps” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Her hair was curled, and she wore a simple lace flowing bridal dress, carrying a bouquet of Proteas. Aspen also wore a garland of flowers.

The ceremony we designed together was sweet, breezy, and authentic, reflecting the beachside location. The couple chose to repeat their vows one after the other, vowing to love each other to the end of their days.

After the ceremony, the day was captured on film, against the stunning setting of the surf and sand, and even a few wallabies.

What a absolutely beautiful and authentic wedding day for this most lovely couple.

Wedding location: Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island

Photographer: Romana Saeheng Photography and Graphic Design

Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry - Marriage Celebrant

Coordination and Styling: Elope Stradbroke

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

Flowers: Capalaba Carnations

#elopement

#straddiewedding

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