Married just hours before their engagement party

Andrew and Gemmanda knew they wanted a short engagement. They decided to marry in an intimate, low-key wedding ceremony just hours before their official engagement party was due to start.

With friends and family arriving from near and far for a 2pm engagement party at Alexandra Hills Hotel, the couple scheduled their wedding ceremony for midday that day – with just immediate family present.

Gemmanda was in hair and makeup by 7am, with her dark hair piled up in curls fastened with pearl pins. She wore a fitted blush gown with a lace overly from Ravish Bridal at Slacks Creek.

With his Scottish heritage, Andrew decided to wear his family tartan, and although warm in the outfit, he looked very dapper.

The couple skipped all the trimmings – music, poems, flowery vows, and bridesmaids, and instead kept their ceremony simple and fuss free. They chose to include Andrew’s daughters in a family sand ceremony, with the girls choosing pink and purple sand to add to the engraved vase.

The couple then captured some portraits with photographer, Andy, before surprising guests at their engagement party – informing them that they were, in fact, attending a wedding reception!

What a fun and fuss-free way to celebrate!

#surprisewedding

#brisbanewedding

#marchwedding

Venue: The Alexandra Hills Hotel

Photographer: A Thousand Miles Photography

Dress: @Ravish Bridal Official

Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry - Marriage Celebrant

March wedding at The Chef's Manor Anstead

Why not have both?

Ami and Johan work and live in Adelaide. But with Ami hailing from Brisbane, and Johan from South Africa, choosing a wedding location was a dilemma. The couple decided to have weddings in both Brisbane and South Africa.

Planning a wedding from interstate was a challenging prospect for Ami, however, she relied on reviews and recommendations when choosing suppliers. The couple chose the beautiful gardens at The Chef’s Manor, Anstead for their ceremony and celebrations. The venue has so many locations for pretty photo backdrops – manicured gardens, a white timber arbour, a stone wishing well, a gazebo, a red phone box, and a British red postal pillar.

Next, the couple found their celebrant, Cheryl Landsberry, via a recommendation. Being based in Adelaide, I was able to complete the Notice of Intended Marriage with the couple over Facetime – such a great option for interstate couples and I’m so very pleased that the Government decided to extend this option after the temporary provisions lapsed after the Covid contingencies.

We also shared ceremony ideas via email, allowing me to write a personal ceremony for the couple which suited their vibe. Their ceremony was created with a little tradition, a little humour. a little sugar, and a lot of sincerity.

Ami walked down the aisle with a stunning white lace dress with sheer panels. Her dark hair was curled, and she wore a veil and drop earrings. She carried a bouquet of white flowers. Lia, looking like a little princess, also wore a white dress. Johan was dapper in a classic black three piece suit with a bow tie. His mini-me, Ollie, wore a matching black suit and carefully carried the wedding rings in his pocket.

As the beaming couple walked back down the aisle hand-in-hand, they were showered with biodegradable confetti, which made for a joyous photo.

Guests enjoyed chilled drinks in the gazebo as the couple captured the moment with photographer, Judy, and videographer, Chris, from Iris Faith Photography.

Venue: @thechefsmanoranstead
Celebrant: @cheryl_landsberry_marriage_cel
Photos: @irisfaithphotoandfilm

#brisbanewedding
#gardenwedding