Monday, 26 May 2025

Wedding at Sure Thing Chapel, Capalaba

Local couple, Alana and Jarrod, decided that the Sure Thing Chapel at Capalaba would be super convenient for their fuss free, weekday wedding.

It was a family affair, as Jarrod, looking smart in a grey suit with pale green tie, arrived at the chapel with his parents, brother, brother-in-laws, son, and nephew. Lovely bride, Alana, in a white lace dress, arrived with her entourage, her son, parents, sisters, cousin, and nieces. The bridesmaids wore sage green, with both sets of parents wearing shades of green.
The couple loved that the space was so versatile, and with 7 youngsters under 8, were pleased that the doors could be closed and the entire premises was for their own private use.
Alana and Jarrod’s ceremony was light and low key, with Alana placing the ring on Jarod’s finger with the words, “Please wear this ring so all the girls at the pub know that I belong to you, and you belong to me.”
The couple planned to reveal their secret marriage to friends at their engagement party on Saturday night! Wishing I was a fly on the wall to see the guests reactions.
In a funny twist, we realised that I had been the celebrant for Alana’s mum and step dad when they married fifteen years ago – also at Capalaba! It was great to catch up with the whole family, and see how they’ve all grown up – some now with children of their own.



Check out the fun and funky Sure Thing Chapel at Capalaba for your affordable, simple, and weather proof wedding options.
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Location: Shop 1/153 Old Cleveland Rd, Capalaba QLD 4157, Australia

Sunday, 25 May 2025

Wedding venue with a plan B for rainy days

When Sam and CJ booked their wedding a year in advance, they had no idea what the weather would be. However, they did realise the importance of choosing a venue which provided a plan B option. And even though their wedding day dawned with on/off rain showers, they were able to enjoy a beautiful wedding experience at Redland Bay Golf Club.

The couple decided on a morning wedding, with the ceremony scheduled for 11am under the arbour on the lawn of the golf club. The rain was light, but persistent, and we reluctantly made the call to hold the ceremony on the deck of the clubhouse.
The deck was already set with round tables for the reception, however, the club’s dedicated team seamlessly transitioned the sapce, ensuring that nothing could dampen the spirits of the happy couple and their guests. The rain became an unexpected backdrop, adding a touch of romance as droplets danced on the roof of the deck, and the guests looked out over the lush golf course. The couple, surrounded by their loved ones, exchanged vows with the gentle sound of rain in the background, making their special day even more memorable.



The rain reminded the couple of their first weekend away, where a tropical storm drenched the couple and their overnight bags. They looked at each other and laughed, knowing that nothing could ruin their experience, so long as they were together.
Congratulations to Sam and CJ - just remember the saying that a wet knot is harder to untie!
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Location: North St, Redland Bay QLD 4165, Australia

Saturday, 24 May 2025

Surprise Wedding at an Engagement Party

The morning started like any other engagement party, with friends and family gathering to celebrate the engagement of Hayley and Josh. The setting was perfect: a local park set up with a banquet table, white balloons and an air of anticipation. Little did everyone know, the couple had a delightful surprise in store.

As guests arrived and took their seats at the banquet table, they were greeted with warm smiles and cold drinks. Friends and family caught up with those they hadn’t seen for some time. The couple, radiating happiness, mingled with their guests, thanking them for their presence on such a special day.
There was a little intrigue, as myself and the photographer walked up to join the guests at Kholo Gardens. I announced that Hayley and Josh had requested that I say a few words on the occasion of their engagement. I disclosed that the couple were planning on a short engagement, and had, in fact, decided to marry right then and there at their engagement party.
After gasps and squeals, the guests erupted in cheers and applause. Hayley and Josh, their hearts beating wildly, stepped to the makeshift ceremony area between the white ballons, and grabbed tightly to each other’s hands. Hayley wore a simple yet elegant white dress and Josh looked smart in trousers with a crisp white shirt. The guests carried their chairs to the ceremony area, chattering excitedly at how Josh and Hayley had been able to keep all the plans a secret.
The ceremony was short and sweet, with the couple exchanging vows that they had written themselves, filled with promises of love, laughter, and unwavering support. During the ceremony, I told of their journey together since their first meeting at high school, and of the dreams they shared.
After the legal vows and wedding rings were exchanged, I declared the couple husband and wife. They sealed their union with a tender kiss, met with a chorus of cheers and applause from their guests. It was a moment of pure joy, celebration and relief.


The reception that followed was equally joyous, with guests enjoying a buffet lunch washed down with a beverage or two. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, love, and celebration. It was a day that none present would forget, a day which Hayley and Josh declared was the best day ever.
Congratulations!
NB – Marriage in Australia requires a couple giving a month’s Notice before their wedding day, which Hayley and Josh fulfilled.
Location: Kholo Gardens, Muirlea
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Location: Kholo Gardens, 243 Riverside Dr, Muirlea QLD 4306, Australia

Monday, 12 May 2025

Sharon and Mark’s Country Style Wedding


The magic of a backyard wedding is that the fruits of all your labour and investment stay with you, adding charm to your home forever.
Sharon and Mark, both tying the knot for the second time, chose a laid-back, fun-filled country-style celebration. Mark, a real-life cowboy and all-round handy guy, transformed their suburban backyard into a rustic barnyard, while Sharon's crafty talents brought in all the charming details.
Mark got to work by dismantling the old chicken coop, levelling the yard, building a retaining wall, and covering the fences and garage with stable-door style palings. He constructed a wooden arbour, scattered hay bales for seating, and hung fairy lights on the decking trusses.
Sharon, inspired by countless YouTube DIY videos, created beautiful floral arrangements from dried flowers and pampas grass. She adorned the arbour and the ceremony area, placing flowers on the arbour, in milk pails and glass jars on every flat surface.
The result was a western wonderland.
As their children, grandchildren, and friends gathered on the deck, Mark and his groomsmen strutted down the aisle to "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy" by Big & Rich. The crowd erupted in cheers, claps, and whistles, setting the stage for a lively and joyous wedding ceremony.
Following this, I played "I Knew I Loved You" by Savage Garden as the bridesmaids–Sharon's daughters, nieces, and granddaughters–walked out in sage green dresses. Sharon, radiant in a white boho gown and carrying a bouquet of her own creation, was escorted down the aisle by her son, Harry.
When I asked the guests for their heartfelt wishes for the couple's union, they responded with a hearty "Yeehaw!" signaling a fun-filled, rowdy reception ahead. The ceremony, crafted with Mark and Sharon's input, was lighthearted and sweet, sprinkled with playful cowboy references.
Mark’s vows even included the words, “from the moment we pulled our first calf together..”
The newlyweds rode off into the sunset together to "Beautiful as You" by Thomas Rhett, ready to embrace their happily-ever-after.
Photographer: Ryley Ellison

 

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Friday, 9 May 2025

Wedding at Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)

Rochelle and Nathan pictured an authentic, relaxed, and intimate wedding day, and contacted the team at Elope Stradbroke to make it happen for them.
With sincerity being so important to them, the couple carefully chose the words for their ceremony, and together, we created a ceremony which reflected their time together as a couple, and their plans and dreams for their future. Their vows to each other were also curated with thought and imagination.
Nathan wrote, “Rochelle, your glow is nourishing and warm, and with you, I feel infinite and full of possibility. Your love guides and steadies me.”
Rochelle included, “Nathan, you are creative, logical, have a great sense of humour – you’re a real catch. With you, I will always have everything I need.”
On the morning of their wedding day, showers were predicted, and as the Elope Stradbroke team made the trek from the barge terminal to the ceremony location, rain fell consistently onto the windscreen. Watching the Bureau of Meteorology radar intently, we made the call to delay the ceremony set up until 2pm – a last minute dash in preparation of a 3pm ceremony. As luck would have it, the clouds cleared at exactly 2pm, and Steve set up the wooden arbour and placed out white chairs for guests. The arbour was styled with draping in white and neutral peach, with colourful florals added. The rolling ocean provided an epic backdrop for the setting.
Nathan and Rochelle, always a little innovative, chose to walk in to the ceremony space together, hand in hand. They chose “A Thousand Years” by The Piano Guys as their entrance song.
The couple chose to incorporate a number of personal touches in their ceremony. To open the ceremony, friend and Nunukul woman, Renee, Welcomed guests to the land. Rochelle’s brother, his baby daughter balanced on his hip, read the poem, “To Love is not to Possess”. The couple also passed their wedding rings around so that each guest could hold the wedding rings, making a wish or prayer for the couple. And incorporating Nathan’s Italian heritage, “That’s Amore” by Dean Martin, was played during the signing of the certificates. The couple honoured their grandmothers by asking them to witness their marriage and sign as such on the official marriage certificates.



After the tossing of (biodegradable) confetti, the couple celebrated with their families, before gathering for some photos which will be a reminder of their beautiful day. The couple were even joined by a kangaroo as dusk drew over the ocean.



Contact the team at Elope Stradbroke to make your island wedding dreams come true.
Coordination: Elope Stradbroke
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