Jo and Mark’s Raby Bay Foreshore Park Wedding: Love, Laughter and Raindrops - A Valentine’s Day to Remember by the Bay

 Some moments are made for storytelling and Jo and Mark’s wedding at Raby Bay Foreshore Park was certainly one of them. With rain clouds lingering and forecasts predicting a downpour, we all packed our umbrellas, ready for whatever the Queensland skies might bring. But sometimes, the weather has a sense of occasion, delivering only the gentlest sprinkle as Jo and Mark tied the knot with the bay as their backdrop, surrounded by the people they love most.

Jo and Mark’s story began in the most charming way: as neighbours. What started as friendly chats over the fence grew into a relationship built on trust, laughter and unwavering companionship. It was only fitting that their wedding day felt just as warm and genuine as the love they share.

Jo was breathtaking in her one-shoulder fitted lace dress with a nude underlay, carrying a striking bouquet centred around a giant protea. She kicked off her shoes as she reached the sand, a move that was equal parts elegant and perfectly “Jo”. Mark looked relaxed and dapper in his crisp white shirt and chinos, grinning as Jo joined him at the water’s edge.

The ceremony was simple, heartfelt, funny, and accompanied by the gentle pitter-patter of rain on the sand—just enough to make my cute raincoat a handy accessory and add a dash of romance to the photos. Family and friends gathered close, unfazed by the weather and united in happiness for Jo and Mark.

Afterwards, the guests all met up at the local pub, where the celebrations continued with cold drinks, great conversation and plenty of laughter. The rain held off, spirits were high, and the newlyweds were surrounded by the warmth and support of their loved ones.

In the end, Jo and Mark’s wedding was not about perfect weather, but perfect moments—moments that remind us of what really matters. Here’s to Jo and Mark: neighbours, friends, now partners for life, whose wedding day was every bit as beautiful as their story.

Ceremony Location: Raby Bay Foreshore Park

Photographer: Jeff

Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry

#redlandscelebrant

Morning wedding at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, Manly

After a successful coffee date, Rachelle and Stuart decided to embark on a dinner date. Conversation flowed easily, and the pair had common interests and goals. Both were parents of teens, and the families were soon enjoying water skiing and adventures together.

When it came to their wedding day, Stu and Rach wanted to do something a little different. They envisioned their families coming together for an epic celebration.

With their parents and siblings travelling from all around Australia, and their own children now young adults, the pair decided on a morning wedding by the bay, followed by a 3 day cruise reception.

With rain forecast for their wedding day, the couple opted to hold their ceremony in the Flags room at the Yacht club. Stu and his sons, dapper in navy suits, waited under the triangular shaped arbour, against a backdrop of sailing boats on the bay. The couple’s daughters, all dressed in pink, walked into the ceremony area to “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran. Next, Rachel walked in on the arm of her dad, and took her place next to her husband to be. She looked lovely in an a Line dress with a fitted lace bodice and a tulle skirt.

Rachelle’s grandmother, still going strong at 94, watched on via Facetime. Being a former florist, she had given lots of advice for the bouquets and boutonnieres, and Rachelle’s niece was tasked with carrying out her vision. The result were beautiful and personal blooms carried by the girls, and worn on the lapel of the menfolk.

We created the ceremony together, with a little sentiment and a little laughter, and the guests all agreed that the couple were perfectly reflected in the words they chose.

After the short and sweet ceremony, the couple were congratulated by their guests, before enjoying some happy snaps and canapes.

All 27 of the group then grabbed their suitcases and headed to the port to board their 3 day cruise. What an epic way to celebrate!

Venue: Royal Queensland Yach Squadron, Manly
Photographer: Liz from @focusnowphotography
Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry Marriage Celebrant

#manlywedding
#yachtclubwedding
#brisbanewedding

Micro Wedding at Newstead Park Rotunda - A Morning of Love, Family, and Samoan Tradition by the Brisbane River

 There’s something truly special about watching a couple celebrate their love in a way that feels completely true to themselves. Hesedh and Serge’s micro wedding at the Newstead Park Rotunda, on the banks of the beautiful Brisbane River, was exactly that — intimate, heartfelt and rich in meaning.

On a warm and breezy January morning, Serge looked effortlessly dapper in a light suit, his relaxed style perfectly complementing the tranquil surrounds. By his side, Hesedh was a vision in a delicate lace gown, adorned with a beaded veil that shimmered softly in the sunshine.

The arbour, styled by Elope Brisbane, was a stunning display of white and blue flowers, echoing the gentle hues of the river. Hesedh’s bouquet matched perfectly, a beautiful arrangement of the same whites and soft blues.

The couple’s families embraced tradition in their attire, wearing vibrant Samoan patterned shirts with ie Lavalava for the men and colourful puletasi for the women. They wore Ula necklaces to honour their heritage. While Samoan weddings often involve extended family and a big celebration, Hesedh and Serge chose a more personal occasion. They invited only their immediate family to join them in person, keeping the ceremony small and meaningful. Loved ones from overseas were not forgotten — they joined in the celebration online, their smiles beaming in from afar.

After the ceremony, and some family pics, the group gathered together to share a relaxed lunch, enjoying good food, laughter, and the joy of being close — whether in person or virtually. It was a true celebration of love, family, and heritage, beautifully tailored to the couple’s wishes. For Hesedh and Serge, their micro wedding was proof that sometimes, the smallest gatherings hold the greatest memories.

Ceremony location: Newstead Park Rotunda
Coordination: @elope.brisbane
Photographer: Romana Saeheng
Celebrant: @cheryl_landsberry_marriage_cel
Flowers: @capalabacarnations
Cake: @cakesbysimone

#microwedding
#newsteadparkwedding
#samoanwedding

Ceremony at Sirromet Winery, Mount Cotton

 Ceremony at Sirromet Winery, Mount Cotton

Leigh added a personal touch to their ceremony by surprising Dennis with the processional song, selecting the Wedding version of the Jurassic Park Theme. The ceremony began with Dennis making his way down the aisle first, accompanied by his four groomsmen, each dressed in stylish suits. Following them, the four bridesmaids entered, wearing elegant butter yellow dresses. The two flower girls charmed everyone as they scattered rose petals along the aisle. Leigh was the last to arrive, appearing calm and graceful in a fitted white, off-the-shoulder dress with a row of tiny buttons down the back. She wore a stunning cathedral-length veil with scalloped edges and carried a bouquet of lilies.

Lee, the best man, had his hands full—literally—looking after both the couple’s young son, Elijah, and the wedding rings. He just didn’t seem to have enough hands for everything, and passed the smiling bubs over to his grandmother in order to retrieve the wedding rings from his pocket. Such a cute moment!

The ceremony was genuine, heartfelt and memorable, and was topped off by the couple's clever and witty vows to one another.

After a kiss, Leigh and Dennis walked back down the aisle, hand in hand, and were congratulated by friends and family under the shady gum trees.

Ceremony location: Sirromet Wines

Sirromet Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry - Marriage Celebrant

Photographer: Samuel Parke Photography

Florist: @studio mon fleur

Wedding at Noosa Springs Golf Resort

Wedding at Noosa Springs Golf Resort

Alicia and Mark opted for a fun and casual wedding for 40 at the lovely Noosa Springs Golf Resort. Their ceremony was held at the Plateau, a manicured lawn with views of the Sunshine Coast hinterland and Lake Weyba. The couple and their guests stayed on site in the beautifully spacious apartments.

Understanding the costs to guests for a destination wedding, Alicia and Mark suggested an all black dress code for their guests, which enabled guests to repurpose an outfit they already owned. Alicia suggested that I wear a colour to stand out - sunny, happy yellow.

Guests were serenaded before the ceremony by Noah Fonoti, who sang one of my favourite wedding songs, “Let’s stay together” by Al Green.

Alicia walked down the aisle, accompanied by her best friend, Louise, to Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather”. She exquisite in a white stretchy dress with white applique flowers which showed off her figure. Attached to a diamonte hairband was a net veil, which Mark lifted as Alicia reached the altar. Mark was very dapper with his hair combed back, wearing a cream jacket, white shirt, and black trousers.

The couple were undecided if they should read their vows from the vow folder I had prepared for them, or repeat the words after me. Although they felt quite nervous standing in front of their guests, they opted to read the vows, and were pleased that they had kept their vows short and sweet.

The guests tossed up heart shaped biodegradable confetti as Mark and Alicia walked back down the aisle as newlyweds.

After the ceremony, photographer Linzie gathered the guests together for a photo to commemorate the day. And I headed for the Bruce Highway before the sun dipped too low.

Another beautiful winter wedding in sunny Queensland.

Contact me at ido@cherylwedding.com to enquire if I can be your celebrant too.

Venue: Noosa Springs Golf Resort

Photographer: Linzie Russo

Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry - Marriage Celebrant

Musician: Noah Fonoti