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