Micro wedding at Rainforest Gardens, Mount Cotton

 Micro wedding at Rainforest Gardens, Mount Cotton

Tahlia and James are shy people, and the thought of standing on a platform with a hundred people staring at them was a terrifying prospect. So they decided, instead, to share their wedding day with just their immediate family at the beautiful Rainforest Gardens at Mount Cotton.

The couple chose a Wednesday afternoon for their wedding, and met their family at the gates of the gardens at 3pm. While gathered there, a pair of butterflies danced in the afternoon sun, a coincidental tribute to the butterfly tattoo on Tahlia’s decolletage. For James, wearing a suit was a first, and he looked very handsome in navy blue. Tahlia was lovely in a white lace gown with a fitted bodice and full skirt. She curled her hair and tied it back with a white lace bow.

As the clock struck 3pm, the couple joined hands and walked up the garden path to the ceremony area, followed by parents and siblings. They chose instrumental music by John Powell from the “How to Train your Dragon” soundtrack.

Tahlia and James took their places under the wooden arbour on the timber deck by the pond, shaded by towering palms. A fountain tinkled in the background. Their five guests sat upon timber chairs, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of the gardens.

James and Tahlia requested a short and sweet ceremony, with just minimal trimmings. They were relieved that the ceremony was not as stressful as they had anticipated, and were soon delighted to hear that they were husband and wife.

Photographer, Will, soon put the couple at ease, and led them around the beautiful gardens for photos which will be treasured for years to come.

Ceremony location: Rainforest Gardens

Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry - Marriage Celebrant

Photographer: https://www.facebook.com/willideastudio

Willidea Photography & Videography Studio

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#microwedding

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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

Married at Rainforest Gardens, Mount Cotton

Married at Rainforest Gardens, Mount Cotton

Jodee and Harry first met at high school, and started dating on the first September. Six years later, on the first of September 2024, the couple married at Rainforest Gardens, Mount Cotton.

Harry wore a pale blue checked jacket with a white shirt and chinos. His grandfather (what an adorable idea) and brother, as groomsmen, wore the matching blue checked trousers, with white shirts.

The totally cute flowergirls wore steel blue dresses, with Olivia scattering flower petals, and Darcie carrying a sign which read, “here comes Auntie Jodee”. Bridesmaid, Britt, also wore a steel blue, in a slinky fitted dress.

Jodee walked in to the ceremony space with both her mum and her dad. She wore a fitted dress with a lace plunging bodice and a fitted satin skirt. Her blond hair was in curls.

The ceremony arbour was constructed by tradie, Harry, and decorated with white flowers and green foliage.

Being an unseasonably warm day, the couple and their guests were glad of the shade on the deck at Rainforest Gardens. High atop Mount Cotton, the outlook was to the Bay and islands. As an added bonus, the freshly shorn Alpacas were roaming free on the hillside.

After their short and sweet ceremony, the couple mingled with guests and captured some memories with photographer, Jess.

Venue: Rainforest Gardens, Mount Cotton

Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry

Photographer: Shutter and Film

Dress:

 

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Wedding at Rainforest Gardens, Mount Cotton

Rainforest Gardens is located atop Mount Cotton in the Redlands, south east of Brisbane city. The property features over 20 acres of tropical gardens, with a purpose-built wedding ceremony platform which overlooks a lilly padded pond with fountains. Timber benches are terraced into the hillside for guest seating. The gardens are always shady, even on a very warm Brisbane summer day. A new pavilion has been constructed in the event of rainy weather, and the venue also provides a built-in sound system for ceremonies.

Gorgeous bride, Katie, and her handsome man, Jerome, are absolutely besotted with each other. Their excitement and passion gave a real buzz to their wedding day and guests were uplifted to see two such genuine humans seal their joyous connection.

Placing the wedding ring on her husband's finger, Katie looks thoughtful , aware of the life changing moment they are creating. 

Woohoo - the kiss - the moment the guests have been waiting for - the release of all that nervous energy as the couple finally celebrate their official status as newlyweds.

Photos by Kimberey Lee Photography

Celebrant at Rainforest Gardens Cheryl Landsberry