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

Morning beach wedding on North Stradbroke Island

 The team from Elope Brisbane travelled across to North Stradbroke Island just as the first rays of light were just lifting from the horizon. After a quick stop at the bakery for a freshly baked chocolate croissant, it was all action as we set up a white hexagonal arbour and white Americana chairs on Home Beach.

Sarah and Jamal limited their guest list to just their parents to ensure an intimate wedding experience with minimal fuss. As the morning ripened, the couple walked down to the beach, hand in hand, and took their places under the arbour.

Sarah, her dark hair curled, looked a vision in a strapless dress with applique. The 8 layers of fabric created a full train. She wore a long veil pinned in her hair. Jamal was chic and relaxed in a sand coloured suit with a white shirt. He chose to skip the tie.

The couple chose country music songs for their ceremony, “Millionaire” by Chris Stapleton, “Livin on Love” by Alan Jackson, and “Happy Anywhere” by Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani.

They opted for a short and sweet ceremony, and before too long, the couple were officially hitched.

They headed off around the coastline for some beautiful photos under the clear, blue autumn skies. They both had Akubra hats handy for photo time, which were a very cute prop.

After a lunch of calamari and chips, the Elope Brisbane team headed back to the jetty for the boat ride home. The couple and their families made their way to the Straddie Brewing Co for a celebratory lunch.

What a fabulous way to celebrate their marriage - relaxed, simple, and just radiant!

Coordination: @elope.brisbane
Photographer: Romana Saeheng
Celebrant: @cheryl_landsberry_marriage_cel
Hair and Makeup: @bohemianislandcollective
Venue: Home Beach
Reception Venue: @straddiebrewing

#beachwedding
#straddiewedding
#islandwedding
#morningwedding
#elopement

Morning Micro wedding at Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mount Coot-tha

 

Both recent arrivals in Brisbane, Emily and Cameron first met on a night out in the city in November, 2020.

Coincidentally, they also bumped into each other the following weekend on a night out, and started chatting. They exchanged contact details, and messaged each other throughout the week.

Excited to celebrate their engagement, the couple organised a huge shindig for family and friends from near and far. They decided that they wanted to do just the opposite for their wedding, and pictured a quiet, intimate and simple elopement, with the focus on fulfilling their own vision.

They contacted the team at Elope Brisbane to coordinate their micro wedding, and set about buying outfits and wedding rings.

The couple invited only 8 of their closest family and friends, people who would accept their vision for their day without imposing their own agendas on the couple. 

Emily was up early for hair and makeup, and donned a simple cream, linen knee length dress. Cameron was super dapper in a beige linen suit with a bow tie.

 

On a crisp and clear winter morning, the couple met their guests, celebrant and photographer at the gates of the Botanic Gardens just as it opened at 8am, and together, made their way through the gardens to the sound of bird song (and leaf blowers) before any of the crowds arrived.

 The couple managed to keep their emotions in check as I told their story and led them through the legal wedding vows, but the tears flowed as they made their personal vows to each other. Their vows, of course, made mention of their precious Dachshund, Koda, with Cameron promising to provide cappuccinos and puppucinos for ever and after.

 After the short and sweet wedding ceremony, photographer, Romana captured some cute snaps of the couple around the various backdrops of the Botanic Gardens, including the iconic dome.

 

Afterwards, the couple were so pleased with their decision to just elope so simply.

 

#brisbanemicrowedding

#elopebrisbane

#morningwedding

#solsticewedding

#gardenwedding

 

Ceremony location: Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mount Coot-tha

Coordination: @elope Brisbane

Photographer: @romana Saeheng

Celebrant: @cheryl landsberry

 

 

Morning Wedding at the Courthouse Restaurant, Cleveland

 

Morning Wedding at the Courthouse Restaurant, Cleveland

School teachers Sammi and Aaron chose to marry during the school holidays. They decided on a morning wedding at the Courthouse Restaurant at Cleveland. The couple envisioned a super chill and authentic ceremony, keeping it small and intimate with just their closest loved ones.

Breaking with tradition, Sammi and Aaron decided to walk down the aisle together, along with their three young children. They chose the song, “Palaces of Montezuma” by Grinderman for their entrance. Very cool!

Aaron and Sammi met up with photographer, Steve Doyle, for some classic black and white photos at the historic Courthouse before the ceremony. Against the timeless black and white floor tiles, Steve captured some elegant pictures.

The couple decided to create a Love Letters and Wine Box during their ceremony. They placed their printed wedding vows and a copy of their wedding menu in this special keepsake box.

What an absolutely stunning wedding! It was such a joy to be surrounded by such a lovely family.

Sammi left this much appreciated review,

"Cheryl was warm and welcoming when we met her at our first appointment. She gave us so many options and suggestions for our ceremony.

Cheryl is very organised and we received a wedding checklist folder which really put our minds at ease when gathering information for our ceremony.

Cheryl brought a smile to everyone’s faces throughout our ceremony. Her calm nature helped me to get through those first few anxious minutes.”

#microwedding
#morningwedding

Photos by Steve Doyle Photography
Venue The Courthouse Restaurant

Morning Wedding at The Bush Chapel, Mount Coot-tha

 

Hana and Nick are not followers of convention and so decided to do their wedding their own way. They pictured a morning wedding, in the still quiet of the day, surrounded by tall trees and bird song. An 8am wedding doesn’t allow too much time for faffing about, so with minimal contrivance, Hana and Nick arrived at their ceremony location hand in hand.

The bush chapel at Mount Coot-tha is an outdoor chapel in a secluded clearing in the national park, set on a WWII army slab. The pews are lopped trees placed on their sides, and the pulpit is a rustic stone construction. Nick’s family arrived earlier in the morning to set up flowering potted plants along the aisle.

With most of Hana’s family living overseas, a live stream was set up so they could all take part in the ceremony.

Hana and Nick delighted their guests (and myself in particular) by choosing their entrance music from the Lord of the Rings soundtrack – The Fellowship of the Ring. The couple made their vows to each other with just the right amount of sincerity, authenticity and wit.

After a couple of family snaps, the couple headed off to prepare for a celebratory lunch in the city.

Location: The Bush Chapel – Mount Coot-tha

Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry

Photographer: family

Styling: family

5 benefits of a morning wedding

3.30 pm is the most popular time to marry, but have you considered having your wedding at 11am?

Reasons to marry before midday include:

• the overhead sun causes less shadows
• lunch is a less expensive and more casual meal to provide than dinner
• the winter days are lovely and warm
• your guests won't be squinting into the afternoon sun
• you'll be  home in time to watch Master Chef!

A glorious winter's day at 11am - Wellington Point wedding

Contact Cheryl at ido@cherylwedding.com for your Morning Wedding in Brisbane.