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

Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry - Marriage Celebrant

Photographer: https://www.facebook.com/shae.imagery

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Surprise wedding at a backyard birthday party

Surprise backyard wedding at a birthday party

With Allan and Erin both approaching milestone birthdays, they decided to throw a birthday bash for friends and family. And after 9 years, three children and a home together, they decided to also celebrate by finally marrying.

The couple set up the yard with wine barrels as high tables, industrial bar stools, and festoon lights from Freeman's Party Hire at Capalaba. Singer/guitarist Jamaal Sugars set the relaxed vibe for the party as the guests arrived in country/western glam dress.

Erin’s sister, previously a marriage celebrant started the speeches by announcing the surprise wedding, and she told the story of the couple’s meeting and falling in love, before handing over to me for the legal aspects of the ceremony.

Allan and Erin were attracted to each other as soon as they first met, and their chemistry still sizzles after their years together. Allan dressed up for the surprise ceremony by adding a jacket, and Erin slipped into a long sleeved, silver sequined mini dress. Jamaal played Paul Simon’s, “You can call me Al” as the couple walked over to the ceremony area, which was designated by a row of bamboo flare torches.

The guests all were delighted to witness their friends marry, and after a simple and legal wedding ceremony, they partied into the evening.

Venue: Backyard

Hire: Freeman's Party Hire

Music: Jamaal Sugars

Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry - Marriage Celebrant

Photographer: Captured by Sarah

(certificate blurred for privacy)

 

Surprise Wedding at Surprise 40th Birthday Party

Aaron and Raju were so impressed with the team at Elope Brisbane when they were guests at the beautiful wedding of Albany and Zach earlier this year, that they engaged the team to help plan their surprise wedding.

In a sneaky plot twist, Raju invited guests to a surprise 40^th birthday party for Aaron at Brisbane’s Byblos Mediterranean Restaurant on the Brisbane River at Portside Wharf. Guests arrived in the afternoon for drinks and appetisers, and enjoyed “surprising” birthday boy Aaron. Photographer, Romana Saeheng, was on hand to capture the group as they enjoyed cocktails by the River, and Aaron did a passable job convincing friends and family that he was totally surprised to see them all there.

However, behind the scenes, Aaron and Raju had lodged their Notice of Intended Marriage over a month earlier, had shopped for blazers, and written some absolutely heart-felt vows to each other.

Imagine how surprised their guests were as functions staff pulled open the curtains to the function room to reveal an intimate ceremony space styled with candles and vases of flowers on plinths styled by Mel of Miss Weddings. Aaron and Raju had donned their jackets with boutonnieres and stood at the front of the ceremony space beaming cheekily. Guests gasped, squealed, and cheered as they realised what they were about to witness.

After the mania settled a little, and the guests were seated, Celebrant Cheryl Landsberry played the song, “Everything has Changed by Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift, and announced that Raju and Aaron were about to join their lives in marriage. The couple adapted the Bob Marley reading, “He’s not Perfect” and Cheryl told the story of the couple’s first date and subsequent affection as they inadvertently fell in love. Raju and Aaron put quite a bit of thought into their wedding vows, and guests were mesmerised listening to them speak, emotion filling the room.

After exchanging wedding rings, some cultural elements were added to the ceremony reflecting Raju’s Nepalese heritage, and then the couple were pronounced partners for life.

After some excited congratulations, the couple joined guests back on the boardwalk for a sunset photo shoot and celebrations long into the night.

Surprising your guests at a birthday party or engagement party is a really fun way to be married. Contact the team at Elope Brisbane to assist with your surprise wedding planning.

(NB – Under Australian law, the couple who are marrying must both consent to the marriage – neither of them can be surprised on the day!)

 

Surprise Wedding Brisbane

Some couples want to avoid the fuss and expense of a traditional wedding, and decide instead to surprise their guests and hold the wedding ceremony during their engagement party. After welcoming guests to their engagement party, today's couple slipped away to change into bridal attire. Their MC announced the wedding to the gasps and cheers of their guests. The groom's sister and the bride's uncle were thrilled to be asked to witness the ceremony. To comply with Australian Law, the couple had to complete the Notice of Intended Marriage at least a month before the ceremony, however, they didn't have to tell anybody about their plans to be married as soon as possible.

The important thing to remember about a surprise wedding is that while it can be a surprise for the guests, it can't be a surprise for the bride or groom.