Real Life Wedding : Natural Beauty

A rural Sunshine Coast locale set the scene for nature-lovers Stephanie Christie and David Daniell who also headed to the beach for spectacular photos with their bridal party. We love rustic touches like haybale seating and a hand-painted sign directing guests as well as Steph's decision to forgo the white horse in favour of a  head-turning Ford F-150 truck for her grand entrance.

Thank you to Steph and David for sharing their gorgeous wedding with us - what a pair of total beach babes! 


You can see their full story in the next edtion of QB released in September > you can pre-order your copy with free potage here.

The proposal: 

Steph says David surprised her with a sunrise proposal before a dream day unfolded with "an early morning surf at our favourite beach and a day trip to Double Island point where we hiked around the headland to a secluded spot and had a picnic."

Hen's Night:

A day at DreamWorld with the girls. Then back to a friend’s apartment on the beach for the night and dinner out on the Sunshine Coast.

Buck's Night:

Seven mates went down to Kingscliff NSW and took the boat out for a weekend of tow-in surfing, wakeboarding and spear fishing. Followed by a BBQ back at the apartment with the guys.

Music: 
iPod compilation by bride and groom.

Transport : 
Old F-150.

Dining: 

Keeping with the informal theme, guests were treated to hot and cold hors d'oeuvres before a buffet dinner and buffet dessert table plus the sweet wedding cake made by David's mum.

Isn't David the most handsome Groom you have ever seen?

Styling Notes:  

"We wanted a casual, fun and intimate wedding with a beautiful outlook, which is why we chose to have both the ceremony and reception at Dave’s parents’ 35-acre property. Situated in Bli Bli, it overlooks Mount Ninderry and Mount Coolum with views of the ocean. Colourful gerberas, daisies and orchids were the theme flowers to reflect the joyful atmosphere of the day. We used paper lanterns and hired lighting to create a soft atmosphere at night for the reception."

Exchanging vows ...

Advice: 

"Have a blast and enjoy the day. Take a small amount of time (amongst the chaos) to be alone with your spouse to soak up the moment together. It’s the best day of your life."

Theme: Natural

Ceremony & Reception: Bli Bli, Sunshine Coast

Gown: Flora Dresses

Groom &  Groomsmen's suites: Roger David

Hair: Evalyn Parsons

Flowers: Bella Flora

Veil: Elizabeth de Varga Exclusive Fashions

Photography: Artisan Photography

Honeymoon: Vanuatu

Interested in being featured on our blog? Submit your wedding online here! Thinking of getting married on the Sunshine Coast?  Start here > Sunshine Coast & Hinterland Wedding Directory.

Have a wonderful weekend! QBx

Friday I'm in love : Handsome Groom Styling!

Good Grooming! Handsome groom + stylish suit = winning combination! 
Something for the boys this week ... what you wear on the big day really depends on the style and location of your wedding. These days, many grooms are opting for a look that’s a little more casual but don’t forget that for many women, there’s nothing sexier than a clean shaven man in a well-cut three-piece suit. Whatever you decide to wear, the following groom shoot should help you on your way to sartorial splendour ... 

Above: Top row - clockwise from left: Paul Barry Menswear, Anna Marie and Mr John & Tony Barlow Menswear

  Above: Bottom row clockwise from left: Tony Barlow Menswear & Anna Marie and Mr John

Fashions on the field! 

Above: Paul Barry Menswear + Roger David Suit Hire 

 Vintage bag :  The Tote Museaum, Eagle Farm

In the Winner's Gallery! Above B & W set clockwise from top: Roger David Suit Hire, Tony Barlow Menswear + Anna Marie and Mr John

Above: Clockwise from top Image: Roger David Suit Hire

Ties that bind!

The Windsor? The Four in Hand? If ties are not your thing ... check out our instructional digrams below! Print them off to keep handy ... good luck!

The bow tie

The four in hand

The Windsor

The half windsor

Take the men shopping!

Paul Barry Menswear

Shop B2, 275 George Street Brisbane P: 07 3041 7015

Anna Marie and Mr John

Level 1/115 Queen Street Brisbane 

Tony Barlow Menswear

Level 1/189 Elizabeth Street Brisbane 

Roger David Suit Hire

Brisbane

Credits:

Photography: George Favios www.georgefavios.com

Hair and Makeup: Penny Smith

Models: Chris and Brendon/Viviens

Production: Cheryl Menagh and Michelle Perry

Filmed on location at Eagle Farm Racecourse

Special thanks to Caroline at Brisbane Racing Club www.brc.com.au

Rob and Josh and Woomerim the thoroughbred at Robert Heathcote Racing.

If you have any queries on the suits featured on this weeks post please don't hesitate to contact us web@queenslandbrides.com.au for more info! Happy suit shopping ... have a wonderful weekend! QB x

Friday I'm in love : Modern Romance, Cherise + Joel

“A Sweet Modern Romance” was a fitting theme for lovebirds Joel Czislowski and Cherise De Vere who tied the knot inside Brisbane’s stunning St John’s Cathedral. Adore the beautifully styled picnic in the park which was organised by Cherise’s maid of honour to reference Joel’s charming proposal and love the soft and pretty bridesmaid ensembles.

Cherises Proposal Story: 

The story of Joel's proposal goes back months before the actual moment he popped the question!

Cherise: We were out shopping and I had dragged Joel into a homewares store to show him a kitchenwear set that my expensive taste had been admiring for some time ... being new home owners, needless to say we left the store in a huff and puff with the famous last words 'One Hundred  bucks for some material to wipe dishes with? They can just drip dry!' Spoken just like a man.

Months later, it was a Saturday morning two weeks out from our two year anniversary and Joel had told me he was helping a friend move some furniture that day and would not be home until noon. I had planned to spend the day rugged up on the couch watching movies and had just made myself comfortable when I heard the front door open. I turned around to say, 'That was quick!' and saw Joel carrying a big basket of long stem red roses and the complete kitchenwear set I had been refused months before.

Insisting that I try on the apron, I then felt the box inside the pocket and my Prince Charming was down on one knee and the rest is history!

Special Memory:

As a nod to Joel’s Polish heritage, the couple took part in a ‘Zrekowiny’ ceremony where the couple’s hands are bound with embroidered cloth over a loaf of bread while a blessing is read, to symbolise their togetherness. “It was a little quirky but a surprising and special memory that will remain with us for a long time” says Joel.

Wedding Goal:

“His absence was truly felt by both of us on the day” says Joel. “However, Luke scored his first goal of the season that game … the best wedding present he could have given us! He also flew back in time to join us on the dance floor and it seemed as though nothing would ever top the best day of our lives!”

Macaroon bonbonniere! YUM!

Special Thanks from Cherise:

A bride could not possibly seek a more thoughtful or dedicated Maid of Honour than my friend Sarah. Sarah was the mastermind behind my incredibly well planned and executed suprise Hen's Party, spent countless hours designing our reception stationary and voluntarily prepared a gorgeous and scrumptious picnic for the Bridal Party to enjoy during our Photo Session at New Farm Park.

Beautiful Bride!

Styling Surprise:

Cherise’s Dad surprised the couple with a release of two white doves outside the cathedral.

Best Advice:

“Relax and enjoy” says Cherise. “This really is going to be an incredible day filled with love and joy and all of the people who matter most to you. Don’t rush anything, take the time to laugh during preparations and delegate any last minute organising to someone you trust. I was far more relaxed than I thought I would be on the day and it really showed in all of our photographs."

ceremony: St John’s Cathedral

reception: Hillstone St Lucia  

bridal party accommodation: Stamford Plaza

gown: Darb Bridal Couture

groom’s suit: Hugo Boss/Myer

groomsmen suits’: Tony Barlow Menswear  

rings: Stones Diamonds/Brisbane Arcade

cake: Buttercake Pantry

photography: Bushturkey Studio

honeymoon: European Winter

Cherise and Joel's wedding is featured in the NEXT Queensland Brides issue! Grab the current issue or the next issue here!

Thankyou to Cherise and Joel for sharing their beautiful day! Submit YOUR real wedding online here!

Happy Friday! QB x