Friday I'm in Love : Thomas & Jessica

Thomas and Jessica submitted their real life wedding online. I opened the first image in their submission and my jaw proceeded to drop! I promptly emailed the couple with permission to blog and here it is.  What a couple. - QB Web Mistress

How Thomas and Jessica Met

Thomas and I meet at Indy on the Gold Coast. A girlfriend and I went down from Brisbane for the weekend to stay with her boyfriend, who was living in Mackay at the time. Thomas was also living in Mackay and staying on the Gold Coast with my friend's boyfriend. We got along really well but it wasn't until I went back to Mackay for uni holidays (my Dad lives there) that we started seeing each other. We ran into each other at a pub while having dinner and spent the rest of the night and well, forever – together.

No. of Guests

90 guests including the bridal party

First Dance Song 
Ruby Love by Cat Stevens

Theme 
A Modern Twist on Vintage Glamour

Proposal

Thomas had the ring for awhile and kept taking me on romantic holidays, it was beautiful torture. We even went to Sydney and did a Champagne sunset harbour cruise. Eventually he swept me away one afternoon after work to Moreton Island for a night. We spent the whole day on the beach hanging out, and at dusk he insisted that we go to watch the sunset over the wrecks. We raced down there and he asked me to turn around. He wrote "Will you marry me?" in the sand and knelt down with the sun setting behind him. I made him ask me out loud and once I said "yes" we cuddled on the beach crying until it was dark.

DIY

I put together my wedding dress and designed and had my peplum made. I loved it because it was unique and a true expression of my personality. My dress had a long version and a short version which I think was a nice surprise for guests. I also organised the decorations and had friends do it on the day. I really enjoyed the process and allowing friends to have input.

Key Styling Inspiration

Probably the biggest thing was allowing the bridesmaids to pick their own dresses out of a basic colour range. This way they got dresses they loved and it truly did look unique. We used Australian flowers too, which turned out quite stunning. Thomas was born in England so his family was impressed with the range and specialness of the flowers. We used bubbles and sparklers to make everything magical. For the ceremony I had a horse-drawn carriage and a harp and violinist. For me, this made the day.

Funniest Moment
Funniest moment on the wedding day was cutting the cake. We had a two layer cake but didn't realise there was cardboard in between the layers. Thomas was sawing away as a joke and making silly faces. I was stressing out smacking his hand, telling him to stop and try to look normal. The photos are hilarious.

Special Memory

Probably the first thing that comes to mind is our first holiday together. We had been seeing each other for about a month and I went to Mackay to visit Thomas for the weekend. He planned a surprise getaway to Daydream Island in the Whitsundays for two nights. While we were there I was taking a photo of him and told him to "smile like he loved me." He turned around and said "I love you" and then blushed and got really embarrassed because it was still pretty early on in the relationship.

Special Thanks

Biggest thanks goes to my beautiful bridesmaids, each helped me in their own way. Another mention needs to be made for Chloe Jensen who did an amazing job of coordinating the decorators and being on my back about decoration requirements.

Advice / Comments

Try to prepare yourself for all the moments in the day. I really only prepared myself for the ceremony and felt a little overwhelmed at the reception. Also try to eat during the day! In planning - don't get bogged down in the little stuff.  Sometimes it is more important to be kind and inclusive then it is to be perfect.

Ceremony: Bundaleer Rainforest Gardens

Reception: Bundaleer Rainforest Gardens

Wedding Gown: Collete Dinnigan - Crochet: Karen Willis Holmes-  Tulle and Paddington Brides - Peplum

Bridemaid's Dresses: Allanah Hill and Review

Groom's Suit: Roger David

Groomsmen's Suits: Roger David

Decorator: Chloe Jensen

Flowers: Rocklea Flower Markets

Hair: Hare's Hair

Makeup: Blissfull Beauty

Cake: Chesecake Shop

Transport: Champagne Carriages

Stationery: Allanah Rose

Music & Entertainment: Dolce Musica

Photographer: Feather and Stone

Honeymoon: The Mouses House Springbrook Qld

Celebrant: Winnie Watson Bride's 

Wedding Ring: Canturi

Groom's Wedding Ring: Stephen Dibb

Engagement Ring: Canturi

Thanks for stopping by, see you next week! 

SUBMIT YOUR WEDDING ONLINE HERE

Web Mistress - QB x

Glistening green

There is nothing more refreshing than a hit of green - whether it be via a serve of nutritious veggies, an escape to the rolling green hills of the country or a flash of green in a bouquet. Green represents life, health and vibrancy in all its forms.

(Images, clockwise from top left - Blooms of Noosa, Weddings at Tiffany's, Moda Events, Marianne's Creative Cakes)

The majority of wedding florals feature some form of green, popping up in acid green bulbs, shiny green foliage or sprays of light, delicate filler. But green doesn't always have to act in a supporting role - why not embrace a completely green bouquet or table arrangement? 

Striking, fresh (and budget-friendly) this modern take on wedding florals does not lack in style or impact. If you're after a fresh bouquet that still incorporates traditionally fluffy florals, simply team zingy greens with plain white, a winning combination that is evolving into a classic with staying power.

(Large image - Casar Elegance Small images - Hollywood Style)

Emerald green is also a fabulous fashion choice for weddings, whether it's a quick flash of a jewel-toned, rhinestone earring on a bride, a bold and beautiful emerald green dress on a bridesmaid or a pair of vibrant green heels on a guest. 

Dark moss greens are also perfect for a groom who wants something a bit out of the ordinary - check out the Real Life Wedding of Angus and Leah where they have used green to preppy, retro perfection!

(Green bridesmaid dress insert image - Belladonna Bridesmaids Remaining Images - Queensland Brides featured wedding of Angus Stirton and Leah Gilmore)

(Image - Queensland Brides featured wedding of Angus Stirton and Leah Gilmore)

Softer shades of green, such as celadon, can look beautiful used on wedding cakes and invitations for a fresh, springtime theme. Alternatively, team with other brights to achieve a sleek, yet energetic look.

 QB guest blogger, Alex  x

 (Images - PrimaDonna Stationery)

It’s that time of year again, Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival 2012!

It’s that time of year again – models are buffing and preening, designers are fussing and finalising, and Brisbane’s fashion pack is gearing up for a week of non-stop frockery. 

With its new home at the Treasury Casino & Hotel, Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane is celebrating its seventh year as one of Australia’s most anticipated fashion shows, showcasing the nation’s leading designers and brands and helping to launch a host of Spring/Summer collections.

above gown: Living Silk and suit: Wil Valor

Local luminaries including Living Silk, Wil Valor, Darb Couture, Lisa Brown, BORA, and Sasha Drake are all set to show alongside big name labels Eastern Pearson, Akira and Lisa Ho. 

This will be Living Silk’s second time at the festival and co-owner Olivia Russell says they are looking forward to showing off their new spring/summer designs.

“We are showing lots of colours – peacock blue, rose, amethyst and a beautiful maxi style dress with a bird print,” she says.

Olivia says the 14-piece collection has a number of options for brides who are looking for something a little different to the traditional wedding gown. 

“We do a lot of beach weddings, especially in Brisbane.

“Even if it’s not traditional, the maxi dresses work well for this.”

So if you’re on the lookout for bridal or bridesmaids gowns, get yourself to the shows and cast a discerning eye over the colour palettes, silhouettes and accessories making their way down the runway. 

Or check out the post-show wrap-ups and coverage online. 

The swirl of a dusty pink skirt or flash of ruby red silk might be just what you need to ignite your wedding or honeymoon inspiration. 

Likewise, keep an eye out for the menswear shows (and not just for the male models) as they might just point your groom in the right direction! 

The seven-day festival is packed with pre and post-show celebrations and events to keep fashion-goers busy between the parades.

Free events like Deepen the Conversation: Fashion and Cultural Identity are hosted by a who’s who of fashion experts and are a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the festival fun. 

To top it all off, this year’s MBFF is set to close with a bang with a special performance by The Voice contestant Diana Rouvas and a final parade showcasing the most exciting and sigh-worthy looks of the week. 

The Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival runs from Saturday 25^th August to Friday 31^st August. Visit the website mbff.com.au

Not sure what to expect? Well .. check out some of our spectacular runway shots from last year ... 

above gown: Living Silk

above gown: Pina Fiorenza , Fiorenza

above gown: Diana Toscano. Toscano Bridal & Evening

Keep up to date with the event online:

>Visit MBFF on facebook www.facebook.com/pages/Mercedes-Benz-Fashion-Festival-Brisbane/112816210832?ref=ts

>Follow MBFF on Twitter twitter.com/MBFFbrisbane

 - guest QB blogger, Meagan Lawrence