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January142021NOCOMMENTS

Guide: How to Choose Flowers for a Perfect Australian Wedding

Your diamond is sparkling prettily on your finger, you’ve carefully chosen your venue, and you have said yes to the dress. The wedding of your dreams is in sight. But have you considered what flowers you want to complement your big day?

Wedding flowers are essential for creating a beautiful and memorable Australian wedding. From your Australian wedding bouquet to the centrepieces, and even the button-hole on the groom, your blooms must be beautiful.

But where do you start?

If tulips have you in a twist, and peonies are leaving you pondering, then read on. Our guide for choosing the perfect flowers for your Sunshine Coast wedding is all you need.

Australian Wedding Planning

Whether you are planning a simple wedding Australia bound, or a more elaborate affair, the right florals are imperative. But with so many considerations, from colours and seasons to the best florist and your floral budget, it can be difficult to know where to start.

As your flowers can take up a fair chunk of your budget, it is important to take the time to consider all the options. The flowers and arrangements you choose will play a huge part in your wedding aesthetic, so getting them right is vital.

Our guide is a great place to start for considering your ideal flowers for your dream Sunshine Coast wedding.

Think About the Budget

The average Australian wedding costs around $50,000, with flowers taking up a big chunk of the budget. This seems like a lot, but flowers add so much to a wedding: colour, romance, and synchronicity.

Whether you are looking for a few bouquets or an entire floral arrangement, there are a lot of variations involved in choosing flowers for your Australian wedding.

Here are some of our top tips to consider.

Be Open With Your Florist

Once you have chosen your florist, it is so important to be open with them from the start and to let them know what your budget is. Once they have an understanding of your budget, they will be able to work with you to ensure you get exactly what you want within your means.

Location

The location of both your wedding venue and your florist can play a part in the cost factor.

Will your florist have to travel far to your wedding venue? What about the style of your venue; does it need a lot of decorating? Or can you get away with minimal?

Your Order

Obviously, the number one factor in planning your budget is the size of your order. Centrepieces, buttonholes, corsages, flower walls, bouquets, favours; there is a lot to consider.

Think about the final look you want your wedding to have. Are you interested in making statements, or do you prefer the understated look? These style choices will help when it comes to thinking about your flower order.

Seasonal Considerations

There are so many gorgeous wedding flowers Australian natives can choose from that it can be hard to know where to begin. Understanding which flowers are in season at the time of your big day is something you need to think about before you set your heart on a particular bloom.

Some blooms, such as roses, are available all year long. But most others are only available during certain months.

Here are some of our favourite wedding flowers by season.

Summer

Summer weddings call for light pastel shades and bright, tropical tones to make a sizzling statement:

Snapdragons
Calla lilies
Dahlias
Hydrangeas
Singapore orchids

Make sure you keep your blooms in a cool place to keep them looking their best for your special day.

Autumn

An autumn wedding Australia bound is such a romantic affair. All those warm, rich colours and textures, and the perfect weather and temperature make for a gorgeous wedding day:

Cornflowers
Garden roses
Irises
Gardenias
Tulips
Chrysanthemums

Many of these blooms have a variety of colours to choose from, so opt for tones that will complement your autumnal aesthetic.

Winter

In the winter, why not go bold and dramatic with your florals? Choose from:

Hyacinths
Queen Anne’s lace
Sweet peas
Camellias
Oriental lilies
Ranunculus

Choose blooms that have texture and depth, perfect for making a dramatic statement, just right for a winter wedding.

Spring

Spring weddings call for soft, pretty, and fragrant florals that will add colour, warmth and femininity to your day:

Peonies
Roses
Sweet pea
David Austin roses
Carnations
Delphiniums

Opt for pretty, delicate colours with a couple of bolder shades as a highlight.

Use Australian Native Flowers

For the perfect Sunshine Coast wedding, nothing could be better than using stunning native Australian blooms. Australia has such a beautiful array of native flora. Not only do they look wonderful and pay homage to your home, but they are also a local, cost-effective option.

Some of our most loved Aussie florals to consider for your wedding include frosted fire proteas, rice flowers, Inca golds, eucalyptus tetragonas, king proteas, flannel flowers, everlasting daisies, billy buttons, banksias, kangaroo paws, and waratahs.

Each of these blooms has its own unique qualities, colours, sizes, and textures. Native flowers are rising even more in popularity, thanks to people embracing their surroundings and their environments.

The Only Wedding Guide Australia Needs

Now that you have a better understanding of how to choose flowers for your Australian wedding, there is nothing stopping you from having the floral displays of your dreams.

Remember, your wedding day is your day. So you want to make sure you choose flowers and designs that are special and significant for you and your partner.

If you would like help planning your perfect day, then please do contact us. Together, we will make your perfect day a gorgeous reality.

January112021NOCOMMENTS

Maple Weddings and Events

Uncategorized

The Summer Showcase

Sunshine Coast Hinterland – The Old Dairy Maleny

Brought to you by – Hinterland Tourism and Maleny Wedding Festival

Well, COVID-19 has done it again. Shut Brisbane down along with our annual Sunshine Coast Summer Showcase by Hinterland Tourism Sunshine Coast which was scheduled for the 9th and 10th Jan 2021.

It is the biggest showcase on the Sunshine Coast for weddings. It is the perfect opportunity for couples to head to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland for a weekend full of love. Being able to view 10 gorgeous Sunshine Coast venues across the Sunshine Coast hinterland and meet all the many wonderful suppliers we have based on the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane regions.

After a very, very rough year for those in 2020 with small business, which is what the bulk of our wedding industry here on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland is, we were ready for a HUGE weekend. Ready to meet all these newly loved up couples and meet and greet those who were revisiting again after postponing their weddings in 2020. Suppliers and couples alike were all overly excited for this weekend.

Personally, I saw tears and many tears. I may have shed a tear or 2 myself once it was decided to postpone the event. Tears were shed for the loss of not meeting couples, the opportunity to book in weddings and keep businesses afloat, for the hours that go into preparing such an event and lastly the money spent. Those with perishables such as florists and catering teams who spent literally thousands to showcase their gorgeous works and to say they could not, was heart wrenching.

To say it has been a heartbreaking and soul-destroying weekend is an understatement. I am feeling for everyone. With so much sadness we need to flip this and make it good. So, we managed to work with the 2 venues we were at and pull off 2 STUNNING and quite different photo shoots. We were going to be sharing our love at the iconic ‘The Old Dairy Maleny’ inside their beautiful, elegant barn and over at brand new Sunshine Coast wedding venue Mali Retreat owned by Lisa Curry and Mark Tabonne which is a rustic styled barn set amongst the beautiful Sunshine Coast hinterland landscape.

One thing I have learnt is those who I did get to work alongside are ALL incredible people. The Sunshine Coast wedding community banded together to ensure all our works were displayed and did not all go to waste. With some Brisbane suppliers in lockdown, they were not able to make it up so we used our Sunshine Coast wedding supplier contacts and used locals to get the job done. I have always said for any dream to work it needs teamwork and that we did.

Our first shoot we were so fortunate to have worked alongside not one but 2 incredibly talented women who photographed our works. To have 2 photographers work alongside one another was amazing. Just shows if you get married on the Sunshine Coast you know we all have your back when it is wedding day.

Thank you to both Angela and Shae for your beautiful sneak peek galleries and sharing them so quickly.

This blog features all the love at ‘The Old Dairy Maleny’ in Maleny.

The First Crew

Photography – Angela Cannavo Photography

Venue – The Old Dairy Maleny

Planning and Styling – Maple Weddings

Florals – Fiesta Flora

Lighting – Out of the dark lighting

Stationary – Bluebird Invitations

Cake – Choc2chilli

Bridal Gown – Marilyn Crystelle

Hair & Makeup – Megan M Hair and Makeup

Jewellery – DM Jewellers

Model – Claire

The Second Crew

Photography – Shae Estella Photo

Venue – The Old Dairy Maleny

Planning and Styling – Maple Weddings

Florals – Fiesta Flora

Lighting – Out of the dark lighting

Stationary – Bluebird Invitations

Cake – Choc2chilli

Bridal Gown – Marilyn Crystelle

Hair & Makeup – Megan M Hair and Makeup

Jewellery – DM Jewellers

Model – Tianah

November232020NOCOMMENTS

thing to watch out for when planning a wedding in the sunshine coast

SEO Editor

Uncategorized

The Dos and Don’ts of Planning a Sunshine Coast Wedding

One of every ten weddings in Australia is a Sunshine Coast wedding. The large number of couples holding their big day here is no doubt due to the world-famous beaches and hinterland, which provide the perfect scenery for a dreamy wedding.

Sunshine Coast Wedding Planning

Before you start planning your Sunshine Coast wedding, we’re here to give you some helpful tips. Of course, there are some essential things that you should do when planning a wedding, but also somethings you’ll want to avoid. In this article, we’ll help you plan your wedding so it can be just as you’ve always imagined it.

Do: Find Your Venue Right Away

Although your wedding is an exciting time, there are thousands of other brides looking for Sunshine Coast wedding venues too. Venues are usually first come first serve, meaning that if you don’t plan ahead, you’ll have to postpone your wedding or settle for any available location.

Also, you should make a practical list of what you want out of your venue and the number of guests you’ll invite. Having your checklist in mind will aid you in choosing a wedding venue that is not only beautiful but also one that works for you and your budget.

Don’t: Forget to Follow Council Rules and Get Permits

Many couples opt for outdoor weddings on the Sunshine Coast, especially since the weather is appealing all year round. If you choose to get married on council property, such as a beach or park, make sure to get the proper permits. Just as if you were booking a venue, you will need to do this with time as they book out quickly.

After you have the proper permits, make sure to ask about the council rules you will need to follow. Some things to keep in mind are the volume of the music, lighting, and cleanup of the property. Knowing these rules in advance will help you to plan your wedding so that it is in accordance with them.

Do: Book Wedding Suppliers in Advance

As with booking a venue, you can book your wedding suppliers for up to 18 months in advance. It is vital to do research about potential suppliers and start contacting them as soon as you can. If possible, book your suppliers 12 months before your wedding.

These days, the internet has plenty of resources for brides and grooms who want to plan a spectacular wedding. Wedding websites often feature reviews of venues and suppliers from past brides. Many times, you can contact suppliers directly from wedding websites to check their availability and get estimates for their services.

Don’t: Book Your Suppliers Without Meeting With Them First

Although wedding planning can be tiring, it’s essential to make sure the suppliers you choose live up to your standards. If you aren’t happy with the DJ, photographer, or caterer, it can put a damper on your wedding day. For this reason, it is crucial to make sure you have investigated your suppliers thoroughly and that you are on the same page.

One way to avoid disappointment is meeting with your suppliers beforehand and talking to them about your expectations. For example, explain to the photographer what you would expect the day of the wedding, the types of photos you would like, and extra services that will be needed, such as a videographer. Your clarity will help them to understand and fulfil your expectations on the wedding day, and you can be sure that they are a good fit for your wedding.

Do: Be Considerate of Your Guests

On the day of the wedding, you will surely be too preoccupied to make sure that each guest is comfortable and having a good time. However, there are steps you can take to prevent your guests from feeling uncomfortable, especially if you have an outdoor wedding. Some practical tips include the following:

Make sure to have refreshments for guests throughout the entire day, especially if you’ll be married on a hot day.
Provide shaded areas and sunscreen for all
Have mosquito repellent on hand, so they don’t have to feel itchy and irritated.
If there will be grass or sand, provide a safe place for guests to put their heels.

Don’t: Try to Plan Your Wedding Alone

Wedding planning is an overwhelming task, and it’s hard to do it alone if you haven’t previous experience. Nowadays, hiring a wedding planner is possible with even the modest of budgets and can take a load off the bride and groom. An experienced Sunshine Coast wedding planning team can help you coordinate your big day and make the process much more successful.

Do: Think of A Backup Plan

When planning on an outdoor wedding, remember to have a plan B in case of rain. If you’re renting a venue, make sure to ask what their backup plan is for unfavourable weather. If you are having a wedding at the beach or park, make sure to rent a tent that fits all your guests.

Although a backup plan may mean expanding your budget, it would undoubtedly be well worth it if it did happen to rain on your big day. With a little advanced planning, your wedding will be beautiful, come rain or shine.

Don’t: Forget to Have Fun!

With so many things happening in one day, it can be hard to take the time to relax and enjoy yourself. However, your wedding celebration is one of the most memorable days of your life, and you want to make sure that it doesn’t disappoint. Preparing ahead and having others who can help and coordinate the day for you gives you much more time to take in the moment you waited so long for—your wedding!

If you would like help planning or styling your wedding, don’t hesitate to contact us. With our experience and expertise, we can convert your dream Sunshine Coast wedding into a reality!

November232020NOCOMMENTS

Maple Weddings and Events

Uncategorized

A Bride’s Guide to How to Pick a Wedding Venue: 10 Essential Tips for Ensuring It’s “The One”

How to Pick a Wedding Venue: 10 Essential Tips

Planning a wedding is tough. There is so much involved, and sometimes you don’t even know where to begin.

Choosing the right place for your wedding is usually the first step yet, one of the hardest ones. Either they all seem perfect, or none of them seems to match your needs.

No need to panic. Here is your complete guide on how to pick a wedding venue by following 10 simple steps.

How to Pick A Wedding Venue

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to choosing your ideal wedding venue. So, we’ve broken down the process into 10 steps that can help you choose easily.

Don’t Procrastinate

There is so much involved when it comes to planning a wedding—the centrepieces, the flowers, the invitations, the guests, and so much more. Clearly, you want to get a jump start on things as soon as you can.

The wedding venue should come first. Don’t leave it for the last minute. Wedding venues can quickly get booked up even a year in advance.

The sooner you get started looking at places, the sooner you and your fiance will make a choice.

Look at Your Budget

Weddings are expensive, and one of the most expensive things out of the entire wedding is the venue.

Once you and your fiance have your budget figured out, research potential venues that fit within your price range and make a list, by doing so, it will help you narrow down your options and make your decision simpler.

Think About Your Guests

Keeping in mind who will be attending your wedding can help you choose the right venue.

For example, if you decided to invite a lot of people, look at venues that have enough room capacity for all your guests. The same thing applies if you choose to go with a more intimate wedding and fewer guests. In that case, a smaller venue would probably be best.

If most of your guests are flying in from out of town or if you decide to plan a destination wedding, then look into venues where your guests can have easy access to get there. Maybe look into a venue where there is plenty of hotels nearby so that the experience can be less of a hassle for your guests.

Your Wedding Theme

The theme of your wedding plays a big part when it comes to choosing a wedding venue. If you decided to go for a rural/country theme, it wouldn’t make sense for your reception to occur in a hotel, for example.

The theme of your wedding will always tie together, depending on the setting. Look into places that match the decorations, flowers, tables, and so on.

Under the sea theme? Look into venues near the beach. Maybe you want something more bohemian. If so, perhaps a garden or an open field will be the best fit.

Don’t Push Aside Your Dream Wedding

Your wedding day is probably one of the most important and memorable days of your life. Who knows how long you’ve been planning for this day. So, naturally, you want this wedding to be exactly what you dreamed of.

Try not to forget that. Even if you’re on a tight budget, it’s still possible to make your dream wedding come true. So, when choosing a venue, try to picture if this venue will exceed your desires.

Yet, Be Flexible

Like we discussed before, it’s your wedding day, and it should be special regardless. That being said, there’s no such thing as perfect.

You might get frustrated because perhaps everything single little thing you wanted in your dream venue isn’t available in any of the venues you’ve looked into so far. Be adaptable and try to adjust to small changes. This will increase your options and make it easier for you to make a final choice.

Make Sure It Meets Your Needs

In other words, if there are certain services that you want at your wedding, such as an open bar or a DJ, be sure that the venues you have listed as options offer these services.

Call up the venues and ask. Take into consideration other small details that might be very important such as the curfew or noise restrictions. If you want to be dancing all night with your guests, you want to be sure you won’t have any problems arising during your wedding day.

Is it Available?

It would be such a pain to finally find a venue you like only to realise then that they don’t open the time of year you want to get married or that they’re already booked.

Once you have your list of possible wedding venues, call each one and ask for their availability. Bear in mind the month your wedding will be held and the season too. Once you find out which venues will be free for your wedding day, you’ll be able to cross out venues from your list.

Visit Them in Person

You’ve now got your options narrowed down, and you’ve called up all the venues and made sure they have all the services and provisions you’re looking for. Now, all you have to do is make a reservation and visit the venue in person.

One thing is how the venues look in photos, but another thing is to actually be there. Get to the venue and have someone give you a tour and try to visualise your wedding.

Can you see people dancing on the dance floor? Can you picture yourself cutting your wedding cake with your future spouse in that venue? Is the vibe what you wanted?

Call a Professional

Weddings are hectic and very overwhelming to plan. There’s already so much to do, and the stress of it all can be a lot to handle.

Hire a wedding planner. They have different perspectives when it comes to organising events, and they know how to scan the layout of a venue depending on the kind of wedding you want. An expert’s opinion can always make it ten times easier to make a choice.

Let’s Get Started

Follow these suggestions on how to pick a wedding venue, and we guarantee that process will be easier for you. You’ll end up finding the right venue in no time.

Don’t hesitate any longer and contact us today! We have helped many couples achieve their dream weddings according to their budget, needs, as well as desires. We would be thrilled to help you out too!

November202020NOCOMMENTS

Maple Weddings and Events

Uncategorized

Mali Retreat Crohamhurst | Sunshine Coast Hinterland

With 2020 being such a strange and ever-changing year we felt the need to add some light and colour and bring a smile to people’s faces. Considering the events from 2020 Sunshine Coast weddings are still happening. Nothing will stand in the way of love!

Maple Weddings and Events organised a team of A grade Sunshine Coast wedding suppliers to bring our vision of colour and happiness to life.

Starring brand new Sunshine Coast wedding venue Mali Retreat based on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, owned by Lisa Curry and husband Mark Tabone, we team of creatives thought big, bold, and beautiful and just in time for the Spring season.

Sunshine Coast wedding venue Mali Retreat is open for business and taking bookings now! Mali is open to all weddings so when we say we went big, we did! We essentially shot 2 collaborative shoots in one with Lindsie and Brittany our beautiful rainbow couple and our gorgeous Nyssa and Mitchum who are local Sunshine Coast couples.

With a huge team it really was a production but also a day for Sunshine Coast wedding suppliers to have some food, drinks, catch up and have some much-needed fun!

We wanted to share Mali Retreat with Sunshine Coast wedding couples ready to plan their wedding day. Mali Retreat, Sunshine Coast wedding venue, is a beautiful barn equipped with an inside and outside bar area, beautifully landscaped grassed ceremony area, toileting facilities not to mention the acres of land for the most amazing photo opportunities. The Sunshine Coast Hinterland has so much to offer.

As a team we are delighted to share our gorgeous couples, Mali Retreat and all of our creativeness with you.

We hope you enjoy, and these colours bring a smile to your face and look forward to heling you plan and style your up coming Sunshine Coast wedding.

Photo Shoot Collab Crew

Venue – Mali Retreat

Photography – Life and Love Photography

Videography – Artography Weddings

Planning & Styling – Maple Weddings and Events

Florals – Fiesta Flora

Linen Hire – Stellar Hire

Stationary – Berry and Peg

Favours/Giftboxes – Paloma Candy

Wedding Cakes – Zo and Co

Photobooth – iShoot Photo Booth

Glamour Tents – Glama Camp

Celebrant – Brooke Carlyon Ceremonies

Celebrant – Lisa Brereton Celebrant

Bridal Gowns – Marilyn Crystelle Bridal

Tailored Suits – Pete Sews

Musician Dressed by – Pete Sews

Hair Stylist – Evalyn Parsons

Makeup Artist – Megan M Hair & Makeup

Jewellery – Vanessa Nock

Catering – That Pizza Guy

Service – The Tipsy Mare

Musician – John Veloso Music

Furniture and Lighting – Fairy Tale Events & Equip 4 Hire/

Helicopter – Ocean View Helicopters

Cadillac – Care of Mali Retreat

Model – Nyssa

Model – Mitchum

Model – Lindsie

Model – Brittany

September192020NOCOMMENTS

Maple Weddings and Events

Uncategorized

Photo Shoot | Pier33 | Mooloolaba Sunshine Coast

Back in February 2020 Naomi and I thought let’s do a styled photo shoot for something different and at a location outside of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. We had set up a wedding ceremony at Pier33 back in January and thought what a beautiful venue with the boats, the fresh white crispness in the function room and of course the beach just over the road.

Naomi started working on a styling concept and we both agreed to work with some vendors we hadn’t had a chance to work with or haven’t had much time to spend with, as weddings often we pass by each other so quickly we don’t get to know the vendors personally. Given the shoot would be at a beach side venue we opted for a modern, coastal shieke vibe using the soft colour tones.

January 2019, we worked with a great photographer but did not get much time with her, but we LOVED her style and thought let’s ask. So, we did! Mallory Sparkles Photography is AMAZING!!

It took us a long time to get this shoot together all thanks to Covid19. To be honest this shoot was so much work I wondered whether it was even worth doing. Man, I was wrong! Yes, I admit when I am wrong (sometimes! Haha) Mallory has sent us some sneak peaks and as a group of creatives we are all in love. Seeing just these snippets of the day I now know why we did it. Mallory is sensational and so down to earth. She is also a new mum who adores her new little fellow, so we are so thankful she came to hang out with us whilst her hubby looked after their little bub.

So, the initial styling concept was purple’s and grey as it would look amazing against the white walls in the upstairs room at Pier33 Mooloolaba……………………. ok so the photos clearly do not show this concept whatsoever!! This is where we as wedding vendors on the Sunshine Coast tell all our couples to trust your suppliers. Due to the Covid19 pandemic flower prices have escalated and our original purple backdrop of florals was going to be far too expensive especially when us vendors have been crippled by Covid, the extra expenses are not necessary. Just prior to the shoot Samia from Oh Honey Florals informed us of the costs, so we changed game plan. Given this was last minute we called on Matt from Balloons by TwistedMr to put a backdrop together for us with an idea we had. Both Samia and Matt nailed the brief to formulate our new style, so we changed the whole concept over to pastels using blues, pinks, blush, orange, whites, all the nice beautiful soft tones.

With the entire concept changing and quite late in the planning process this affected all the suppliers, fortunately Jess from LittleJDesign worked in with the new concept with her stationary to set off our beautiful tablescape and marry in new designed welcome signs, to Sommer our beautiful celebrant who always coordinates her clothing to match in with the scheme and to her couples personalities, as did Mel from Choclate2chilli. We have worked on a few styled shoots with Mel and let her be her own creative. Each time she has done something new for her and when she showed us some pics of what she had in mind we said go for it. Mel made a cake she had not done before using macaroons and was able to create the cake using our pastel colour concept. Mel’s cake was bang on as it had a modern twist and looked amazingly beautiful in the pastels and tied in so beautifully with the rest of the styling. Not to mention it was yum as always!

We were apprehensive about changing the game plan as its not at all what we had envisioned and going with a blue colour at a Hampton inspired beach style venue we did not want it to look ‘cheap and tacky’. Which sometimes using blue tones at a seaside venue can do! Anyhow we put all our trust into our collab team and my friends this is why I say trust your suppliers they know what they are doing. It all came together just beautifully.

With all the styling complete we needed models and dresses and were so appreciative of Paddington Brides coming up from Brisbane to showcase several dresses from their beautifully custom-made collection. We were fortunate to have 2 stunning models, Tiannah and Angelina and real-life couple Karis and Sam who were so much fun. Karis’ snort laugh had us all in stitches all day long. Karis does not wear much makeup ever and said she felt amazing once Megan had completed her makeup. Megan was able to use soft tones and keep Karis clean and fresh and not feel uncomfortable with layers of makeup and bright colours given she does not wear makeup often. The ladies all looked amazing especially once they were finished off with their beautiful hairstyles by Rolling Scissors. Sandi has been in the wedding industry an exceptionally long time. She just does her thing on the day and I have complete faith & trust in her work. Sandi and her daughter Ashy who she has trained were able to work in the moment. All our models entrusted the ladies, and all were so happy with their ‘look’ we even had Tiannah in tears she was so happy! Lucky her makeup had not been done at this stage!!

Given we had started to plan this photo shoot pre Covid and were ready to shoot in March/April it has taken a long time to get here to this point. After having done a few styled shoots of late, as we are not on site with wedding as much now thanks to Covid, I was putting this to the side and was not going to worry about following through. The team of suppliers said, ‘let’s just do it as we had already started, and Naomi was keen to see it completed’. My heart wasn’t in it and everything seemed to change and go wrong so to speak so I was feeling very disheartened however we have such a supportive, strong and beautiful network of wedding suppliers in the wedding industry here on the Sunshine Coast we banded together and made it happen. If it were a wedding day, we do not have the choice to say not to worry we just have to roll with punches on the day and make sure our lovely couples have their dream wedding regardless. It is what we do.

I cannot sign off from this until we say a massive thanks to Rachel from Tawny Photography and Film for jumping on board the day prior to this shoot. Our original videographer had an emergency come up and could not attend and we really wanted video to capture this beautiful venue and work the suppliers put in. Just shows even if it were your wedding day and one of your suppliers could not make it, as a team, we would ban together to ensure you had a replacement. We cannot wait to see Rachel’s work as she is simply amazing at what she does and captures so many beautiful moments in her film work.

I didn’t mention everyone in this blog as there was a quite a number of us to bring this shoot together but all I can say is I am super thankful to have Naomi on my side and to all the amazing vendors who collaborated with us to bring this shoot to life. We ate all day long with the awesome food at Pier33 Mooloolaba, let our creative flare shine and had a lot of laughs and fun all day. Just what we all needed during these ‘unprecedented’ (because we have not heard that word enough!) times.

We hope you enjoy these sneak peaks Mallory has unveiled.

Photo Shoot Collab Crew

Venue – Pier33

Photographer – Mallory Sparkles Photography

Videographer – Tawny Photography & Film

Planning & Styling – Maple Weddings and Events

Celebrant – Sommer Saunders Celebrant

Florals – Oh Honey Florals

Cake – Chocolate2Chilli

Stationary – Little J Design

Linen Hire – Dine In Style Tablescapes

Balloon Backdrop – Balloons by Twisted Mr

Hair Stylist – Rolling Scissors hairdressing

Makeup Artist – Megan M Makeup and Hair

Bridal Gowns – Paddington Brides

Grooms Suit – Suits Direct

Transport – Deluxe Kombi Service (Blue Kombi)

Model – Tiannah

Model – Angelina

Model – Bride Karis & Groom Sam

May312020NOCOMMENTS

Maple Weddings and Events

Planning, Real Weddings, Wedding Ceremony

Jordan and James | Sunshine Coast Hinterland Wedding

Real Weddings | 28th September 2019

‘The girls hired a big house in Cairns and had cooking classes, house parties and lazed by the pool all weekend.
The boys hit the Gold Coast in a few big houses and hit the casino, had a private yacht party and house party.’

Jordan and James live and work overseas. Living in a 3rd world nation brings a lot of social gatherings and parties therefore they are both very sociable people and have been for many years! They love to party and have a big social group that keeps them busy so what better way than to gather your guys and gals and spend time in Cairns and on the Gold Coast for your hens and bucks.

Jordan and James | Real Weddings

Jorand and James | Real Weddings

Jordan contacted us approx. 12 months prior to their wedding day. Having contacted 1-2 suppliers herself she decided it was too overwhelming and decided to book a full service wedding planner. We asked Jordan in her own words why she did in fact book a full wedding service from start to finish and this is what she had to say…

‘We chose the full package for 3 reasons; First was that we live overseas and organising and co-ordinating all the planning from overseas would be challenging. Secondly, we didn’t feel we’d have the time to arrange everything while working full time and being overseas. Finally having someone help me with narrowing down choices and recommendations was an enormous help and something I knew I would need assistance with.’

Jordan and James | Real Weddings

I still remember my first phone call with Jordan and asking what the most important element to the day was for them. ‘Good food and great bar service’ were what she told me. So of course, the Penfolds Catering team were booked. Penfolds provided a beautiful grazing table for the 120 guests followed by an alternate drop entrée and main, followed by cutting and serving of the wedding cake for dessert. Penfolds Catering provided the bar service in which staff walked around during canapes and offered a full sit-down table service during mealtimes. In reflection now the wedding day is over I asked Jordan the same question and her response still didn’t waiver… ‘We wanted a modern, elegant, relaxed feel to the day. A big party with our dearest friends to celebrate and have a good time.’

Jordan and James | Real Weddings

I cannot take full credit as Jordan booked one supplier prior to engaging our services! I did not have to book the Chapel!! With James being Catholic they opted for a service at the quaint Little White Wedding Church in Maleny – we just managed to fit all 120 guests into the church!! This worked for them as the reception was close by and they could select their own celebrant. Bearing in mind they ideally wanted a Catholic component as part of the service, I knew just the man for the job. Bill Scurry. Bill was the perfect match for the couple as they loved his sense of humour, he can offer religious ceremonies and he is also a Sunshine Coast Hinterland local. To be honest I was surprised they chose to have 2 locations for their day given they were so time poor so I did ask Jordan how she handled the 2 locations- ‘Yes, it was very easy to manage the 2 locations and I’d recommend it for anyone who is exploring that option. Managing the 2 locations was very easy for me though as the wedding planner & team managed this for us.’

Jordan and James | Real Weddings

Jordan and James both decided they wanted a DIY elegant marquee wedding. Given Jordan’s family have a beautiful private residence in Maleny on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland that overlooks the Glasshouse Mountains it seemed the perfect location to have the reception. Jordan recommends the DIY approach because ‘in the sense that you get a blank canvas and can really have creative control and how things look/feel/proceed. It did come out a little more expensive than we anticipated, due to hiring everything, but it was certainly worth it.’

Jordan and James | Real Weddings

As soon as they said marquee, I knew the team for them. Equip4Hire. Nathan and Caitlin and their team go above and beyond for their couples and is the number 1 reason we recommend them. It was a three day process to set up and get all their gear to Maleny. Laying the flooring first to then building the marquee which was adorned with belt fairy light lighting, silk lining and festoons.

Jordan and James | Real Weddings

Being married on the Sunshine Coast was an obvious choice being as it was their family property and was also very central for guests to travel to as many of their guests were traveling from abroad. They not only liked the Sunshine Coast Hinterland for these reasons but also… ‘We love the scenery, the backdrop and the beautiful surrounds of the property.’

Jordan and James | Real Weddings

We worked with Jordan and James one element at a time so as not to be too overwhelming for them. I still laugh as I can hear Jordan in my head saying, ‘I am terrible at making decisions’. She was right!!! So as not to complicate things we gave them up to 4 suppliers to choose from (for each part of the wedding) to alleviate too many decisions! We work with so many talented Sunshine Coast wedding suppliers it was easy to offer just the few selected suppliers for each component of the wedding. Obviously, the choice was theirs in terms of which suppliers were selected. Jordan said they ended up selecting their suppliers ‘based on social media research and reviews and recommendations.’

Jordan and James | Real Weddings

Fortunately for them they had their venue being private property and were also able to secure a family friend to make their delicious and gorgeous cake, their friend Jackson to DJ at the reception and Sean and his team who are professional photographers and videography. James isn’t a fan of the camera so when selecting their photographer, they chose to go with Sean as being a friend he made them feel super comfortable. Sean was able to get James to smile and even laugh at times!

Jordan and James | Real Weddings

Whilst team Maple Weddings were managing their suppliers, RSVP’s, guests transport and styling concepts, Jordan and James were managing their bridal party! With 16 in total and from all over the globe they were busy enough with just this. ‘We had 8 people each in our bridal party, so total of 16. We found it hard to cut this number down and figured if those special people were going to be there on the day they may as well be standing next to us. I didn’t find it hard to manage that many people.’ Personally, I love that they didn’t cull. If you have that many special friends and family in your life, then ask them. Who says there is a limit on your bridal party number?

Jordan and James | Real Weddings

Having such a large bridal party meant that they needed local accommodation that could accommodate their big groups and somewhere that was easy for the ladies to get ready. To alleviate any extra stress Jordan requested that for the lady’s hair and makeup to be done by the one team. Martina and her girls from Backstage Beauty as always proved how amazing they are. Keeping all make up natural with soft tones and hair to suit everyone. Fortunately, Jordan was able to have her trial when she was back in Oz which also took the pressure off. Jordan was so happy with her trial and knew what to expect on the day. The girls booked McCarthy Lakehouse which was ideal for a large group especially when getting their hair and makeup done and for convenience is right next to the Little White Wedding Church. Having a hair and makeup trial is always advisable as saves time on the day and so the stylist and bride know what to expect on the day.

Jordan and James | Real Weddings

The budget is always going to be the first thing any couple looks at. We need to know what budget we are working with, as this sets the foundation on building your wedding. Many people overlook the full wedding service package as for some this really does eat into the budget though for Jordan and James ‘Allowing for a wedding planner in our budget was the best and most valuable investment we made for our wedding. The help was invaluable and most certainly got our money worth.’
Working with a wedding planner can in fact save you money! Yep that’s right. Wedding planners will often work with suppliers and pass on industry discounts making it more feasible for you. Maple Weddings work with some fabulous Sunshine Coast wedding suppliers and will always work with your budget and still create your dream wedding.

Jordan and James | Real Weddings

Working with Jordan and James and piecing together their style and suppliers we at Maple Weddings were able to formulate a styling concept that suited them and incorporate Jordan’s own ideas. They wanted elegant yet relaxed being an outdoor wedding. We incorporated the gorgeous stationary from Bluebird Invitations into their day from the save the date cards, invitations, customised signage on acrylic to the menus on the tables. Using black as the base colour as the bridesmaid’s dresses were black, kept it sleek and elegant. Working with black we were able to tie in the floral colours of deep reds and burgundy which then also tied in with James’ jacket. Having 3 long tables in the marquee Jordan preferred to have a long garland down each table which The Posy Co. ran 13m of garland on each table with greenery and foliage and an array of florals. The candles set the tone for the evening keeping it moody and elegant and without being obtrusive.

Jordan and James | Real Weddings

Jordan and James had Elvis songs at the ceremony and is one of Jordan’s favourite entertainers, so her father organised a surprise for her and had Elvis on the night to entertain the guests and have some fun. Its these surprises that make weddings so unique.

Jordan and James | Real Weddings

Now that the wedding day has been and gone, we asked them if there was anything they would have changed – ‘There is nothing I would change about the day itself; it was as I imagined it to be. There are only 2 things that I wish I’d spent more time on and that’s confirming the flowers and taking more time for some photos that I missed out on getting.’

Jordan and James | Real Weddings

Planning your wedding should be fun and exciting and is all part of the journey. Whether you book a full-service wedding planner, part wedding planner or just having someone on your day to coordinate your wedding day, it’s an adventure you can do together. Though Jordan and James utilized our full-service planning package they were involved in every step along the way. We just helped ease some of the burden whilst they were living overseas and working full time. The wedding is all about the couple so as we plan and work with you, we get to know you as a couple and ensure we execute your day the way you envisage. We loved getting to know Jordan and James over the 12 months prior to their day so on the day it was such a special day for us all to see everyone’s hard work paying off and seeing their dream of having an ‘elegant party with good food and drinks with family and good friends’.

We are now ALL waiting the impending birth of their first baby- a BOY! Due this month. As wedding planners, we are on this journey with you and love to follow what is next in life for our couples.

Jordan and James’ Elegant Maleny Marquee Wedding was approx. $70,000 in total.

Jordan and James | Real Weddings

The amazing team of suppliers to bring their epic day together:

Ceremony Venue – The Little White Wedding Church

Reception Venue – Maleny, Private Residence

Marquee/Furniture – Equip4Hire and Fairytale Events

Photography – Sean Condon Photography

Full service Planning & Styling – Maple Weddings and Events

Florist – The Posy Co.

Celebrant – Bill Scurry

Hair & Makeup – Backstage Beauty

Bride’s Dress – Brides of Brisbane

Groom’s Suit – Polotix

Stationary – Bluebird Invitations

Catering/Bar Service – Penfolds Catering

Toilets – Portable Powder Rooms

Guests Transport – Maleny Coaches

February222020NOCOMMENTS

Maple Weddings and Events

Uncategorized

Through the eyes of a Wedding Planner

From Maple Weddings and Events | Wedding Planners

It’s glamourous. It’s beautiful. How fun. I bet it’s easy. I would love to do that. We hear these things all the time about people saying they want to become a wedding planner, or they were going to do it when they were younger.

This wedding was stunning. Emily and Adrian married April- Photo by Ash and Stone Photography.

Jorand and James | Real Weddings

Being a wedding planner is not for the faint hearted. It’s not all glitz and glamour. Front of house is amazing. Of course, the wedding itself looks beautiful. The ceremony, reception, people. It’s all immaculate. However, the back of house behind the scenes is a very different story. Its dirty, hot and sweaty work. You need to think quickly, avert any situation when they arise – so don’t panic especially when there is blood, work long days and hours and you really need to like people!

Naomi and Kristy literally covered in sweat and dirt at a Tipi wedding.

TERRIBLE PHOTO!!! BUT as you can see as planners we are by your side all day even when it means carrying drinks and helping you in your heels!

As we embark on a new year and can’t wait to see what 2020 has install for us, we reflect on our previous year as wedding planners here on the Sunshine Coast. During ‘peak season’ we had been on site EVERY weekend at various locations around the Sunshine Coast and the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. So, first thing is weddings mean weekend work. You give up precious family time and any social life you had when there are weddings on. When you are giving up many weekends and missing your own personal events you really want to ensure you love what you do.

Naomi finally having a seat when speeches are on and trying to warm up on a cool Hinterland evening! We had been on site a good 12 hours by the time this was taken!!!

Upon reflection of 2019 something that stood out for both Naomi and I was when we had a bar staff member ask us ‘why the hell we do what we do’?! She was a tad cranky and hadn’t really worked at a wedding. She didn’t quite understand the concept of the DIY wedding and the way weddings work here on the Sunshine Coast. Naomi and I were quite shocked and taken aback by what she said and how she said it that we looked at each other and didn’t really know what to say!! Not often we are left speechless!!! We had both had a fabulous day on site for this wedding and everything was cracking along as it should be so weren’t sure why she would even ask us such a question. The truth is I bloody LOVE what I do. That’s the simple answer. I am a wedding planner on the Sunshine Coast and based on the beautiful Sunshine Coast Hinterland living the dream. I am a HUGE believer in do what makes you happy. We are only here for one short life so make the most of it. If we don’t, we all become that cranky sour lady who is just doing it for the sake of it and becoming unhappy or for the money. Though reality is the money in weddings isn’t that grand so if you don’t do it for the love then why do it at all!!!!! Small business is tough!!! Real Tough!!!!

Talking about $$$, this is the toughest part of being a wedding planner. We are so frequently questioned about our costings especially on the day coordination which is by far our most popular package. I often feel I have to justify myself and the pricing structure. We are small business making a living for our families and hoping we can make the wedding day for our couples AMAZING and stress free. Yes, having that help is a luxury but really, we hope you only get married once and will be the best money you ever spent. As an average we can spend 15-17 hours on site as a coordinator plus the time liaising beforehand with couples and suppliers, we can spend up to a good 30 hours for this package and with 2 of us on site. Let’s say our hourly rate won’t buy us a mansion!!! We don’t get a lunch break. We eat on the run with dirty hands and sweat. We are lucky to sit and eat dinner whilst its warm. We miss out on family time and weekends with loved ones. Sometimes we have 3 of us on site to ensure it’s everything is running smoothly and so we can jump in and help other suppliers when needed. So, therefore as a wedding planner we find this the most frustrating part of our job. We work bloody hard for our couples and love every part of being planners. The dirt, sweat, rain, hail, shine and the product of how your day comes together and you enjoy every single moment.

A photo shoot we planned and organised at The Old Maleny Dairy. (We don’t even get paid for this!!!) That’s how much we love working with Sunshine Coast based suppliers and love our job! Photo Credit – Icefeatherwind Photography.

Despite the frustration and trying to make an income I love what I do as I’m bloody good at it. Just as Naomi is fabulous at helping me and creating unique gorgeous settings. Not often people say they are good at something and it’s quite hard to say a loud, but I feel honoured and privileged when couples ask us to share their wedding day and help them as their wedding planner, on the day coordination or styling. It’s a humbling feeling being part of the journey and ensuring the day goes to plan. Virtually every wedding we do we have at least one wedding supplier comment on how hard we work as wedding planners as they don’t often see wedding planners work as hard as us. It’s comforting knowing that other wedding industry professionals see what we do and how hard we work for our couples.

A summer beach wedding- How we look at the end of a ceremony set up and pack down!

Being a wedding planner means you must be 150% organised. If you aren’t organised, then let’s face it you will never make a professional wedding planner! We can work with couples for years when helping plan a wedding from start to finish. We recommend wedding suppliers, gather quotes, work to a budget, organise invitations and guests, guests transport and accommodation, styling, catering, everything right through until the day when on site when we then become the on the day wedding coordinator. Years and months of emails, phone calls and organisation to bring this one day to life and make happy memories for the couple that will last a lifetime.

One of our gorgeous couples- Jordan and James who we helped for over 12 months plan their entire wedding day. We had so much fun along the way and their wedding day was perfect.

On the day coordination sees us working with couples’ months in advance to liaise with their booked wedding suppliers and coordinate their day. We love that the couple can sit back and enjoy their day. The boys go off fishing, swimming, play a game of golf, play pool and have a few beers whilst the girls drink bubbles, eat cheese and be pampered whilst we do the ‘dirty work’ so to speak. We are yet to walk off a wedding site not sweaty, dusty, muddy, blood blisters, blisters on our feet, barely able to walk and just smelly!

We want our brides to be pampered and smiling all day knowing they can turn up and everything is under control. – Photo- Life and Love Photography Hairdresser – Rolling Scissors.

When I say we can be on site on the day for 15 hours plus I mean it. We will help catering teams and bar staff to clear and clean, wash up, help carry drinks from the cold room, work with the MC all night to keep them on track with the run sheet we have supplied, support guests when they need help. Just recently I was just about to leave after a loooong day when a guest cut themselves with a glass. Let’s say there was a lot of worried people and a LOT of blood and vomiting. It was a nasty cut that meant I had to turn from wedding planner into ‘paramedic’ yet I don’t do blood well at all but that when adrenaline kicks in and you just gotta do what you gotta do. After a trip to hospital he was ok and was stitched up but I on the other hand was in bed the whole next day sick myself. Most likely shock as I don’t do blood and had been on site almost 20 hours by the time I left. Not so glamorous but crisis was averted and panic was overcome with calm with us on site. Though it was a long day I was so thrilled to receive a phone call from the bride thanking us for all our hard work and knowing she called all the suppliers from her wedding. It’s the small things like a simple phone call that make it all worthwhile in knowing we helped a couple along with their family and friends make memories to last a lifetime.

When you call the big guns (Amy) in and have a 3rd person site just ensures the day goes off without a hitch. We will always ensure there is enough people on site to cover your day.

Being a wedding planner can be tough at times, its exhilarating and exciting all in one. You give up your weekends, small business is not easy, constant bartering of pricing, being on your feet ALL day and night, dealing with emergencies, ensuring the safety of guests, working with industry suppliers can make for gruelling yet satisfying work. It’s the satisfaction that keeps me going, the lovely couples we can help and all the fantastic suppliers we get to work with. It’s always a team effort when we are around. Our job is made easier when working with professional wedding industry folks and is why we have a full list of recommended suppliers we like to liaise with and know will excel for your wedding day.

A slightly wet wedding with these lovely ladies and Adriana Watson Photography.

So next time that person says to us we would love to be a wedding planner we nod and smile and hope they follow their dream if that what it is!

A beautiful beachside wedding that threw us a curveball with showers on and off and a looming intense storm!!! We juggled it and made it and just beat the storm- because we work quickly!!!! One very happy bride.

We too can look glamorous! Thanks to Tara Lee Photography making us shine!

October232019NOCOMMENTS

Maple Weddings and Events

DIY Weddings, Planning

Emily and Adrian’s Autumn Love Fest

Sunshine Coast Hinterland- April 2019

Emily and Adrian married on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland in April this year. Emily managed to plan majority of her wedding all the way from Darwin where they were living at the time. With family and friends on the Sunshine Coast it was the perfect place to be married and eventually become their new home!

Emily and Adrian opted for a Tipi style wedding overlooking the beautiful Glass House Mountains on the Sunshine Coast from Maleny Retreat Weddings in Maleny.

I leant very quickly Em and Adrian were NOT traditionalists at all. Following the ceremony, guests headed up to the reception site for a grazing table which was the perfect start for their small intimate wedding of 50. Once the couple arrived back from photos they offered ‘cocktail hour’. Let’s say in that hour Ashlea from The Vintage Bondwood Bar based here on the Sunshine Coast was busy shaking and making espresso martinis!! With everyone feeling relaxed and comfortable after some cocktails everyone headed in under the Tipi’s were all styling and set up was done by US of course, Maple Weddings and Events also based here on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

To set the tone of the styling and to tie in with the Boho Tipi look was Nat’s exceptional earthy florals from Heavenly Blooms also based here on the Sunshine Coast. Everyone on the Sunshine Coast knows that Heavenly Blooms and the Tipi’s from Tipi Luxe just go like 2 peas in a pod.

Guests were treated to a feast of shared plates by VGC Catering where they could sit back and relax and enjoy their fine cuisines with No rush as NO formalities at all!! No cake cutting, no speeches, no first dance and ME as the MC for a whopping 2 minutes to run through some housekeeping and make a toast to the lovely couple. NO wedding traditions in the slightest!! They made it their own special wedding which was every bit them.

Once everyone’s bellies were full they surprised guests with a 20 min performance from Utopian Fire Dancers whom performed an epic show, then everyone danced the night away under the Maleny skies.

Emily and Adrian knew living interstate and organising the wedding on the day would be chaotic and decided to book Maple Weddings and Events to be their on the day coordinator and set up all the styling. They knew they could breathe easy and enjoy their moment without any troubles with us on site to coordinate and liaise with all their wonderful wedding suppliers.

Each wedding we do whether it is here on the Sunshine Coast or elsewhere is unique and memorable. Every wedding is so different and that is what we love most about our job. Nothing is ever the same and couples like Emily and Adrian put their own personal touches on everything.

Even though Emily and Adrian married almost 6 months ago they left an impact on us all as wedding suppliers who helped them, mostly as they were so down to earth and truly genuine people who were just so thankful.

Their beautiful Sunshine Coast Hinterland DIY wedding was so much fun even for the suppliers. You know how awesome the couple is when the wedding planner and photographer take to the dance floor with guests and get their groove on!! Everyone was clapping and cheering and was a real celebration of much fun and laughter.

Not only is Bec from Ash and Stone Photography a cracker on the dance floor she is bloody amazing at what she does. We asked Emily why they chose Bec and her comments are below so be sure to read on. You will see why they chose her in the following images to come!

As wedding planners, wedding stylists and wedding on the day coordination we loved every part of this wedding. Emily and Adrian got to share their day with Adrian’s beautiful daughter Kayleigh, their family and family and friends from far and wide and of course the wedding suppliers who all brought their A game and made it every bit fabulous.

We love reminiscing about our weddings especially when they are the DIY weddings and on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland- our home- so for us we love to go back and chat to the couple afterwards. They have time to reflect on their day, look through their photos and videos again and brings all those amazingly happy memories back to life again. So, we asked Em a few questions to see what her overall experience was like and hope it helps those couples planning a DIY wedding.

How did you manage organising and planning the bulk of your wedding interstate?

I started with an excel spreadsheet and ticked things off as we booked vendors and added things we forgot along the way. I loved planning the wedding, it was a great experience. I spent a lot of time searching online and placed my trust in the vendors we chose and it paid off. Everyone was excellent, I could not fault a thing.

How did you find majority of your wedding suppliers?

The Brides Tree, Instagram and Facebook. Most suppliers have great social media accounts and lots of photos from events they have been a part of. The members of The Brides Tree gave me a lot of great recommendations and from there I looked for vendors that suited our style and the vibe we wanted to create.

We always suggest to couples to really research their celebrant and photographers as they are so personal. What made you decide to choose Annie your celebrant and Bec your photographer?

A celebrant was the hardest vendor to choose, until I found Annie. We really wanted someone who was just like us and our friends. We wanted our ceremony to be fun and Annie really had a style we loved.

Bec is amazing! Her photography captures the moment, not just a pose. Although we did pose – a little. Once I found Bec’s website I knew she was the right person for us. And once I met her, WOW! She really was a big part of making our wedding day amazing.

Did you find planning a DIY wedding stressful?

No, I loved the creative freedom. However, on the day I felt quite stressed until you and Naomi arrived. If there was one thing I would recommend to any Bride and Groom – Maple Weddings and Events. A wedding planner or coordinator is the difference between having a stressful wedding day and having the wedding day you wanted.

What was the most memorable part of your day?

Once I put my dress on and it was just my Dad and I nervously drinking the last of the sparkling pinot noir waiting to walk down the aisle. It was such a great feeling knowing it was just about to happen. There is a lot that goes into getting you to that moment, not just in planning a wedding but in your life. It felt really nice.

Would you advise other couples to book an on the day coordinator?

Absolutely! Who knew you needed to consider things like extension cords, running out of firewood and beer! You had all these things under control without me even knowing or it being a problem.

What advice would you offer to those couples planning a wedding?

Do it your way. We didn’t follow any wedding traditions, no speeches, no cake cutting, no first dance – though there was a lot of dancing, no throwing the bridal bouquet, we didn’t do anything that we didn’t want to. We really wanted our wedding to be about great food, great music, lots of drinks and a great time. It had all those things and more.

Would you change anything about your day now we 6 months on?

Not a thing!

Do you have any lasting advice for other couples getting ready to get married?

Get a planner or coordinator and enjoy your day! It only happens once.
Don’t spend too much time or energy worrying about anything. If the flowers aren’t quite right it won’t ruin your day. If the cake is the wrong color you still get to marry your soul mate with all your closest friends and family. I gave creative freedom to my vendors, because this is what they do, they are professionals. I didn’t know what flowers Nat was going to bring on the day but WOW, she brought the best! It was actually exciting not knowing exactly what to expect, it added to the fun!

The amazing team of suppliers who brought Emily and Adrian’s Tipi wedding to life here on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

Venue – Maleny Retreat Weddings
Tipi/dance floor/Lighting- Tipi Luxe
On the Day Coordination & Styling- Maple Weddings and Events
Furniture Hire and Linen- Hampton Event Hire
Florals- Heavenly Blooms
Celebrant- Celebrant Lady Love- Annie
Photography- Ash and Stone Photography
Bar Service- The Vintage Bondwood Bar
Catering- VGC Catering
Wedding Cake- Sweet P Cakes and Cookies
Hair- Evalyn Parsons Hair
Make Up- Dolly May Make Up Artist
Emily’s Bridal Dress – Sphere Collective
Adrian’s Suit- Peter Jackson
Entertainment- Utopian Fire
Musician- Ryan Giles
Bathroom Hire- Portable Powder Rooms
Cold room Hire- Fairy-tale Events and Equip4Hire

January232019NOCOMMENTS

Maple Weddings and Events

Florists

Florists | Wedding Flowers

Woods and Bloom

Look I am no florist and couldn’t tell you the difference between a daisy and a peony! Though I am learning each wedding and I must say it’s very fascinating. I might even go and do a course yet!! What I can tell you though is flowers play a role in your wedding or special event no matter what the scale. For some, flowers are an integral part of the makeup and styling of your wedding whereas for some a simple bouquet and some bud vases are enough.

WillowBud

We have been fortunate to work with many amazingly talented florists here on the Sunshine Coast and can assure you that you can’t go wrong with any of them. Being small businesses, they take pride in what they do and are all very passionate about making your day spectacular and providing options to suit your budget.

Heavenly Blooms

The first word that comes to mind when thinking of all these women in small business is PASSION. Each owner and their staff are passionate about what they create and play an important role in your day. I follow all these people on social media and every single post you read you can see the passion and dedication in every arrangement they make. They work with you from start to finish and are proud when they hand over the finished product for you and you guests to enjoy.

The Posy Co

Often people think wedding flowers are expensive and can be put off having an abundance however these women are committed to making your day special and will be able to offer suggestions to suit your budget. Sunshine Coast florists- or any florist in fact, are great at budgeting!! They can reduce the size of certain arrangements or substitute different aspects and inform you of what will be in season at that time. Let’s be real no one likes to have to fork out a hefty amount for anything however don’t forget though like any business these florists have overheads, purchasing of the products, wages and of course their time. They will create a concept with you, and this can take time and can sometimes end up in millions of emails and phone calls which is time away from their families, they are up at 2am to get to markets at 4am to then start working on making up your beautiful flowers for your wedding day. Then they must travel to get them to you and often can mean 2-3 differing spots to ensure everyone has what they need. There are countless hours spent creating and putting together so bear this in mind when you are thinking budget. They all have mortgages to pay too!! Essentially they will be one supplier you will be very thankful to on your one special day.

Poppy Lane Flowers By Design

Each of these Sunshine Coasts florists can visualise your dream and are super creative. They will blend colours, textures, heights and other factors I am sure- like I said I am no florist – to get the composition exactly as you want it. I know some of these women personally and know they don’t sleep at night thinking about all these elements and ensuring your dream does become a reality. They put a lot pressure on themselves as you are literally carrying their work and it’s on display to everyone. Their work will be captured in photos and videos and will last a lifetime. To them perfection is paramount.

Ginger Lily and Rose

Before you start planning your ceremony and reception you really should work on your bouquets and buttonholes. This is what is on display the whole time and will be in many photos on the day. If you know the colour of your bridal party this will help capture the tones and colours that your florist can create with. Some women like a beautiful headpiece. Out with the tiara and veil these days as many women are donning the gorgeous flower crown and making a statement. It’s your day so own it!

Magnolia Grove Flowers

Now that the colours have been chosen the florist will work with you and your stylist, if you have booked one, to design your ceremony and reception. Think ceremony first. For most everyone thinks of the reception as its party time BUT the ceremony is where you and your partner making a life time commitment this is the most important part and where many photos and videos are captured. Some venues do not need a lot in terms of flowers however some venues offer a blank canvas which is where your florist will create and make it all come to life. Perhaps flowers on an arbour if you are using one, on the chairs, along the aisle, on a stand, a pew, a plinth, on your signage and easel.

Blooms of Noosa

Twig and Grace

Now the ceremony is over its time to move onto the reception!! Determining flowers for the reception will be dependent on several factors- is it inside or outside or both, cocktail style or sit down, if its sit down is it alternate drop or shared feasting as this can take up quite a lot of room on tables, rectangle tables, circle tables the list goes on. For me personally I do love a hanging installation. It sets the mood, its elegant, it’s beautiful, it encapsulates your day and all the flowers that have been utilized throughout the day and is a focus point meaning you can avoid large centrepieces for the tables and make more room available for the all-important food and drinks! But again, what do I know I am not a florist and I am sure they are all screaming at me now as hanging installs are not easy and do take some time with ‘rigging’ it all and climbing ladders and scaffold to hang them! But they do look beautiful!!

Mondo Floral Designs

Ok so you get flowers will be at some point be apart of your day whether its small or large scale and now you want to know who I am talking about. The following is a list of the beautifully, creative and spectacularly talented Sunshine Coast florists we have had the privilege of working with at some point. They are in no particular order so be sure to click on their links and check out their websites. Don’t be afraid to send an initial enquiry the price won’t always scare you and these ladies are fantastic at what they do. You only get married once (hopefully!) so create, design and make it beautiful.