When friends introduced Melina and Michael at a football (soccer, but we’re calling it football in Australia now, didn’t you know?) game at Suncorp Stadium, who knew it would eventuate to saying “I Do”?
The Brisbane couple chose Maleny for their destination wedding on the Sunshine Coast, where they celebrated with 78 guests at Maleny Manor. They planned their Maleny wedding over two years with the bride using her expertise as an interior designer to perfect every last detail.
The Colour Palette
“I always wanted soft pink and always loved black… it then gradually evolved with the additions of peach, grey, gold and burgundy. I wanted a very elegant and classy wedding.”
The Dress
“My mum attended every dress fitting with George Wu – we both developed a great relationship with him. I was so sad to have to stop visiting! Thankfully my sister is getting married soon and he will be making her dress too so I will be able to crash her dress fittings so I can enjoy his great personality and admire his talents.
“I believe if you can afford to buy a bespoke gown you really must do it – there really is no other experience like it. Being able to work with someone like George Wu to create a masterpiece especially for you was so special.”
Mist on the Mountain
“It was raining all day! But the rain cleared just before the ceremony and lasted all through our photoshoot. We were so lucky. The rain left this amazing mist and fog that engulfed the valley, creating a magical romantic atmosphere. It then poured later in the night which allowed for some great evening rain photos!
“Don’t let the weather stress you out! It will be a magical day regardless.”
The Entertainment
“We had various old and new music by our entertainer Graham Hobson. He DJ’d and also sang live. I also requested three Italian songs be played to pay tribute to my heritage which was so much fun. It was great coz even my 80+ year old grandparents started
dancing.
“We also hired a photo booth, which we believe was one of the best decisions we ever made. It was so much fun and it was fantastic viewing all the photos after the wedding as we were able to see the fun that our guests were having that we didn’t get a chance to see. It is extremely hard getting to talk to all your guests so it was a small insight into their night.”
The Best Day EVER
“We both had so much fun and felt it was a true celebration of us as a couple. My favourite moment was walking down the aisle and seeing Michael waiting for me at the end.
“(It was so special) having all our family and friends around us in such a beautiful location. We thought our ceremony was very heartfelt and genuine and believe that’s what weddings are all about. The love.”
Images by Matt Rowe Photography
Wedding Secrets
Biggest splurge: My wedding dress!
Best bargain: Our bonbonniere – I ordered personalised scented candles through Etsy, which were really well priced!
Bridal gown: George Wu
Accessories: Roman and French
Shoes: Nine West
Bridesmaid dresses: A Formal Affair
Bridesmaid accessories: Roman and French
Groom and groomsmen’s attire: Wil Valor suits, Florsheim shoes
Jewellery: AG Designer Jeweller
DIY: I bought $8 terrariums from Kmart to add to the styling of the day. I also had a small table with photos of our grandparents who have passed so that they could be remembered on our special day.
Honeymoon: Queenstown, New Zealand
Number of guests: 78
Photographer: Matt Rowe Photography | Film: Joseph Bertossi | Venue: Maleny Manor | Flowers: Mondo Floral Designs | Makeup: Natalie Hunter Makeup Artist | Hair: Evalyn Parsons Hair | Cake: Cake Designs | Bombonnieres: Mahina | Transport: Mystic Mountain Tours | Photobooth: Rockin’ U Wild | Decorators: Lovebird Weddings | Entertainment: Graham Hobson
Thank you for supporting our A-List Vendors, who were part of Melina and Michael’s wedding dream team…
Learn more about… Matt Rowe Photography + Natalie Hunter Makeup Artist + Evalyn Parsons Hair
