This time three years ago, Mellesa was walking down the aisle to the father of her beautiful little boy, Isaac (then 17 months). They were married in a Catholic ceremony at St Catherine Sienna Church, Sippy Downs.
Mel had a firm theme in mind when planning their nuptials, all based around her favourite colours and tones – green, navy blue, purple and silver. It sounds like a bit of a mish-mash of a colour scheme when put like that, but with Mel’s eye for detail and great taste, she created a stylish and pretty theme that was a little bit different for her Sunshine Coast wedding, and managed to include feathers and real live fish!
Having scrumptious food was an important element for Mel and Chris, which helped them pick their reception venue – Clio’s in Palmwoods. Their 100 guests were treated to canape’s of potato rosti with salmon, reef fish pieces, crumbed camembert and more. Then a 3-course alternate-drop sit down dinner menu consisted of chicken caesar salad, a creamy fettucine and a pork dish for entrée’s, chicken dish, steak dish and a fish dish for mains and wedding cake for dessert. By all accounts, the guests were impressed, saying it was the best food they had ever tasted.
“Our son was on my hip for the entire ceremony. He stayed with us while we said our vows and exchanged rings. He also walked me down the aisle to give me to Daddy.”
It’s hard to say why we make a successful couple… We are very different, but just somehow work!”
“My three special girls did everything with me right from the start. My mother-in-law was also there for everything.”
“We also used orchard flowers lots to symbolise both grandmas that couldn’t be there, as it was important to them. It’s the small touches that make it special.”
Mellesa and Chris’ Wedding Secrets Revealed
Best money-saver: The awesome cake was from The Cheesecake Shop and cost only $200. And a friend’s mother was the florist, and gave mates’ rates.
Biggest Splurge: The 11-seater limousine and Mel’s wedding gown.
Bride’s jewellery: Michael Hill, Sunshine Plaza
Bride’s shoes: Suna Shoes, Caloundra
Bridesmaids jewellery: Purchased at a jewellery party, and was also their gift from the Bride.
Something old and borrowed: Vintage veil that belonged to Mel’s Aunty.
Bridal party photo locations: Mooloolaba rock pools, opposite Mantra Resort, and in the garden at Clio’s.
DIY: Bridesmaids hairpieces.
Total cost: Approx $15,000, paid for by both Mel and Chris’ parents, and the couple chipped in where they could, too.
The Hand-Picked Team That Made It All Happen
Photographer: Space 101 Photography
Hair stylist: Evalyn Parsons
Makeup artist: Kim Image Specialist
The Smith Family Today
Chris and Mel Smith have since had another child, the delightful Chloe, who is almost two years old. Young Isaac is set to start Prep this year at a local Catholic school.
