Despite doing a ton of DIY for their Sunshine Coast homestead wedding, Caitlyn and Andrea went $5k over budget… hey, sometimes that happens! I’m here to tell you, it’s okay – it’s your special day!
This happy couple from Charleville met when they were both attending university, and during their relationship have visited the Sunshine Coast on every holiday. They love it so much it was their first choice of location for their wedding, and they’ll soon be relocating here!
Bride Caitlyn says, “Make the day about you and your partner. Everyone will have an opinion and an idea of what they think you should do. Stick to what you both love and you can’t go wrong.” And she shares more sage advice and Sunshine Coast wedding-planning tips below…
Chief Priority
Involving our families. We live away, so having our families be part of the day was so important to us and made the day that much more special.
Biggest Challenge
Living 900kms away. Thank goodness for our parents who did a FaceTime call of our venue for us.
Wedding Planning Resources
Sunshine Coast Bridal Showcase, The Brides Tree Facebook group and Pinterest.
Images by Tara Lee Photography
Why the Sunshine Coast wedding location?
Andrew grew up on the Sunshine Coast and I fell in love with it after living with Andrew and his family for a few years. It’s the perfect place to get married.
Most Emotional Moment
My vows for me hands down! I held it together so well right up until I was looking at him saying my vows. I got through them but there was a small amount of ugly crying. For him it was when I walked down the aisle and his parents’ speech.
The Unforgettable
How I felt. The genuine happiness I felt on our wedding day is indescribable.
What We’d Change
Our day was absolutely perfect but getting married on one of the hottest days in December was probably not the best decision.
A Sweet Surprise
I didn’t plan this but my parents organised with our wonderful celebrant for us to have a surprise butterfly release during our ceremony. It was absolutely magical and one of my favourite parts of the day.
Wedding Secrets
Biggest splurge: Photography and videography. We really wanted our day captured and invested in the best people to do that for us.
Biggest money-saver: My mum and I went to Brisbane flower market and purchased approximately $350 worth of natives. Then two nights before the wedding, my mum, maid of honour, mother in law and sisters in law spent the night putting the bouquets, centre pieces and floral arrangements together. I was so proud of the bouquet I put together and now it’s dried and sitting in a vase to keep forever.
Bridal gown: LUV Bridal
Veil: My something old. It was the same veil my aunt wore for her wedding. We tea stained it to match my dress colour.
Earrings + bangle: Lovisa
Boots: RM Williams
Groom’s suit: Politix
Accessories + boots: RM Williams
Bridesmaids’ dresses: Forever New
Bridesmaids’ earrings: Lovisa
Bridesmaids’ shoes: Nine West
Groomsmen’s attire: Politix
DIY: We are so lucky to have big families who put so much time and energy into helping us DIY almost everything for the day. My favourite DIY was my hair and makeup.
Honeymoon: Maroochydore staycation.
Number of guests: 100
Wedding budget: $15,000
Actual cost of wedding: $20,000
Our Next Adventure
Apart from working and living at home together due to COVID for over two months, which was an adventure in itself as newlyweds. We’re moving back to the Sunshine Coast and buying a house at the end of this year.
Photographer: Tara Lee Photography | Videographer: Sunshine Coast Videography | Catering: That Pizza Guy + DIY grazing platter | Beverage catering: The Chevy Bar + DIY | Cake: Jessica’s Pantry | Venue: Logwoods Homestead | Entertainment: The Crikeys + Tuscany | Gifts: Wishing Well | Celebrant: Ceremonies to a Tee | Wedding night accommodation: Aqua Vista Resort Maroochydore
Thank you for supporting our A-list Vendors, who made Caitlyn and Andrew’s Sunshine Coast homestead wedding such a dream come true…
