Grace says the storm that started from 5:00am on her wedding day to Nick didn’t phase her whatsoever, even when it continued all day long. She put down her calmness to be a lot to do with her faith in Sunshine Coast wedding photographer, Emma Nayler, who she knew would capture her day beautifully, no matter what. That’s why she booked her date around Emma’s availability.
Grace shares her wedding day story below…
Our Highest Wedding Day Priority
Second to our photography, we put our guests as high priority. We wanted to make sure no one left hungry and everyone danced the night away. Our caterers and entertainment were a huge part in making this work.
The Most Unforgettable Wedding Day Memory
My dad seeing me in my dress for the first time. His reaction was absolutely priceless and something I will cherish forever.
Our Biggest Wedding-planning Challenge
Sticking to the budget was definitely a challenge. All our vendors were worth every cent though and we wouldn’t change a thing.
Images by Emma Nayler Photographer
Our Stand-out Vendors
Emma Nayler Photographer – We picked our wedding date around Emma‘s availability. I had never imagined anyone else doing my wedding photos and it was the best decision we made.
Branch and Blossom, our florist – The flexibility and advice they gave was second to none in helping us achieve the florals we dreamed about, within our budget.
MCP Film – This was a huge decision for us as we weren’t sure if we would stretch the budget for film, but MCP not only filmed for us, but Jessica corrected my makeup and Mickey fixed the boys ties. They really blended to be a part of the bridal party.
Music
Walking down the aisle: If This Is It – Newton Faulkner
Bridal party entrance: You Make My Dreams – Hall and Oates
Our first dance: From The Ground Up by Dan & Shay
Check out this First Dance playlist, curated by me using songs from real weddings, and a few of my own suggestions…
Things We Wouldn’t Change for the World
I wouldn’t change a thing about the day (honestly!), but I would definitely take more time to enjoy the planning process. Looking back, that was some of the most exciting times – meeting new vendors, taste testing cakes, picking out flowers, choosing the venue!
Our ceremony was perfect. We chose a non-traditional ceremony, and our celebrant made our ceremony entirely personalised. It was inclusive of our guests and if they weren’t laughing they were crying. We received so many compliments about our ceremony and we felt so comfortable sharing our story with our friends and family thanks to our celebrant.
The Most Emotional Moment of the Day
Meeting Nick at the end of the altar. Finally seeing each other for the first time after all the wild weather we had and just being able to take a moment to check in on each other and realise we were finally getting married. It definitely felt surreal.
Wedding Secrets
Biggest splurge: My wedding dress! I had a particular designer and price in mind but I had a moment when I put something on that just felt right! Cliché, I know, but it actually happens!
Best money-saving decision: Re-purposing our flowers. Our florist was amazing at designing our floral arrangements so that they could be repurposed during the reception for styling. Our arbour flowers were used on the bridal table and tables ends and the various bouquets were placed in vases throughout the reception.
DIY: Stationary and signage! At the time I worked in Graphic Design and printing so I was able to design, print and hand-make all our stationery. We also set the outdoor reception styling ourselves using our own outdoor furniture, hay bales, crates and lighting.
Bride’s dress: Ferrari Formalwear – ‘Adara’ by Wilderly
Veil: Ferrari Formalwear
Shoes: Nine West
Groom’s and groomsmen’s suit: Ferrari Formalwear
Belt + shoes: Tarocash
Cufflinks: David Jones
Ties: Connor
Pocket squares: Handmade
Rings: Michael Hill Jeweller
Bridesmaids’ dresses: Show Me Your Mumu
Bridesmaids’ accessories: Lovisa
Bridesmaids’ shoes: Novo
Honeymoon: Hamilton Island
Number of guests: 85
Wedding budget: $30,000
Actual cost of wedding: $40,000
Advice for Future Brides and Grooms
Don’t fret the weather! Our photographer managed to create the most amazing shots with the weather we were dealt on our wedding day. We had storms from around 5:00am that morning and carried on all day. My mum still can’t believe how relaxed I was as it stormed all day, but it honestly never bothered me! I just couldn’t wait to get down the aisle and see my man!
Our Next Big Adventure
We absolutely can’t wait to start a family so our next step is to renovate and sell our house so we can buy our dream family property. A nice house on a piece of land just like we were raised on.
The Crew
Photographer: Emma Nayler Photographer | Videographer: MCP Film | Venue: Yabbaloumba Retreat | Florist: Branch & Blossom | Cake: Jessie & Co. | Entertainment: John Veloso Music | Wedding planner: L&L Co Events | Catering: Beauty and the Beard Eats & Events | Favours: Cooloola Colour Graphics | Hair + makeup: Hair Review Gympie | Dance instruction: Bronwyn Molloy Dance Centre | Celebrant: Kath Tilly Marriage Celebrant
Thanks for supporting our A-List Vendors below, who made Grace + Nick’s day so magical…
