It seems Julie and Wernher’s wedding was fated to be held at hinterland wedding venue, Flaxton Gardens since back in their first year of dating they noted it would be the perfect place to say I Do.
This couple made sure they stayed very true to themselves – and their budget – in planning their wedding. Even though it was often tempting to stray from the plan! One thing they were firm on after meeting him at a wedding expo was that Sunshine Coast photographer, Matt Rowe, was the photographer whose talents they wanted to have capture their big day.
There was rain on the day, but Julie and her bridesmaids were well prepared with the coolest mauve gumboots they found in a very surprising place!
Julie was kind enough to share more of her wedding planning story and all her best tips with us, so read on…
Biggest Wedding-planning Challenge
“Looking at too many options and starting to enjoy going – “oh we could do this” and then having to be realistic with budget.”
The Location
“We had a weekend away within our first year of dating for Wernher’s birthday. We did a lovely evening out for dinner at Flaxton Gardens , and loved the food and ambience. We stood outside the gazebo and a comment was made that it would be a lovely place to have a wedding.”
The Proposal
“After Wernher was away for a week due to work, we got a deal for a night away. It was a lovely place up the mountains with amazing views. After enjoying a sparkling wine overlooking the mountains, we went to get ready for a nice dinner out. Wernher handed me a treasure chest and said that I didn’t have on all my jewellery. Inside was the ring box holding the engagement ring. The kind, lovely (and yet horrible) man decided to wait until it was between the typical “perfect” moments to ensure I was not expecting it – and he succeeded!”
Images by Matt Rowe Photography
Why Wernher is The One
“He is my other half. He is very easy going and can deal with me when I am crabby or antisocial. He is a home body like me and always appreciates the small things I do. He talks to me about big or little things and will always take the time to listen.”
Our Next Adventure
“Household projects – there are a few things we want to do around the house starting with landscaping the backyard.”
Something We’ll Never Forget!
“Nearly forgetting to sign the marriage licence! We held the ceremony outside and just managed to get through the ceremony (with creative shuffling from our celebrant, Toni Collett) before it started to rain. About halfway through she made the wise decision we would do everything outside for ceremony, but officially signing would be indoors due to weather. By the time we headed inside we started getting all the congratulations from family and friends and were moved around. It was close, but we did the official part of the wedding signing…eventually!”
Advice for Future Brides
Work out what you both want from the get go otherwise others will influences you. Ensure that whoever is doing the majority of the planning – include influences from the other partner -and give them a dedicated job. Ensure that if you are not an organised person – have someone who is. Both as a planner for the day and for getting things done. Having people (not family or friends) organising set up and pack down is amazing and saves you having to do 20 things on your day. Lastly have fun and don’t sweat the small things.”
Wedding Secrets
Biggest splurge: “Photography! We knew at the end of the day – all that would be left (beside the marriage) was memories and photos. We wanted the best, and we got it! Matt was amazing with photos -very easy going and professional and made me feel comfortable right off the bat.”
Best money-saver: “Emailing save the dates and invitations. Most of our guests had to fly in and a lot were from overseas so posting (and having the time to get everyone’s updated addresses) was not something we wanted to do.”
Bride’s dress: LUV Bridal
Accessories: Veil was borrowed from a friend and my belt broach was a family heirloom.
Shoes: David Jones shoes for ceremony, Aldi gumboots for location.
Groom and groomsmen’s attire: Ed Harry
Bridesmaids’ dresses: Sentani Boutique
Bridesmaids’ faux fur stoles: Forever New
Bridesmaids’ shoes: Myer + gumboots from Aldi
DIY: Menus and seating chart.
Honeymoon: We went on holiday to Europe before the wedding and afterwards we had so many family members from overseas so spent time with them.
Number of guests: 55
Wedding budget: $25,000
Actual cost of wedding: $26,500
Photographer: Matt Rowe Photography | Venue + wedding planning: Flaxton Gardens | Florist: Willow Bud | Cheese Wheel Cake: Maleny and Co. Fromagerie | Dessert table: Zoë Clark Cakes | Bomboniere: Chopsticks from Etsy | Transport: Mystic Mountain Tours | Hair: Hair 4 Brides | Makeup: Makeup 4 Brides | Entertainment: Graham Hobson | Dance instruction: Rhythm & Dance Attitude | Celebrant: Toni Collett – Celebrant | Wedding night accommodation: Airbnb
