When Sydneysiders Sophie and Mike met at work, they were surprised to learn they had a lot in common… including both hailing from Queensland with family residing here on our beautiful Sunshine Coast! Is that meant to be or is it meant to be?
When they decided to get married 18 months after meeting, the location was a clear choice. Planning a destination wedding on the Sunshine Coast at their favourite Noosa restaurant, Rickys River Bar & Restaurant was set into motion.
To navigate the tricky task of planning a destination wedding, Sophie enlisted the wedding planning services of Noosa River wedding pros, First Class Functions, who also took care of the decorations, flowers, ceremony set up at Hidden Grove and refreshments.
Images by Melanie McNiven Photography.
“I was very insistent on tracking down beautiful Coral Peonies. First Class Functions worked tirelessly to locate them from Victoria and Tasmania, which truly made our day.”
“My sister and best friend were my bridesmaids. Mike had his best friend as groomsman and son as ring bearer.”
“I was awake at 2am listening to torrential rain and checking the weather radar. Luckily we took a risk and the weather eased just in time for the ceremony.”
“The best part was… Seeing the love (and tears) in my husband’s eyes as I walked down the aisle, and then the wonderful feeling of being married.”
“We met at work (in Sydney) and then quickly realised we lived nearby each other and both came from Queensland with families on the Sunshine Coast. It was meant to be!”
“First Class Functions managed the ceremony and reception furniture, decorations, flowers, provided suggested run sheets and suppliers, and even provided a drinks service at the ceremony so we could have a champagne toast. They really went above and beyond!”
“Organising a destination wedding was daunting but having Jessica from First Class Functions seamlessly pull together proposals with pictures of all the decorations and beautiful touches took so much pressure off us.”
“Our photographer, Melanie McNiven, was so professional and helped the day run really smoothly.” “Whilst our day had lots of showers the photos were beautiful and different.”
“We both share very similar interests of the beach, surfing, yoga, family time and travel.” 
“Our priority was creating a theme for the day which aligned with our style of beach casual yet elegant. We also needed the venues to be family-friendly and choose to have a lunch reception with an after-party to accommodate.”
“Rickys remains our favourite restaurant in Noosa. The food is truly phenomenal and we were able to offer our guests canapes and a three course a la carte menu with four selections for guests to choose from for each course. All the guests raved about the food.”
“Donna from Rickys was incredibly organised, helped with run sheets, menus and table plans, and on the day was so kind and professional. I always had an extra special drink in my hand and she worked closely with my family to make sure everything was running smoothly.”
Wedding Secrets
Biggest splurge: Honeymoon in Hawaii.
Best money-saver: Having a lunchtime reception.
Bridal gown: Lyric by Tanya Anic
Accessories: Earrings and a beautiful headpiece from Spain, purchased at Marry Me Bridal
Shoes: Handmade by G&L Hand Made Shoes, Paddington, Sydney
Bridesmaid dresses: Zimmermann
Bridesmaids’ accessories: Swarovski earrings (gifts from the Bride and Groom)
Groom’s suit and shoes: MJ Bale
Groomsmens’ suits and shoes: MJ Bale
Gift registry: David Jones
Honeymoon: Hawaii
DIY: We created well wishes love heart cards for people to sign on the day.
Number of guests: 60
Wedding budget: $35,000
Photography: Melanie McNiven Photography | Venue + catering: Rickys River Bar & Restaurant | Wedding planner: First Class Functions| Flowers + Decorations: First Class Functions | Transport: Chauffeured Elegance | Makeup: Tasleema Nigh Makeup Artist | Hair: Hair by Nicola | Entertainment: Carl Wockner | Stationery: Giant Invitations | Gift registry: David Jones | Celebrant: Stephanie Neal
