You would hardly know it from their pretty hinterland wedding at Maleny Manor, but Melanie and Sam first connected when they met at a heavy metal concert in Brisbane’s West End. Their mutual love of heavy metal music remains as strong as their love. While they would have been happy celebrating their night away to all their favourite metal tunes for their Maleny Manor wedding reception, they chose a little more inclusive, allowing some pop and old school RnB in the mix.
The happy couple chose the lovely Lee from Life and Love Photography to help them with their memory-makin’ for their big day. 
“All of my bridesmaids, sister and Mum, and Mother-in-law, came dress shopping with me to numerous shops to help me choose my dress. Their input was so helpful.”
“From the moment I saw Sam when I walked down the aisle, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face, all of my nerves disappeared and all the stress leading up the wedding melted away.”
“My sister read out a beautiful poem during the ceremony and we had some lovely heartfelt speeches from close friends and family. As part of our ceremony, our celebrant included a rose ceremony in which we honoured both of our mothers and Sam’s grandmother by presenting them with a single white rose, it was really special.”
“We momentarily lost the wedding bands an hour before the ceremony but my mother-in-law saved the day and found them among one of the many bags we carted up to Maleny from Brisbane.”
“We met at a heavy metal show at the HiFi in (Brisbane’s) West End. We had a very strong connection from the very beginning, both of us were amazed we had found someone with the same taste in music.”
“I wanted the scenery and setting to be beautiful, somewhere green in the mountains or country. Maleny Manor is absolutely breathtaking, the scenery is so amazing – it was perfect.”
“We balance each other out. I tend to be a bit of stress head and perfectionist, and Sam is easy going and chilled out, he always manages to calm me down. And I like to think that I keep him more organised.”“Lee from Life and Love Photography was our photographer. We couldn’t recommend her more, our photos are perfection, and she was so fun to work with.”
Wedding Secrets
Bridal gown: Anna Campbell Amity Gown $1800 during the Valentine’s Day Sale purchased from The Babushka Ballerina on Valantines Day 2015 and Silk Organza over skirt $1500 purchased directly from Anna Campbell
Accessories: Tiffany & Co Bracelet, Lace Cuff – handmade (Etsy)
Shoes: Wittner
Bridesmaid dresses: Navy Blue Gowns with lace shoulder strap – Asos
Bridesmaids’ accessories: Etsy
Groom’s suit and shoes: Suit -Male Manor, Shoes -Vans
Groomsmens’ suits and shoes: Suits – Male Manor, Shoes – Vans
DIY: Menus, favours, decorations, Love Story board, wish box, signs, bunting and more.
Number of guests: 80
Wedding budget: $25,000
“I had the best day of my life. It was so much fun, everything ran seamlessly and even though I wish it would have lasted longer, I made the most of every minute. It will be something I will never forget.”
Photographer: Life and Love Photography | Venue: Maleny Manor | Florist: Rosita Flowers | Cake: Rixy’s Kustom Cakes | Transport: Mystic Mountain Tours | Makeup artist: The Ballerina Bride | Hair stylist: Ella and Jade | Entertainment: DJs in your house | Stationery supplier: Minted | Celebrant: Tiffany Egen | Wedding night accommodation: Maleny Manor
Thank you for supporting our A-List Vendor Photographer, who was part of making Melanie + Sam’s day so perfect.
Learn more about Life and Love Photography
