SAME SAME WEDDINGS MAGAZINE SECOND EDITION 2018

S E C O N D E D I T I O N 2 018

AU ST R A LI A’ S FI R ST S AM E S E X W E D D I N G MAGA ZI N E

THERE’S HARDLY A MORE BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO CELEBRATE IN SYDNEY

Bathers’ Pavilion is an historic building that has been sensitively renovated into an iconic Sydney venue which is perfect for your wedding day celebrations.

“A little more” encapsulates a great deal of Bathers’ philosophy.

Emphasis is placed on creating a unique and memorable experience within stylish timeless interiors, complemented by a warm, f riendly and informed service.

With views of Balmoral Beach and Middle Harbour and only 15 minutes f rom the CBD. Visit our virtual tour HERE

4 The Esplanade, Mosman NSW 2088 | (02) 9968 2938 events@batherspavilion.com.au | www.batherspavilion.com.au

MASTHEAD WITH BANNER

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Welcome to the second edition of MASTHEAD SAME SAME WEDDINGS, Australia’s FirstTEXT WHITE Same Sex Wedding Magazine. This publication is dedicated to celebrating LOVE, featuring LOVE IS LOVE TEXT same-sex couples who have recently tied the knot in Australia and beyond.

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The next online edition of SSWM will be uploaded January 2019.

If you would like to submit your wedding or showcase a business, email Julz samesame@ontrendbridal.com.au LOVE IS LOVE TEXT

Congratulations to our Front Cover couple, Tanja and Zoe and thank you for the gorgeous image Mike Hemus Photography.

Stay Social - Instagram and Facebook @samesameweddingsmagazine

AUSTR ALIA’ S FI RST SAME S EX W ED DI NG MAGAZI N E

Published by PADDINGTON PUBLICATIONS PTY LTD Publishers of ONTREND BRIDAL MAGAZINE and BRISBANE BRIDE MAGAZINE ABN 819 479 402 20 Australia T 61 417 637 553 www.ontrendbridal.com.au PUBLISHER Kerrie Gowenlock SALES & MARKETING MANAGER Julie Fullerton T 61 439 811 221 samesame@ontrendbridal.com.au Facebook Instagram @samesameweddingsmagazine All rights reserved. All material is copyright and cannot be reproduced in part or in full by any means, without the express permission of the publishers. While the publishers have taken all reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy of the material contained in this publication, it is a condition of purchase of this magazine that the publishers do not assume any responsibility or liability for any inaccuracy or omission, or from the use of the information contained herein and the publishers make no warranties, express or implied, with respect to any of the material contained herein.

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AU ST R A LI A’ S FI R ST S AM E S E X W E D D I N G MAGA ZI N E

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WHERE DREAMS COME TRUE Experience unmistakable charm, elegance and sophistication with an exquisite selection of venues on offer at Village Roadshow Theme Parks.

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CONTENTS 2-3 5 8-15 16-22 23 24-29 30-31 32-37 38 39-44 45 46-51 52-55 56 57 58-60 61 62 62 62

63 63 63 64 64 64 65 65 65 66 66 66 67 67 67 68-73

The Bathers’ Pavilion Village Roadshow Theme Parks Wedding - ZOE & TANJA Wedding - RYAN & SCOTT Loft West End Proposal - PIERRE & NED Rydges South Bank Brisbane Wedding - RACQUEL & SHERRON Bassline Studios Band Hear ts & Hands Coral Sea Resor t Wedding - DAN & ALLEN Wedding - ANNA & SIMONE Alison Saunders Celebrant The Pavilion Mindarie Engagement - CHARLIE & ALVARO SameSameCelebrants.com Australian Wedding Rings Ayzia Jade Photography Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) Braeside Gold Coast Caves House Hotel Celebrant Lady Love Celebrations at 356 Bowen Terrace Culinarius Catering and Fine Foods Di Kleiner t Civil Celebrant Dreamlife Photos & Video Ed Harry Menswear Event Hire Services Everlasting Unity Ar t Golding Wines Jamberoo Resor t Je T’aime Events Design & Styling Katie Rose Jewellery Lord Coconut Wedding - CHAD & GAVIN

74-76 77 78 78 78 79 79 79 80 80 80 81 81 81 82 82 82 83 83

83 84-87 88-95 96 96 96 97 97 97 98 98 98 99 99-101 102-105 106-111 112

Chapel of Love Coolibah Downs Private Estate Louisa Sams Photography & Videography Matt Finch Celebrant May & Moss Ovolo Inchcolm Brisbane Palm Beach Golf Club Pialligo Estate QAGOMA Renae Hyland Photography Roxy Hotten Celebrant Sally Cant - Celebrant For All Sarah Aird Civil Celebrant Secrets on the Lake Skylighter Fireworks Stop, Prop & Pose Photo Booth Stradbroke Island Events Sweet Affection Cake Designs Tea Tree Gully Golf Club, Dimples Restaurant & Function Centre The Chapel Montville & Reception Wedding - CHRIS & JULES Wedding - LUKE & CRAIG The Epping Club The Landing at Dockside The Pavilion Kiama The Red Queen Design The River Deck Restaurant Trevor Rice, Celebrant Willie Smith’s Apple Shed Wonder Weddings By Karen Dahlstrom Wynnum Manly Leagues Club Zest Waterfront Venues Mr & Mr at Marina Mirage VERENA & TANJA in Vienna Wedding - DAMIAN & ASH Jordanna Regan Couture

CONTENTS 113 Bella Brides 114-119 White + White 120 Adrienne Irvine Celebrations 120 Amazing South Coast Celebrant

- Lindsay Tuckwell 120 Bella Celebrations 120 Bespokey Doke 121 Blackwattle Luxury Retreats 121 Circle of Love 121 Decorella Events 121 Deliberately Delicious 122 Flyawaypineapple 122 Happy Days Jukebox and Par ty Hire 122 Hunt and Hear t Events 122 Jensen & Young 123 Julie Weston Celebrant 123 Lauren Campbell Photographer 123 Lillicreek Florals 123 Married By Andy 124-127 Wedding - SALLY & DIANE 128 -133 Wedding - BEN & MICHAEL 134 Mugshots Photobooths 134 Next Chapter Photography 134 OneLove Wedding Directory 134 Pethers Rainforest Retreat 135 Providence Gully 135 Rainbow Weddings Photography 135 Rod Noendeng Photography 135 Royal Memories Photography 136 Southpor t Yacht Club Inc. 136 Sublime Par ty Hire 136 Tennyson’s Garden at The Brisbane Golf Club 136 We Are Twine 137 With Love As Always 137 Rainbow Hens 137 Purple Daze Hair Studio 138-141 Engagement – NEALE & MATT

142-148 149 150-156 157 158-161 162-168 169 170-173 174 175 176-177

Wedding - BRYCE & COLE Beautiful Wedding & Event Hire Wedding - MEGAN & ASH Rose & Hear t Wedding - EVAN & TOM Wedding - EMMA & KATE The Cheese Bar Wedding - KANE & TROY Engagement - AMY & NICOLE Everlasting Unity Ar t Mrs & Mrs at Marina Mirage

SSWM BUSINESS LISTINGS 178 Beauty and Health 178 Beverage and Hospitality Services 178-179 Bridal and Formal Wear 179-180 Cakes and Sweets 181 Catering Services 181-185 Celebrants 186 Enter tainment and Pyrotechnics 186-187 Floral Stylists 187-188 Jewellers 188-191 Photography, Videography

and Photobooths 191 Stationery 192-195 Styling, Planning and Hire 195-202 Venues and Accommodation 203-205 MIA & JASMINE 206 Sweetums Designer Cakes

Congratulations to our fabulous Front Cover Couple... ZOE & TANJA PAXTON WINERY, MCLAREN VALE, SA - 16 DECEMBER 2017 OFFICIAL PAPERWORK PARTY - 13 JANUARY 2018

“Zoe and I met through mutual friends on a night out back in 2010. We hit it off pretty well and ended up having a ‘party pash’ that night, but left it there and became friends.

We both went on with our separate lives over the course of the next two years. Then, in 2012, we rekindled our relationship and something just clicked, proving that timing is truly everything. We’ve been inseparable ever since.”

“Zoe proposed to me while on holidays in Venice in July 2016. We were sitting on the end of a small jetty at almost midnight, after indulging in local pasta and sparkling wine, when she surprised me and asked me to be her wife! We were at the Grand Canal when Zoe said she was going to take some photos and proceeded to reach into her backpack. She pulled out the ring box which, unknown to her, I had actually discovered two weeks prior when we were in Croatia and I was looking for my hair straightener in her suitcase! But in that moment, Zoe completely caught me off guard. It was there, with only the stars as our company, that she asked me if I would marry her and of course I replied with a ‘yes’, a thousand times yes! It was one of the best moments of our lives, we both laughed and cried tears of happiness. She presented me with a fine diamond band that she had made - I always said she wasn’t to buy me an engagement ring as I don’t even know what I want, so how is she meant to? We then had my engagement ring made in Adelaide by Bell & Brunt Jewellers and I wear the proposal ring as my wedding band.”

“Our theme was modern, less is more, with punches of greenery. Whites, greys and touches of gold. Hiring real plants and sticking strictly with greenery (no florals) helped us achieve the look. We both work in creative industries - I am an event coordinator and Zoe is a photographer and property stylist - so we both had a pretty clear vision of how we wanted everything to look. I’m happy to say everything turned out exactly how we’d pictured it!”

Celebrant: Melanie Reiffel, Two Tie the Knot Celebrant Services Photography: Mike Hemus Photography Videography: Love Fool Attire: Tanja - Elle Zeitoune dress, Wittner gold shoes, veil from Etsy, Harvey the Label earrings Zoe - Suit and shoes from ASOS Jewellery: Miss Martini and Harvey the Label Hair: Sarah Georgeson and Belinda Mills, Pipsqueek in Saigon Makeup: Sarah Georgeson & Francisca Ackland-Prpic Florals: Austin Bloom Cake: From the Wild Catering: Chef Todd Steel Hire: Venue Productions - festoon lighting over dance floor and Edison drop globes over tables in the barn Kiera Blanden Events + Styling - crockery, cutlery, napkins, wishing well Sash Events - wooden tables Olympic Party Hire - bentwood chairs Elle & Jay Events - dance floor Vintage Scene Hire - benches used during ceremony Plantscape - plant hire Transport: Chook’s Little Winery Tours - mini buses Kanga Coachlines Music: The Coconut Kids - band Mr Ben Smith - DJ Stationery: Paper Halo Interiors and Signage: Ink and Ruby Studios

“Our ‘first look’ was incredible! Such a special moment the two of us had before our ceremony. We both cried like babies! It’s a moment we’ll cherish forever. We had a live band, The Coconut Kids, play a version of Beyonce’s ‘Crazy in Love’ for our aisle song.

Everyone cheered as we walked down the aisle, it was an incredible experience! All our desserts were gluten free, dairy free and vegan, made by the incredible team at From the Wild. Our wedding arbor was made by my (Tanja) very talented dad and we were so happy with the result! It was very unique. We were so thrilled to have Mel (our celebrant) play such an important role in our special day. She is kind, caring, witty and fun and was the perfect addition to our day. Mel provided us with so much advice and guidance (and calming words when needed!) in the lead-up to our wedding. We couldn’t imagine having anyone else marry us!”

Zoe and Tanja spent their honeymoon in the US - San Francisco, New York and Hawaii.

“Our advice to others planning their wedding is be sure to schedule in a time during your reception for you and your new wife/hubby to step away from the party and spend 10 minutes together, taking it all in. We had some sunset shots taken during the reception and it was a perfect moment for us to take it all in.�

Congratulations RYAN & SCOTT CEREMONY & RECEPTION - WILLIE SMITH’S APPLE SHED, TAS 5 APRIL 2018

Ryan and Scott met through mutual friends on a night out in Brisbane. “We just hit it off straight away. Scott’s normally quite introverted, but after a few drinks, he was even flirting! Funnily enough, Scott was actually being set up with another guy that night and I had only ever dated girls up to that point. Despite these minor obstacles, we had an immediate connection and after seeing each other again at a friends’ gathering a few weeks later, decided to see where an official date would take us. I’d say it was a successful outcome!”

Ryan describes the proposal: “We were in the US on a three week road trip through the southern states. We were heading back from a day at the Grand Canyon when we saw a little sign saying ‘view this way’. We decided to pull over, even though there appeared to be nothing except some empty Native American stalls. We walked along a gravel path until the ground opened up to reveal an almighty gorge in the Earth, overlooking Little Colorado River. I had been planning to propose on the trip but hadn’t found the right moment, and this was it! Scott was in the middle of filming a snapchat when he panned across to find me on one knee.”

“We crafted the wedding around the venue itself and the picturesque scenery of Tasmania’s Huon Valley. We had minimal decorations, relying heavily on the ambience and charm of the Apple Shed and the region. We figured we’d keep things relaxed, and uncomplicated, which suits our personalities. That being said, we wanted to look good, so decided on custom three-piece suits. It was our one true indulgence and suited the chilly climate perfectly.”

Celebrant: Abbie Pederson Photography: Peppermint Photography Attire: Black Jacket Suiting Jewellery: Rings - Artisans Gems and Jewels Florals: Lisa Kingston Flowers Cake: An incredible apple pie from Willie Smith’s Apple Shed Catering: Willie Smith’s Apple Shed Favours: Instagram: @daffodil_hill Transport: “Our friend drove us to the wedding (yes, we got ready and arrived together) but we used Oakley’s Coaches to transport our guests on the day.”

Music: Professional DJ Solutions Hire: Style My Day supplied the arbor and some styling in the venue.

“A highlight of the day was definitely that everyone got up and danced the night away with smiles on their faces. We worked closely with our awesome DJ to select the songs that we thought would get people moving, our personal favourites, and some you wouldn’t normally hear.”

“Our advice to others planning a wedding is that people will likely put certain pressures on you, like you need to invite this person, or do this, or even that people don’t support your decision to get married. Our advice would be to remember why you’re doing it and who you’re doing it for.”

“People still rave to us about how amazing the venue was, from its décor to the atmosphere, the food and the staff. We couldn’t have chosen a better place to celebrate our love.”

Congratulations PIERRE

& NED

MALDIVES PROPOSAL 18 APRIL 2017

planner: KATE ELIZABETH PROPOSAL PLANNING AND SPECIAL OCCASIONS photography: COLOUR PROFILE rings: CARTIER resort: CENTARA RAS FUSHI MALDIVES

“We met in 2014 and after lots of texts, our calendars finally aligned and we caught up over a lengthy lunch. After lunch, I walked Ned back to his car and we spoke for a while longer. Just before he left, he asked if he could give me a kiss. The kiss most definitely sealed the deal. From that moment on, our love for each other just grew stronger and stronger.�

“I had been planning this trip for nearly a year. All my partner knew was that we were going on an Easter Break to an unknown destination. We arrived at Sydney International and I worked with the airline staff and Immigration to get him checked in and through Immigration without him seeing boarding passes etc. Arriving at the gate, he had to look down to make sure he couldn’t see the boarding sign. First stop – Kuala Lumpur. We spent a couple of days there before moving on to our next destination. Again, working with airline and Immigration staff, we managed to get him checked through without knowing the destination. On the plane, I revealed we were heading to the Maldives for a week to relax.”

“I had worked with the wonderful Kate Elizabeth from Kate Elizabeth Proposal Planning for our proposal and the brief was for us to parasail into our very own private island in the Maldives for a champagne picnic. I then revealed an iPad inside a treasure chest and we watched a seven-minute video portraying our love story thus far, created by a sand artist.

I then had to dig to the bottom of the treasure chest to find a Cartier ring box to present to Ned! HE SAID ‘YES’!”

PIERRE & NED

Contact Wedding Planner, Chloe & ‘Say I Do’ at Rydges South Bank  +61 7 3364 0852  chloe_mullins@evt.com  www.rydges.com/southbank

Congratulations RACQUEL & SHERRON BOOMERANG FARM, MUDGEERABA, QLD 1 MARCH 2018

Racquel and Sherron met on a dating app called HER. “We went on our first date to the Comedy Festival at the Powerhouse. Sherron proposed on Christmas morning - she had made a tower of cheese with a ring on top, with the words in lights surrounding it: ‘BRIE MY WIFE’.”

“As soon as we started looking for inspiration, Boomerang Farm came up with everything we searched for. We both like a rustic barn look, and nature in general. It was perfect!”

HIGHLIGHT: “Being able to legally marry my best friend in front of everyone dear to us.”

WEDDING ADVICE: “Plan ahead, last minute weddings would be too stressful! And follow up on RSVPs.” Celebrant: Roxy Hotten Photography: LM Images and Mandy Cam Attire: Casar Bridal Hair and MUA: Velbella Florals: Adam’s Garden Florist Cake: Faistee’s Cakes Catering: Spits N Pieces Transport: Gold Limos Music and MC: Bassline Studios (these guys are a MUST!) Stationery: Etsy

For the best day of your life For the best day of BASSLINE yourSTUDIOS life BAND BASSLINE STUDIOS BAND

LIVE CEREMONY MUSIC | RECEPTION BAND - DUO - FULL BAND | MC | LIGHTING & SOUND LIVE CEREMONY MUSIC | RECEPTION BAND - DUO - FULL BAND | MC | LIGHTING & SOUND

Let Bassline Studios Band create the perfect soundtrack to your perfect day. Full day and reception packages available.

Let Bassline Studios Band create the perfect soundtrack to your perfect day. Full day and reception packages available.

JnS Photographics

Bernadette & Steve 0426 810 098 www.basslinestudios.com.au info@basslinestudios.com.au Bernadette & Steve 0426 810 098 www.basslinestudios.com.au info@basslinestudios.com.au

JnS Photographics

@basslinestudiosband @basslinestudiosband

HEARTS & HANDS Venue - The Joinery Photography - Gabriel Veit Photography Celebrant - Mitch Sargent Couple - Drew and Braydon Suits - Wil Valor Hair & Makeup - Carly Stone Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist Florals - My Little Flower Shoppe Cake - Glorious Cakes Styling - Avideas Pyrotechnics - Fuse Pyrotechnics

HEARTS & HANDS

Venue - The Joinery Photography - Gabriel Veit Photography Celebrant - Mitch Sargent Couple - Drew and Braydon Suits - Wil Valor Hair & Makeup - Carly Stone Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist Florals - My Little Flower Shoppe Cake - Glorious Cakes Styling - Avideas Pyrotechnics - Fuse Pyrotechnics

Renee Bristol reviewed Coral Sea Resort Weddings – 5 star

I cannot thank you enough for making sure our day was perfect!

We would not change a thing and honestly loved every tiny detail.

Emily Helfersdorfer reviewed Coral Sea Resort Weddings – 5 star Thanks so so so much for making our big day so special and perfect!!

Meghan Simmons reviewed Coral Sea Resort Weddings – 5 star

We were married at Coral Sea Resort last month and it was perfect!

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Coral Sea Resort to any bride looking for a beautiful venue with a talented staff, they make wedding planning seem effortless!

Leah Leaver reviewed Coral Sea Resort Weddings – 5 star

We recently had the most magical wedding anyone could dream of.

Kelly Bunyoung reviewed Coral Sea Resort Weddings – 5 star

For anyone considering Coral Sea for their venue choice, you will not be disappointed, our wedding was something dreams are made of.

Our dreams came true at Coral Sea, in fact, Coral Sea exceeded our dreams... no question, book now!

Shayna-Rose Bennetts reviewed Coral Sea Resort Weddings – 5 star

We married at Coral Sea Resort late last year and it was the best experience of our lives!

We’ve been making dreams come true for years…

Now, it’s yourdreams turn!

We’ve been making come tr

Now, it’s your turn

Reservations/contact phone number: Free call 1800 075 061 | Phone: 07 4964 1340 Address: 25 Ocean View Avenue, Airlie Beach Q 4802 Email: weddings@coralsearesort.com Website: www.whitsundaywedding.com.au Photography, flowers and décor, compliments of Tropix Photography, Flower Hut, and The Event Company Whitsundays.

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hotography, Flower Hut, and The Event Company Whitsundays.

Reservations/contact: Free call: 1800 075 061 | Phone: 07 4964 1340 Address: 25 Ocean View Avenue, Airlie Beach Q 4802 Email: weddings@coralsearesort.com Website: www.whitsundaywedding.com.au

Photography, flowers and décor, compliments of Tropix Photography, Flower Hut, and T Photography, flowers and décor, compliments of Tropix Photography, Flower Hut and The Event Company Whitsundays.

Congratulations DAN

& ALLEN

CEREMONY - QUEENSTOWN GARDENS RECEPTION - NO. 5 CHURCH LANE RESTAURANT & BAR, QUEENSTOWN, NZ 5 SEPTEMBER 2017

Dan and Allen met at the infamous Wickham Hotel in Brisbane on the Queen’s Birthday, June 2002. They both grew up in Byron Bay, Northern NSW. Allen’s mother, Mrs Marie Broad, was Dan’s Career Advisor at Mullumbimby High School, yet they had never met.

“We were together for 15 years before our big day. After only being able to discuss marriage for the past five years, we have been waiting for the Australian Government to pass the Marriage Equality Bill. We originally wanted to get married in Australia and never really thought about Queenstown, until we won the same-sex marriage giveaway coordinated by Charlotte Winkel from Your Big Day Queenstown... so it was meant to be! Queenstown is definitely ‘the wedding destination’ and we are so pleased we got married there.”

“Simply Perfect Weddings set up our ceremony beautifully with 60 guests gathered in the Queenstown Gardens. We wanted a simple look - ‘less is more’ - and it looked amazing! The wedding party arrived to the ceremony in style in Aston Martin and Audi R8 cars. Both Dan and Allen’s mothers walked them down the aisle with their bestman leading to a beautiful song, ‘You Raise Me Up’ by Josh Groban. After Dan and Allen delivered their personal message to each other, Dan surprised Allen with a song in sign language, “I Won’t Give Up’ by Alex G. The wedding guests were surprised with the notorious and simply stunning Kitty Glitter as the ringbearer. Being taken up for photos in a helicopter overlooking Lake Wakatipu was amazing! We did this preceremony, allowing us to spend more time with the guests and enjoy the Veuve Clicquot champagne and wedding cake from the local Gibbston Valley Cheese, decorated by the chef at Crowne Plaza Hotel Queenstown.”

“Prior to our big day, our very good friends, Lincoln and Lisa Heitman, told us to remember to enjoy the day and that it was all about us! Now having experienced a wedding day of our own, we certainly share this advice with others who are preparing for their big day. Our advice to anyone planning a wedding is to have a wedding planner and research which planner would suit your wedding. Always have a ‘plan B’ options, work together as a couple to achieve the wedding you both want to share with everyone.”

Celebrant: Charlotte Winkel, Your Big Day - Queenstown Marriage Celebrant Wedding Planner: Simply Perfect Weddings NZ Photography: Fun Travel TV, Second Photography - Gay Ski Week QT Videography: Fun Travel TV Attire: Calibre Jewellery: Cartier Hair: Hair to Wed Queenstown Makeup: EVE Makeup Artistry Queenstown Florals: The Flower Room Queenstown Venue: Crowne Plaza Queenstown Cake: Gibbston Valley Cheese Transport: Ignition Self Drive Adventures Helicopter: Heli Tours Queenstown Music: DJ Kitty Glitter

Congratulations ANNA & SIMONE CEREMONY - PRIVATE BEACHFRONT PROPERTY, BELONGIL BEACH, BYRON BAY, NSW RECEPTION - RAE’S ON WATEGOS 9 JANUARY 2018

Anna Kollar and Simone Sivaraman met on Pink Sofa (internet dating). “Byron Bay is a small town and even though we had both lived there for years, we had never encountered each other socially. Both of us had exited long-term relationships a year or two earlier but had felt we were in limited geographic areas to meet new people that could be potential partners.”

“We knew our relationship was going to be ‘the one’ not long after we started dating. Somehow, in 2016, we both just came to the conclusion that we would become ‘engaged to be engaged’ when same-sex marriage became legal in Australia (we never knew it would happen so quickly). We then went in to Island Luxe (our favourite store) and ordered two engagement rings from a jewellery designer in Paris, announced our ‘engaged to be engaged’ to our friends and family, and began wearing the rings long before the YES vote was a reality. Anna had her heart set on marrying on the very first day that same sex marriage was legally recognised.”

“We are both pretty laid-back personalities. Our lives revolve around the beach. We explored the idea of a bigger wedding and the more we planned, the less ‘us’ it felt. So we peeled it right back and found a fantastic celebrant who we really resonated with, invited our mothers and our two best friends and scouted out a location on the beach, just down the road from where we lived. The property has a very large rose quartz crystal, which has been placed beachside overlooking the ocean. Anna went to considerable lengths to source out the property owners who were excited to allow us to use their space when they learned what we were planning.”

“We wore simple white linen dresses from HENDRIX & Harlow and, of course, no shoes. I wore a handmade shell necklace from Hawaiian Jewelry Designs, Hawaii and Anna wore a handmade necklace from HENDRIX & Harlow. Our puppy, Otto, wore a black bow tie. He was our best man!”

“We lined up our four witnesses for the day without telling them what we were up to.

As they each arrived at our house pre-ceremony, they were all told that we were getting married. Their surprised reactions were definitely a highlight of the day! Legalising our commitment of course… having our mothers present, having our two closest friends (who also happen to be our ex-partners) and our puppy, Otto... and doing all of this on the beach was completely us. The ocean was beautiful that day and the weather was perfect. We did take a moment to reflect on how lucky we were. So many people before us could never express their love or make a commitment to each other in a legally-recognised way. We were also very grateful to have so much family love and support.”

“After ringing a few key people and telling them personally, we updated our social media status and people went crazy with excitement. It was an amazing rush of love and excitement from everyone and it was a relief that no-one was upset with us for eloping!”

“We basically eloped, which suited us perfectly. It was so intimate and we can remember every detail and moment of the whole day. Our advice, whether your wedding is big or small – follow your heart. Take time to find the right celebrant and plan for a day that fits ‘who you are’ as a couple.”

Celebrant: Skai Ceremonies - Skai Daly Photography: Our witnesses Attire: HENDRIX & Harlow Wedding Rings: Jason Hardy, Edge Jewellery Designs Makeup: Amanda Hayes, Makeup Artist

Skai Daly, Celebrant

day of your life ay of your BASSLINElife STUDIOS BAND BASSLINE STUDIOS BAND

ON BAND - DUO - FULL BAND | MC | LIGHTING & SOUND

BAND - DUO - FULL BAND | YOU!!

LIGHTING & SOUND LET | MEMC MARRY

I am a Marriage Celebrant… such a boring title for such an AWESOME job. I mean I get to create amazing, vibrant, out-of-the-box, wedding ceremonies - how cool is that?

To make the ceremony that legally joins you together - as hubby & hubby, wife & wife, udios Band create the perfect partners soundtrack to in marriage - something you will remember with joy for the rest of your lives. y. Full day and reception packages There available. are loads of Celebrants out there, so why choose me? s Band create the perfect soundtrack to

The pragmatic souls in the audience will want to know that I have over 20 years’ l day and reception packages available. experience in service industries. I’m practical, experienced and organised. I can handle a crowd and will cross all the ‘t’s’ and dot all the ‘i’s - there will be no surprises my end. But even better, I’m pretty handy and will help you with anything that might crop up!

The dreamers and feelers will want to know that I’m a ‘people’ person... I love love and I love telling love stories. I’m a good listener, I hear emotion and bring that emotion into the ceremonies I write. There will be plenty of surprises f rom my end but the good kind, the ones that make you giggle and make that ‘naww’ noise when you hear your story being told.

At the heart of it, you need to know that you will be my inspiration, your ceremony will come to life only as I get to know you. This is how we will start your journey as a married pair.

If you want to check me out, to see my packages or get a sense if this ‘crazy redhead’ is your ‘cuppa tea’, then visit my website www.alisonsaunders.com.au Even better, if I’ve piqued your interest suff icient to jump straight to a chat (no avoiding the f irst date #feels I’m af raid) then please give me a call and we can talk over coffee… or bubbles, I’m flexy like that LOL! Ph 0414 623 932 JnS Photographics I can’t wait to meet you #seriously JnS Photographics Alison

@basslinestudiosband

@alisonsaunderscelebrant

@basslinestudiosband

@thealisonsaunders

CHARLIE & ALVARO ENGAGEMENT SHOOT PHOTOGRAPHY - THE SALTY SHUTTER

“Our eyes met across the dance floor at G-A-Y Late bar in London on 12 February 2017.”

Charlie describes the proposal: “I proposed to Alvaro and, as he is a real romantic, I went full ‘The Bachelor’ style when we were holidaying at Hamilton Island. We took a surprise helicopter ride to Whitehaven Beach and when we were landing on the beach, there were three big manta rays swimming by. The pilot set up a champagne picnic under an umbrella in the Queensland sunshine before heading up the beach to leave us to our own privacy. As Alvaro was holidaying from the UK, he was in awe of the beauty of the beach and was taking a few photos. Once I was able to coax him to the picnic rug, I had the opportunity to pull out the wedding rings and ask him to marry me. His answer was ‘yes’ and that ‘I’m crazy’ – which is fair!”

“When we arrived back to Sydney, we had a meet and greet on a friend’s apartment rooftop in Potts Point, as many of my friends hadn’t met Alvaro yet. It was a lovely afternoon of party shirts and Aperol spritzes.”

“I wanted to give a photoshoot to Alvaro as an early Christmas present and my pal, Dane Tucker (the best and raddest photographer in town) offered his services to take a few loved-up snaps. We shot at my friend Lizzie’s Aunt Pam’s house, which is a beautiful terrace in Paddington and then down on to Dane’s favourite swimming spot in Gordon’s Bay for the water shoot.”

“We were married on 2 March 2018 in a private ceremony at the registry the day before the 40th Anniversary of Mardi Gras. We then went on a mini-moon to Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road... 2017 the year that love won!”

AUSTRALIAN WEDDING RINGS Online - Australia-wide WEDDING RINGS SUPPLIER Treasure your love with affordable, high-quality, Aussie-made wedding rings. Custom made and delivered to your door in 10 days. We are all about celebrating love, creating memories and treasuring our loved ones. www.australianweddingrings.com.au

AYZIA JADE PHOTOGRAPHY Perth and Margaret River WA PHOTOGRAPHY I capture your day honestly and reflect the essence of your relationship in the images.

My style is described as honest, simplistic and natural. www.ayziajadephotography.com.au

BRISBANE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE (BCEC) South Bank, Brisbane QLD

VENUE Contemporar y, sophisticated, unconventional and more than you could imagine, set against the backdrop of an incredible city skyline in the hear t of South Bank.

Award-winning world class cuisine, exceptional ser vice and unrivalled event experience will create moments that are truly unforgettable.

Be inspired by our unique collection of spectacular spaces. www.bcec.com.au/weddings

BRAESIDE GOLD COAST Merrimac, Gold Coast QLD WEDDING VENUE Behind the white picket fence on Gooding Drive, situated on just under two acres and located only moments from Broadbeach, we provide an elegant, polished countr y feel setting for your wedding day. With choice of chapel or garden ceremony, pre-reception area and a marquee reception, enjoy the convenience of exclusive venue use and having your wedding all in the one stunning location. We look forward to welcoming you and your guests to the proper ty soon and helping you plan your special event with us at beautiful Braeside! www.braesidegoldcoast.com.au

CAVES HOUSE HOTEL Yallingup, Margaret River WA HOTEL AND RESTAURANT Surrounded by 1.8 ha of Heritage-listed gardens and pristine lawns stretching towards the ocean, Caves House at Yallingup is the perfect location for outdoor ceremonies, receptions and breathtaking photos. Our menus offer the finest products of the Margaret River region and beverage options with award-winning wines can be customised. www.caveshousehotelyallingup.com.au

CELEBRANT LADY LOVE Byron Bay NSW to Brisbane QLD MARRIAGE CELEBRANT Annie is a fun, modern celebrant and MC with a unique ability to craft creative wedding ceremonies through stor y-telling. She will leave you and your guests on a love buzz. www.celebrantladylove.com

photo: Amy de Boer Photography

photo: Danny McShane

CELEBRATIONS AT 356 BOWEN TERRACE Brisbane QLD

HIGH TEAS AND CELEBRATIONS VENUE Exclusive use of this elegant private residence at 356 Bowen Terrace, New Farm for High Tea Celebrations, Pre and Post Wedding Photography, Bridal Par ty Preparation and other BYO celebrations. Musical Enter tainment can be arranged, featuring awardwinning solo pianist Alex Raineri and a range of other musicians and vocalists. The musicians and vocalists are also available to perform at other venues around Brisbane. Photo opps include the grand marble staircase and city views from the upstairs balcony. The residence is a 300 metre stroll to the Stor y Bridge for stunning city images.

All enquiries micheleraineri@bigpond.com www.facebook.com/verchelehightea

CULINARIUS CATERING AND FINE FOODS Illawarra, South Coast, Southern Highlands and Southern Sydney NSW CATERING AND EVENTS Exquisite food and ser vice is what Culinarius has been delivering daily since our inception in 1988. With our large purpose-built commercial kitchen, we are able to provide food for two to two thousand at any location‌ with perfection and style. www.culinarius.com.au

DI KLEINERT CIVIL CELEBRANT Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne VIC CELEBRANT Histor y tells many stories, struggle, conflict, change and progress.

Yours is hardly a stor y without an ending. What we have in common matters more than what sets us apar t. The love and commitment that you are about to share in a ceremony will transform your lives. It is called Marriage! www.kleinert.id.au

With thanks to Angie’s Floral Design, EMK Make up & Hair Styling and www.bfts.tv photography

DREAMLIFE PHOTOS & VIDEO Brisbane QLD

PHOTOGRAPHY AND CINEMATOGRAPHY Multi-award winning and gay-friendly photographers and cinematographers based in Newstead, Brisbane.

“I believe a marriage isn’t between a man and woman, but between love and love.”

— Frank Ocean

Check out Jordyn and Natalie’s gorgeous wedding at Bundaleer Rainforest Gardens.

www.dreamlifewedding.com.au

LINK TO J+N WEDDING VIDEO

ED HARRY MENSWEAR 80+ Stores Australia-wide

MENS SUITS AND ACCESSORIES Ed Harr y focuses on its people and strives to deliver unique and honest ser vice along with the latest quality merchandise. Ed Harr y has been selling great menswear Australia-wide since the early 90’s.

For anyone who wants to be looked after, we offer : * A variety of good quality gear at great prices * Exclusive labels of both casual and formal clothing * Unique and honest ser vice * Latest quality merchandise * Informed and energetic advice and suppor t * Relaxed and fun shopping environment

www.edharry.com

EVENT HIRE SERVICES Sydney, Northern Beaches, Central Coast, Blue Mountains NSW and Canberra ACT EVENT FURNITURE AND DECOR HIRE Furniture and decor options from luxur y to rustic, Event Hire Ser vices can provide you with an array of styles for your wedding celebrations.

From simply the right chair to a whole list of creative options, we pride ourselves on delivering a tailored, polished environment that reflects the occasion and your budget. Congratulations on your engagement! www.eventhireservices.com.au

photo: CM Events

photo: Honeylane Events

EVERLASTING UNITY ART Brisbane QLD UNIQUE CEREMONY RITUAL “Everlasting Unity Ar t will add something uniquely special to your wedding ceremony. As a Glass Ar tist, I have created a way to incorporate my signature hand made beads into a ceremony ritual, similar to pouring coloured sands. After the ceremony, I create unique ar t pieces which become an everlasting memor y of the day you said ‘I Do’ and a beautiful family heirloom.”

Donna Cains, Glass Ar tist www.everlastingunityart.com.au

GOLDING WINES Adelaide Hills SA VINEYARD, CELLAR DOOR AND FUNCTION VENUE With its beautifully crafted sandstone Barn, surrounded by manicured gardens, vineyards, ancient gum trees and rolling hills, a wedding at Golding Wines is a truly unforgettable experience. Offering beautiful spaces for your ceremony, photography and reception, delicious menus and award-winning wines, look no fur ther than Golding Wines for your dream wedding. www.goldingwines.com.au

JAMBEROO RESORT Jamberoo, South Coast NSW RESORT AND FUNCTION CENTRE Take the stress out of your wedding day by having your ceremony and reception in one convenient location. The Wentwor th Room (near the rainforest) with its exposed wooden beams and soft drapings, is a beautiful private reception setting... with abundant natural light and a spacious outdoor verandah covered in fair y lights. With stream and mountain views, you and your guests can dance the night away under the stars. Foresters Restaurant suits the more intimate reception, with great lighting and a covered cour tyard. In the winter, the fireplace is lit to add to the romantic ambience. www.jamberooresort.com.au

photos: Simon Bills

JE T’AIME EVENTS DESIGN & STYLING Brisbane, Gold Coast QLD to Byron Bay NSW WEDDING AND EVENTS PLANNING, DESIGN, STYLING AND EVENT RENTAL Je T’aime Events offer full planning, design and styling packages to create luxur y, one-of-a-kind weddings and events. Designing a concept bespoke to each client and bringing it all together to create unforgettable memories. Nothing is unachievable or unreachable... your vision is our mission! Event rental ser vices also offered. www.jetaimeweddings.com.au photos @danielsuarezphotography

KATIE ROSE JEWELLERY Mornington Peninsula VIC JEWELLERS New Zealand jeweller and designer, Katie Rose, based on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula and trained in jeweller y design and goldsmithing, makes each piece to order and completely by hand. Katie Rose endeavours to make each piece unique and to an exceptional standard, working alongside the client to create a piece truly unique and special to them. www.katierosejewellery.com

LORD COCONUT Melbourne VIC - Online, Australia-wide JEWELLERS Lord Coconut is the specialised jeweller y store in Melbourne focusing on handcrafted wedding rings with a masculine aesthetic. As we represent over 40 Australian based jewellers, designers and ar tisans we have one of the largest wedding band ranges Australia wide and ever y wedding band is hand made just for you. www.lordcoconut.com

Congratulations CHAD

& GAVIN

SERAFINO MCLAREN VALE, SA 1 APRIL 2018

Gavin and Chad met through work at Adrian Brien Ford. “After 12 months working together, we realised it was more than just a work friendship.”

Gavin shares the proposal: “It was Epic! In November 2016, we were on a cruise on board Voyager of the Seas with 33 friends and family. Gavin organised ‘the amazing race of love’ which entailed me being surprised by my three best friends coming to our suite and starting the event. I would be asked a question about Gavin and if I got it correct, I received a clue of somewhere on the ship. And then at that part of the ship there would be other members of our party holding a photo of Gavin and I and then I was asked more questions and so it went on for over an hour. All 33 of our party plus two video messages were used which led me back to our suite where Gavin was on bent knee asking the famous ‘Will you marry me?’.”

“The theme was ‘Industrial Modern’. Being two men with no bride to tell us what to do, we had the luxury of calling upon the services of Emily Clarke of Ever After Event Hire, who did pretty much everything!”

Celebrant: Camille Abbott Stylist: Emily Clarke, Ever After Event Hire Photography: Glenn Alderson Videography: LifeSketch Films Invitations & Stationery: Design by Amanda Paukner Signs & Menus: Ovela Designs Florals: She Runs Wild Transport: Adrian Brien Genesis Music: DJ Ben Events Hair: Chelsea Lobban Hair by Diana Carnevale - RAW STYLE Vanessa Rositano Makeup: Fabienne Di Viorio Michelle Matthews “We wore tuxedos. The girls in the bridal party wore their own choice of white dresses and the boys wore tuxedos like us. Accessories were individually styled with Rose Gold as the colour theme.�

“Our first dance was to ‘Only You’ by The Platters. We chose it because we knew no-one would guess we would use it and it’s such a nice love song. Our Mums took over the dancing after about 20 seconds.”

“Walking down the aisle with our parents was definitely a highlight for both of us. When Camille, our celebrant, read out the new legal aspects of the ceremony, she had our guests repeat them after her. We loved the speeches and the party atmosphere.”

“Our advice is to have a wedding planner!”

“We are planning a honeymoon cruise for December 2018 after heading off on a 12 days road trip around Tasmania with 10 of our friends and family.”

JOEL + BEN

Venue - Coolibah Downs Private Estate Photographer: Unveil Films & Photography Celebrant - Sarah May Alexander Couple - Joel Seal and Ben Horne Suits - Wil Valor Rings - Jewels NY Florals - Angie’s Floral Design Cake - Sweet Art Creations Cakes Kombi - Kombi Keg Gold Coast

CHAPEL OF LOVE

Co

PICTURESQUE 10 A NESTLED IN THE GOL

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Creating a unique a

Coolibah Downs oolibah Downs PRIVATE ESTATE PRIVATE ESTATE

photos courtesy Unveil Films & Photography

PICTURESQUE 10 ACRE PRIVATE ESTATE NESTLED IN THE GOLD COAST HINTERLAND Our awe–inspiring Estate offers a truly enchanting and romantic setting for your wedding day! We can create the wedding of your dreams with our bespoke outdoor ceremonies or in our charming stone Chapel, with an abundance of photo oppor tunities. Our team will inspire you and create the celebration of your dreams in our open air fair y lit marquee, while wowing your guests with delectable food and styling to impress.

T 07 5596 5448 ~ 41 Mt. Nathan Road, Mount Nathan Q 4211 ~ info@coolibahdowns.com.au ~ www.coolibahdowns.com.au

Book your bridal appointment today!

PICTURESQUE 10 ACRE PRIVATE ESTATE NESTLED IN THE GOLD COAST HINTERLAND Book your bridal appointment today! Phone 07 5596 5448 ACRE PRIVATE ESTATE 41 Mt. Nathan Road, Mount Nathan QLD 4211 Endless and Unique Photo Opportunities, Stone Chapel, Picturesque LD COAST HINTERLAND Phone 07 5596 5448 info@coolibahdowns.com.au

Garden Ceremony Locations, Romantic, Open Air Marquee surrounded by 41 Mt. Nathan Road, Mount Nathan QLD 4211 www.coolibahdowns.com.au portunities, Stone Chapel, fairylit gardens and Picturesque trees, Bridal Day Suite and Boutique Accommodation. info@coolibahdowns.com.au mantic, Open Air Marquee surrounded by

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and memorable experience

Mention advert to receive aand special offer Photography cour tesy Unveil this Films & Photography When Elephant Met Zebra

LOUISA SAMS PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY Brisbane QLD PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY Louisa Sams Photography & Video focuses on the moments that matter.

Bringing a personalised ser vice to each couple knowing that ever y wedding and couple is unique. Louisa brings quality, experience and strong customer focus to what is one of the most impor tant ser vices on the day, preser ving the memories. Please get in touch for a no-obligation quote and/or a complimentar y consultation. www.louisasams.com.au

MATT FINCH CELEBRANT Melbourne VIC CELEBRANT Yes! I’m a modern-thinking gay celebrant who would love to help you create a happy, relevant, real marriage ceremony that actually suits and celebrates who you both are. I’m experienced, calming and I’m happy to travel interstate or abroad to make your entire wedding experience enjoyable, personal and memorable. www.mattfinchcelebrant.com.au

MAY & MOSS Sydney NSW FLORAL DESIGN With a wild, bohemian aesthetic, May & Moss lives and breathes flowers.

Adding blooms, grasses and foliage foraged from a private garden, May & Moss creates bespoke bouquets and arrangements in tune with the seasons. Let their passion for all things botanical bring beauty and romance to your joyful occasion. www.mayandmoss.com.au

photo: Dane Tucker @thesaltyshutter

OVOLO INCHCOLM BRISBANE Brisbane QLD VENUE We specialise in YOU-nique weddings! At Ovolo, we build all our hotels on the philosophy of effor tless living – weddings included. To make it all the easier for you and your par tner – all Ovolo Inchcolm weddings include room hire, your choice of food and drinks, styling to suit you, all ser vice and wait staff plus an all-inclusive bridal suite filled with Ovolo freebies. From “I do” to sending the last guest to bed, Ovolo Inchcolm and our team of YOU-nique wedding specialists are ready to create your everlasting memories. We’re ready to get you wed, just say “I do”… www.ovolohotels.com.au/ovoloinchcolm

PALM BEACH GOLF CLUB Sydney’s Northern Beaches NSW FUNCTION AND EVENTS CENTRE Palm Beach Golf Club is located in iconic Palm Beach and enjoys views across the Golf Course over Pittwater and out to Lion Island. It is a perfect setting for any celebration. Our function room has a large outdoor deck allowing couples to enjoy the mar vellous views with a capacity for up to 160 seated or 200 cocktail.

The exclusivity of the Golf Green for your ceremony is a memorable way to capture the beautiful views over Pittwater as you say “I Do”. www.palmbeachgolf.com.au

PIALLIGO ESTATE Canberra ACT FOOD AND WINE DESTINATION Showcasing the best of Canberra and its local produce and products Pialligo Estate is a sensational food, wine and lifestyle destination on the banks of Canberra’s Molonglo River. With a focus on creating quality dining and event experiences, Pialligo Estate is a picturesque setting unlike any other, with our ver y own olive groves, vineyard, orchard, market gardens, smokehouse and manicured gardens. www.thepialligoestate.com.au

Shae Estella Photography Thorson Photography

CELEBRATE WITH US The Roof Terrace at GOMA offers an unforgettable backdrop for your wedding reception.

Breathtaking Brisbane River city views and awardwinning cuisine, make this one of Brisbane’s most desirable and exclusive event spaces.

Talk to the Gallery's expert events team about making your reception everything you dreamed of.

GALLERY OF MODERN ART STANLEY PLACE, CULTURAL PRECINCT SOUTH BANK, BRISBANE T: (07) 3842 9945 E: EVENTS@QAGOMA.QLD.GOV.AU W: QAGOMA.QLD.GOV.AU/WEDDINGS

RENAE HYLAND PHOTOGRAPHY Perth WA

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY Local, destination and elopement wedding photographer based in Per th, Western Australia. Share your love stor y and together, we can make magic. Relaxed, unconventional and passionate photographer shooting documentar y style imager y capturing meaningful memories to last a lifetime. www.facebook.com/RenaeHylandPhotography

ROXY HOTTEN CELEBRANT Brisbane QLD CELEBRANT “It felt like a friend married us...” Roxy is a wine-sipping, bike-riding, dog-loving Celebrant who writes and delivers ceremonies which are fun, unique and personalised. She takes the time to get to know you and your stor y, and produces something ver y special that will be a highlight of your day. www.roxyrocks.com

SALLY CANT - CELEBRANT FOR ALL Melbourne VIC CELEBRANT I love creating ceremonies that are warm, personal, relaxed and fun. Ceremonies that celebrate ‘you’. Having been recently married to my gorgeous wife, I look forward to conducting many more same-sex marriage ceremonies. www.sallycant.com.au

SARAH AIRD CIVIL CELEBRANT Greater Melbourne VIC CELEBRANT The couples I work with are all different ages, genders, shapes and sizes, but the one thing they have in common is that they value their wedding ceremony as the beginning of their marriage, and they want to celebrate it with their families and friends through a ceremony that is uniquely theirs. www.sarahaird.com.au

SECRETS ON THE LAKE Montville, Sunshine Coast Hinterland QLD ACCOMMODATION, CAFE AND WEDDING VENUE Unique hand-car ved treehouses nestled high in the treetops with stunning views overlooking Lake Baroon, magical elevated walkways and ar tistic details. Experience our beautiful accommodation, award-winning café and stunning garden and lakehouse wedding venues. Secrets on the Lake has been featured on national television as the perfect romantic escape for couples. www.secretsonthelake.com.au

SKYLIGHTER FIREWORKS Queensland and Northern NSW FIREWORKS At Skylighter Fireworks we understand how impor tant your day is, it’s that magical fair ytale that you have dreamed about all your life, so it’s our priority to make it spectacular for you.

Let Skylighter Fireworks add the perfect final touch to a day you and your guests will never forget. www.skylighter.com.au

STOP, PROP & POSE PHOTO BOOTH Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and surrounding areas QLD PHOTO BOOTH Stop, Prop & Pose is all about providing the ultimate photo booth hire experience.

Forget about your traditional photo booth, ours is a full ser vice, all inclusive open air photo booth. We look after ever ything so all you have to do is stop, grab a prop and strike a pose! www.stopproppose.com.au

STRADBROKE ISLAND EVENTS Brisbane QLD EVENTS Stradbroke Island Events is an event stylist, coordination and hire company on spectacular Nor th Stradbroke Island... a shor t ferr y ride from Brisbane. Destination marquee weddings are our speciality. We manage a range of other amazing venues on Straddie as well. We love weddings and we love people. Call us today to plan your perfect wedding celebration. www.stradbrokeislandevents.com.au

SWEET AFFECTION CAKE DESIGNS Melbourne VIC Wedding Cake Design Specialist Maria Shaw specialises in creating exquisite designs and loves experimenting with new flavours. She is an emphatic believer that a cake must taste as good as it looks, using fresh organic ingredients to create her trademark tall tiers which are por trayed in most of her elegant statement cakes. Her designs are inspired by current trends in colour and style, texture and technique, with a shared emphasis on beautiful florals in either natural or bold tones. Maria spends hours making beautiful sugar and wafer-paper flowers for her clients’ cakes and it’s evident she adores simple more-modern designs with a focus on romantic elegance and sophistication. Maria has many clients who live both in the city and outside the Melbourne Metropolitan area, where she is happy to deliver to. www.sweetaffectioncakedesigns.com.au

TEA TREE GULLY GOLF CLUB, DIMPLES RESTAURANT & FUNCTION CENTRE Adelaide SA GOLF CLUB, RESTAURANT AND FUNCTION CENTRE Nestled in the foothills of Tea Tree Gully, the Golf Club is the perfect venue for your special day. Witness the romantic views from our elevated dining room and balcony as the fairways are illuminated at dusk. We are consistently acknowledged by ABIA as a leading Wedding Reception Venue. The club can cater for wedding receptions up to 230 guests and perhaps you may like your ceremony on the Course! We pride ourselves on high-quality ser vice and can tailor our flexible food and beverage packages to suit your individual requirements. Let our Function Co-ordinator tailor your wedding with you to help prepare, plan and carr y out ever y detail to ensure your wedding day is perfect to a tee. www.ttggolfclub.com.au

THE CHAPEL MONTVILLE & RECEPTION Sunshine Coast Hinterland QLD

CHAPEL AND RECEPTION VENUE Our stunning award-winning Chapel stands in a class of its own, combining traditional building skills, craftsmanship and unique features throughout, backdropped with beautiful views sweeping down over the Sunshine Coast to the ocean. The Chapel is sure to make your day a truly special and memorable one. www.thechapel.website www.facebook.com/thechapelmontville www.instagram.com/thechapelmontville

Congratulations CHRIS & JULES KAILUA BEACH, HAWAII 6 AUGUST 2015

Chris and Jules met in 2010 at Splendour in the Grass, which was being held at Woodford that year. Chris was on a road trip from Sydney with her friends and Jules had tripped up from Brisbane with a mate for the festival. Jules remembers seeing Chris for the first time and thinking: “She looks like a really cool chick, and I’d like to meet her”.

“The next morning, we bumped into each other at the camp site and ended up hanging out for the rest of the festival together. It was such an awesome experience meeting for the first time and feeling such a strong connection with a total stranger. From that moment, we were pretty much inseparable. We spent the rest of the festival getting to know each other, and Chris even road tripped back to Brisbane with me so we could spend an extra day together before she headed up to Cairns to continue her travels with her friends. Within a few weeks of meeting, I flew down to Sydney to see Chris, meet her friends and visit her home in Bondi. While I was in Sydney, Chris booked a one-way ticket up to Brisbane to start a new life with me because it was obvious to both of us that this was the real deal!”

Chris describes the proposal: “We were on holidays in Port Douglas in 2013 celebrating Jules birthday and staying in an awesome villa at the Pink Flamingo Resort. Jules had secretly sent up a swag of props for the proposal, which had been hidden in the villa so she could surprise me. One day, while I was taking an afternoon nap, she sneakily set up a beautiful display in our private courtyard. When I woke up and walked outside, there was an outdoor bath filled with bubble bath, floating lotus candles and a thousand little balls with different coloured rings floating on top. We had always joked that she would propose with a $2 ring from a vending machine, so when I saw the hundreds of little balls floating around the bath, I thought something special was about to happen. Jules then took me by the hand, got down on one knee and presented me with a cute gift box filled with rings that said ‘LOVE’ on them. It was an amazing moment, very surreal and kinda funny because I got the giggles as soon as she got down on one knee!”

“When we returned to Australia from our Hawaiian ceremony, we had a wedding party at Escobar Kitchen & Bar, New Farm with all our legendary family and friends. It was a wonderful night full of peace, love and good vibes. Before we left for Hawaii, we sent everyone an invitation that said: ‘Surprise - we’re eloping to Hawaii and you’re not invited! But come to our wedding party”. A little cheeky, but as marriage equality hadn’t happened at the time and we didn’t want to wait around for it to happen, we decided to take a holiday and have our dream ceremony and honeymoon and then celebrate afterwards with everyone back home. Both of us love the beach. Jules grew up on the coast and we both always wanted a laid back barefoot beach wedding full of island vibes, so it was a no-brainer for us to get married by the ocean.”

“We were so lucky to find these amazing people who helped us make our little ceremony so damn special.”

Celebrant: Kalona from A Rainbow in Paradise Ceremony flower aisle: Kalona from A Rainbow in Paradise Photography: Jeannemarie Photography Videography: Kai from Kai Media Hair & Makeup: Stephanie Hayasaka from Shear Bliss Salon Cake: Trina Thomson from Sweet Ruby Cakes Catering & Music: Lee Douglas from Escobar Kitchen & Bar, New Farm, Brisbane Stationery: Steve Wilson from Wetdog Designs

“The ceremony was beautiful on Kailua Beach, Hawaii. Our celebrant, Kalona, created a flower aisle lined with native Hawaiian flowers that looked stunning with the backdrop of the crystal clear blue water and white sandy beach. Saying our vows was definitely the most powerful part of the day, and extra special as we had prepared our own vows. We also had a blast with the photoshoot after the ceremony, ending up in the ocean half way through the shoot. It was super fun and hilarious, with both of us rolling around in the waves together in our wedding attire. After the ceremony and photoshoot, we went back to our home away from home and celebrated. First thing we did was jump fully clothed into the pool. It was such a special and fun wedding day.”

“Our wedding day advice is do whatever you want to do! It’s your day with your special someone so make it count. There’s no right or wrong way to have a wedding. The thing that makes it great is the people you spend the day with, and of course doing it in a way that makes you happy.”

“We always found it bizarre that we couldn’t find any LGBTIQ+ Greeting Cards to celebrate our friend’s special occasions like weddings or engagements, and after the trouble our friends and family had finding something for us on our special day, we thought why don’t we just create our own! So we did, and not too long after that first thought our new business called Two Brides Presents became a reality. We started the business so that everyone in our community, our family and friends, could buy unique, bold and cheeky designs for everyday life and momentous occasions, no matter which way you swing. We created an online shop www.twobridespresents.com which includes 59 designs of Greeting Cards and now prints.”

Congratulations LUKE

& CRAIG

THE BARN, SUMMERGROVE ESTATE, CAROOL, NSW 8 JANUARY 2018 (CEREMONY 12AM - 9 JANUARY 2018)

“Luke and I met on the wonderful dating app that is GrindR. GrindR… the place to go to find love haha! We spent a few weeks not being able to have a proper chat online. We would keep missing each other as we both had pretty busy lives. When I’d be online, Luke wouldn’t, and vice versa. After perhaps three weeks of intermittent chat, late one Friday night we found ourselves able to have a proper online conversation. We discovered that we were very much looking for the same thing. We were both looking for love. It sounds cheesy to say we were looking for love, but I think we were both in the same spot in life. We’d both been in previous relationships. We’d both been hurt in the past. We both knew what we wanted and didn’t want in a partner. We shared the same mindset and the same attraction to each other which meant we both immediately found comfort and companionship in each other. Five days later we went on our first date.”

“We had discussed marriage and commitment and it was clear… if I like it then I better put a ring on it! So I decided 2017 would be the year I would ask Luke to marry me. I bought a ring in January and made a plan to ask him to marry me on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in April, as we were already heading to Sydney in April for an athletics competition.

Unfortunately our plans changed and Luke was no longer going to Sydney in April. Then in early March, we went to Byron Bay. We would often head to Byron and spend the day down there. We had our own little secluded beach that we would always visit. It was away from everyone else. It had a little waterfall. It’s own little lagoon. It’s own little grassy patch under the trees. We loved it there and so it became the perfect spot to ask Luke to marry me. I took my drone with me (as I am into videography) and just before we were leaving the beach, I asked Luke to stand on a particular rock. I told him that I wanted to film him. So I set the drone up, grabbed the ring without him seeing, and climbed up on the rock as well. I then got down on one knee… and you know how the rest of it goes!”

“We are both pretty chilled guys. We wanted the wedding to be pretty, but not overly formal. We wanted it to be relaxed. Our celebrant and wedding planner said the words ‘garden party’ and that sounded great to me!”

“Luke and I had very little to do with organising our wedding. In saying that, our wedding was exactly what we wanted it to be, and more, all because of our amazing planner and celebrant. Luke and I were approached early December 2017 and asked if we had any wedding plans… and if we wanted to be one of the first gay couples to be married in Australia. We said ‘no’ to having made any previous plans… and ‘yes’ to being one of the first guys married in Australia. We then met with Tanya and Sarah and they, along with the many generous vendors from the Gold Coast, organised every aspect of our wedding and they did in a month… AMAZING!”

“We met with Tanya and Sarah a few times in that month to give our input as to how we wanted the wedding to flow and look, and we basically got to pick and choose from all the amazing options that they gave us. Ultimately though, Luke and I weren’t the wedding experts and knew that we were in very good hands, so we were happy for the ladies to organise everything and make decisions on our behalf. We couldn’t have been happier with our wedding.

It was magical and beautiful and full of love.”

Photo & Video: J’adore Wedding Video & Photography Florist: Jacqui M Design Photo Booth: Instakombi Event Planner & Co-ordinator: TM Event Planning Event Stylist: Beautiful Weddings Australia Celebrant: Sarah May Alexander Acoustic Music Artist: Benny Hanna Music Fireworks: Aerial Pyro-Tech Boys’ Accessories: Wood & Beau Taco Truck: Pop Taco Grazing Platter: Your Platter Matters Woodfire Pizza: The Italian Job Cake: Two Little Bakers Rings: Michael Hill Love Letters: Event Letters Stationery: Invitation Designs by Eliza Hair & Makeup: Bella Brides

“I will never forget the amount of media we had at our wedding. We never intended to have media there at all. On the afternoon of the wedding, Channel 9 asked if they could cover the special event so we said yes to them sending a camera man and a reporter. A few hours later, Luke and I found ourselves standing in front of 10 different news crews. It was a surreal experience.

I think the highlight of the night was the ceremony.

We started the ceremony at 11:30pm on the 8th and we got through a lot of it pretty quickly. We ended up having to wait about 10 minutes or so for it to become midnight so that we could do the official part of the ceremony on the 9th. The pause in the ceremony, and the ceremony itself, was really special. The air was thick with love and the vibe was very relaxed and happy.

Everyone commented how much they liked the change in format and how it was nice to finish the night on a climax with the ceremony at the end.�

“Our advice for others planning a wedding is… Do YOU! Although Luke and I didn’t have to do a lot of the planning and organising, we still got to have what we wanted, and we got to do what we wanted for our wedding. Because there weren’t really any rules that we had to follow because we’d flipped the entire format on it’s head, we were really free to cut and change and take things out and put things in and do everything just how we wanted it. It made the experience very unique for all our guests as well as it wasn’t just the standard wedding.

Make your wedding your wedding.”

THE EPPING CLUB Epping NSW FUNCTION VENUE We are Nor th Western Sydney’s most beautiful wedding venue priding ourselves on exceptional ser vice, superb food and Sydney’s best value all-inclusive wedding packages. If you have something special in mind, our exper t stylists can work with you to achieve it. From affordable packages to extravaganzas, we make your dream day a reality! www.eppingclubevents.com.au

THE LANDING AT DOCKSIDE Brisbane QLD

VENUE As Queensland’s Award Winning Wedding and Function Venue with magnificent views of the Brisbane River, The Landing is the perfect setting for your special day. www.landingatdockside.com.au

THE PAVILION KIAMA Kiama NSW VENUE The Pavilion Kiama set amidst Norfolk Pines and positioned on the headland overlooking Kiama’s Surf Beach. With extensive balcony space and waterfront views, The Pavilion is a beautiful venue for your special day. Its picturesque backdrop makes it an ideal location for wedding photography with many beautiful ceremony locations nearby, including local churches, stunning beaches and gorgeous park reser ves. www.thepavilionkiama.com.au

THE RED QUEEN DESIGN Brisbane QLD STYLIST, EXCLUSIVE EVENT PLANNING AND HIRE Bespoke ceremony and reception styling kits for hire.

Brisbane’s largest range of hire candelabra, chandeliers, brassware, cut cr ystal, ar t glass, Vintage china, antique ear thenware vessels, antique bottles, Vintage bird cages and stands. Huge range of stunning Vintage bridal gowns, formal wear and mother of the bride outfits. Yard Game hire and Vintage store open 7 days. www.facebook.com/TheRedQueenBrisbane

Huge range of stunning Vintage Bridal Gowns, Formal Wear and Mother of the Bride outfits.

THE RIVER DECK RESTAURANT Sunshine Coast QLD RESTAURANT, RECEPTION, PRIVATE CEREMONY DECK, WEDDING COORDINATOR Dramatic sunsets, absolute waterfront dining and sweeping views of the Noosa River sets the scene for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The exclusive ceremony deck boasts a spectacular uninterrupted backdrop for outdoor ceremonies and the open style restaurant with warm balmy breezes offers a relaxed and elegant setting. T 07 5474 1100 www.riverdecknoosa.net.au

Trevor Rice Civil Celebrant

TREVOR RICE, CELEBRANT Melbourne VIC CELEBRANT Yes!!! Let’s Get Married! Australians have voted for love. It’s an exciting time to belong to the LGBTQI community and be a Melbourne-based Celebrant. I’m here to help you plan your special day and arrange the wedding you’ve been waiting for. www.trevorrice-celebrant.com.au

T 03 9421 5190 M 0409 930 176 info@trevorrice-celebrant.com.au www.trevorrice-celebrant.com.au

TREVOR RICE CELEBRANT

WILLIE SMITH’S APPLE SHED Grove TAS WEDDING VENUE A beautiful old conver ted barn, full of character and soul, 25 minutes south of Hobar t. Flexible catering options from food trucks to a delicious formal feast. With a relaxed vibe, and ser ving award-winning beverages, Willie Smith’s is a ver y special place to be. Capacity up to 170 guests. www.williesmiths.com.au

WONDER WEDDINGS BY KAREN DAHLSTROM Canberra ACT and NSW MARRIAGE CELEBRANT Karen is a Canberra-based Marriage Celebrant who believes weddings should be fun, not boring or soppy. It’s your special day, so your wedding ceremony should be all about you. She will have your guests talking about your wedding ceremony for all the right reasons. And if you really want the boots, that can be arranged too! www.wonderweddingscanberra.com

WYNNUM MANLY LEAGUES CLUB Manly West, Brisbane Bayside QLD RECEPTION VENUE Perfect for sharing the most impor tant day of your life with the most impor tant people in it. From a gathering of 30 to 350 guests, we provide a personalised setting in our function rooms, including a tantalising menu and beverage options, with only the finest ser vice to ensure your day is perfect. Contact us to arrange an appointment for an obligation free quote including a tour of our club. Packages from $45pp including complimentar y styling. Use promo code #samesame for 50% off room hire. Tel 07 3906 7800 functions@wmlc.com.au www.wmlc.com

ZEST WATERFRONT VENUES Sydney NSW VENUE Zest Waterfront Wedding Venues offers two outstanding absolute waterfront locations in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and Nor th Shore. We create unique experiences focusing on the highest quality of ser vice, food, styling and personalised event design. Allow Zest to create an experience unlike any other for your special event, tailored especially for you. www.zest.net.au

Planner/Stylist: Olive Rose Weddings & Events Venue: Waterline Charters - Patriot I Photographer: Renee Brazel Photography Cake: Cake My Day by Jo Jo Lawinski Gowns: Jordanna Regan Couture Florist: Miss Popsy Suits: Black Jacket Suiting Videographer: McLeish Film & Media Stationery: The Rustic at Heart Jewellery: Wendy Louise Designs Hair & Makeup: Beauty By Bliss Models: Paul Morgan and Bryden Graham

MARINA MIRAGE, GOLD COAST, QLD Planner/Stylist: Olive Rose Weddings & Events Venue: Waterline Charters - Patriot I Photographer: Renee Brazel Photography Cake: Cake My Day by Jo Jo Lawinski Gowns: Jordanna Regan Couture Florist: Miss Popsy Suits: Black Jacket Suiting Videographer: McLeish Film & Media Stationery: The Rustic at Heart Jewellery: Wendy Louise Designs Hair & Makeup: Beauty By Bliss Models: Paul Morgan and Bryden Graham

Congratulations VERENA + TANJA LOCATION - VIENNA PHOTOGRAPHY - BLACK AVENUE PRODUCTIONS

Verena shares how her and Tanja met, fell in love, got married and then celebrated their love with this stunning photoshoot in Vienna.

“In 2015 I was on the lookout for a photographer to do a ‘lost place shooting’ and found Tanja on Facebook through her website diefotoschmiedin. I contacted her and we started messaging back and forth. I immediately noticed we had a connection, just from our emails. Three months later, we met in Graz (the capital of Styria) where she lived. It was in that moment - when we first laid eyes on each other - that we realised there was more than just an initial connection. We spent the weekend together and afterwards did not really know what to do with our feelings. There was a strong attraction which we could not deny. The next weekend we met again in Styria and we spent most of the time laughing and talking and cherishing every moment we were together. We knew we wanted to be with each other all the time. In August 2015, Tanja decided to move in with me... our love just could not bear the distance any longer! She proposed to me on 5 September 2015 in a way that was just as unconventional and crazy as our whole relationship - at an abandoned train station with flowers, music and torches.”

“We set the date for mid-February and within the next six months, we frantically started to plan everything. The theme was the easiest to agree on – Rockabilly. I did want a classic wedding as well so we decided to have the actual ceremony in white, while we rocked the after party in petticoat and suspenders. A highlight of the whole process was we actually learned the boogie for our wedding dance and discovered a love of dancing in general. I also loved our ‘chalkboard’ wedding cake, the live blues band and that all of our guests embraces the theme.”

“The funniest thing, but also maybe the most embarrassing moment for me, was when I caught my heel on a gutter on the way to the altar and also when we realised that we forgot the keys for our wedding box (our own little ritual). Romantic moments were many, but one that really stuck with me was that we both wrote our own vows and upon reading them to each other, we realised that they were pretty much identical.”

“This photoshoot was so much fun. It was great how Lowina and Derek from Black Avenue Productions worked with our different personalities and our unconventional styles. Lowina listened to our wishes and ideas and really tried to make them work. They also visited the location beforehand, so on the shooting day they knew exactly where the best spots were. Lowina managed to make us laugh at the right time, used our breaks to shoot behind the scenes images and allow us to take our own photos. Every situation worked perfectly, they were very spontaneous when we wanted to try something and also made sure we had no ‘spectators’.”

Congratulations DAMIAN & ASH GLENGARIFF HISTORIC ESTATE, BRISBANE HINTERLAND, QLD 5 APRIL 2018

Ceremony and Reception: Glengariff Historic Estate Celebrant: Heartlift Ceremonies - Christine Cuskelly Photography and Videography: Dreamlife Photos & Video (Brisbane) Styling: WOW Weddings, Wedding and Event Hire Hair: Mirror Mirror Hair Artistry and Luminance Makeup Artistry - Michelle Rieusset Bridal Party Makeup: Youtube blogger Jasmine Hand and Kaitlin Brown at Lipstick Chameleon Florals: The Lush Lily Cake & Dessert Table: Zoe Ziebell Transport: Grande Limousines Brisbane DJ: Duke Brown from DJ DNS Custom Made Bridesmaids’ Dresses: The Gold Coast Bridal Lounge Fireworks: Skylighter Fireworks Custom Made Suits: Wil Valor

Ash was living overseas in Auckland, New Zealand and Damian was in Brisbane, Australia.

“We met online and hit it off straight away. We had a long distance relationship for a year and a half, flying back and forth across the Tasman.”

Damian would always sneak love notes into Ash’s bag or wallet, which he would find on the plane or after he got home. Eventually it became too much to say goodbye and Ash moved to Brisbane.

“Damian and I went on a two week vacation to Bali in 2017. On one of these days Damian had planned an outing to a small village called Baturiti where he brought us to an abandoned ghost palace, which used to be a hotel before the locals stopped construction as they believed it was haunted. We explored the marble building which had been taken over by nature. We came to the rooftop ballroom and looking out across the volcanoes and villages surrounded by the clouds, I turned around to see Damian on his knee. He asked the question and I said yes!”

“We were inspired by the ‘Hamptons White’ theme. All our guests were required to be in white formal attire. Ash and I were in black so we stood out. Damian planned the whole thing by himself, however it wouldn’t have been as beautiful without our wonderful suppliers.”

“Our three bridesmaids wore custom made wedding gowns and two groomsmen rented suits from Ferrari Formal. Our one female groomsman purchased her black gown online. Accessories and jewellery were also purchased online. Our custom made cufflinks were purchased by Ash’s parents - they featured photos of both sets of grandparents who had passed away.”

“Our advice to others planning their wedding: Most people only get married once! Go all out and over the top. Indulge yourself and make it the most magical day of your life.

We would definitely recommend a videographer because on the day it’s so hectic that it is hard to take in everything that is going on around you. But being able to watch the video back is priceless. Don’t regret anything that has made you smile.”

“We are planning a honeymoon to Queenstown, New Zealand. Damian has never been to the snow and wanted to experience it... and I couldn’t think of a better place for a winter honeymoon to get out of the Australian heat!”

“Our first dance was to ‘I Knew I Loved You’ by Savage Garden. We chose this song because we always liked it and the lyrics fitted perfectly for us. It was our highlight of the day. The fireworks went off around us - it was a magical moment!”

Holland Park (By Appointment) T 0400 706 611 jordannaregan@bigpond.com www.jordannaregan.com.au

photo courtesy Quince & Mulberry Studios

photos Quince & Mulberry Studios

BRISBANE’S LEADING WEDDING HAIR AND MAKEUP STYLISTS Available for weddings throughout Australia and overseas

$100 Off

Valid Thursday 9am - 2pm. In salon only.

Excludes public holidays and schoolphotos holidays. J’adore Wedding Video & Photography Not valid with any other offer. $100 off full price hair and makeup.

www.bellabrides.com.au

hello@bellabrides.com.au 0416 591 691 @bella_brides

Photo and gown by Begitta Model: Gemma White

TEL 0416 591 691 EMAIL hello@bellabrides.com.au INSTA @bella_brides VISIT www.bellabrides.com.au

WHITE + WHITE Venue: Hillstone St Lucia Photographer: Kate, Quince and Mulberry Studios Attire: Jordanna Regan Couture Hair & Makeup: Bella Brides Hairpieces: Bejewelled Bridal Florist: Angie’s Floral Design Stylists: Beautiful Weddings Australia Letters: Event Letters Cake: A Little Cake Place

WHITE + WHITE

ADRIENNE IRVINE CELEBRATIONS Brisbane QLD

AMAZING SOUTH COAST CELEBRANT - LINDSAY TUCKWELL

Great Southern and Wheatbelt WA

CELEBRANT CELEBRANT

As an authorised celebrant, I am confident that I can assist you to have the ceremony you desire. Most impor tantly I focus on you and what you want for your special day traditional, quirky, simple, funny, warm and friendly, an elopement... it’s all about you!

Australia is embracing Equality and any two people who are in love can legally marr y.

I have received bookings for 2018 and look forward to meeting many more happy couples planning their special day. Call me or send me an email and we can star t the journey of marriage together. M 0427 472 759 E ldtuckwell@westnet.com.au

www.adrienneirvine.com

www.facebook.com/celebrantlindsaytuckwell

BELLA CELEBRATIONS Central Coast NSW

BESPOKEY DOKE Geelong VIC

MARRIAGE CELEBRANT

INVITATIONS AND PRINTED GOODS

“I am ver y excited that Australia has voted YES for Marriage Equality. I am a professional and experienced Celebrant, who creates ver y personal ceremonies. I gather the information about your unique love stor y and proposal and create a memorable ceremony about you!

Don’t delay to reser ve your chosen date.”

Bespokey Doke design beautiful printed goods.

Our experienced team take the stress out of ordering your wedding stationer y, offering a personalised ser vice ever y time. We offer beautiful paper stocks and specialist finishes that you’ve only dreamed of, such as foil and letterpress. If you can dream it, we can create it!

Shipping Australia-wide.

Rebecca Phillips-Vasilescu

www.bellacelebrations.com.au

www.bespokeydoke.com.au

BLACKWATTLE LUXURY RETREATS Hunter Valley NSW

CIRCLE OF LOVE Sydney NSW

LUXURY SELF-CONTAINED TOURIST COTTAGES

STYLING, PLANNING & HIRE

Voted in the top 3 most romantic accommodation in the Hunter Valley, Blackwattle offers two exclusive cottages set among the rolling hills of Lovedale with sensational mountain views. With its own boutique vineyard, Blackwattle offers peace, privacy and the perfect place to elope or celebrate your special day!

At Circle of Love we are passionate about designing a wedding that shows who you are as a couple on your special day. Our goal is to create a unique, elegant, personalised event especially for you. We will turn your dream wedding into a beautiful reality. Sydney and Australia-wide.

www.blackwattleluxuryretreats.com.au

www.circleofloveweddings.com.au

DECORELLA EVENTS Sydney NSW

DELIBERATELY DELICIOUS Brisbane QLD

WEDDING CAKES EVENT PLANNING AND COORDINATION

Let us make your dream event come true.

We will be there to help you ever y step of the way. Event Coordination. Planning.

Design. Decor. Catering. Cakes. Bomboniere.

At DeCorella Events, we know magic lies in the little details. www.decorellaevents.com

Located on bustling Caxton Street is the boutique cake shop Deliberately Delicious.

It is here you will find Amanda bringing cake dreams to life. She believes that choosing your wedding cake is an event. Call to arrange an appointment to tr y a complimentar y taste test, admire the large cake display and discuss your wedding cake dreams. www.deliberatelydelicious.com.au

FLYAWAYPINEAPPLE Central Coast NSW

HAPPY DAYS JUKEBOX AND PARTY HIRE Canberra ACT

HANDCRAFTED DECORATED COOKIES JUKE BOXES, PHOTOBOOTH AND PARTY HIRE

Flyawaypineapple specialises in bespoke decorated sugar cookies with a flair for creating the most wonderful, whimsical works of edible ar t. Celebrate your special day in the sweetest way with cookie favours designed especially for you. www.flyawaypineapple.com.au

HUNT AND HEART EVENTS Sydney NSW

Happy Days Jukebox and Par ty Hire is Canberra’s favourite Jukebox and Par ty Hire. We deliver quality Jukeboxes, Photo Booths, Giant Letters and more throughout Canberra and surrounding NSW, at competitive prices. We cater for all events such as weddings, engagements, buck’s and hen’s nights and other functions. www.happydays.net.au

JENSEN & YOUNG Sunshine Coast QLD

WEDDING CINEMATOGRAPHY WEDDING PLANNER AND STYLIST

Creating your perfect day: “Gillian and Peter are complete gems. They were professional, proactive, friendly, approachable and made our wedding day a complete success. From the get-go, communication was easy and this duo knew what they were doing. Thank you again Gillian + Peter!” - Erita and George Deep.

Jensen and Young consists of a long-standing duo with over ten years of cinematography and filmmaking experience. With a creative eye for capturing beauty and an essence of passionate collaboration, we combine the perfect harmony of masculine and feminine energy into capturing each unique and hear tfelt stor y in a timeless format.

www.huntandheart.com.au

www.jensenandyoung.com.au

JULIE WESTON, CELEBRANT Brisbane QLD

CELEBRANT

Do you want a unique, one-of-a-kind ceremony that truly reflects your stor y? I collaborate with you to create a magical experience. Your ceremony is crafted just for you - whatever your style may be - simple, elegant, formal, fun, or chilled. Let’s create a special memor y that lasts a lifetime. www.julieweston.com.au

LILLICREEK FLORALS South-East QLD

WEDDING AND EVENT FLORIST

LAUREN CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHER Canberra ACT

PHOTOGRAPHY

Capturing the connection between two people in a beautiful way is my passion. The approach I take is quiet obser ver, unobtrusively documenting and sharing in the events as they happen, to showcase the quiet and joyous moments alike. I am there for real connection, honest emotion and all the beautifully intricate details. www.laurencampbell.com.au

MARRIED BY ANDY Sydney NSW (willing to travel)

CIVIL MARRIAGE CELEBRANT

Lillicreek Florals loves the challenge of creating individual designs for weddings and events.

Let us dress up your wedding par ty together with decorating ceremony and reception venues with wonderful creative floral ar t.

Make a statement with our unique hanging installations. Contact us for an obligation free discussion and quote.

I’m a young, fun and professional Sydney Celebrant based out of the Eastern Suburbs.

I love meeting couples and really getting to know them to create an awesome and vibrant ceremony. I make your love shine and always reflect who you are as a couple. Let’s create your dream wedding! (Actually planning my own as well since the Yes vote... FINALLY!) Get in touch. Much love, Andy.

www.lillicreekflorals.com.au

www.marriedbyandy.com

Congratulations

SALLY CANT & DIANE MORE PANAMA DINING ROOM, FITZROY, VIC 22 APRIL 2018

I MARRIED THE CELEBRANT - by Diane More “Will you marry me?”

“Yes,” my love replied. That was easy.

My romantic soul thought: • Choose a date • Choose the venue • Choose the band • Choose the guests • Choose a celebrant • Allocate a budget Easy yes, but then I am a big picture thinker, details declare themselves! Oh, the folly of the uninitiated. I was marrying a civil celebrant. A very experienced, proud, doyen of the industry who delivered quality! “This will be very different,” I was informed. “We aren’t going to have the usual wedding ceremony,” I was told. I smiled sweetly and said, “That sounds great”, having no real idea about what was to unfold.

We chose a date and I offered to help in any way I could. Initially, I was sent to a Wedding Expo. Unfortunately, I was mistaken as the mother of the bride but I still sourced important information about place settings and a band for the wedding.

Later, armed with a list of wedding places to approach, I sequentially worked through that list. I made enquiries about each venue’s availability, seating arrangements, cost per head for food, drink packages, exclusive use of the venue versus an allocated corner. My head started to reel but I remained stoic. We finally settled on a very quirky funky city restaurant which we both loved. Two jobs done!

I kept hearing, as each friend congratulated us on our engagement, that our marriage ceremony was going to be very different! I had faith but did wonder how you could do something different. We weren’t going to declare our vows as we sky-dived from a Tiger Moth, we weren’t going to climb a high hill overlooking a beautiful body of water, so I was intrigued. I had asked how this was going to be different once or twice, but was told our guests were going to do the ceremony. By now I was really baffled. We had a celebrant, we had a venue, invitations had been sent, food had been selected. We had a Master of Ceremonies and I had tried on 20 different potential wedding frocks. I was ready.

I did mention that my love was a civil celebrant who was an exalted expert in her field, didn’t I? Well her armoury also included a huge dash of creativity.

Emails were sent to selected members of our friends and family with instructions about what speeches they needed to make and the timing of their presentation during the ceremony. Our celebrant was given direction and instructed on the part she was to play. She was the consummate professional but marginally daunted to be conducting a fellow celebrant’s wedding.

Secret assignations were made individually with our celebrant who was guiding me with my wedding vows. However, my love didn’t need any instructions, but I wanted my vows to be undeclared until the day.

I very quickly realised the details wouldn’t declare themselves, rather they were listed, coaxed, even driven and ticked off! Lots of them. Just the seating arrangements took multiple sheets of mocked up tables and reams of yellow post it stickers until it was deemed convivial, socially acceptable and likely to facilitate a good night for all.

The day arrived! A lovely warm, sunny autumn day. My chosen dress looked lovely and flanked by my two children I set off to our wedding.

My love looked stunning and there was a beautiful sense of anticipation and warmth in the air. Friends “oohed” and “ahed” at our venue – beautifully decorated with flowers, candles and a dominant heart-shaped floral arrangement nestled on a large arched window. This, coupled with the beautiful backdrop of a large tree turning in the peak of autumn, was the place where we stood as the ceremony unfolded. And unfold it did.

My love had arranged that the guests would not be positioned in the usual manner as at most weddings. We had a small horseshoe seating arrangement for immediate family and friends who were directly involved in the ceremony, with the remaining guests standing behind this small group. This seating design had a twofold purpose. The brides’ respective family members could see each other while seated. The remaining guests gained a clear view of the ceremony as opposed to looking at fellow guests’ backs.

The feeling was one of intimacy with everyone having a clear vantage point. My love escorted me to our place and with a twirl I was ready for our commitment.

There was no processional music, no aisle, no giving away, no handshake. We presented together as a couple equal in the partnership.

Music started and to everyone’s delight and my huge surprise, my love had pre-recorded the singing of our favourite song. It was a lovely beginning to the ceremony. What then unfolded was a wonderful mix of selected friends and adult children extolling their respective friend’s/mother’s virtues. Their words were the ceremony; almost “reception” speeches within the ceremony, introduced by a well-prepared MC.

The guests were treated to a wonderful exposÊ of each bride’s virtues and achievements. They gained an intimate understanding of what each bride meant to the respective speaker and how they had seen the relationship between the brides develop and blossom. Their speeches were not boozy sensationalistic oratory but a carefully woven element that augmented the quality and variety for the guests.

During the ceremony, each speaker passed a red ribbon to each other as they finished their speech. This ribbon represented the silk thread that had drawn the couple together over the years until their meeting time was right. The last speaker draped the ribbon around the shoulders of the couple, the final resting place.

The celebrant had a much smaller role than usual sharing the responsibility of the ceremony with the MC. After the last speaker, the MC asked the entire room to pronounce the brides married!

Among the guests were many other celebrants. They thought the ceremony was an absolute knock out. They appreciated its uniqueness, freshness and flow.

Overall, the ceremony was a seamless, sensational occasion that belied the effort that had gone into its design. It was a product of excellent planning mixed with creativity and a dare-to-be-different approach.

The transition from plan to actuality transcended the average, usual ceremony with seemingly little effort and inexpensive props, into a memorable occasion.

We, along with the guests, were delighted.

My love, Sally Cant, dared to be different and wove a magical unique ceremony that will remain memorable for years to come for me and all who attended.

Congratulations BEN & MICHAEL PIER ONE SYDNEY HARBOUR, WALSH BAY, NEW SOUTH WALES ZEST WATERFRONT VENUES 11 January 2018

“We met at a mutual friend’s birthday party in Sydney. It was an instant attraction. However, it wasn’t until a few months later, at that same friend’s farewell party, that we summoned up the courage to ask each other out.”

“We both proposed! I proposed to Michael first with a surprise trip to Hong Kong. We’re both big Disney fans, so I proposed out the front of the Castle at Hong Kong Disneyland. Michael proposed to me by making a video. He made a video each day for 365 days before the proposal with one word per day ending in the words: ‘Will you marry me?’ It was very creative and adorable.”

“It was the best day of our lives. Being able to get legally married in Australia was such an incredible and emotional experience. Our mums walking us down the aisle was a highlight. The first dance and cutting the cake were also highlights.

We couldn’t stop smiling.”

“The wedding theme was ‘Modern Classic’. Inspired by the classic elegance of traditional weddings with traditional white and black and elements of navy, light blues and pale pinks. We also had a few rainbows here and there (such as our socks) but we didn’t want to have a ‘completely-rainbow’ wedding. We also wanted the day to be a reflection of who we are and what we like. We were so blessed to have so many incredible wedding suppliers all help to create our dream day. We were so impressed with each and every one of them and couldn’t recommend them more highly.”

Celebrant: Lisa Parker (Married by Lisa) Reception: Zest Waterfront Venues Photography: Katsu Nojiri Videography: D’nM Wedding Films Attire: MJ Bale, Politix, Aquila and Hugo Boss Hair and Makeup: Artistry Co Jewellery: Peter Trends Bridal Florals: Japonica Cake: Distinctive Cakes Styling: Beaches Balloons (Balloons), Little Lane Events (Styling) and The Love Sign (‘Love’ sign and ‘Mr & Mr’ sign) Favours: Pot Love Sydney Transport: Kombi Weddings and HF Wedding Cars Music and Entertainment: Event Entertainers and Soiree Band Hire: Northern Beaches PA Hire Stationery: Belinda Xia Illustration (Invitations and Menus) and Little Lane Events (Welcome sign) Photobooth: Flashback Photobooths Wedding Planner: Wendy McColl (Kombi Weddings)

“Our advice to anyone planning their wedding is don’t stress too much about it and enjoy every moment. It’s such a special day and everyone (guests and wedding suppliers) are there to help make your special day a reality. Look for little touches that communicate your passions and personality. Write your own vows - they make a big difference!”

MUGSHOTS PHOTOBOOTHS Canberra ACT

PHOTOBOOTH HIRE

NEXT CHAPTER PHOTOGRAPHY Sydney NSW

PHOTOGRAPHY

Hiring a Mugshots photobooth guarantees fun and laughter for you and your guests, providing a unique and special memento of your night.

With affordable all-inclusive packages and a booth to suit any style, space and event, there is something for you! Contact us now.

Next Chapter Photography captures genuine, honest moments from chapters of your unique stor y, allowing you to re-live your happiness for a lifetime. We believe in equality for all and giving back to the community, that’s why we donate 5% of ever y booking to charity. National and International bookings welcomed.

www.mugshotsphotobooths.com.au

www.nextchapterphotography.com

ONELOVE WEDDING DIRECTORY Sydney NSW

PETHERS RAINFOREST RETREAT Gold Coast Hinterland QLD

SAME-SEX WEDDING DIRECTORY

We are a same-sex wedding director y. We aim to have as many same-sex inclusive suppliers to help plan the most impor tant day of your life, your wedding day. Our goal is to include suppliers that suit ever y budget and to make the process as easy as possible as we know how stressful and time-consuming it is to plan your wedding day. www.oneloveweddingdirectory.com.au

ACCOMMODATION AND RESTAURANT

Set in 5 acres of pristine rainforest, Pethers is a romantic adults only destination. Perfect for relaxation or a unique wedding destination, Pethers Rainforest Retreat is a spectacular venue in a truly magical rainforest setting. www.pethers.com.au

PROVIDENCE GULLY Central Country VIC

RAINBOW WEDDINGS PHOTOGRAPHY Sydney NSW

PHOTOGRAPHY WEDDING VENUE

At Providence Gully we offer a truly unique venue which allows couples to personalise their day with their own choice of caterer, styling, enter tainment and more. If you’re looking for something a bit more DIY and a little less ‘cookie cutter’, the romantic relaxed barn vibe might just be for you!

Rainbow Weddings Photography congratulates all of Australia for suppor ting our rainbow families and we look forward to celebrating many diverse marriages in the near future. Let us look after your wedding photography needs to capture those impor tant memories from your big day.

www.providencegully.com.au

www.rainbowweddings.love

ROD NOENDENG PHOTOGRAPHY Brisbane QLD

ROYAL MEMORIES PHOTOGRAPHY Melbourne VIC

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

A wonderful and professional wedding photography experience. “From the preplanning to the last shot of our great day, Rod was amazing. He’s the consummate professional, ver y personable and was great with our guests. Rod took all of the photos we knew we wanted.” Jenny. www.rodnoendengphotography.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHY

At Royal Memories Photography, we believe ever ybody deser ves happiness and love and we aim to capture that love through our lenses. We might not be big in stature as a business, yet, but we are all about delivering beautiful images that make you and your loved ones feel like Royalty. www.royalmemories.com.au

SOUTHPORT YACHT CLUB INC. Gold Coast QLD

SUBLIME PARTY HIRE Sydney NSW

CLUB AND WEDDING VENUE

With stunning views of the Club’s 300 Yacht Marina on the tranquil Gold Coast Broadwater with private beach, your wedding can be tailored to suit your dreams and desires. The Compass Room (on level one) accommodates larger wedding receptions, while the unique sun-drenched Western Lawn (with boardroom and grassed Eastern Lawn) caters for smaller wedding ceremonies and receptions.

The floating pontoon is perfect for wedding ceremonies and small receptions.

Sublime par ty hire is a ser vice dedicated to ensuring couples have the most wonderful, beautiful day. Your day will look like a dream no vision is impossible to achieve. We cater for any style from shabby sheik , vintage, elegant describe your vision sublime brings it to reality. I have a passion for what I do and it is reflected in your perfect day a happy couple means my job is complete. I am a dedicated wedding specialist my collection is extensive.

www.southportyachtclub.com.au

www.facebook.com/sublimepartyhire

TENNYSON’S GARDEN AT THE BRISBANE GOLF CLUB

Yeerongpilly, Brisbane QLD

WE ARE TWINE Brisbane QLD

WEDDING CEREMONY AND RECEPTION VENUE

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Stunning setting, exquisite food, one location.

Tennyson’s Garden at The Brisbane Golf Club is one of Brisbane’s best kept secrets, providing the perfect place for your garden ceremony while offering a heritage listed reception room and unparalleled wedding photo oppor tunities.

Offering a boutique, professional and friendly ser vice, We Are Twine is your Brisbane Wedding Photographer. Capturing hear tfelt and joyful wedding moments from your wedding day, Amanda at We Are Twine would love to tell your love stor y and the day you became entwined.

www.brisbanegolfclub.com.au

www.wearetwine.com.au

EVENT HIRE, PROP HIRE & WEDDING HIRE

WITH LOVE AS ALWAYS Perth WA

Let’s Create Magic

Planning | Workshops | Coordination

CELEBRANT

Hi I am Connie. I am a relaxed, easy-going celebrant who loves her job. I get to write and officiate the perfect ceremony to showcase my clients’ personalities as the unique couple that they are.

WEDDING HAIR AND MAKE-UP SPECIALISTS Avaliable 7 days a week for wedding bookings (in-salon and amobile service) Available 7 days week for wedding

Brisbane. Gold Coast. Sunshine Coast.

Janette Newell | Ph: 0405 104 399 oliveroseweddings@outlook.com www.withloveasalways.com.au w w w. o l i v e ro s e w e d d i n g s . c om . au OliveRoseAd-1.indd 1

bookings (both in-salon and mobile).

23/10/17 1:07 pm

COMPLIMENTARY HAIR & MAKE-UP TRIAL FOR THE BRIDE One complimentary hair and makeup trial With a wedding booking per wedding booking.

In-salon (in-salon champagne brunch canchampagne be arranged)

brunches can be arranged. After hours

After hours in-salon appointments avaliable in-salon appointments also available.

AIRBRUSH MAKEUP ARTISTS AND HAIR STYLISTS Mobile Service w Bridal w Formal

w Airbrush Products

WEDDING HAIR & MAKE-UP COMPL WEDDING HAIR & MAKE-UP COMPLIMENTARY HAIR & WEDDING HAIR & MAKE-UP COMPLIMENTARY SPECIALISTS HAIR & MAKE-UP Available 7 days a week for wedding bookings SPECIALISTS SPECIALISTS TRIAL FOR THETRIAL BRIDE FOR THE BR

mobile service)booking Available 7 days a week for wedding With a wedding Available 7 days abookings week for wedding(in-salon bookingsand With a wedding (in-salo bookin (in-salon and mobile(in-salon service) and mobile service)(in-salon champagne(in-salon brunch champagne can be arranged) brunch can After hours in-salon appointmen BOOKINGS: admin@velbella.com w 07 3195After 9778 hours in-salon appointments available After hours in-salon appointments available www.velbella.com.au w 343 Newman Rd, Geebung QLD 4034 151 Caxton Street, Paddington QLD 4064 | 07 3368 1418 | /purpledazehairstudio @p 151 Caxton Street, Paddington 4064 | 07 3368QLD 14184064 | www.purpledazehairstudio.com.au 151 Caxton QLD Street, Paddington | 07 3368 1418 | www.purpledazehairstudio /purpledazehairstudio @purpledazehair /purpledazehairstudio @purpledazehair

MASTER OTB 235x320 160pp USE THIS ONE FOR 1010.indd 41

7/12/17 4:57 PM

Congratulations

NEALE + MATT

Photography & Videography - Black Avenue Productions Cake & Flowers - CAYK (fresh flower rainbow cake, bouquet and corsage) Suits - H&M, David Jones & Myer Ring - Green Lantern (bought online) Limo Party - Exclusive Limousines

Neale O’Brien & Maciej (Matt) Zieba met in London. “We both lived there for about 10 years. Some might know the bar in Clapham (South London) called ‘The Two Brewers’. It was Halloween weekend. I (Neale) walked in the door of the bar after leaving a house party with friends and immediately saw him across the room (as Maciej did me) and immediately fell in love. It’s that whole cliché of ‘love at first sight’. I walked straight up to him and handed him a gold paper star that I’d taken from the house party and walked away again.... there’s nothing like playing hard to get! I’d written on the back of it :’You know you want me’ before leaving the house as a bit of a tongue in cheek joke, but as it turned out, this time, I really wanted it to be true. We ‘bumped’ into each other again later that night and, let’s just say that Maciej felt the same way... and the rest is history.”

“We are very different people and I think that we balance each other out. Maciej is very kind and has a big heart and a much bigger emotional side (which is arguably more mature than mine). He is happier to take life a little easier and enjoys cuddling up on the couch, whereas I am more pragmatic and more of an extrovert.”

“I think that every relationship takes hard work at times. No relationship is always smooth going, but if you love each other, you will work through those difficulties.

Ultimately you come out the other side stronger and more in love. I think people in relationships (gay or otherwise) are constantly learning about each other and even about themselves as we change and grow as couples and individuals. It’s important to recognise this and help each other out when things are tough. My parents always said that it’s really important to be friends first and I think that we’re a lot like that.”

“Regardless of how far we have come with Equality and acceptance, there is still an implicit feeling of being different to ‘the norm’ when you are not ‘straight’. Everyone’s journey is different and just as important as anyone else’s (at least to them) and therefore someone wanting to ‘come out’ can feel immense pressure regardless of their situation. My advice would be to just do it. No matter how difficult it may, or may not, be initially - it IS worth it. In my own personal experience (and others that I’ve spoken to), that immense pressure is immediately lifted and there is an instant feeling of emotional freedom. Any other challenges thereafter can always be dealt with going forward. Maybe the same can be said for Marriage – hehe!”

Congratulations BRYCE & COLE OHAWINI BAY, NORTHLAND, NEW ZEALAND 11 MARCH 2017

“Ours was a workplace relationship. I met Cole when I began working a job in retail during a gap year. He was the strapping storeman, lugging washing machines around with ease and I was a salesperson, drooling over him from behind the toaster aisle. We got to know each other and the rest is history!�

“I proposed to Cole. I was still in the closet when we started going out. I relied on him heavily during my coming out period as there were a couple of rough moments. Whenever we needed to go and just get away, we would drive to this random paddock just outside of town that had the most amazing views of the city lights. When the time came to propose, I knew that it was the perfect place.

The moon was out, the lights were twinkling, the air was crisp - it was a perfect evening!”

“We wanted a rustic beach theme.... a big marquee with the sides open and the sound of waves rolling in with a fresh sea breeze. Vines of ivy winding their way along the poles, bunches of lavender and rosemary filling the air with their sweet scent. Lawn games and beer as the sun goes down... then dancing til midnight under festoon lights and candles. Unfortunately, the weather had other plans for us! We were in the middle of a nearly six-month-long drought up until three days before the wedding. The rain came, and boy did it come down!

We were worried that the road out to the bay was going to wash out and no one would be able to get to the wedding. The day before we were due to arrive out there to begin setting up, we had a call from the people whose house we were renting for the ceremony, saying that they had to cancel on us as their house was flooded. We persisted and it all came together in the end. We had to move the marquee to behind a shelter belt of trees as the winds were that strong. Shoes and thongs made way for gumboots and bare feet as the lawn turned into a muddy river. It rained non-stop until ten minutes before the ceremony was due to begin. The rain held off for the ceremony, and photos, and began again the moment we stepped into the shelter of the marquee. Someone was definitely looking out for us!”

Celebrant: Sacha Disher, Marriage Celebrant: “Our celebrant Sacha was amazing.

We were her first same-sex couple and we worked together to create the most incredibly perfect ceremony that was unique, yet still had elements of tradition.”

Photography: Monique and Cara Photography: “I take my hat off to these two lovely ladies. I was dreading having photos done but their enthusiasm and joy is truly intoxicating! We had the best time ever getting our photos done, climbing over rocks, running between waves, and escaping the incoming tide. The results speak for themselves!”

Attire: “We wore matching white shirts and tan shorts from Country Road, with custom made mint green bow ties. Ethan wore the same outfit as us, but with a traditional style tie. Kerry, Victoria and Nicole made up the remainder of the ‘Best People’ and they had custom made mint green dresses by Sarah Vincent.”

Florals: The Flower Shed: “We had succulents as part of the decorations and the team at The Flower Shed did the most incredible job of creating boutonnieres for the boys and bouquets for the ladies which complemented the theme.

The best thing is we’ve planted some of the succulents from the bouquets and boutonnieres and they’re still growing now. It’s a really awesome piece of our wedding day that lives on.”

Cake: The Lakes Cakes: “Amy did the most amazing job making our rustic look naked cake. It was three tiers of pure decadence and was a massive talking point at the wedding.”

Catering: The Spit Roast Catering Company Hire: Carlton Party Hire Favours: “As part of the decorations for the wedding, we had spent months potting succulents in different bits of pottery that we had picked up from antique and second hand stores. They grew like mad and looked amazing. We used these as our favours.

There were people hiding away their favourites towards the end of the evening so they didn’t miss out.”

“The entire day was one giant highlight - drinking champagne from the bottle with our best friends as we laughed about the rain and how all the drama had indeed been worth it.�

“Our advice for other couples planning their wedding - don’t let the weather put you off having your dream outdoor wedding! There is nothing you can do to control it so just make the most of it.

You’ll have a memorable day whatever happens!”

“We are saving for our dream honeymoon travelling around the US and Canada.”

“We’re beyond happy that Australia has now legalised same-sex weddings and cannot wait to see some of our beloved friends and family on that side of the ditch finally tie the knot!”

“I (Cole) place huge value on the power of music to help me through different parts of my life, so choosing the songs was a very serious and tough decision!

In the end, we walked down the aisle to Florence and The Machine’s cover of ‘Stand By Me’. We had our first dance to ‘When I Get My Hands On You’ by The New Basement Tapes, which is a song written by Bob Dylan and performed by a super group featuring the likes of Marcus Mumford and Elvis Costello.”

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Congratulations MEGAN

& ASH

CEREMONY - SEA SHANTIES RECEPTION - AMITY SANDS BEACHFRONT HOUSE STRADBROKE ISLAND, QLD 12 MAY 2018

Megan and Ash worked together at the Calamvale Hotel in Brisbane and were joined at the hip virtually from the moment they met. “We were best friends for about seven years and then, after fighting it for ages (we both had boyfriends) we finally came to our senses and got together.”

“We were in New York before heading to South America for three months and were walking in Central Park. I (Megan) was oblivious to what was about to happen. We walked down to a gorgeous lake that had our favourite bridge in the background and Ash proposed. Our best friend was there to capture everything.”

“We only wanted a small wedding with our closest family and friends. We wanted everyone to be able to mingle and sit wherever. Stradbroke Island Events had the perfect set up for us, as we wanted a rustic garden wedding with pallet furniture, cushions, lanterns and heaps of greenery. We both love the beach so the beachfront house where we held the reception was perfect.”

Celebrant: Sheryl Gotje - Stradbroke Island based (She is AMAZING!) Photography: NSI Productions Attire: Ash wore ‘Verdelle’ from Grace Loves Lace Bridal and Megan wore ‘Harlie’ from Made with Love Bridal.

Bridal Party: “We had 8 bridesmaids and 2 were pregnant so we let them wear whatever style they wanted in Burgundy & Navy.”

Hair: Lush Hair by Amy; and Hayden Megaw from Palm Lane Hair Makeup: Hayden Megaw from Palm Lane Hair Stationery: Vistaprint (with our own touches added) Florals: Flowers sourced from Brisbane Flower Market and arranged by Megan.

Cake: Chloe Geeves (Bridesmaid), Krispy Kremes Catering: Zen Catering Brisbane; and Feast & Grazing Co Favours: GreenHeartBoulevard from Etsy (candles) and Kokedama Plants (by Megan).

Stylist: Stradbroke Island Events (and Megan created the centrepieces and greenery).

Hire: Stradbroke Island Events, InstaKombi Photo Booth Transport: “We have our own Kombi which transported all of us.”

Music: Nick Trovas Band “Our first dance was to ‘Tennessee Whiskey’ by Chris Stapleton.

We have always loved this song and every time we hear it, we look for each other, wherever we are.”

OUR HIGHLIGHTS “Saying our vows in 40 knot winds!

We had to hold each other’s vows on our chest to prevent it flying away. Managing to get 2 brides and 8 bridesmaids (two heavenly pregnant) inside our VW Kombi to head to the photo session! The smoke smell from the unhealthy engine was hilariously pungent! And... sharing the remainder of our grazing platter with the last guests standing at 2am.”

“Our advice for other couples planning their wedding is if you’re as unorganised and frivolous with money as we are, I would recommend a spreadsheet. It helped me keep track of everything. Don’t sweat the small stuff because honestly, on the day, you don’t care!”

“We spent our honeymoon at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and our favourite Wings ‘n Ribs bar at Alex Heads!

It was a small honeymoon as we are planning an overseas trip for next year, and a new car!”

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At Rose and Heart we pride ourselves on more creative inspired floristry. Our Senior designer Elise Rosen has a background in Fine Arts and creates unique arrangements and bouquets with a twist. She is an established floristry teacher who has built a strong following over the past 8 years.

Elise is also an award-winning National and International florist.

• Interflora Queensland Florist of the Year 2014 and 2015 • Interflora Australia Cup - Australian Florist of the Year – Runner Up 2014 & 2015 • Fusion Flowers Magazine International Designer of the Year competition – awarded 3 silver medals 2014 • Regular guest florist and competitor at the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers • Most recently placed 3rd in the Internationally-renowned Wim Hazelaar Trophy, The Netherlands • International Floral Art Biennial publication – selected for publication

Louise Pillon Photography

Rose & Heart personalise designs that reflect your individual needs and concepts to create the ideal atmosphere and look for your wedding, no matter how simple or extravagant.

Elise produces exquisite work which has been described as: “Original, breathtaking… an amazing florist and a magician with all things botanical.”

@rose_and_heart Find us on facebook 0412 052 897 www.roseandheart.com.au info@roseandheart.com.au

Rose and Heart is a same sex couple owned business and is excited to be able to finally create exquisite weddings for the LGBTI community (we even do flowers for heterosexual weddings).

Congratulations EVAN & TOM VICTORIA PARK GOLF CLUB, BRISBANE, QLD 10 FEBRUARY 2018

Evan Holm met Tom McAuliffe at a Christmas party: “We met at a particularly classy Brisbane establishment, Fat Louis, which is famed for its karaoke, pool tables, and sticky floors.”

Tom bought Evan the wrong drink, which he was too polite to correct Tom on, and the two hit it off straight away. Evan describes it as ‘love at first sight’. Tom describes it as ‘love at first sight, once he knew Evan’s dog Buddy came as part of the package’.

It was June 2017 when Evan finally mustered up the courage to propose to Tom. It was a while in the planning, and Evan was determined to take Tom diving to see some sharks (one of Tom’s favourite animals!). Unfortunately, this plan fell through at the last minute due to poor weather.

Thankfully, with some quick thinking and emergency brainstorming, Evan took Tom to Byron Bay for the weekend, and first thing on the Friday morning, he took Tom on a bit of a hike to reach the isolated Whites Beach. Being June, the water was just a little cool, however, Evan convinced Tom to go in for a dip with him, and before long, surprised him by getting on one knee.

Celebrant: Amber Gillam Attire: MJ Bale & RM Williams Rings: Rugged & Refined Florals & Styling: Two Little Rows Cake: Whipped Cake Co (cake and cake cup favours) Music: Jo Davie

Congratulations EMMA & KATE CEREMONY & RECEPTION - 21 OCTOBER 2017 - EAT YOUR GREENS, EUGOWRA, NSW LEGAL SIGNING - 14 FEBRUARY 2018, CANBERRA, ACT

Emma and Kate met at the University of New England. They both lived at Mary White College and were friends at first, moving into town together before beginning their relationship. Kate proposed to Emma on Valentine’s Day 2010. She had planned to propose at the top of Mt Ainslie, as lookouts had been a bit of a feature at the start of their relationship. Unfortunately, the day turned out to be one of the wettest February days on record, so she nearly called off the proposal: “We went to see the movie Valentine’s Day and, encouraged by its romantic message, I proposed to Emma at home, with a Pandora bracelet charm… a yellow puzzle piece… saying that Emma was the missing piece that completed my puzzle.”

“We chose a wedding theme to suit the venue’s country town setting.

We added special touches which were a reflection of us. As we both love Disney, the cake had Mickey Mouse heads all over it and a Mrs & Mrs cake topper with Mickey Mouse ears. We invited lots of children and had picnic rugs with bubbles and toys to entertain the kids during the ceremony. They all received a ‘kids box’ with toys, snacks and a colouring in book for the reception. As Emma plays cricket, all the tables were named after cricket fielding positions, rather than numbered. Each of the adult guests received an engraved bookmark as a nod to our love of books.”

Celebrant: Karen Dahlstrom from Wonder Weddings Canberra Photography: Candice from O Photography Attire: Brides’ Dresses from Ferrari, Belconnen and Flower girls’ dresses from Myer.

Accessories: Flower girl flower crowns by Belle Rose Boutique.

Jewellery: Rings by McGlades Jewellers Hair: Head on In, Eugowra Makeup: La Bella Medispa, Parkes Florals: “A friend of a friend created the beautiful floral arrangements and Kate’s mum created the table arrangements.”

Cake: “Our good friend Karen made our 3 tier chocolate and caramel mud cake.

Cake topper by Cake Topper Bliss.”

Favours: “We created the kids boxes for the children and the adults all received bookmarks from Personalised Favours.”

Transport: Guests were transported by Western Road Liners to and from the venue.

DJ and Live Music: Johnny from DJ and Live Music, Dubbo.

Stationery: Save the dates, invitations, menus and order of service designed by JEM Creative Designs. 3D Guest Book by Wedding 3D. Guests’ Accommodation: Station Motel, Parkes

“The day was incredible. We managed to keep the day really relaxed and were able to enjoy the atmosphere. Our four daughters were central to the day and we were so happy with how included they were in every aspect of our wedding. The sand ceremony was particularly meaningful. Our bridesmaids, Alisa and Courtney, were there every step of the way and did everything they could to make our day fantastic. Our good friends, Ellie and Latoya, were our MCs and they made a beautiful slideshow about our family’s journey. The food was fantastic and everyone had a great night! We were told multiple times by all different people, that it was the best wedding they had ever been to!”

“Our advice to other couples planning a wedding is to start early. There is a lot to organise. The wedding industry is huge but you don’t need to buy into all of it. Take the things you like and leave the rest. If you do this, it is totally possible to have a fantastic day, even on a modest budget. Personalise your day so it reflects you as a couple. Most of all, have fun, and take it all in. The day will go so fast!”

“We honeymooned in Fiji (Hideaway Resort, Outrigger Resort Fiji) with the kids after the ceremony and in Hong Kong Disneyland (just the two of us) after our legal signing.”

“We had originally agreed that we would wait for the Government to get with the times and legalise same-sex marriage prior to getting married. Then, after the death of a mentor, we decided that life was too short to wait, and we could do it on our own terms. Of course we set the date, sent the invites, booked everything… and then the Government announced the plebiscite! So our wedding took place, right in the middle of the plebiscite. We didn’t let that get us down or worry us too much, and were thankful that we were heading to Fiji with our kids for the last two weeks of the plebiscite survey time. On our return, the results were in, and we celebrated with Canberra on Lonsdale street. When the law was passed through Parliament, we contacted Karen from Wonder Weddings Canberra again to arrange our legal signing.

We had our bridesmaids, Alisa and Courtney, join us again and we had High Tea at the Hyatt - just the four of us, prior to heading across the road to the Nara Peace Park.

We said what we needed to say, kissed and signed the paperwork, before celebrating at a family dinner with our children.”

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Congratulations KANE & TROY OFFICIAL - VICTORIA - 9 JANUARY 2018 (at 00:01hrs) CEREMONY - FIJI 13 APRIL 2018 CELEBRANT - JEANNINE OMAN

Kane and Troy were married in Victoria and travelled to Fiji for their tropical wedding ceremony which was officiated by Kane’s mother, Jeannine Oman, who is a celebrant in Geelong, Victoria.

Kane shares how they met: “We spoke via social media one night back in late-2014 and met for coffee the next day... Troy was going to live in Singapore and was leaving in four weeks so I had to act fast! Needless to say, he didn’t leave and here we are.”

“I had a proposal planned for 13 October 2017 and had organised the venue and the busker. Unbeknown to me, Troy (along with his parents) had organised a surprise 30th for me. I managed to get in first at 23:55hrs the night of the 13th, on the dance floor, and the live music venue became our engagement party!”

“For our ceremony, we wanted a tropical theme... lots of green, some pineapples, palm trees and the ocean. We love Fiji and wanted to create something special to remember.

Although same-sex marriage has not been legalised in Fiji, The Warwick Hotel still allowed us to celebrate our wedding in complete style and with everything we asked for.

Una, the hotel’s Wedding Manager, was amazing... vinaka vaka levu (thank you very much).

The hotel’s photographer captured gorgeous images of the ceremony and tropical grounds. We wore Tommy Hilfiger tailored shorts and fitted linen cuffed shirts, teamed with Polo Ralph Lauren leather woven belts and Blaq leather loafers. For anyone getting married at The Warwick Hotel, we recommend you include the Polynesian dancers. They are 100% amazing and gave us the most incredible hour of entertainment.”

“Our advice for other couples planning their wedding is to think of what you truly want out of your wedding day! My mum, who was our celebrant, was the best and most personal touch. Use your family for inspiration if you’re stuck. And congratulations on getting engaged. A wedding isn’t a chore... it’s your special day, bringing together the meaning of what we have all fought for... so enjoy it.”

“We wanted a tropical theme... lots of green, some pineapples, palm trees and the ocean.” KANE & TROY

Congratulations

AMY & NICOLE PROPOSAL - SYDNEY, NSW

TRANSLUCENT PHOTOGRAPHY 8 NOVEMBER 2017

Amy and Nicole have a lot in common. They play soccer together, love going for road trips and adventures to random places, and watch a lot of Netflix. “We’ve been together nine years, on and off. We met in high school. Nicole was the new kid in school and she sat with our group. We also realised we met previously during a soccer match and she had actually injured me in that match!”

Amy describes the proposal: “It was kind of impulsive for me to ask her on the night that I did. It was such a perfect night and I felt like it was the right time. I was really nervous - I’m a pretty awkward person and was absolutely terrified of asking her. Nicole could tell something was going to happen and I think she already knew before I knew I was going to do it. We were at Darling Harbour having dinner and I looked at the bridge and thought it was the perfect place to propose.”

“The engagement ring is from Michael Hill. I took Nicole to choose it after I proposed because I wanted it to be something she would fall in love with and I don’t have the best taste is jewellery! “ “Nicole is the best thing to ever happen to me.

We met so young and have been through so much since, and our relationship has battled through it all. Being able to marry your best friend is the most amazing feeling and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with her.”

Amy and Nicole are having fun planning their wedding which will be, “quirky and fun and something that really shows everyone who we are as a couple”.

PHILIPPE & JEROME’S STORY

“Philippe, my loved one and I met on the inernet in April 2013, after my 13 year relationship with my previous partner ended. I moved back to France in August 2011 after 18 years living and working in the UK. All my family lives in France (Normandy) and I missed them too much.

Philippe had never been in a relationship as he looked after his dying mother for many years with the help of his sisters. We have no children but dozens of nephews, nieces, and godchildren always hanging around our house. Our paths met with one click on the laptop... amongst thousands of profiles. We truly appreciate waking up next to each other every morning. Our ceremony was the time to celebrate our commitment and dedication to each other with our families as witnesses.” JEROME

A love of millifiori (Italian glass rods known as “a thousand flowers”), discovered on a trip to Venice, inspired me to come home and create my own glass beads. I have been using these in art pieces for some years. As a natural progression for the unity art, I devised a way of intertwining these beads surrounded by backing glass to tell the progression of life each couple have been through to find their new union.

“We launched Everlasting Unity Art in July 2014. When Nic, my husband and I married, he had two children from a previous marriage and I had three. I wish I had been able to represent us and our children in such a unique and lasting way of remembering our special day and allowing them to be such a personal part of the ceremony. As most new couples we thought of having a child of our own, but with our family of five we decided to adopt a furry baby, a burmese cat who is still with us 20 years on. That is why I have created the ability of including a glass paw print to represent a very important member of the family.

My glass life journey to Everlasting Unity Art has been a varied one, but once arrived, an inevitable one. What started in the late 1980s as a career leadlighting private homes, businesses and churches, continued through the next decade in my own teaching studio imparting knowlege of all things glass. As an author in early 2000 I was glad to pass on to a wider audience, my love and experience in glass mosaic and design. Swiftly following the book, my love affair began with slumped and fused glass.

It was a chance encounter with a couple about to be married that changed my direction. They told me they had been turned away by other glass artists which only served to pique my interest. They wanted something unique for their special day. They asked me was there something they could combine during their ceremony and have made into an art piece for their home. This opened up a whole new thought process. How to tell their unique story. I was contacted in early February and they were to be married early April so I had to move through concept, design and creating process with great speed.

When making these bespoke art pieces I love to think of each person through the artistic placing of their own uniquely coloured beads and radiating my love and belief in their new family unit. I feel honoured to tell each individual story.” DONNA CAINS, GLASS ARTIST - EVERLASTING UNITY ART everlastingunityart@westnet.com.au www.everlastingunityart.com.au www.facebook.com/everlastingunityart

MARINA MIRAGE, GOLD COAST, QLD Planner/Stylist: Olive Rose Weddings & Events Venue: Waterline Charters - Patriot I Photographer: Renee Brazel Photography Cake: Cake My Day by Jo Jo Lawinski Gowns: Jordanna Regan Couture Florist: Miss Popsy Suits: Black Jacket Suiting Videographer: McLeish Film & Media Stationery: The Rustic at Heart Jewellery: Wendy Louise Designs Hair & Makeup: Beauty By Bliss Models: Skye Ronan and Jayde Purnell

BEAUTY AND HEALTH QUEENSLAND BELLA BRIDES - Hair and Makeup Stylists Bella Brides are Brisbane’s leading wedding hair and makeup stylists. Our talented team are available for weddings and special occasions throughout South-East Queensland and destination weddings around Australia and overseas.

Brisbane www.bellabrides.com.au MINX CONTEMPORARY HAIR BOUTIQUE - Hairdressing Salon At Minx, we are all about luxur y and glamour. We offer top ser vice and pay special attention to detail to create your perfect wedding day hairstyle.

Toowoomba www.minxcontemporar yhairboutique.com.au

BEVERAGE AND HOSPITALITY SERVICES QUEENSLAND KOMBI KEG BRISBANE & SUNSHINE COAST - Vintage Mobile Bar Hire Kombi Keg Brisbane & Sunshine Coast is a vintage bar hire ser vice, equipped with a 6 tap beverage system perfect for your special day.

Brisbane and Sunshine Coast www.kombikegbrisbane.com TINKER TRAVELLING EVENTS - Mobile Bar, Vintage Caravan Bar Tinker is an original vintage caravan, fully restored and available for your celebration as a mobile bar for hire.

Sunshine Coast www.tinker travellingevents.com BRIDAL AND FORMAL WEAR ALL STATES ED HARRY MENSWEAR - Mens Suits and Accessories Ed Harr y focuses on its people and strives to deliver unique and honest ser vice along with the latest quality merchandise. Ed Harr y has been selling great menswear Australia-wide since the early 90’s.

For anyone who wants to be looked after, we offer a variety of good quality gear at great prices.

Exclusive labels of both casual and formal clothing. Unique and honest ser vice and the latest quality merchandise. Informed and energetic advice and suppor t combined with a relaxed and fun shopping environment.

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SAME SAME WEDDINGS MAGAZINE

BRIDAL AND FORMAL WEAR NEW SOUTH WALES LDC LUXURY DRY CLEANING - Before and After Gown and Formal Wear Care Before - wedding attire deliver y and set up on location, after - cleaning and preser ving, boxing. Textile care specialist.

Newcastle www.ldcluxur ydr ycleaning.com QUEENSLAND JORDANNA REGAN COUTURE - Couture Wedding and Formal Attire Multi-award winning Wedding Gown Designer, Jordanna Regan Couture, has an established wedding fashion label in Brisbane. Jordanna Regan Couture is a nationally recognised luxur y wedding gown designer renowned for creating elegant and feminine designs which are unique and innovative.

Holland Park, Brisbane www.jordannaregan.com.au VICTORIA AMANTE BRIDAL - Bridal Boutique We are a Bohemian luxe bridal boutique offering stunning gowns, intimates, accessories and bridesmaid dresses for the non-traditional bride.

Warragul www.amantebridal.com.au CAKES AND SWEETS NEW SOUTH WALES DRAGONFLY CAKES - Cake Decorating Congratulations! We are a boutique cake studio offering custom designed cakes for your wedding.

Our cakes not only look stunning but they taste amazing too and will be enjoyed to the ver y last crumb! So drop us a line, we would love to chat to you about your cake.

Newcastle www.dragonflycakes.com.au FLYAWAYPINEAPPLE - Handcrafted Decorated Cookies Flyawaypineapple specialises in bespoke decorated sugar cookies with a flair for creating the most wonderful, whimsical works of edible ar t. Celebrate your special day in the sweetest way with cookie favours designed especially for you.

Central Coast NSW www.flyawaypineapple.com.au

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CAKES AND SWEETS QUEENSLAND CAKE THAT! - Specialty Cakes Magnificent indulgent baked-from-scratch special event cakes created exclusively for your event.

Brisbane www.cakethat.com.au DELIBERATELY DELICIOUS - Wedding Cakes Located on bustling Caxton Street is the boutique cake shop Deliberately Delicious. It is here you will find Amanda bringing cake dreams to life. She believes that choosing your wedding cake is an event.

Call to arrange an appointment to tr y a complimentar y taste test, admire the large cake display and discuss your wedding cake dreams.

Brisbane www.deliberatelydelicious.com.au SWEETUMS - Designer Cakes Renowned for their award-winning wedding cakes, Sweetums sets new standards in couture cake styling. The finest quality ingredients guarantee a cake that will be remembered long after the last slice. Sweetums’ ser vices are sought after internationally and Greg Clear y travels the world teaching and lecturing in the ar t of cake design.

Brisbane www.sweetums.com.au WINKY BAKES - Cake Decorator Custom made cakes for your special event. Specialising in engagement and wedding cakes. Ser vicing Brisbane and all surrounding suburbs.

Brisbane www.facebook.com/WinkyBakes VICTORIA SWEET AFFECTION CAKE DESIGNS - Wedding Cake Design Specialist Maria Shaw specialises in creating exquisite designs and loves experimenting with new flavours. She is an emphatic believer that a cake must taste as good as it looks, using fresh organic ingredients to create her trademark tall tiers which are por trayed in most of her elegant statement cakes. Her designs are inspired by current trends in colour and style, texture and technique, with a shared emphasis on beautiful florals in either natural or bold tones. Maria spends hours making beautiful sugar and wafer-paper flowers for her clients’ cakes and it’s evident she adores simple more-modern designs with a focus on romantic elegance and sophistication. Maria has many clients who live both in the city and outside the Melbourne Metropolitan area, where she is happy to deliver to.

Melbourne www.sweetaffectioncakedesigns.com.au

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CATERING SERVICES NEW SOUTH WALES BYRON BAY WEDDING CATERING CO. - Catering Weddings with the most amazing food and exceptional ser vice. We promise to make your day a truly remarkable and unforgettable one. Also ser vicing the Gold Coast.

Nor thern NSW www.facebook.com/byronbayweddingcatering CULINARIUS CATERING AND FINE FOODS - Catering and Events Exquisite food and ser vice is what Culinarius has been delivering daily since our inception in 1988.

With our large purpose-built commercial kitchen, we are able to provide food for two to two thousand at any location… with perfection and style.

Illawarra, South Coast, Southern Highlands and Southern Sydney www.culinarius.com.au QUEENSLAND DOLCI & CO - Mobile Gelato Trike - Catering We travel to venues offering gelato/sorbet to family and friends of the couple, ser ved from ‘Hero’ our Gelato trike. Also ser vicing Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.

Brisbane www.dolciandco.com.au PENFOLDS CATERING - Catering Penfolds Catering is a family-owned and operated off-site catering company that provides gourmet catering for all events. Chef Daniel and wife Rebecca go above and beyond, offering a completely professional and friendly ser vice.

Noosa Heads www.penfoldscatering.com.au THE CHEESE BAR - Wedding Cheese Towers The Cheese Bar specialise in customised cheese towers for weddings and any special occasion.

Brisbane www.thecheesebar.com.au CELEBRANTS

AUSTRALIA-WIDE SAMESAMECELEBRANTS.COM - Online Directory samesamecelebrants.com was born from the demand that same-sex couples needed to be able to connect with industr y professionals who they felt comfor table with. Finding your celebrant can be daunting and couples are often left asking “Where do we star t?” samesamecelebrants.com is the new meeting place for same-sex couples to find their perfect celebrant. Have comfor t knowing that all our featured celebrants are open to love between two people.

Australia-wide www.samesamecelebrants.com

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CELEBRANTS AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY WONDER WEDDINGS BY KAREN DAHLSTROM Karen is a Canberra-based Marriage Celebrant who believes weddings should be fun, not boring or soppy. It’s your special day, so your wedding ceremony should be all about you. She will have your guests talking about your wedding ceremony for all the right reasons. And if you really want the boots, that can be arranged too!

Canberra and NSW www.wonderweddingscanberra.com NEW SOUTH WALES A TIMELESS LOVE Creating bespoke ceremonies to celebrate your love with the person who has captured your hear t. Memories are priceless, lets create your dream wedding. All areas of Sydney, Blue Mountains, Wollongong, Nor thern Beaches, Central Coast, Hunter Valley, and any destination you would like me to travel to so your day is magical.

Sydney www.atimelesslove.com.au BELLA CELEBRATIONS I am ver y excited Australia has voted YES for Marriage Equality. I am a professional and experienced Celebrant who creates ver y personal ceremonies. I gather the information about your unique love stor y and proposal and create a memorable ceremony about you! Don’t delay to reser ve your chosen date.

Central Coast NSW www.bellacelebrations.com.au BYRON BAY CELEBRANT: “MARRIED BY KATH” Relaxed and intimate ceremonies that are loaded with a whole lot of fun and love! Sought after for her professional yet laid back approach and her friendly manner, Kath will work closely with you to create a ceremony that is just right for you. The perfect way to star t your wedding celebrations!

Byron Bay, Far Nor th Coast NSW and Tweed Coast www.marriedbykath.com.au MARRIED BY ANDY I’m a young, fun and professional Sydney Celebrant based out of the Eastern Suburbs. I love meeting couples and really getting to know them to create an awesome and vibrant ceremony. I make your love shine and always reflect who you are as a couple. Let’s create your dream wedding! (Actually planning my own as well since the Yes vote... FINALLY!) Get in touch. Much love, Andy.

Sydney (willing to travel) www.marriedbyandy.com

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CELEBRANTS

QUEENSLAND ADRIENNE IRVINE CELEBRATIONS As an authorised Celebrant, I am confident that I can assist you to have the ceremony you desire.

Most impor tantly I focus on you and what you want for your special day - traditional, quirky, simple, funny, warm and friendly, an elopement... it’s all about you!

Brisbane and South-East QLD www.adrienneir vine.com AMANDA MUNRO Celebrant ser vices available from Br yon Bay to the Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba. A friendly, fun and young Celebrant.

Gold Coast www.facebook.com/celebratewithmunro AMBER GILLAM CELEBRANT I am a wedding tragic and just love a good ceremony - one that makes you laugh, brings a tear to your eye or has you gripping the hand of the person next to you. Let’s work together to make sure your ceremony does all that and more!

Brisbane Region and Sunshine Coast www.ambergillamcelebrant.com.au CELEBRANT LADY LOVE Annie is a fun, modern celebrant and MC with a unique ability to craft creative wedding ceremonies through stor y-telling. She will leave you and your guests on a love buzz.

Byron Bay to Brisbane www.celebrantladylove.com I DO CREATIVE CEREMONIES I work closely with my couples to create personalised intimate ceremonies that reflect their wishes for their special day.

Brisbane www.geoffmazlin.com.au JULIE WESTON Do you want a unique, one-of-a-kind ceremony that truly reflects your stor y? I collaborate with you to create a magical experience. Your ceremony is crafted just for you - whatever your style may be simple, elegant, formal, fun, or chilled. Let’s create a special memor y that lasts a lifetime.

Brisbane www.julieweston.com.au ROXY HOTTEN CELEBRANT “It felt like a friend married us...” Roxy is a wine-sipping, bike-riding, dog-loving Celebrant who writes and delivers ceremonies which are fun, unique and personalised. She takes the time to get to know you and your stor y, and produces something ver y special that will be a highlight of your day.

Brisbane www.roxyrocks.com

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CELEBRANTS SOUTH AUSTRALIA ANNETTE PERRYMAN I am an experienced Celebrant who can make your Marriage Ceremony dreams come true.

Couples’ reviews validate my calm and relaxed style, and commitment to quality and professionalism.

Confidentiality is top of my agenda and I factor in loads of fun too!

Adelaide www.annetteperr yman.com.au VICTORIA ALISON SAUNDERS CELEBRANT Fun, festive, flexible facilitator of witty, wonderful, (occasionally) whimsical weddings... aka Marriage Celebrant. I love love, red wine and French bulldogs. Your wedding, your way, my words, no rules.

Check me out on my website, go on, give me a click. Let me marr y you!

Melbourne, Geelong, Mornington, Victorian Alpine Region www.alisonsaunders.com.au DI KLEINERT CIVIL CELEBRANT Histor y tells many stories, struggle, conflict, change and progress. Yours is hardly a stor y without an ending. What we have in common matters more than what sets us apar t. The love and commitment that you are about to share in a ceremony will transform your lives. It is called Marriage!

Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne www.kleiner t.id.au JEANNINE OMAN CELEBRANT I am an advocate for marriage equality and offer ceremonies both private and large, individually written for you.

Geelong www.jeannineoman.com JEN LAWRIE-SMITH CMC Experience, elegance, eloquence. Highly-trained and in demand as one of the best celebrants around!

Melbourne, Bellarine Peninsula and Massedon Ranges www.jenlawriesmith.com.au KLARA MCMURRAY FUNKY CELEBRANT Young, fun and funky celebrant creating fabulous weddings, commitments and funerals. Let’s do something awesome!

Melbourne www.klaramcmurraycelebrant.com MATT FINCH CELEBRANT Yes! I’m a modern-thinking gay celebrant who would love to help you create a happy, relevant, real marriage ceremony that actually suits and celebrates who you both are. I’m experienced, calming and I’m happy to travel interstate or abroad to make your entire wedding experience enjoyable, personal and memorable.

Melbourne www.mattfinchcelebrant.com.au

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CELEBRANTS

VICTORIA SALLY CANT - CELEBRANT FOR ALL I love creating ceremonies that are warm, personal, relaxed and fun. Ceremonies that celebrate ‘you’.

Having been recently married to my gorgeous wife, I look forward to conducting many more samesex marriage ceremonies.

Melbourne www.sallycant.com.au SARAH AIRD CIVIL CELEBRANT The couples I work with are all different ages, genders, shapes and sizes, but the one thing they have in common is that they value their wedding ceremony as the beginning of their marriage, and they want to celebrate it with their families and friends through a ceremony that is uniquely theirs.

Greater Melbourne www.sarahaird.com.au TREVOR RICE CIVIL CELEBRANT Yes!!! Let’s Get Married! Australians have voted for love. It’s an exciting time to belong to the LGBTQI community and be a Melbourne-based Celebrant. I’m here to help you plan your special day and arrange the wedding you’ve been waiting for.

Melbourne www.trevorrice-celebrant.com.au WESTERN AUSTRALIA AMAZING SOUTH COAST CELEBRANT LINDSAY TUCKWELL Australia is embracing Equality and any two people who are in love can legally marr y. I have received bookings for 2018 and look forward to meeting many more happy couples planning their special day.

Call me or send me an email and we can star t the journey of marriage together.

Great Southern and Wheatbelt www.lindsaytuckwell.com.au WITH LOVE AS ALWAYS Hi - I am Connie. I am a relaxed, easy-going celebrant who loves her job. I get to write and officiate the perfect ceremony to showcase my clients’ personalities as the unique couple that they are.

Per th www.withloveasalways.com.au

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ENTERTAINMENT AND PYROTECHNICS NEW SOUTH WALES RAINBOW HENS - Hens Parties Since 2009 My Ultimate has been celebrating LGBTQI+ Hens and Couples with amazing par ties! No matter who you are, what you plan or who you love, our magical Rainbow Hens Packages show our passion for par ties. Celebrate with glasses of bubbly, a spectacular night and most of all, equality!

Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Gold Coast www.rainbowhens.com.au QUEENSLAND BASSLINE STUDIOS BAND - Live Ceremony and Reception Entertainment Duo to Big Band, All Styles... “They aren’t a typical band, they have a love for weddings and it shows in their music and hear ts.” Kim & Shaun “Ultimate professionals. Amazing musicians and voices. We can’t rave about these guys enough.” Katy & Nate South-East QLD www.basslinestudios.com.au SKYLIGHTER FIREWORKS - Fireworks At Skylighter Fireworks we understand how impor tant your day is, it’s that magical fair ytale that you have dreamed about all your life, so it’s our priority to make it spectacular for you. Let Skylighter Fireworks add the perfect final touch to a day you and your guests will never forget.

Queensland and Nor thern NSW www.skylighter.com.au FLORAL STYLISTS NEW SOUTH WALES KATIE BLOOM - Florist Katie Bloom creates bespoke and unforgettable wedding flowers. Proudly suppor ting the LGBT community.

Vaucluse, Sydney www.katiebloomflowers.com.au www.facebook.com/katiebloomflowersvaucluse MAY & MOSS - Floral Design With a wild, bohemian aesthetic, May & Moss lives and breathes flowers. Adding blooms, grasses and foliage foraged from a private garden, May & Moss creates bespoke bouquets and arrangements in tune with the seasons. Let their passion for all things botanical bring beauty and romance to your joyful occasion.

Sydney www.mayandmoss.com.au QUEENSLAND GLENYS MERCER DESIGN - Freelance Floral Designer Glenys Mercer Design is a freelance floral stylist based in South-East Queensland. “Innovation is at the hear t of what I do and I love using flowers and foliage as an ar tistic statement to reflect each client’s unique personality. I will bring a level of elegance, imagination and sophistication to any occasion.”

South-East QLD www.glenysmercerdesign.com SAME SAME WEDDINGS MAGAZINE

FLORAL STYLISTS

QUEENSLAND LILLICREEK FLORALS - Wedding and Event Florist Lillicreek Florals loves the challenge of creating individual designs for weddings and events. Let us dress up your wedding par ty together with decorating ceremony and reception venues with wonderful creative floral ar t. Make a statement with our unique hanging installations. Contact us for an obligation-free discussion and quote.

South-East QLD www.lillicreekflorals.com.au ROSE AND HEART - Florist Rose and Hear t is a same-sex couple owned business and is excited to be able to finally create exquisite weddings for the LGBTI community (we even do flowers for heterosexual weddings). A truly unique award-winning florist that can make your floral dreams come true no matter how big, small, unusual or classic.

Red Hill, Brisbane www.roseandhear t.com.au SOUTH AUSTRALIA SUGAR PIE HONEY BUNCH FLOWER CO - Florist Specialising in creating beautiful floral arrangements, we source quality market fresh flowers for weddings and events. We ensure that your wedding flowers are tailored to your personal style and choice and can cater for both small and large requests. We offer exceptional customer ser vice, keeping you involved and welcoming your input and ideas.

Adelaide www.facebook.com/sphbflowerco

JEWELLERS ALL STATES AUSTRALIAN WEDDING RINGS - Wedding Rings Supplier Treasure your love with affordable, high-quality, Aussie-made wedding rings. Custom made and delivered to your door in 10 days. We are all about celebrating love, creating memories and treasuring our loved ones.

Online - Australia-wide www.australianweddingrings.com.au LORD COCONUT - Jewellers Lord Coconut is the specialised jeweller y store in Melbourne focusing on handcrafted wedding rings with a masculine aesthetic. As we represent over 40 Australian based jewellers, designers and ar tisans we have one of the largest wedding band ranges Australia wide and ever y wedding band is hand made just for you.

Melbourne VIC - Online, Australia-wide www.lordcoconut.com

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JEWELLERS VICTORIA KATIE ROSE JEWELLERY - Jewellery New Zealand jeweller and designer, Katie Rose, based on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula and trained in jeweller y design and goldsmithing, makes each piece to order and completely by hand. Katie Rose endeavours to make each piece unique and to an exceptional standard, working alongside the client to create a piece truly unique and special to them.

Mornington Peninsula www.katierosejeweller y.com PHOTOGRAPHY, VIDEOGRAPHY AND PHOTOBOOTHS AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY LAUREN CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHER - Photography Capturing the connection between two people in a beautiful way is my passion. The approach I take is quiet obser ver, unobtrusively documenting and sharing in the events as they happen, to showcase the quiet and joyous moments alike. I am there for real connection, honest emotion and all the beautifully intricate details.

Canberra www.laurencampbell.com.au MUGSHOTS PHOTOBOOTHS - Photobooth Hire Hiring a Mugshots photobooth guarantees fun and laughter for you and your guests, providing a unique and special memento of your night. With affordable all-inclusive packages and a booth to suit any style, space and event, there is something for you! Contact us now.

Canberra and surrounds www.mugshotsphotobooths.com.au PLUM PHOTOGRAPHY - Photography Cass is an experienced photographer who prefers fun over formal, shooting in a light and air y photojournalistic style.

Canberra www.plumphotography.com.au NEW SOUTH WALES ALICIA HETHERINGTON PHOTOGRAPHY - Professional Photography Alicia Hetherington Photography believes in telling your unique stor y so that it may be remembered forever. Alicia loves to connect with people - it’s this love and years of experience in the por trait industr y that allows her to blend seamlessly into your day and capture beautiful candid moments whilst celebrating alongside you.

Greater Sydney and NSW www.facebook.com/aliciahetheringtonphotography www.aliciahetherington.com

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PHOTOGRAPHY, VIDEOGRAPHY AND PHOTOBOOTHS

NEW SOUTH WALES NEXT CHAPTER PHOTOGRAPHY - Photography Next Chapter Photography captures genuine, honest moments from chapters of your unique stor y, allowing you to relive your happiness for a lifetime. We believe in equality for all and giving back to the community, that’s why we donate 5% of ever y booking to charity. National and International bookings welcomed.

Sydney, Australia-wide and International www.nextchapterphotography.com RAINBOW WEDDINGS PHOTOGRAPHY - Photography Rainbow Weddings Photography congratulates all of Australia for suppor ting our rainbow families and we look forward to celebrating many diverse marriages in the near future. Let us look after your wedding photography needs to capture those impor tant memories from your big day.

Sydney www.rainbowweddings.love TRANSLUCENT PHOTOGRAPHY - Photography Capturing the real connections and raw emotion. Translucent Photography covers the entire Illawarra, Sydney, Southern Highlands and South Coast regions.

Wollongong www.translucentphotography.com QUEENSLAND DREAMLIFE PHOTOS & VIDEO (BRISBANE) - Photography and Cinematography Multi-award winning and gay-friendly photographers and cinematographers.

Newstead www.dreamlifewedding.com.au GOOD VIBES CO Photobooth Hire and Prop Hire We are the owners of the all-new Gif booth, moving image uploaded directly to social media, with bespoke backdrops.

Gold Coast www.goodvibesco.com.au JENSEN & YOUNG - Cinematography Jensen and Young consists of a long-standing duo with over 10 years of cinematography and filmmaking experience. With a creative eye for capturing beauty and an essence of passionate collaboration, we combine the perfect harmony of masculine and feminine energy into capturing each unique and hear tfelt stor y in a timeless format.

Sunshine Coast www.jensenandyoung.com.au LOUISA SAMS PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY - Photography and Videography Louisa Sams Photography & Video focuses on the moments that matter. Bringing a personalised ser vice to each couple knowing that ever y wedding and couple is unique. Louisa brings quality, experience and strong customer focus to what is one of the most impor tant ser vices on the day, preser ving the memories. Please get in touch for a no obligation quote and/or a complimentar y consultation.

Brisbane www.louisasams.com.au

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PHOTOGRAPHY, VIDEOGRAPHY AND PHOTOBOOTHS QUEENSLAND ROD NOENDENG PHOTOGRAPHY - Photography A wonderful and professional wedding photography experience: “From the pre-planning to the last shot of our great day, Rod was amazing. He’s the consummate professional, ver y personable and was great with our guests. Rod took all of the photos we knew we wanted.” Jenny.

Brisbane, Gold Coast, Springfield and Ipswich www.rodnoendengphotography.com.au STOP, PROP & POSE PHOTO BOOTH - Photo Booth Stop, Prop & Pose is all about providing the ultimate photo booth hire experience. Forget about your traditional photo booth, ours is a full ser vice, all inclusive open air photo booth. We look after ever ything so all you have to do is stop, grab a prop and strike a pose!

Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and surrounding areas www.stopproppose.com.au WE ARE TWINE - Photography Offering a boutique, professional and friendly ser vice, We Are Twine is your Brisbane wedding photographer. Capturing hear tfelt and joyful wedding moments from your wedding day, Amanda at We Are Twine would love to tell your love stor y and the day you became entwined.

Brisbane www.wearetwine.com.au SOUTH AUSTRALIA FALCON VISUALS - Photography As a photographer, I aspire to capture the love and hope that bonds ever y couple, regardless of their sexual orientation.

Adelaide www.falconvisuals.com.au VICTORIA ROYAL MEMORIES PHOTOGRAPHY - Photography At Royal Memories Photography, we believe ever ybody deser ves happiness and love and we aim to capture that love through our lenses. We might not be big in stature as a business... yet, but we are all about delivering beautiful images that make you and your loved ones feel like Royalty.

Melbourne and Victoria www.royalmemories.com.au WESTERN AUSTRALIA AYZIA JADE PHOTOGRAPHY - Photography I capture your day honestly and reflect the essence of your relationship in the images. My style is described as honest, simplistic and natural.

Per th and Margaret River www.ayziajadephotography.com.au

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PHOTOGRAPHY, VIDEOGRAPHY AND PHOTOBOOTHS

WESTERN AUSTRALIA RENAE HYLAND PHOTOGRAPHY - Photography Local, destination and elopement wedding photographer based in Per th. Share your love stor y and together we can make magic! Relaxed, unconventional and passionate photographer, shooting documentar y style imager y capturing meaningful memories to last a lifetime.

Per th www.facebook.com/RenaeHylandPhotography STATIONERY ALL STATES EVERLAND - Personalised Petal Confetti and Wedding Favours Everland is a trove of beautiful, handmade wedding accoutrement. You will find a colourful array of petal confetti, handmade favours and personalised stationer y. If you are searching for unique, naturally beautiful details, you have found the place!

Online - Australia-wide www.everlandfavours.com NEW SOUTH WALES EVE&CO. - Event Stationery Eve&Co. creates fully bespoke celebration stationer y. From traditional to trendsetting, Eve&Co. provides superior quality and a solution for ever y event.

Sydney www.eveandco.com.au QUEENSLAND TWO BRIDES PRESENTS - Greeting Cards and Wall Art Prints An all-inclusive range of Greeting Cards and Prints for ever yday life and momentous occasions, no matter which way you swing. Designed and Printed by us in Australia.

New Farm, Brisbane and Australia-wide www.twobridespresents.com VICTORIA BESPOKEY DOKE - Invitations and Printed Goods Bespokey Doke design beautiful printed goods. Our experienced team take the stress out of ordering your wedding stationer y, offering a personalised ser vice ever y time. We offer beautiful paper stocks and specialist finishes that you’ve only dreamed of, such as foil and letterpress. If you can dream it, we can create it!

Geelong and Australia-wide www.bespokeydoke.com.au

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STYLING, PLANNING AND HIRE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY BARLENS EVENT HIRE - Event Hire Company Barlens is distinguished in the market place by our size, experience and professionalism. Most impor tantly we have the know-how to help make your event a success. Our extensive range of modern hire products and equipment are meticulously maintained and cleaned and always ready to go. Our two locations, Albur y, NSW and Canberra, ACT, have provided us with greater event hire capabilities throughout NSW, ACT and regional Victoria.

Canberra www.barlens.com.au LOVE LETTERS CANBERRA - Event Letter Hire Event letter hire for all occasions. LED lights available in letters, numbers, symbols and even a love hear t, giving your event the WOW factor.

Canberra www.loveletterscbr.com.au NEW SOUTH WALES BARLENS EVENT HIRE - Event Hire Company Barlens is distinguished in the market place by our size, experience and professionalism. Most impor tantly we have the know-how to help make your event a success. Our extensive range of modern hire products and equipment are meticulously maintained and cleaned and always ready to go. Our two locations, Albur y, NSW and Canberra, ACT, have provided us with greater event hire capabilities throughout NSW, ACT and regional Victoria.

Albur y www.barlens.com.au CIRCLE OF LOVE - Styling, Planning and Hire At Circle of Love we are passionate about designing a wedding that shows who you are as a couple on your special day. Our goal is to create a unique, elegant, personalised event especially for you. We will turn your dream wedding into a beautiful reality.

Sydney and Australia-wide www.circleofloveweddings.com.au DECORELLA EVENTS - Event Planning and Coordination Let us make your dream event come true. We will be there to help you ever y step of the way. Event Coordination. Planning. Design. Decor. Catering. Cakes. Bomboniere. At DeCorella Events, we know magic lies in the little details.

Sydney www.decorellaevents.com EVENT HIRE SERVICES - Event Furniture and Decor Hire Furniture and decor options from luxur y to rustic, Event Hire Ser vices can provide you with an array of styles for your wedding celebrations. From simply the right chair to a whole list of creative options, we pride ourselves on delivering a tailored, polished environment that reflects the occasion and your budget. Congratulations on your engagement!

Sydney, Nor thern Beaches, Central Coast, Blue Mountains NSW and Canberra ACT www.eventhireser vices.com.au

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STYLING, PLANNING AND HIRE

NEW SOUTH WALES HAPPY DAYS JUKEBOX AND PARTY HIRE - Juke Boxes, Photobooth and Party Hire Happy Days Jukebox and Par ty Hire is Canberra’s favourite Jukebox and Par ty Hire. We deliver quality Jukeboxes, Photobooths, Giant Letters and more throughout Canberra and surrounding NSW, at competitive prices. We cater for all events such as weddings, engagements, buck’s and hen’s nights and other functions.

Canberra and surrounding NSW www.happydays.net.au HOORAH EVENTS - Wedding & Events: Planning, Styling, Coordination, Florals and Hire Hoorah Events is a wedding and event styling company based on the South Coast of NSW. We are a team of designers, ar tists and stor ytellers who love to create unique and gorgeous events packed with style. Offering custom design styling ser vices including design and decor ser vices, floral styling, stationer y design, prop hire, event planning and on-the-day coordination. Ever ything you need to create some serious ‘Hoorah’!

South Coast NSW www.hoorahevents.com.au HUNT AND HEART EVENTS - Wedding Planner and Stylist Creating your perfect day: “Gillian and Peter are complete gems. They were professional, proactive, friendly, approachable and made our wedding day a complete success. From the get-go, communication was easy and this duo knew what they were doing. Thank you again Gillian + Peter!” Erita and George Deep.

Sydney www.huntandhear t.com.au ONELOVE WEDDING DIRECTORY - Same-Sex Wedding Directory We are a same-sex wedding director y. We aim to have as many same-sex inclusive suppliers to help plan the most impor tant day of your life, your wedding day. Our goal is to include suppliers that suit ever y budget and to make the process as easy as possible as we know how stressful and timeconsuming it is to plan your wedding day.

Sydney www.oneloveweddingdirector y.com.au SUBLIME PARTY HIRE - Event Hire, Prop Hire and Wedding Hire Sublime par ty hire is a ser vice dedicated to ensuring couples have the most wonderful, beautiful day.

Your day will look like a dream no vision is impossible to achieve. We cater for any style from shabby sheik , vintage, elegant describe your vision sublime brings it to reality. I have a passion for what I do and it is reflected in your perfect day a happy couple means my job is complete. I am a dedicated wedding specialist my collection is extensive.

Sydney https://www.facebook.com/sublimepar tyhire

SAME SAME WEDDINGS MAGAZINE

STYLING, PLANNING AND HIRE QUEENSLAND BEAUTIFUL WEDDINGS - Wedding Styling Beautiful Weddings specialises in styling wedding ceremonies and receptions. They exude passion, enthusiasm and absolute dedication to their craft and as a result, they have been crowned Queensland’s #1 Wedding Stylists (ABIA) eight times. Just recently, they won their 5th National title, which is a testament to their client ser vice and styling talent.

Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Tweed Coast, Fraser Coast, Sydney, Adelaide and Wollongong www.beautifulweddings.com.au EVERLASTING UNITY ART - Unique Ceremony Ritual Everlasting Unity Ar t will add something uniquely special to your wedding ceremony. As a Glass Ar tist, I have created a way to incorporate my signature hand made beads into a ceremony ritual, similar to pouring coloured sands. After the ceremony, I create unique ar t pieces which become an everlasting memor y of the day you said ‘I Do’ and a beautiful family heirloom.” Donna Cains, Glass Ar tist Brisbane www.everlastingunityar t.com.au JE T’AIME EVENTS DESIGN & STYLING - Wedding and Events Planning, Design, Styling and Event Rental Je T’aime Events offer full planning, design and styling packages to create luxur y, one-of-a-kind weddings and events. Designing a concept bespoke to each client and bringing it all together to create unforgettable memories. Nothing is unachievable or unreachable... your vision is our mission! Event rental ser vices also offered.

Brisbane, Gold Coast to Byron Bay www.jetaimeweddings.com.au STRADBROKE ISLAND EVENTS - Events Stradbroke Island Events is an event stylist, coordination and hire company on spectacular Nor th Stradbroke Island... a shor t ferr y ride from Brisbane. Destination marquee weddings are our specialty.

We manage a range of other amazing venues on Straddie as well. We love weddings and we love people. Call us today to plan your perfect wedding celebration.

Nor th Stradbroke Island www.stradbrokeislandevents.com.au THE RED QUEEN DESIGN - Stylist, Exclusive Event Planning and Hire Bespoke ceremony and reception styling kits for hire. Brisbane’s largest range of hire candelabra, chandeliers, brassware, cut cr ystal, ar t glass, vintage china, antique ear thenware vessels, antique bottles, vintage bird cages and stands. Huge range of stunning vintage bridal gowns, formal wear and mother of the bride outfits. Yard Game hire and vintage store open 7 days.

Paddington, Brisbane www.facebook.com/TheRedQueenBrisbane SOUTH AUSTRALIA LOVE IS LOVE WEDDING EXPO - Wedding Exhibition Having the right to get hitched is one matter, but planning a gorgeous wedding is quite another.

LOVE IS LOVE Wedding Expo will create a space that will inspire and motivate you to celebrate your love, and plan your wedding. Guests will feel like they’re at a luxur y wedding, rather than a trade show.

Adelaide www.loveisloveweddingexpo.com.au SAME SAME WEDDINGS MAGAZINE

STYLING, PLANNING AND HIRE

VICTORIA BARLENS EVENT HIRE - Event Hire Company Barlens is distinguished in the market place by our size, experience and professionalism. Most impor tantly we have the know-how to help make your event a success. Our extensive range of modern hire products and equipment are meticulously maintained and cleaned and always ready to go. Our two locations, Albur y, NSW and Canberra, ACT, have provided us with greater event hire capabilities throughout NSW, ACT and regional Victoria.

Regional Victoria www.barlens.com.au WESTERN AUSTRALIA THE SOUTH WEST WEDDING BOOK - Wedding Directory The South West Wedding Book is a comprehensive wedding director y for South West WA, showcasing local wedding businesses.

South-West WA www.thesouthwestweddingbook.com.au VENUES AND ACCOMMODATION

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY PIALLIGO ESTATE - Food and Wine Destination Showcasing the best of Canberra and its local produce and products Pialligo Estate is a sensational food, wine and lifestyle destination on the banks of Canberra’s Molonglo River. With a focus on creating quality dining and event experiences, Pialligo Estate is a picturesque setting unlike any other, with our ver y own olive groves, vineyard, orchard, market gardens, smokehouse and manicured gardens.

Canberra www.thepialligoestate.com.au NEW SOUTH WALES BLACKWATTLE LUXURY RETREATS - Luxury Self-Contained Tourist Cottages Voted in the top 3 ‘most romantic accommodation’ in the Hunter Valley, Blackwattle offers 2 exclusive cottages set among the rolling hills of Lovedale with sensational mountain views. With its own boutique vineyard, Blackwattle offers peace, privacy and the perfect place to elope or celebrate your special day!

Lovedale, Hunter Valley www.blackwattleluxur yretreats.com.au DENNARQUE ESTATE - Weddings & Events Venue Located in the beautiful Blue Mountains of NSW, Dennarque Estate is a highly sought after wedding venue. Set in stunning and vast heritage gardens, our versatile proper ty gives you the freedom to create your own personalised and truly memorable wedding celebration. Dennarque specialises in intimate, boutique weddings for up to 80 guests.

Blue Mountains www.dennarque.com SAME SAME WEDDINGS MAGAZINE

VENUES AND ACCOMMODATION

NEW SOUTH WALES GAZEBO WINE BAR AND DINING - Wine Bar and Restaurant An iconic site set amongst the backstreets of Potts Point, complete with a buzzing cour tyard, delicious food and flowing drinks, it’s the perfect location for your wedding celebration. Available to hire exclusively for up to 190 guests and also offering five separate spaces for smaller groups, all combined with our function packages to ensure great times.

Elizabeth Bay, Sydney www.gazeboelizabethbay.com.au JAMBEROO RESORT - Resort and Function Centre Take the stress out of your wedding day by having your ceremony and reception in one convenient location. The Wentwor th Room (near the rainforest) with its exposed wooden beams and soft drapings, is a beautiful private reception setting... with abundant natural light and a spacious outdoor verandah covered in fair y lights. With stream and mountain views, you and your guests can dance the night away under the stars. Foresters Restaurant suits the more intimate reception, with great lighting and a covered cour tyard. In the winter, the fireplace is lit to add to the romantic ambience.

Jamberoo, South Coast NSW www.jamberooresor t.com.au PALM BEACH GOLF CLUB - Function and Events Centre Palm Beach Golf Club is located in iconic Palm Beach and enjoys views across the Golf Course over Pittwater and out to Lion Island. It is a perfect setting for any celebration. Our function room has a large outdoor deck allowing couples to enjoy the mar vellous views with a capacity for up to 160 seated or 200 cocktail. The exclusivity of the Golf Green for your ceremony is a memorable way to capture the beautiful views over Pittwater as you say “I Do”.

Sydney’s Nor thern Beaches www.palmbeachgolf.com.au RYDGES MOUNT PANORAMA, BATHURST - Hotel and Functions Rydges Mount Panorama offers spectacular views of Mount Panorama and rural Bathurst. Our allinclusive packages deliver ever ything you need for your special day.

Bathurst www.r ydges.com/Bathurst THE BATHERS’ PAVILION - Event Venue, Wedding Venue and Fine Dining Restaurant Bathers’ Pavilion is an historic building that has been sensitively renovated into an iconic venue which is perfect for your wedding celebrations. ‘A little more’ encapsulates Bathers’ philosophy.

Emphasis is placed on creating a unique and memorable experience within stylish, timeless interiors, complemented by a warm, friendly and informed ser vice.

Sydney, Nor th www.batherspavilion.com.au THE EPPING CLUB - Function Venue We are Nor th Western Sydney’s most beautiful wedding venue priding ourselves on exceptional ser vice, superb food and Sydney’s best value all-inclusive wedding packages. If you have something special in mind, our exper t stylists can work with you to achieve it. From affordable packages to extravaganzas, we make your dream day a reality!

Epping www.eppingclubevents.com.au

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VENUES AND ACCOMMODATION

NEW SOUTH WALES THE PAVILION KIAMA - Function Venue The Pavilion Kiama is set amidst Norfolk Pines and positioned on the headland overlooking Kiama’s Surf Beach. With extensive balcony space and waterfront views, The Pavilion is a beautiful venue for your special day. Its picturesque backdrop makes it an ideal location for wedding photography with many beautiful ceremony locations nearby, including local churches, stunning beaches and gorgeous park reser ves.

Kiama www.thepavilionkiama.com.au THE WILLIAM INGLIS HOTEL - Luxury Hotel The William Inglis Hotel is a 5 star luxurious boutique hotel, featuring stunning function rooms and surrounding gardens perfect for your special day. Create your stor y with a truly bespoke full-ser vice venue offering tailored planning for your special day. Say “I do” in our luxurious gazebo followed by a celebration to remember in one of our unique venues onsite.

South-West Sydney www.williaminglis.com.au TINONEE VINEYARD ESTATE - Vineyard Accommodation and Events Being situated moments away from neighbouring award-winning restaurants, wedding venues, and all that the Hunter Valley region has to offer, Tinonee Vineyard Estate is the perfect setting for any special occasion. A boutique working vineyard, a cellar door ideal for intimate functions and two stunning homes, ‘The Residence’ and ‘The Dair y Cottage’.

Hunter Valley www.tinoneevineyardestate.com.au ZEST WATERFRONT VENUES - Wedding Venue Zest Waterfront Wedding Venues offers two outstanding absolute waterfront locations in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and Nor th Shore. We create unique experiences focusing on the highest quality of ser vice, food, styling and personalised event design. Allow Zest to create an experience unlike any other for your special event, tailored especially for you.

Sydney www.zest.net.au QUEENSLAND BRAESIDE GOLD COAST - Wedding Venue Behind the white picket fence on Gooding Drive, situated on just under two acres and located only moments from Broadbeach, we provide an elegant, polished countr y feel setting for your wedding day.

With choice of chapel or garden ceremony, pre-reception area and a marquee reception, enjoy the convenience of exclusive venue use and having your wedding all in the one stunning location. We look forward to welcoming you and your guests to the proper ty soon and helping you plan your special event with us at beautiful Braeside!

Merrimac, Gold Coast www.braesidegoldcoast.com.au BRISBANE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE (BCEC) - Venue Contemporar y, sophisticated, unconventional and more than you could imagine, set against the backdrop of an incredible city skyline in the hear t of South Bank. Award-winning world class cuisine, exceptional ser vice and unrivalled event experience will create moments that are truly unforgettable.

Be inspired by our unique collection of spectacular spaces.

South Bank, Brisbane www.bcec.com.au/weddings SAME SAME WEDDINGS MAGAZINE

VENUES AND ACCOMMODATION QUEENSLAND CELEBRATIONS AT 356 BOWEN TERRACE - High Tea and Celebrations Venue Exclusive use of this elegant private residence at 356 Bowen Terrace, New Farm for High Tea Celebrations, Pre and Post Wedding Photography (marble staircase, city views, Stor y Bridge), Bridal Par ty Preparation and other celebrations. Musical Enter tainment featuring award-winning solo pianist Alex Raineri, vocalists and other musicians who are also available to perform at venues around Brisbane.

Brisbane https://www.facebook.com/verchelehightea COOLIBAH DOWNS PRIVATE ESTATE - Wedding Venue Our awe–inspiring Estate offers a truly enchanting and romantic setting for your wedding day! We can create the wedding of your dreams with our bespoke outdoor ceremonies or our charming stone Chapel, with an abundance of photo oppor tunities. Our team will inspire you and create the celebration of your dreams in our open air fair y lit marquee, while wowing your guests with delectable food and styling to impress.

Gold Coast www.coolibahdowns.com.au CORAL SEA RESORT - 4.5 Star Resort and Wedding Venue Positioned on the absolute oceanfront, a shor t stroll from the enchanting Airlie Beach resor t village, lies the Coral Sea Resor t. The ideal location for your ocean front wedding ceremony, reception and honeymoon with a variety of stunning venues, each with breathtaking ocean and island views. Our experienced wedding manager will ensure your special day is exactly that, and so much more.

Airlie Beach, Whitsundays www.whitsundaywedding.com.au HILLSTONE ST LUCIA - Ceremony and Reception Venue Hillstone St Lucia is renowned for its elegant homestead charm, rich histor y and exceptional reputation in hospitality, making it one of Brisbane’s most popular wedding venues.

Brisbane www.hillstonestlucia.com.au/weddings LOFT WEST END - Functions Set above the bustle of Boundar y Street in the hear t of Brisbane’s vibrant West End, Loft offers dedicated function and wedding professionals to ensure that all the intricate details of your function are perfect, including mouth-watering food options, a fabulous beverage selection and faultless ser vice in a gorgeous and unique space. Multiple function areas can cater for your small intimate celebration or large extravagant soiree.

West End, Brisbane www.loftwestend.com OVOLO INCHCOLM BRISBANE - Boutique Hotel and Wedding Venue We specialise in YOU-nique weddings! At Ovolo, we build all our hotels on the philosophy of effor tless living – weddings included. To make it all the easier for you and your par tner – all Ovolo Inchcolm weddings include room hire, your choice of food and drinks, styling to suit you, all ser vice and wait staff plus an all-inclusive bridal suite filled with Ovolo freebies. From “I do” to sending the last guest to bed, Ovolo Inchcolm and our team of YOU-nique wedding specialists are ready to create your everlasting memories. We’re ready to get you wed, just say “I do”…

Brisbane www.ovolohotels.com.au/ovoloinchcolm

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VENUES AND ACCOMMODATION QUEENSLAND PETHERS RAINFOREST RETREAT - Accommodation and Restaurant Set in 5 acres of pristine rainforest, Pethers is a romantic adults only destination. Perfect for relaxation or a unique wedding destination, Pethers Rainforest Retreat is a spectacular venue in a truly magical rainforest setting.

Gold Coast Hinterland www.Pethers.com.au PRESTON PEAK WINERY FUNCTION CENTRE - Wedding and Function Venue Imagine your happiest celebration. Dream of breathtaking views and welcoming, impeccable hospitality.

Envision tasting superb food and enjoying luxurious, state-of-the-ar t facilities. Find it all at Preston Peak Winer y Function Centre, Toowoomba’s wedding exper ts. Situated only 10 minutes drive south of Toowoomba, the 330 acres of Preston Peak overlooks sweeping views of the Lockyer Valley and offers picture-perfect scenic spots for the backdrop to the wedding of your dreams.

Darling Downs, Toowoomba and South-East QLD www.prestonpeakfunctions.com.au QAGOMA CATERING - Events, Catering, Venue Hire, Weddings, Corporate and Art Gallery Celebrate with us... The Roof Terrace at GOMA offers an unforgettable backdrop for your wedding reception. Breathtaking Brisbane River city views and award-winning cuisine, make this one of Brisbane’s most desirable and exclusive event spaces. Talk to the Galler y’s exper t events team about making your reception ever ything you dreamed of.

Brisbane www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/visit/catering-and-events RYDGES SOUTH BANK - Hotel Creating the perfect moment and all special moments, takes time, a shared vision, planning and most of all joy. That’s where we come in. Rydges South Bank is much more than extraordinar y spaces and magnificent menus, it is home to a team that understands what it takes to create that special moment.

South Bank, Brisbane www.r ydges.com/accommodation/brisbane-qld/brisbane-south-bank/weddings SECRETS ON THE LAKE - Accommodation, Cafe and Wedding Venue Unique hand-car ved treehouses nestled high in the treetops with stunning views overlooking Lake Baroon, magical elevated walkways and ar tistic details. Experience our beautiful accommodation, award-winning café and stunning garden and lakehouse wedding venues. Secrets on the Lake has been featured on national television as the perfect romantic escape for couples.

Montville, Sunshine Coast Hinterland www.secretsonthelake.com.au SOUTHPORT YACHT CLUB INC. - Club and Wedding Venue With stunning views of the Club’s 300 Yacht Marina on the tranquil Gold Coast Broadwater with private beach, your wedding can be tailored to suit your dreams and desires. The Compass Room (on level one) accommodates larger wedding receptions, while the unique sun-drenched Western Lawn (with boardroom and grassed Eastern Lawn) caters for smaller wedding ceremonies and receptions.

The floating pontoon is perfect for wedding ceremonies and small receptions.

Gold Coast www.southpor tyachtclub.com.au

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VENUES AND ACCOMMODATION QUEENSLAND SUMMIT RESTAURANT AND BAR - Restaurant and Function Centre Imagine city views at sunset over canapes and cocktails, and your first married dance surrounded by the dazzling night lights of Brisbane. Summits style and elegance is ‘high’ above the rest. Your dream wedding begins here.

Brisbane www.brisbanelookout.com SURFERS PARADISE MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA - Hotel Whether you dream of hosting a grand formal evening or a small intimate gathering, choosing Surfers Paradise Marriott Resor t and Spa means you can experience 5-star hospitality in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. Discover the perfect backdrop to an elegant wedding surrounded by family and friends.

Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast www.surfersparadisemarriott.com TENNYSON’S GARDEN AT THE BRISBANE GOLF CLUB - Wedding Ceremony and Reception Venue Stunning setting, exquisite food, one location. Tennyson’s Garden at The Brisbane Golf Club is one of Brisbane’s best kept secrets, providing the perfect place for your garden ceremony while offering a heritage listed reception room and unparalleled wedding photo oppor tunities.

Yeerongpilly, Brisbane www.brisbanegolfclub.com.au THE CHAPEL MONTVILLE & RECEPTION - Chapel and Reception Venue Our stunning award-winning Chapel stands in a class of its own, combining traditional building skills, craftsmanship and unique features throughout, backdropped with beautiful views sweeping down over the Sunshine Coast to the ocean. The Chapel is sure to make your day a truly special and memorable one.

Sunshine Coast Hinterland www.thechapel.website www.facebook.com/TheChapelMontville www.instagram.com/thechapelmontville THE JOINERY - Event Venue The Joiner y, a dynamic event venue located in the hear t of Brisbane’s vibrant West End, is designed with contemporar y features, raw, industrial inspiration and pays homage to ever ything that connects hear ts, hands and people. Architecturally designed, with a striking lattice façade and customisable warehouse-style interior, The Joiner y is a fresh canvas primed for your wedding masterpiece.

West End, Brisbane www.thejoiner ywestend.com.au THE LANDING AT DOCKSIDE - Wedding Venue As Queensland’s Award-Winning Wedding and Function Venue with magnificent views of the Brisbane River, The Landing is the perfect setting for your special day.

Brisbane www.landingatdockside.com.au

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VENUES AND ACCOMMODATION QUEENSLAND THE RIVER DECK RESTAURANT - Restaurant, Reception, Private Ceremony Deck, Wedding Coordinator Dramatic sunsets, absolute waterfront dining and sweeping views of the Noosa River sets the scene for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The exclusive ceremony deck boasts a spectacular uninterrupted backdrop for outdoor ceremonies and the open style restaurant with warm balmy breezes offers a relaxed and elegant setting.

Sunshine Coast T 07 5474 1100 www.riverdecknoosa.net.au TOOWONG ROWING CLUB - Function and Wedding Venue A beautiful riverside setting where we work with you to help you create you own personal special day.

Toowong, Brisbane www.toowongrowingclub.com.au VILLAGE ROADSHOW THEME PARKS - Theme Parks and Accommodation Experience unmistakable charm, elegance and sophistication with five exquisite venues on offer at Village Roadshow Theme Parks. Be enchanted by amazing animals, exhilarating rides, exciting shows and spectacular theming that will take your breath away.

Gold Coast www.themeparks.com.au WYNNUM MANLY LEAGUES CLUB - Reception Venue Ultimate wedding reception venue on Brisbane’s beautiful bayside. Packages from $45pp including complimentar y styling.

Manly West, Brisbane www.wmlc.com.au SOUTH AUSTRALIA BARCOO FUNCTION CENTRE - Venue With views of the city and sea, personalise with your own caterer, perfect venue for any budget.

Glenelg, Adelaide www.barcoofunctioncentre.com.au EKHIDNA WINES - Cellar Door, Restaurant and Venue Ekhidna Weddings for 20 to 200 guests with first class food and wine, stunning views and ultimate versatility.

McLaren Vale www.ekhidnawines.com.au GOLDING WINES - Vineyard, Cellar Door and Function Venue With its beautifully-crafted sandstone Barn, surrounded by manicured gardens, vineyards, ancient gum trees and rolling hills, a wedding at Golding Wines is a truly unforgettable experience. Offering beautiful spaces for your ceremony, photography and reception, delicious menus and award-winning wines, look no fur ther than Golding Wines for your dream wedding.

Adelaide Hills www.goldingwines.com.au

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VENUES AND ACCOMMODATION

SOUTH AUSTRALIA TEA TREE GULLY GOLF CLUB, DIMPLES RESTAURANT & FUNCTION CENTRE - Golf Club, Restaurant and Function Centre Nestled in the foothills of Tea Tree Gully, the Golf Club is the perfect venue for your special day.

Witness the romantic views from our elevated dining room and balcony as the fairways are illuminated at dusk. We are consistently acknowledged by ABIA as a leading Wedding Reception Venue. The club can cater for wedding receptions up to 230 guests and perhaps you may like your ceremony on the Course! We pride ourselves on high-quality ser vice and can tailor our flexible food and beverage packages to suit your individual requirements. Let our Function Co-ordinator tailor your wedding with you to help prepare, plan and carr y out ever y detail to ensure your wedding day is perfect to a tee.

Adelaide www.ttggolfclub.com.au TASMANIA WILLIE SMITH’S APPLE SHED - Wedding Venue A beautiful old conver ted barn, full of character and soul, 25 minutes south of Hobar t. Flexible catering options from food trucks to a delicious formal feast. With a relaxed vibe, and ser ving awardwinning beverages, Willie Smith’s is a ver y special place to be. Capacity up to 170 guests.

Grove www.williesmiths.com.au VICTORIA BURSARIA FINE FOODS AT THE ABBOTFSORD CONVENT & THE REFECTORY WERRIBEE PARK - Catering and Heritage Venues From garden ceremonies to extraordinar y celebrations at either of our two venues, your guests will enjoy our award-winning catering and ser vice. With stunning gardens, cour tyard and reception spaces, The Abbotsford Convent and The Refector y Werribee Park allow you to enjoy ever ything in one location - from your ceremony to celebration!

Melbourne www.bursaria.com.au No.1 - Wedding Venue No.1 is Melbourne’s newest wedding venue and we cannot wait to help make your special day perfect. Set on the lush backdrop of Malvern Valley Golf Course, No.1’s light and bright, modern spaces provide superior flexibility for wedding planners. From intimate formal dinners to casual cocktail style receptions, No.1 is a blank canvas to create your dream wedding.

Malvern www.no1events.com.au

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Mia & Jasmine

Photography & Videography - Black Avenue Productions Hair & MUA - Eileen Yan Zagoršćak Styling - paper flower bouquet, boho backdrop with paper flowers and paper flower crown - Vespapercreations Bridal table flower and bouquet - Flower Patch Invitation cards, place cards, menu, gifts - Secret Esscents Mrs & Mrs Party Robes - Ivoryhaus Wedding Venue - Overnewton Castle Bridal Dress - Datto Bridal Designs

Mia & Jasmine

photos courtesy Qualis Photography