Tag: i can't say i do without you

Inspo: Elopement at Bilam-Belle Bliss

elopement at bilambelle bliss shoot

This year has been a tough one for gatherings and getting together with all our friends and family for celebrations! It feels like wedding planning has been a minefield, with constant updates to restrictions and what can be included in our dinner and dancing plans! One solution to navigating restrictions (or even just the planning headaches that can often come with weddings) is an elopement! Elopements aren’t just “running away to get married”, they are an intimate moment created between you and your partner – where you can come together and be officially married in your dream location. One of our absolute favourites was this elopement at Bilam-Belle Bliss!

elopement shoot bilam-belle bliss
Flowers by Lolas Wild Flowers

Located in the gorgeous surrounds of Bilambil on the Tweed Coast, Bilam-Belle Bliss boasts beautiful tropical surrounds and absolute serenity. We partnered up with some of our favourite local wedding vendors to create this little elopement inspo.

gift box wedding styling
Our Bride and Groom gift boxes on display

This beautiful column style gown with delicate lace detailing and illusion bust is by our friends at Helena Couture Designs. Completed with a gorgeous bohemian-style headpiece adorned with floral details and those soft, draping details that perfectly complement the sweep of the dress’s train.

The navy hues spotted in the Groom’s attire and bouquet arrangements are carried through to the table styling by Emerald Aisle Events. Embracing the gorgeous greenery surrounds, styling was in keeping with the environment while adding some golden accents to natural wooden elements and crisp white runner matching the intimate, graceful feel of the bridal attire. Floral features by Lola’s Wildflowers provide the perfect finishing touches.

Please enjoy some of these other gems captured from our Elopement at Bilam-Belle Bliss. Our other superstar vendors include:

Venue Bilam-Belle Bliss // Concept & Styling Emerald Aisle Events // Photography Bulb Creative // Dress and Headpiece Helena Couture Designs // Hair and Makeup Lisabette Makeup // Florist Lola’s Wildflowers // Furniture Hire Arctic Fox Furniture Hire and Styling // Stationery Ray Meets Rose // Bridal Boxes The Bridal Box Co. // Cake Bake Boss  

Real Weddings: Courtney and Aaron

Courtney and Aaron real wedding

Where do we even start with Courtney and Aaron’s gorgeous wedding! These two are absolutely stunning and every little detail of their wedding was too! We are so honoured to share this little piece of their love story with you as these two are practically a part of The Bridal Box Co. family.

Courtney and Aaron chose a gorgeous Autumn day the stunning surrounds of the Gold Coast, Australia for their wedding day. The weather could not have been more perfect, providing a beautiful backdrop for their wedding at Braeside Chapel in the hinterlands.

braeside chapel wedding venue wedding inspiration

The couple stuck to tradition and prepared for the big day separately, with Courtney taking the opportunity to thank her gorgeous bridesmaids and Mum for all their love and support with our custom gift boxes! Courtney selected her personalised gifts for her leading ladies, who also surprised her back with her own Bride keepsake gift box.

Courtney wore Katrin, by Rosa Clara – a stunning fitted dress with intricate beaded detailing from White Lily Couture. The ceremony look was completed with an added tulle overskirt, creating a soft, dreamy feel. This addition meant Courtney could easily transform the look and feel of her dress to a backless evening gown for the reception. Ready to get this party started!

Our amazingly talented florist, Bumble and Bloom created bouquets and boutonnieres of roses, blue gum and pink peonies – perfectly complementing the bridal party, chapel and breath-taking reception venue, Poorinda.

Courtney and Aaron celebrated their perfect day surrounding by family and friends but could not forget their furry loved ones! Dressed to impress, their doggy attendants wore a bow-tie and flower collar.

The pair celebrated a second reception with Aaron’s family in London, then set off on their honeymoon, exploring Italy, Croatia and Greece in the spring.

courtney and aaron wedding braeside chapel wedding inspiration

Reception Venue: Poorinda
Ceremony: Braeside Chapel
Photographer: Figtree Pictures
Videographer: Myfilm
Florist: Bumble & Bloom
Dress:  White Lily Couture
Cake: Made by Courtney’s sister Ashleigh!
Caterer: VGC Catering
Hire: Hampton Event Hire & Superb Party Hire
Hair: Carlie Anne Hair Design
Makeup: Jessica Peacock Makeup
Suiting: MJ Bale
Bridesmaid Dresses: Shona Joy 
Rings: H&S Jewellers & Browns Jewellers (UK)
Transportation: Kombi Celebrations 
Bridal Gift Boxes: The Bridal Box Co. 

Real Weddings: Katie & Tyler

Bridal Party in matching pjs

Katie and Tyler were married on the 17th of March at Tamburlaine Organic Wines in the gorgeous surrounds of the Hunter Valley Vineyards – a special place for the two of them, where they celebrated anniversaries, birthdays and other occasions. Katie had been dreaming and gathering inspiration for her wedding for as long as she could remember, so planning went into full swing after Tyler proposed! The theme was “Whimsical, Natural Beauty” – a crisp colour palette with greenery and nature featuring exceptionally. The white King Protea is Katie’s favourite flower, which featured in large floral pieces around the ceremony and reception and also in the bouquets, which appearances from white tulips and roses too.

The Dress

The wedding location was classic and romantic, so the wedding dress had to suit – with a little modern boho mixed in too! Katie found the perfect figure-hugging, lace wedding dress with all the detail she loved in a style by Maggie Sottero’s Sottero and Midgley collection. With stunning crochet lace and elegant detailing down the back, it was everything Katie could’ve wished for and more!

The Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids were dressed in a mix-n-match of styles from Shona Joy in ivory to complement the colour palette of the day. To add that boho touch, the bridesmaids were gifted darling tassel earrings to wear. These were gifted to the girls on the morning of the wedding in our very own custom gift boxes!

“The Bridal Box Co. created me some incredible personalised boxes to place all my bridesmaid’s gifts in. It was so special.”
The Reception

Katie and Tyler know how to throw a party! They had a four-piece band to keep each of their 150 guests on the dance floor and an amazing evening filled with love and joy. As the couple cut their cake by the deck with views across the dam, a magnificent fireworks display lit up the sky and had everyone in awe.

These fireworks almost shone as brightly as the love we can see shining from these two! Congratulations Katie & Tyler!

Photographer: Samuel Jacob Photography
Cinematographer: Amico Films
Styling: The Wedding Designer
Bride’s Dress: Sottero and Midgley
Bride’s Accessories: Belles and Beaux, Siren, Samantha Wills
Bridesmaid Dresses: Shona Joy
Pyjamas: Jasmine & Will
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Tarocash
Hairstylist: Blanc Hair
Makeup Artist: Sophie Cate Makeup
Flowers: The Wedding Designer
Venue & Fireworks: Tamburlaine Organic Wines
Cake: Hello Naomi
Musicians: Elise Clare Music, Kylie Jane Music

Bride Advice: Choosing Your Make Up Artist

“The best thing is to look natural, but it takes makeup to look natural.”  Calvin Klein

You’ve found the perfect dress and definitely got that Pintrest board sorted for all the other finer wedding details, but how do you choose a make-up artist!? It’s definitely an important consideration in your wedding planning, because you want to be confident that your make-up artist is skilled to create the radiant bridal look that you’re after!

We needed the low-down on all things wedding make up, so we caught up with Rebecca Evans from Facescape Make Up Artistry. Rebecca has nearly 20 years experience in the industry and was happy to share her tips with our Brides to Be.

Q: How long should I book my Makeup Artist in advance for my wedding day?

Rebecca: You need to book your artist at least 6 months before your wedding. If you’re wanting a particular Makeup Artist, you should book as soon as your day is confirmed.

Q: What should I look for when picking a Makeup Artist for my wedding day?

Rebecca: When looking for the right makeup artist for you, you should make sure you firstly check out all their photos of past brides. Make sure they are real everyday people and not all edited models. Read their reviews. Lots of years in the Industry doesn’t necessarily mean they are better than someone with little experience. I know lots of amazing Makeup Artists that have only been in the biz for a few years.

Q: Should I have a trial before my wedding day and if so how long before?

Rebecca: Definitely get a trial if you can! Then you can feel at ease knowing how beautiful you will look on your wedding day. I recommend to have your trial around the same time of day as on the wedding day and keep it on for as long as you can so you can see how well it lasts. Take heaps of selfies too so you can see how it is on the camera. (Don’t waste it and go out!) I also recommend to get your trial about 2 months before the wedding (or more) just in case the Makeup Artist you have chosen is not right for you and you frantically need to find a new one.

Q: How much time should I allow for each bridesmaid? And for the Bride?

Rebecca: Makeup generally takes an hour each. I like to come with an extra hour up my sleeve for set ups and a relaxed morning. I don’t like to rush.

Q: Should I limit the amount of people/Friends/family getting their makeup done by my makeup artist on the day?

Rebecca: Most Makeup Artists can book up to 7 makeups on their own. But that means a very early wake up and no time for unforeseen hick-ups. If I get booked for 5 or more I bring a fellow makeup artist to share some of the load. It means a later start and more of a relaxed morning for everyone.

Q: What should I expect to pay for wedding make up, is it dearer than normal event makeup and if so why?

Rebecca: ‘Wedding’ makeup should not be more expensive than ‘event’ makeup. It takes the same time, same products and same perfection. And the bride makeup shouldn’t be more expensive either in my opinion. But many do charge more for the Bride’s Makeup.

Q: When should I pay for the make up? Before the wedding day or on the day?

Rebecca: Most of my brides have their invoice paid a week before their wedding. I also take a deposit to lock in the booking. It’s very common for Makeup Artists to be requested for the same date, so a deposit is very important. Some brides pay the balance in cash on the day. I prefer transfer so it’s done and no one needs to worry.

Q: What are some tips to keeping our make up looking fresh all day?

Rebecca: It’s all in the products used (and application). All Makeup Artists are always searching for the most amazing, flawless & long lasting makeup. I use a matte moisturiser, the strongest hd primer ever, and lots of setting power and press powder. If the foundation is set correctly and your primer/moisturiser is correct for your skin type, your face should not be creating excess oil that will affect your base. Also you should check that your makeup artist primes your eyelids. If they are not primed you could end up with creases and worn off eyeshadow. Using a cream/paste like eye primer will ensure your eye makeup lasts (and into the next day if you’re careful).

Q: Any other tips or recommendations for our Brides?

Rebecca: It’s a good idea to purchase a touch up lip stick. The MUA will sometimes supply a little bit of lippy in a container or card. But I think it’s best to just pop into a store and purchase one.

Image from: http://everafterdays.com/services/bridal-beauty-hair-make-up/

https://www.facebook.com/facescapemakeup/

Inspo: Boho Picnic Wedding

This year’s wedding trends have been hot! I feel like weddings just keep getting better and better and this year we saw flower crowns trending, interactive food stations and including your furry friends in the celebrations!  But we are absolutely in love with the alternate seating arrangements and Boho weddings that we have been seeing more and more of.

So we were so excited to be involved with this special styled shoot down near Byron Bay, Australia. This Boho picnic wedding was shot at The Vale, at a magnificent 50 acre luxury farm stay. This breath-taking location is surrounded by lush green fields, friendly farm life and absolute tranquillity.

Our friend’s at Click Picnic created a stunning and unique reception seating, with a gorgeous picnic styling that would be perfect for an intimate reception or even a personal picnic with you and your partner. Did you spot the best seat at the table? Or very own personalised swing made an appearance! Platter to plate created a grazing board fit for royalty and an experience that everyone who loves their antipasto must enjoy.

This gorgeous bride walked down the aisle in a couture gown from Studio C Bridal and custom white fedora by Fallen Broken Street.

We hope you love this Boho Country Affair as much as we loved creating it.

The whole team behind the shoot:
Tom // groom // @tommy_c_23
Katerina // bride // @siberian_princess_
@bumble_bloom // flowers // website
@cakemydaybyjo // cake // website
@clickpicnic // event hire // website
@cocoblushboutique // flower girl dress // website
@emilyjane_designs // earrings // website
@fallenbrokenstreet // hats // website
@gingerblondeco // bridesmaid dresses // website
@ivory.haus // bride and flower girl robes // website
@_makeupby_gigi // hair and makeup artist // website
@molossidesigns // custom-cut designs // website
@platter_to_plate // catering // website
@poppyandsagephotography // photography // website
@studiobcouture // stationery // website
@studiocbridal // dress // website
@thebridalboxco // gift boxes & swing // website
@thevaleaustralia // location // website

Bride Advice: with Chanel

Chanel and Allen became engaged in November and the gorgeous couple caught our eye when they won a LOOP Giveaway that The Bridal Box Co. was participating in. Chanel is ALL about the details, has great taste and a totally swoon-worthy instagram @chanelngarcia. 

These love birds have tied the knot now, but we had a sit down when Chanel was still a blushing Bride-to-be to talk all things wedding!

The Bridal Box Co: Tell us about the proposal? Did you see it coming, or were you super surprised?

Chanel: No I didn’t! He caught me by complete surprised and kept the ring with my Maid of Honour. We went glamping in Glenworth Valley for our 10 year dating anniversary and he popped the questioned by the fireplace. It was very secluded and romantic!

The Bridal Box Co: When is your wedding and how long is your engagement?

Chanel: Our wedding is in November, we would have then had a 2 year engagement. We’re thinking of having a cute little garden ceremony and reception in Camden, Moss Vale or Byron Bay.

The Bridal Box Co: How many people are invited?

Chanel: We’re planning on having a small intimate wedding with about 60-70 people.

The Bridal Box Co: What is the theme/colours of your wedding?

Chanel: Blush pink, white and gold.

The Bridal Box Co.: Let’s talk Bridesmaids. How many are you having, how’d you choose and how’d you propose?

Chanel: I have three bridesmaids, I surprised all of them individually. My best friend is my Maid of Honour because she’s been there through thick and thin. We tell each other everything! Bridesmaids are my sister who’s always been supportive and my cousin who I share my fondest childhood memories with.

Maid of Honour- We were playing the game “speak out” with the mouth pieces. I pretended to read a card asking her “Will you be my maid of honour?” She understood what I said but didn’t realise I was actually asking her!

Cousin- I made a “Will you be my bridesmaid” mug and dropped it off to the barrister before we met up for coffee. I waited for her to receive her order in her mug. She was so surprised and excited!

Sister- I came out with a card and a “Will you be my bridesmaid” candle in a gown at my first wedding dress fitting.

The Bridal Box Co: What did you fill your Bridal Box Co boxes with?

Chanel: A candle, nail polish, beautiful soap, customised shot glass, customised hair tie and a DIY inspo booklet (with photos and details about our big day, their dresses and their roles).

The Bridal Box Co: Do you have any advice for other Bride-to-be’s planning their own wedding?

Chanel: Keep an eye out for inspiration on Instagram and Pinterest. Keep a little planner to note down ideas and plans. Involve your fiancé and your bridal party! My fiancé and KIKKI K wedding planner have made everything easier!