Tag: unique wedding gifts

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  

Bride Guide: Maid or Matron of Honour?

maid of honour wooden gift box with white ribbon and pink roses being handed between two women, one in a pink bridal robe and the other in a white robe

You’re getting ready to choose your Bride Tribe and your leading lady to stand up beside you on your big day. But does she earn the title of Maid of Honour or Matron of Honour? What’s the difference and does it matter?

Bride Tribe proposals are made extra sweet with our custom gift boxes. Photo by Elsa Campbell Photography

 Traditionally the title of “Matron” refers to the Bride’s honour attendant who is already married, whereas a “Maid” is unmarried. This role is often given to the Bride’s best friend or sister, though we’ve seen a bit of a shift from this norm to include the Bride’s mother or even a well-behaved, much-loved pet dog.

Can you have both a Maid and Matron of Honour? Absolutely! If you’re wondering how the bridal procession traditionally follows when both are in attendance – the Matron of Honour walks down the aisle first, followed by the Maid of Honour, who will stand closest to the Bride during the ceremony.

Our gorgeous Bride to Be with her closest girls. Photo by Poppy & Sage Photography. Flower crowns by Bumble & Bloom

These days, most Bride’s choose to simply use the title “Maid of Honour”, whether her attendant is married or not. If you wanted to avoid using the terms “Matron” or “Maid” altogether, you could simply opt for “Honour Attendant”. In times when the Bride’s honour role is given to a male, we’ve seen the clever introduction of “Man of Honour” given to him. Likewise for the Groom’s party, we’ve seen “Best Woman” instead of the traditional “Best Man”.

Of course, if your honour attendant has four legs, you might choose the title “Dog of Honour”. Just make sure they don’t steal the wedding cake!

Courtney & Aaron shared their big day with their furry family. Photo by Fig Tree Pictures

So what do you think? Will you stick to tradition when giving titles to your Maid or Matron of Honour? 

Whatever you decide, we have you covered! Our “Maid of Honour” gift boxes can be found HERE and you have the option to custom your title to suit whoever is beside you on the day… no matter how many legs they have!

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

Inspo: Hen’s Parties & trending now!

Recently, we teamed up with Lenzo, one of Australia’s most awesome party planners, for a bit of an inspo shoot with amazing suppliers from across the country in Melbourne’s Neptune Food & Wine.

We wanted to draw on the hottest upcoming trends to create a Hen’s party that was both trendy and timeless. So Aussie Bride Tribes gather around and check out these amazing suppliers to help style a celeb-worthy Hen’s party for your leading Bride to Be and her last fling before the ring!

What’s trending now? Peach, Colour blocking and of course, Statement accessories! Putting that personal touch on your party and gifts adds that timeless and unforgettable addition to any celebration.

The amazing vendors involved:

  • Styling – LENZO (@partywithlenzo)
  • Photographer – Elsa Campbell (@elsacampbellphotography)
  • Venue andfood – Neptune (@neptunefoodandwine)
  • Flowers – Flowers By Brett Matthew John (@flowersbybrettmatthewjohn)
  • Cutlery, Crockery, Vases, Plates, Cake Stands, Props and Decor – The Hire Co (@thehireco)
  • Floor, mirror and table Decals – Pickawall – (@pickawall)
  • Desserts – Blue and Ruby Cake Art (@blueandrubycakeart)
  • Bar, bar table and bar stools – Place Settings – (@placesettings)
  • Gifts – The Bridal Box Co (@thebridalboxco)
  • Stationery, and Signage – State of Reverie (@stateofreveriestudio)
  • Hair and Makeup – Carla Dyson (@carladysonmakeup)
  • Model – Brazen Models (@brazenmodels) Danielle Collis (@danielle_collis) Daria Varlamova (dazvarlamova) Jess Lengyel (lengyel_x)
  • Women’s Clothing – Orange dress worn by Danielle and beige check dress worn by Daria (@elliatt) Beige and copper floral dress worn by Jess (@winona)
  • Women’s Shoes – Bared (@baredfootwear)
  • Photo Booth – VIP Photo Booth – (@vipphotobooth)
  • Hair accessories and jewellery – Peach It – (@shop.peachit)
  • Bags and phone cases – The Daily Edited – (@thedailyedited)
  • Drinks – Yellowglen (@yellowglen)

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/

Real Brides: Amanda & Carly

Our Story

Carly drums in a band, and we had a mutual friend who asked me to go with her to see this band that’s the day I met Carly. It was a slow start for us but eventually we ended up together and we thought we couldn’t of been happier. We got engaged three years ago after being together for only about 1.5 years. I always wanted one of those chocolate advent calendars for the countdown to Christmas. It was December 1st and we were having dinner in (stir fry, my favourite) Carly handed me this advent calendar, I was beaming with excitement cause I’m a chocoholic. She told me to open the box labelled one and there it was a beautiful engagement ring and that’s when our life together really started.

Planning

Our wedding planning experience was stressful and draining which is why in the end we decided to elope and surprise our guests at a party! The most important thing to us was that the day was about us and our life together not about anyone else and that our fur baby could be there to celebrate with us.

The Dresses

Our wedding dress search was rushed with 8 weeks to find something. We had no idea what “the one” was. We both went in with pictures of this and that and joined bits and pieces together, luckily for us Nancy knew exactly where our imaginations were going and created us both our dream dresses.

Special Touches

My (Amanda) dad passed away 8 years ago and we had a special button hole made for him that matches our hair pieces and it went out to his plaque the morning of our day so that he could be “wearing” it while he was with us. Archie our fur baby came with us to our ceremony and photos as well. 

Advice

Elope.

Only do what makes you and your partner happy.

You can’t please everyone. So take a deep breath and enjoy your day it goes crazy fast. 

Photography: Morgan Roberts Photography www.morganrobertsphotography.com

Videography: Julie Lowe www.julielowephotofilm.com
Ceremony Venue: Buderim Forest
Officiant: Josh Withers www.marriedbyjosh.com
Styling: Crown of Eden www.edentheflowershop.com.au
Flowers: The Elopement Collective www.elopementcollective.com

Wedding Dress: Nancy Khau boutique www.m.facebook.com/NancyKhauBoutique

Hair: Dollhouse Makeup Artistry www.dollhousemua.com.au
Makeup: Lilly (our beautiful friend)