The Elopements Continue - such a romantic way to tie the knot....

Photo from Whispering Valley Website

Last weekend saw another romantic elopement at Maleny's delightfully secluded Whispering Valley cottages.  Set deep in the forest about 15 km west of Maleny, these cottages provide the perfect escape from the cares of everyday life.  Perhaps more suited to a romantic get-away or a honeymoon, they were, nevertheless, a perfect place for a romantic elopement.

Anne-Marie and David chose to leave all their cares behind them, and treat themselves to a very special weekend away, and in the process, tie the knot in a very private, but romantic ceremony.  There was just them, myself, Anne from the cottages and Brian Rogers, the indomitable Sunshine Coast Photographer present.  Anne-Marie looked glowing and resplendent in her flowing gown tied with bronze sash and simply gorgeous high heels!  When Brian had them traipsing out through the bush paths, I was glad it wasn't me in such lovely heels!  With the very handsome David as her side, I am sure all went well and I am really looking forward to seeing the photos that Brian has produced.

David and Anne-Marie, thank you for entrusting such a special occasion to me and I wish you much happiness in your years together.

A wedding at Spicers Clovelly Estate is always special

I love going to Spicers Clovelly Estate to celebrate a wedding - David and Steph, along with the the indomitable Sam go out of their way to ensure everything is just as the happy couple wish it to be - and then some!
As we gathered for a rehearsal the day before Rebecca & Wesley's wedding the weather was threatening, but promising to clear as we all hoped it would because Rebecca really had her heart set on a garden wedding.
However - when we awoke on the morning of her wedding, showers that continued on into mid-afternoon were the order of the day.
Sam pulled a rabbit out of a hat by suggesting that we use the library verandah as the venue for the ceremony as, even though the rain had stopped, the ground was wet and risked spoiling Rebecca's beautiful dress.  In next to no time Sam had the verandah set up so that it looked elegant and quite lovely and, with the blinds up, Rebecca had her garden wedding whilst still being protected from any possible rain and the chilly wind.

Rebecca was a stunningly beautiful bride and her beaming face told us all that absolutely nothing, not even a bit of rain could spoil her wedding day.  And Wesley, when he first caught sight of his beautiful bride, well, I thought he was going to burst with love and pride!
Wesley and Rebecca - such a gracious couple, so in love and lovely - I wish you both many, many long years of joy together.

Married at last - they waited almost 40 years!

What an amazing story - as young teenagers in the sixties Allan & Helene were a 'couple' until life and jobs intervened and they each went their separate ways.  Almost 8 years ago they met up again and discovered the old spark was still quietly burning and it didn't take a lot to fan it back into full blazing wonderful life again.  And so they married, under the very special giant old tree at Halfmoon Hideaway in Maleny before their closest family and friends.

Working with this couple was quite an amazing journey from many perspectives - not the least being, that as we got to know one another,  we discovered many mutual friends from years past so that by the day of the wedding if felt as though we were truly old friends!

Dear friends have been such an important part of their journey so it was quite wonderful that so many were engaged in different ways, as best suited their personalities, in the wedding ceremony.
With a movie theme - Helene dressed as, perhaps Lara,  from that great love story, Dr Zhivago,  escorted by Jadryn the alpacha,  and Allan stepped straight from the Blues Brothers via the open topped Morris Minor that he arrived in!   What a couple!  What a celebration!

Their ceremony was as unique as they are as a couple and as individuals.  This is a love story that has spanned the decades and finally the wheel has turned full circle and they are finally back in each other's arms, where they will stay for the rest of their lives.
Gillian from Halfmoon Hideaway was an absolute star offering help, assistance and good advice as they planned this most unique wedding ceremony and celebration.
Allan and Helene - seize each and every day!

Winter Elopements in Montville

Winter seems to be the time for elopements inMontville - whilst all couples must to lodge their 'Notice of Intended Marriage' with their celebrant the required one full calendar month beforehand, (it can be done by email with the original then posted) with an elopement there is little else to organise - a photographer to record your special day, perhaps some flowers to uphold some traditions and somewhere to celebrate with a delicious dinner and finally warm, romantic accommodation for a day or two away -  all  available in Montville.

Wayne & Sue kept their elopement very simple - they arrived at my house late morning, we completed the final paperwork and they then got changed into their wedding clothes.  My lovely neighbours popped over to act as witnesses and we then proceeded with the ceremony.  This lovely couple have been together for 25 years and just never quite got around to getting married, even though they always intended to do so.  We celebrated with a glass of champagne afterwards, Wayne & Sue then changed back into their street clothes and headed off into the village for a spot of shopping (I believe 'The Candle Shoppe' was high on their list of places to visit) followed by a relaxing lunch at Elements before heading back home to Redcliffe to let their family in on their secret!

Simple, uncomplicated, very special and just what they wanted.

You see, a Montville Wedding can be just what you, as a couple, want to have as your celebrate your relationship.