Wedding Insiders As the 2021 wedding season in Tropical North Queensland kicks into high gear, sadly the threat of COVID-19 disrupting the plans of hopeful brides and grooms continues to linger.
After a 2020 season many wedding vendors would describe as disruptive and taxing on their professional lives, 2021 is shaping up as a bumper year with locals and many interstate couples choosing to take a leap of faith and say ‘I Do’ here in North Queensland. We sat down with local wedding vendors, Marriage Celebrant Tammy Barker and Photographer Jason Van’t Padje, to gain an insight into the effects the pandemic had on the industry, their business and asked for ‘Tips and Tricks’ when it comes to planning a wedding during the restrictions.
Jason Van’t Padje THE RAW PHOTOGRAPHER
&
K www.therawphotographer.com Q @therawphoto
Tammy Barker
CREATING MOMENTS WITH
K www.creatingmoments.com.au Q @creatingmoments_celebrant
Best advice for couples planning their wedding during the pandemic?
J: If you find planning a wedding is stressful or overwhelming, I recommend investing in a wedding planner. They will help eliminate stress, anxiety and navigate covid regulations.
T: Always be ready to adapt, embrace and overcome! Have a Plan B in mind in case you have to activate it!
How did your business best pivot through 2020? J: With the increase of restrictions and a limited guests list, I focused on the importance of elopements. A few couples didn’t want to go through the stress of planning their wedding repeatedly and decided to elope. Elopements are personal, carefree and the focus becomes solely on the couple... not the cake, venue or styling.
T: I focused on all areas of my marketing, honed my attention to detail with current booked couples, and I didn’t allow the pressure of the pandemic to steal the passion I have for my business.
J: A 2021 highlight has been an elopement with Alex and Alana at Mt Mulligan. It started with a 30-minute helicopter flight from Cairns to Mt Mulligan Lodge and being treated like royalty by the staff once we arrived. The backdrop of the mountain and stylish couple during sunset was a dream come true.
T: It would have to be Maddie and Jesse’s elopement at Emerald Creek Falls in May 2020. Jason & I were part of a small vendor team who contributed to creating magic for this gorgeous couple in the most magnificent location. I will never forget those moments.
Can you share a career highlight from the last 12 months?
Favourite wedding location in TNQ? J: It’s hard to beat Port Douglas. The relaxed atmosphere, tropical vibes and location all come together to create the perfect getaway destination for yourself and guests. Most couples I document in Port come from Melbourne, Sydney or Perth. Everybody is holiday-mode, ready to celebrate, relax and unwind after a crazy 2020.
T: We have an abundance of exceptional venues to choose from, but one of my faves would be Fitzroy Island. The crystal-clear water, the selection of ceremony locations and those views! Laloli Garden is also at the top of my list for the stunning location, and the incredible owners, Gary and Jeneve Frizzo, are so accommodating to work with.
Best Tip for guests attending? J: If you’ve been invited to a wedding locally, make the most of this opportunity and plan a holiday (staycation) around the date. You’ll help local businesses and who doesn’t enjoy a few cocktails around the pool bar?
T: Please don’t be offended if you are uninvited to the new date due to guest numbers being restricted! Cut your friends some slack as no doubt it was a tough choice.
Big Weddings or Elopements? J: Porque no los dos? Why not both? This is the one day you can bring all your T: To be honest, I love both equally. I love the engagement and celebration that family members and best friends together to celebrate. It could be an intimate comes with a big wedding, but the intimacy of an elopement is so addictive. ceremony with a handful of guests or larger celebration with your guests camping overnight on a field. There is no right or wrong. It’s your day, you do what you want! Your wedding trend prediction for 2021? J: Not so much a wedding trend... but a trend regarding wedding planning. The wedding industry is experiencing their busiest year and couples are planning their 2021 weddings super early! With the backlog of weddings due to Covid, I recommend planning well in advance to secure your must-have vendors or venue.
T: We will see more couples eloping to stunning destinations, having a holiday experience, spending money on themselves rather than blowing it on one night and a large guest list.
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