Isle Weddings - Issue 7.2 - Regional - East Coast by Nina Smith

EAST COAST

TASSIE

ISSUE 7.2

/ FEBRUARY 2022

l a n o i Re g

S AV E T H E

D AT E ! ISLE WEDDINGS

EXPO & MAGAZINE LAUNCH

SUNDAY 1ST MAY 2022 The Isle Weddings inaugural expo will be held on 1st May at MAC2, situated on Hobart’s waterfront. The expo will be packed full of exclusively Tasmanian suppliers and bridal fashions. We are planning so many new and exciting opportunities for our expo visitors. More on that to come, but we promise an epic experience like no other wedding expo! Our next magazine will be launched on the same date! Each guest attending the expo will have the chance to purchase Isle Weddings Issue 8 Magazine, showcasing the best Tassie has to offer.

CONTENTS 7 FOLLOW

Celebrate the wonders of Tasmania and the businesses that thrive here on these inspiring Instagram pages.

10 Q & A We chat to Hannah from PopUp Picnics Bicheno

12 C O M E E X P L O R E There’s so much to see in the north and north west - sights and experiences that can’t be found anywhere elsewhere in the world - don’t just get married there! Stay for a week and enjoy the region!

16 R E A L W E D D I N G S Be inspired by these incredible couples who chose to embrace Tasmania and showcase the best the state has to offer - in sunshine, wind, rain and even snow!

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18 E L S A A N D D A N I A L

36 28 C A I T L I N A N D D Y L A N 36 A L Y S E A N D A L E X 36 S P R I N G B AY M I L L

Weddings at Spring Bay Mill are always outof-the-ordinary. And none more so than their seasonally-unique Winter Weddings

36 E A S T C O A S T E L O P E M E N T S Caroline Bently - local wedding celebrant - shares her favourite elopement beaches and locations.

42 T A S M E R C H A N T S Isle Weddings is bringing together the most creative and talented wedding vendors that Tasmania has to offer. Here is a snapshot of some of the businesses featured in our magazine.

53 B E A C H W E D D I N G T I P S 36

Plan and prepare for your epic beach wedding but remember if something does go wrong - they are the best memories of your day! 5

ISLE WEDDINGS ISSUE 7.2 REGIONAL EAST COAST TASSIE FEBRUARY 2022

· OWNER/EDITOR NINA SMITH CONTENT WRITER HELENA GILHAM

· COVER J O N G A Z Z I G N AT O

· C O N TA C T PHONE: 0 4 0 8 2 5 524 8 EMAIL:

h e llo@is le we ddin gs .c om.au WEBSITE:

www.is le we ddin gs .com.au

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR “It never rains on the East Coast” or so they say! Well, this may be a little bit of a stretch but there is no doubt that the East Coast of Tasmania is our sunshine coast! The landscapes are stunning, long beaches with white sands and pristine water. Plus the spectacular pink granite rocks make a breathtaking backdrop to your wedding ceremony. So... the East Coast was the location for our second regional magazine. We’ve highlighted some vendors who reside in these sleepy coastal towns, but you’ll find everyone is happy to migrate there for a bit of vitamin D and a chance to be a part of your elopement or wedding day! Nina xx 6

MUST-FOLLOW INSTAGRAM

@swims_eastcoastcoffee

@lobstershacktasmania

@bobbyseaford

@herbertandco_honeybees

S C A M A N D E R , TA S M A N I A

B I C H E N O, TA S M A N I A

SHOPPING

TA S M A N I A

A converted shipping container pouring coffees and selling fresh goodies - the perfect pick-me-up for your East Coast travels!

Waterfront Cafe - Farm-style eatery with fresh seafood + fish and chips, lobster rolls and seafood platters! Yummo!

Curated design and homewares inspired by the Southern Ocean... stories, nostalgia and sea life!

Bee-tiful bees! Small batch, handcrafted wares, plus a close look at the world of bees and their cute fluffy bottoms!

FREYCINET LODGE C O L E S B AY

Find your quiet. For lovers these secluded pavilions nestled amongst the trees offer stylish simplicity and unimaginable comfort. find them on instagram

freycinetlodge

BEAUTY

with TAY LE E JOH NSTON

What inspired you to start your own business I have worked in the industry for 17 years and absolutely love what I do. I recently sold my business newsteadhair in Launceston as my family and I have relocated to beautiful Bicheno. I’m still just as passionate about hairdressing as the day I started my apprenticeship. I decided I would still love to provide a mobile service for brides across the state.for hair and makeup. I feel it’s such a privilege to be able to look after a bride and her bridal party on such a special day. What services do you provide My services include makeup for weddings or special occasions. Wedding hair ups or styles for special occasions. The best part is my mobile service! I will travel to you. No need to worry about appointments and times. Just sit back and enjoy being pampered on your day. What trends are you seeing in the beauty industry

Infused with your true personality and unique style. Jaye’s flowers are a wonderful seasonal composition for your special day. She is passionate about sourcing locally grown flowers, supporting local growers and working within the flow of the seasons find them on instagram

silvertreebotanics 8

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S I LV E R T R E E B O TA N I C S

NOEL PH O TO

Definitely still a mix of glam hair waves or out and natural beach waves. For the brides that like their hair up, soft textured up styles are a must.

CakeLab Shop is located in Binalong bay and delivers its beautiful creations anywhere in Tassie. They offer a unique experience with bespoke cakes and desserts, using contemporary techniques in textures, flavors and decor. Hand painted cake might be one of a kind for your very special day. More likely it will blow your mind how delicious and natural it all is.

website coming soon www.cakelab.shop find us on Instagram + Facebook phone: Irina 0476916979

POP UP PICNICS Pop-Up Picnic Bicheno is for the down to earth romantic. The bare-footed, messy-haired, wild ones. A picnic is definitely not everyone’s idea of a wedding dinner! But a picnic may just be perfect for those simple, (yet no less magical) elopements. Pop-Up Picnic Bicheno also do graze boxes, for pre-wedding nibbles, and graze tables, for those who want a picture-perfect spread for larger groups of people. Based in Bicheno, they work up and down the East Coast of Tasmania.

Q&A

with H AN N A H

What has been your favourite part of owning your own business so far? Working with one half of a couple when planning a proposal. It is so special to be in on such a life-altering secret! What did you do before you launched your business? I’m a high school teacher by trade! Currently on an extended maternity leave. I have two little boys. What’s your favourite lunch food? Coal River triple cream brie and lavosh crackers. The Tasman sea salt ones. Which small businesses are you inspired by? Honeyfig, now morphed to Dear Leone. They create magic. Also, the Little Picnic Co. What are you watching on the television at the moment? Awaiting the new season of Brigerton haha. But I did just binge watch the new Sex and the City! 11

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CL O D E

COME EXPLORE

If your idea of a perfect wedding destination includes delicious food and wine, sparkling white sandy beaches, and charming, characterful seaside towns, then it’s time to take a look at what Tasmania’s East Coast can offer. words R U T H

D A W K INS

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S M IT H

The region’s warm, dry climate is known to provide some of Tasmania’s best weather, making an outdoor wedding with a spectacular natural backdrop a genuine possibility. From bustling fishing ports to sprawling vineyards, and unique geological formations to crystal clear seas - there’s an abundance of delightful places for you and your guests to explore. You can be assured of a warm welcome, whenever and wherever you visit.

ST HELENS AND THE BAY OF FIRES

SWANSEA, BICHENO AND THE SURF COAST

St Helens is the largest town on the East Coast, and also one of the most northerly - around 3 hours 40 minutes from Hobart and around 2 hours 20 minutes from Launceston. It’s a classic Tasmanian fishing town with a bustling harbour, renowned for its catches of lobster and deep sea fish.

If there are any keen surfers on your guest list, they’ll be thrilled to discover that the East Coast offers some of Tasmania’s best waves. Between Beaumaris to Bicheno there are numerous popular spots with reliable swells and plenty of casual eateries nearby to refuel after time on the water.

There’s a laid back vibe in St Helens, which offers plenty of accommodation, quirky independent shops, and a range of cafes and restaurants - not forgetting the fish punts selling their super fresh produce on the waterfront.

Bicheno is the second largest town on the East Coast and a lovely spot to base yourself. With art galleries, wildlife tours, and countless beach and bush walks nearby, there should be something to please everyone. If you have time, you could also head half an hour inland to Douglas Apsley National Park. It’s a real underrated gem - home to eucalypt forest, waterfalls and deep river gorges - and a great place to recharge in tranquil surroundings.

The town is also the gateway to the Bay of Fires, truly one of Tasmania’s most beautiful areas. Postcard-perfect beaches, large granite boulders covered in striking orange lichen, and plentiful opportunities for walking, cycling, swimming and diving - a wedding or elopement in this region will be a memorable experience for everyone involved.

About forty minutes drive south of Bicheno you’ll find the beachside holiday town of Swansea - another great option for a few nights stay, with plenty of accommodation available. The winding stretch of road between these two towns is also where you can find a cluster of wonderful 13

vineyards. A lavish winery wedding is always an option worth considering, and you’ll find few in such a pretty location as this. But even if your venue is elsewhere, try and find time in your schedule for at least one or two tastings. Tasmania’s cool climate wines, which includes varieties like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, are among the best in the world. FREYCINET PENINSULA It’s hard to imagine a more photogenic wedding location than the Freycinet Peninsula. From the iconic curve of Wineglass Bay to the pink-hued granite peaks of the Hazard Mountains - not forgetting the tumbling rivers, luscious forests and your likelihood of being photobombed by some curious native wildlife - this spectacular spot promises to be unforgettable. The main settlement on the Freycinet Peninsula is Coles Bay, which provides a broad range of accommodation from rustic beach shacks right through to luxury resorts. If you choose to base yourself here, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to activities and experiences. From quiet bushwalks within Freycinet National Park, to sightseeing cruises, sea kayaking, quad biking or even a scenic flight - there are so many ways to explore the area and enjoy the stunning scenery. Of course, one stop that needs to be an absolute-must on your itinerary is Honeymoon Bay - a tiny, sheltered beach that offers spectacular sunset views. Don’t forget the bubbly!

THE SOUTH: TRIABUNNA, ORFORD AND MARIA ISLAND The southern stretch of Tasmania’s East Coast encompasses the towns of Orford and Triabunna, as well as the extraordinary Maria Island National Park, reached via a short ferry trip from Triabunna. With Orford just over an hour from Hobart, this region is within easy reach of the airport for interstate guests and has a lot to offer any couple planning their wedding. The southern fringe of the East Coast is home to a selection of renovated heritage buildings, any of which would make for a beautiful and unique venue. There are also long stretches of sand, and picturesque coastal reserves, hills and forests that are a joy to explore. If there’s only time to squeeze one adventure into your wedding-week schedule, it has to be a visit to Maria Island. With world-heritage, convict era architecture; unmatched natural landscapes like the beautifully patterned sandstone rocks of the Painted Cliffs; and more wombats, Tasmanian Devils, possums, pademelons and potteroos than you can possibly imagine - there’s genuinely nowhere else like it.

Friendly Beaches 14

Honeymoon Bay Bay of Fires

Maria Island 15

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SM IT H

REAL WEDDINGS

ELSA & DANIAL With the help of the popular dating app Tinder, Elsa and Dan began their adventure to find their perfect date in Surry Hills, England. Elsa said, “I had just moved from England, and I was living in Surry Hills, where Dan had just started working, so the timing of us coming together was perfect. We decided to go for a casual drink where I beat him at pool, haha! The date went so well we extended it to dinner and, from then, more dates and adventures followed.” It didn’t take long for the couple to form a connection. “We quickly realised that we were both very compatible. We shared the same values on things that we both felt were important. Also, Dan thought I was hilarious (naturally), and I thought Dan was super cute, smart and interesting,” shares bride Elsa. When Elsa and Dan moved to Australia, Dan surprised her with a proposal during a short weekend away at a music festival. “We stayed at a beautiful resort in the rainforest, located between Queensland and New South Wales, to unwind. Dan decided that getting down on one knee completely naked in the bathtub whilst I was overheating would be the perfect time to pop the question! I laughed, he got nervous, I cried, he got more

nervous, and then I said yes!” shares Elsa. The couple decided on an elopement in Tasmania. To make things easier on themselves, they engaged Lisa from Artaud & Co, a Tasmanian based wedding planner, to assist with wedding planning. The location of the ceremony, Thalia Haven, inspired the couple’s dreamy boho themed elopement. Thalia Haven, located in the Great Oyster Bay region, on the East Coast of Tasmania, is a private 130 acre, off-the-grid, stonebuilt luxury homestead. “The stone Mediterranean style home and dramatic sea landscape were perfect for us. The ceremony was under some olive trees with a breathtaking arch, provided by Nina from Style My Day, which was decorated by Carolyn, from Found In Earth, who did all of our flowers,” said Elsa. Byron Bay based Spell Bride designed Elsa’s perfect wedding dress. It was the first dress she tried on! “Dress shopping was not for me. I wanted something easy and fuss-free. I’m a big fan of the Spell bridal range. I ordered the dress, it looked nice, and it suited our laid back boho-ish elopement, so I went for it. First dress, and it was a winner!” said Elsa.

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P H O T O G R A P H Y Jon Gazzignato / V E N U E Thalia Haven / C E L E B R A N T Rachael Calvert Weddings / P L A N N E R Artaud & Co / F L O R A L S Found In Earth / A R B O R H I R E Style my day / M A K E-U P & H A I R Allie Hill Makeup Artist / D R E S S Spell / B O O T S The Bali Tailor / S U I T Institchu / R I N G S hlks 19

Keeping within the neutral boho themed colour palette, Dan, dressed by Institchu, wore a linen suit. “We decided on linen and a colour that would suit the surroundings and flowers. We wanted something fairly neutral and not dark”. As the couple reflected on their special day, several memorable moments particularly stood out. One of the most memorable moments was finally meeting the team. “They helped me feel at ease. Since we had no family or friends there, having someone there with us was nice. Even though they were almost strangers, it didn’t feel as if they were because they were all so lovely,” said Elsa. “Next memorable moment would have to be seeing my bouquet. I have no idea why but this was the moment it hit me that I was getting married, and the bouquet was just so stunning, I had to hold back tears. The moment that topped it was the ceremony with Rachel, our celebrant, saying beautiful words that felt so tailored to us and then saying our vows. I didn’t think this moment would be as special as it was (fun fact, I never thought I would bother getting married), but I cried and cried and let me tell you, the recording isn’t pretty! It was just so lovely to have a moment of just us saying how we feel about each other wholeheartedly. I felt like no one was there other than Dan, myself, the olive trees and the sea breeze. Lastly, that evening we ate and sat by the fire and talked about the day and how f*cking cool it all was,” shares bride Elsa. Groom Dan found it very difficult to pick just one favourite moment, but his most memorable ones include seeing Elsa in her dress for the first time. “He immediately went to tears, and he also loved the few moments we stood side by side just before walking to the arbour together. Dan felt so excited as if he were about to ride a roller coaster. Dan loved the intimate moment when we shared our vows, written purely for us. He also loved the moments where we put our quirks on the ceremony, like having a tequila shot (we made all the vendors join in, too) after our kiss. Both of us agree that it is our favorite day so far. There was just so much fun!”

CAITLIN + DYLAN WE LOVE TO HEAR HOW YOU MET! WAS IT LOVE AT FIRST SITE, BEST FRIENDS, SLOW BURN!? TELL US ABOUT YOUR ENGAGEMENT! WHO POPPED THE QUESTION? We met working at a cafe, and fondly quote Rhianna’s song “We found love in a hopeless place.” Dylan made the first move with a drunken call a few months after we started working together and the rest is history. Dylan and I had been half-joking about getting married for a little while, and one Sunday afternoon we spontaneously said “yeah, let’s do it.” We set our date and planned the whole thing from WA in only three months! We had a lot of love and support from our family and friends who made the trip to Tassie from around Australia and New Zealand. DESCRIBE THE PLANNING PROCESS/LEAD UP TO YOUR BIG DAY. DID YOU HIRE A STYLIST/ FLORIST OR WAS YOUR WEDDING DO-ITYOURSELF WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY? We were lucky enough to meet Mem, our celebrant over the internet, and then in person when she popped over to WA for a short trip. My dress also came from the internet (from ASOS) - I just wanted something light and delicate that would be easy to wear and fit with our outdoorsyfairy-forest vibes. The universe seemed to be on our side

as we changed our venue from backyard to Twamley Farm with only three weeks to go. We were inspired by the landscape of the east coast of Tasmania and wanted our wedding to feel intimate, charming, unpretentious and full of beautiful scenery. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MOMENT OF THE DAY? BOTH OF YOU TO ANSWER! ANY FUNNY STORIES (OR NEAR DISASTERS) IN THE LEAD UP TO OR ON THE DAY? Favourite moments: Caitlin: Twamley Farm created a beautiful path down the hill to the dry creek bed where we had the ceremony - as I walked down the “aisle,” I had these fleeting glances of our friends and families waiting below. Dylan: I enjoyed the moments alone during our photos, especially one moment where we were walking up the hill and it felt like just the two of us. Funny stories/ near disasters: We shared a house with some of our friends and were horrified when an outbreak of gastro erupted the day before the wedding! We hadn’t figured out exactly how to get our guests to our venue from the accommodation until the morning of the wedding, luckily East Coast Coaches were very flexible and sorted us out with a bus.

P H O T O G R A P H E R Fred & Hannah / V E N U E Twamley Farm / C E L E B R A N T Marry Me Memily / F L O R I S T Silvertree Botanics / D R E S S ASOS / C AT E R I N G Gert & Ted / B U S T R A N S P O R T East Coast Coaches 29

WINTER

ON THE COAST

A W I N T E R W E D D I N G AT T H E S P R I N G B AY M I L L I S FA R F R O M O R D I N A R Y

This summer has been a bit of a bust for big parties. But you don’t have to wait another year to have the wedding you want. Sure, spring and summer weddings are nice but we reckon winter weddings are way cooler (pun intended). Spring Bay Mill is a 43-hectare site on the East Coast with a bold landscape regeneration mission. Up-cycled from the former Triabunna wood chip mill, it is a sustainably-run events venue with layers of history and heaps of character. Weddings at Spring Bay Mill are always out-of-theordinary. And none more so than their seasonallyunique Winter Weddings.

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B Y T H E W IL D E

image Think log-fires, candles and crisp, clear skies. Wideopen spaces and sweeping sea views. Different shades of flora and fauna, flavours and textures. Plus, all your friends are there because they’re not double-booked with other weddings and holidays. Spit-roasts, heart-warming cocktails and winter veg from the Mill’s onsite organic garden are just some of the winter specialities on the menu of in-house chef Michael Santamaria. A range of onsite accommodation including cosy glamping, and fire-pits to gather around, will keep all your loved ones close and warm. The site also offers a range of added experiences such as tree-planting ceremonies and historical walks to make your special day even more special. Or for the more daring why not try the Scandinavian tradition H of A ST a IEcold-water ocean swim to promote health and longevity? Take the plunge after taking the plunge! Your Spring Bay Mill Winter Wedding will change the way you engage with the environment. Loving it in all its stunning seasons.

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S P R I N G B AY M I L L Spring Bay Mill are offering 25% off venue hire for all weddings held between the beginning of June and the end of August. Spring Bay Mill trayapana/Triabunna www.springbaymill.com

S A M S H EL L EY

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NINA H A M IL T O N

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K R IS K O T S O M IT I S

EAST COAST

WEDDING LOCATIONS words C A R O L INE

B ENT L Y

The East Coast of Tasmania offers many sensational locations to elope, be that simply an intimate beach to feel the sand between your toes or fully inclusive elopement packages. Whichever experience you decide on, the unique nature of the Tasmanian East Coast can provide some of the most stunning natural backdrops for your special day. Here are a few of my favourites:

FREYCINET The Freycinet National Park is a stunning location with the ‘Hazards’, the dominant pink granite mountain feature of the area affording the most magnificent backdrop. The Freycinet Lodge is located within the boundary of the National Park and offer elopement packages with Honeymoon Bay being the most popular location, be that on the intimate beach or a nearby flat rock outcrop to hold ceremonies. The lodge also provide their front decking area as well as the jetty as alternate locations for their guests. Saffire resort is located just prior to entering Coles Bay and has commanding views of the Hazards and also provides premium wedding packages for their guests. Swanwick is a quiet township along the Eastern side of the Great Swanport inlet and private beach locations can also be found in this area.

BICHENO AND SURROUNDS The area around Bicheno offers stunning coastal locations between Redbill Beach to the Bicheno Blowhole. Easily accessible is Cod Rock Point in Bicheno or a short drive North to Headland Estate at Seymour offer a couples-only ocean front sanctuary. White Sands Resort at Ironhouse Point has large grassy areas leading to the various beach accesses that are suitable for larger weddings.

FA L M O U T H The small rural community of Falmouth has a limited number of private wedding venues away from crowds and offer very private local beach locations. There are no shops here, just a pristine place to escape and enjoy the special day amidst peaceful surroundings.

B AY O F F I R E S Further north, a short drive from St Helens, are the Bay of Fires beaches, made up of 50km of squeaky white sandy bays and striking orange lichen-cloaked boulders that stretch from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point. 40

m o r e a b o u t ... C A R O L I N E B E N T LY MARRIAGE CELEBRANT P H O N E : 0 457 9 0 4 880 E M A I L : C A R O L I N E @ E L O P E T O TA S M A N I A .C O M . A U W W W.E L O P E T O TA S M A N I A .C O M . A U

I decided to become a Marriage Celebrant in 2012, after watching a tv news story about Tasmania becoming the first State to legalise same sex marriage. The next week I enrolled in a face-to-face course to become a Marriage Celebrant and whilst studying the various legal requirements I was made aware that it was a Federal Act that governed marriages in Australia. Bu finally… five years later Australia voted overwhelmingly in support of same sex marriage. In 2013 my husband, our cat Kosmo and I relocated to Tasmania for a sea change and live on our property, located just North of Bicheno. Since then, I have officiated at over 300 weddings from Swansea, Freycinet, the Fingal Valley and various locations around the Bay of Fires area. A wedding day is such a mixture of emotions for any couple. Nerves, stress, enthusiasm, happiness, and love. I really enjoy being a part of a couple’s special day, when they choose to publicly commit to their partner in life. I encourage personalised vows, as this is an opportunity to share your feelings with your partner. Being a part of a milestone event in the lives of others is an absolute privilege. Witnessing such a happy and loving occasion inspires me and makes me feel fortunate to have been involved. I always drive home from a ceremony with a smile on my face, knowing that I have been able to share a joyous event, that each couple will remember forever.

TASMERCHANT

T WA M L E Y FA R M

FREYCINET LODGE

Twamley Farm is a working farm on the Tea Tree Rivulet just outside Buckland on the East Coast of Tasmania. The Turvey family has been at Twamley since 1874. Traditionally farmers, the family is now hosting events, small gatherings and offering boutique accommodation both on the farm and in the village of Buckland.

Freycinet Lodge is located in the magnificent Freycinet National Park. Just minutes from Coles Bay, and dwarfed by the stunning rock formation - The Hazards - their cabin style accomodation is nestled amongst the native bushland. Surrounded by elopement ceremony locations, Freycinet Lodge has become a destination for micro weddings.

www.twamleyfarm.com.au

www.freycinetlodge.com.au

VENUE

R A C H E L C A LV E R T

M A R R Y M E M E M I LY

Rachel is redefining ceremonies one amazing wedding at a time. With a long background in hospitatlity Rachael has always had a love for celebrations! A passion for the wedding industry has turned into a full time job of delivering ceremonies that are unique and distinct with the right quantities of love, laughter and sparkle!

Mem is the new kind of celebrant... the actual legals of your

CELEBRANT

ceremony take about 30-60 seconds... the rest, in her hands, is an epic celebration of your love. No matter what colour, size, shape, sexuality, age or gender you are, she’s ready to get you hitched in a colourful and unique way - giggles are mandantory though!

www.rachaelcalvertweddings.com.au

www.marrymememily.com

CAROLINE BENTLEY

A R TA U D & C O

Caroline is based in the sleepy town of Bicheno on Tassie’s East Coast. She specialises in elopements and her aim is to arrange wedding ceremonies that are simple, meaningful and affordable.

Artaud and Co is creating magical weddings under the astute eye of founder Lisa! Lisa is passionate about not just creating weddings but experiences for her clients. From full planning and styling, her creative direction is intelligent, resourceful, creative and experienced. With Lisa at the helm of your wedding journey, you are guaranteed of the best possible event!

CELEBRANT

She is delighted to work on the East Coast of Tasmnania and have the opportunity to regularly visit the myriad of stunning locations.

www.elopetotasmania.com.au

PLANNER

www.artaudandco.com.au 43

FOUND IN EARTH

S I LV E R T R E E B O TA N I C S

Carolyn’s bespoke work on weddings and elopements is eclectic, textural and luminous. The composition and structure of her arbours are both ethereally beautiful and charmingly dignified. There is no doubting Carolyn’s genius when seeing her floral creations.

Jaye is inspired by nature and the beauty that surrounds her home on Tasmania’s magnificent East Coast. She is passionate about sourcing locally, working within the flow of the seasons and with husband Grant is growing and propagate South African and Australian natives for her wedding creations.

FLORIST

www.foundinearth.com

www.silvertreebotanics.com

ALLIE HILL

GERT + TED

Allie is passionate about weddings and loves being a part of your special day getting you and your bridesmaids ready. Soft bridal glam and smokin’ hot babe are her favourite looks, and she can complete your day with hair styling.

Gert & Ted is based in Orford on the East Coast, but they can travel all over in their fabulous food van! Their menus span the world’s diverse gastronomies, but all have in common the best of local ingrediants, cooked with passion and love.

www.facebook.com/Alliehillmakeupartist/

www.facebook.com/gertandted

MAKE UP ARTIST

FLORIST

C AT E R I N G

Our Tasmanian vendors are among the best in the country, even the world. We are an island of entrepreneurs and the wedding industry has a crew of talented, innovative and passionate people ready to dedicate themselves to your wedding day. It would be hard to find a more loyal, hardworking bunch of creatives in any other industry!

ALYSE + ALEX

The old adage “A picture is worth a thousand words” couldn’t be any truer when we first laid our eyes on the elopement wedding of Alyse and Alex. Their elopement was truly designed just for the two of them, with the addition of a surprise + one guest! As a couple, Alyse and Alex had travelled extensively however, their adventure together first began in Melbourne, Australia. “Alex and I met on a college campus in Melbourne back in 2008. It was a friendship that blossomed into romance after Alex showed a lot of perseverance at a campus party. We have lived overseas and Alex surprised me by popping the question in front of hundreds of people at the Trevi fountain in Rome, 7th October 2018,” said the bride. After a very romantic proposal by Alex in Rome the couple relocated to Hobart, Tasmania. “We moved back to Hobart 2019 and planned the wedding of our dreams but sadly it wasn’t to be as Covid made us postpone our

wedding, twice! Enough was enough and walking along the beach one day Alex said, “let’s just elope!”. “Not a soul knew (except for our vendors) about our elopement and we took a week off work for a “getaway” up the East Coast of Tasmania,” said Alyse. Now, just before you start picturing the couple driving towards the sunset en route to destination elopement, there is a surprise twist to be had for this story of theirs. “Two days before we departed for our elopement we found out we were expecting a baby!” What wonderful news for the couple. Now, getting back to the elopement planning. “We booked the elopement package at Freycinet Lodge and stayed in the pods which were so luxurious! On the drive up we picked up my bouquet and Alex’s buttonhole from our florist, Silvertree Botanics, in Tribunna and made our way to Freycinet.

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P H O T O G R A P H E R Edward Noel / V E N U E Freycinet Lodge / C E L E B R A N T Caroline Bentley / H A I R Katie McIntosh / F L O R I S T Silvertree botantics 47

On the day of our wedding, we woke up early hiked down to wineglass bay and had the whole beach to ourselves! Once we got back we had a cheese plate and sparkling waiting for us to enjoy while we got ready. I did my makeup and the incredible Katie McIntosh did my hair. Our photographer Edward Noel arrived and we barely knew he was there he just let us do our thing while he snapped away. We then met our celebrant Caroline Bentley, Elope to Tasmania, and found her to be incredibly sweet and relaxed. We walked down together to Honeymoon Bay in the sunshine and said our vows. It was so special. Describing their favourite moments of their wedding day, Alyse said “I loved being able to spend quality time with Alex straight after the ceremony! It was so fun to reflect in detail on what just happened! We went back to our pod and called our families (based in Victoria, Australia) to let them know the news. We got to have a 3-course dinner in our pod which was served and prepared by a dedicated staff member from the lodge. It was so nice to feel relaxed and enjoy each other’s company on our day”. The team at Isle Wedding’s wish the gorgeous Alyse and Alex the very best for their future together. We are secretly hoping to see a bubba picture one day soon too! ;)

BEACH WEDDING CHECKLIST

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CHECK THE TIDES

If you are thinking of holding your ceremony on a beach then it’s very important to get the timings right! Also planning any styling around the tides is a great idea. If your ceremony arobor is going to take a long time for the florist to set up, then make sure there is enough time for set up and the ceremony! No helpful if the florist turns up and the ceremony spot is in the water! BE SUNSMART

It doesn’t take long when you are out in the elements to start feeling a little weary. Provide shade in the form of individual parasols or large umbrellas to shade your guest. A water station on arrival is a lovely idea for guests to quench their thirst on a hot day. A big bottle of sunscreen is a necessity too! THE REST OF THE ELEMENTS

Out on the beach there’s nowhere to hide! Mozzies, wind, rain! Eek! Keeping the ceremony short and sweet might be the best idea! If you are planning a long drawn out ceremony, plan a revive station for when you are done. Cool drinks on standby will always do the trick! WIND

Short of bringing in a superior sound system to revival anything ACDC might use, there’s a strong possibility that your guests aren’t going to hear a word of what is said during the ceremony! Set up the seating as close as you can to wear the couple will stand. A semicircle arrangement of the chairs works fabulously! FOOTWEAR OPTIONS

Trust me, not everyone is going to wear appropriate footwear to your beach wedding. A big basket of thongs for those who only brought their dancing shoes is going to be a relief to your stiletto clad friends. SPECTATORS

Unless you actually own the beach, or are getting married at a private venue, then the beach is mostly public property. And hand in hand with public property comes... the public! There will be specatators! Everyone loves a wedding, even those of a total stranger. If you are a shy person, who doesn’t like the idea of everyone looking at you, then try and find a secluded beach. Most likely the only people using those beaches will be topless sunbathers! Ha! Don’t let us discourage you from a beach wedding! The aim of the game is to plan and prepare! With a little foresight and planning your wedding ceremony will be a stunning event. The backdrop of the ocean is a stunning view, the vibe of such a casual location will set the tone for a relaxed day and your photos will be amazing - no matter what the weather! 53

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