Ruffles & Cake Edition 8 | Summer

EDITION 8 / SUMMER REAL WEDDINGS • CLEVER IDEAS • VISUAL INSPIRATION

E DI T I O N 8 / S U M M E R REAL WE DDINGS

: C L E V E R I D E A S : V I S U A L I N S P I R AT I O N

KEEN TO SEE YOUR BUSINESS INSIDE R&C? CONTACT US FOR A MEDIA KIT. EMAIL INFO@RUFFLESANDCAKE.COM.AU

WELCOME TO OUR SUMMER EDITION! The first of December marks the beginning of Summer, which means the festive season is well and truly upon us! For most, the start of the festive season marks the start of the countdown to your big day in 2015, too! Where has the time gone? As we kick of the festive filled month with a bright and vibrant edition of Ruffles & Cake, we also reflect on what a huge year 2014 has been.

To everyone who has contributed to Ruffles & Cake over the past year; I can't thank you enough! To those who've featured, I'm sincerly thankful for the time you've given to submit your photos, answer our questions and share your stories. The creation of Ruffles & Cake came about for one pretty simple reason - to showcase the outrageous amounts of talented and creative people out there working to make your wedding day every bit as unique, beautiful, and fun as you’ve always pictured it to be. We’re about real weddings, clever ideas and visual inspiration, from our very home of DESIGN + CONTENT SB CREATIVE CO. SPECIAL THANKS TO CLARE POWELL

North Queensland and afar - and you've helped us keep our vision alive.

In looking forward to 2015, we have some very exciting things in the mix. If I say anymore, I'll give it away! Let's just say I'm very excited for the future

GENERAL ENQUIRIES + ADVERTISING INFO@RUFFLESANDCAKE.COM.AU

of Ruffles & Cake, and can't wait to see where the new year takes us.

SUBMISSIONS SUBMITTIONS@RUFFLESANDCAKE.COM.AU

beautiful weddings in our Summer Edition. Matt and Erica, Allyce and

As always, I am so excited to showcase three very different, but all so Michael, and Marnee and David's very fun 'Taco' wedding (well, that's what we've affectionally nicknamed it in the office!). We are so excited to chat to

COPYRIGHT ©RUFFLES AND CAKE 2014 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

local Townsville talent taking on Australia, Mark Ferguson from Wil Valor.

As always, until next time, enjoy - and happy planning! Stay safe and enjoy this festive season.

S k y e B r e ex

EDITOR + CREATIVE DIRECTOR

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INSIDE EDITION 8 | SUMMER 14/15

what’s trending

fashion feature

he said / she said

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10

20

feature story

allyce + michael

matt + erica

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48

84

marnee + david

your voice

honeymoon

122

162

168

122 MARNEE + DAVID REAL WEDDING

168

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SUMMER MALDIVES HONEYMOON

10 WIL VALOR FASHION FEATURE

20 MEET BONNIE + LYLE HE SAID / SHE SAID

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WHAT’S TRENDING LACE, LACE, LACE!

LIPS!

SUIT IT UP

Lace has come along way since your

Keep you lips in tip top shape this

Suit up! If you wanted to introduce a

Nana's curtains. Ditch traditional and look

Summer. Lips! is a deeply restorative,

for a heavy, yet soft pattern rather than too

soothing and moisturising superbalm that

delicate and intricate. If you love lace as

rescues dry, cracked lips, and perfectly

much as we do, say hello to Kitsch Bitsch.

conditions happy, healthy ones. We love

Check out our beautiful bride Marnee

that the super talented Australian beauty

gracing our pages wearing Kitsch Bitsch

editor, Zoe Foster Blake (the other half of

from page 122! The best part is, you can

the hilarious Hamish Blake) is the founder

totally wear these dresses again.

behind Go-To Skin Care! Oh and it's all natural, too.

A GIFT FOR HIM

LIGHT IT UP

I guess it's just a tradition that (we

If your opting for a backyard style

hope) our husband to be will send us a bunch of flowers with a love note before the wedding, or jewellery with our date engraved for us to remember the day. But, what about him? Send your groom something personal that he will love or that may mean something for the two of you. Ideas? We love this personalised flask! A watch is safe, too.

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wedding, big or small - Festoon lighting is a must. A softer solution to the starck, predictable flood lights that will make your guests feel like the 'ugly' lights on a night out. They don't look like much chop, but as the sun sets the lights create the most amazing mood. But really, there's only so many ways we can say they just look awesome!

pop of colour to your wedding, adding it to the men in the bridal party is a good change; make it fun! After all, your wedding is a meant to be a fun celebration, right? Embrace the colour this summer!

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FREE PRINTABLE!

SAVE THE DATE IF YOU'VE JUST SET THE DATE, YOU'LL WANT TO TELL EVERYONE ABOUT IT; WITHOUT SPENDING A FORTUNE. SAVE ALOT OF TIME AND MONEY WITH OUR SUPER SIMPLE, SAVE THE DATE CARD. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS SIMPLY PRINT IT OUT, FILL IN YOUR NAMES, THE MONTH AND CIRCLE THE DATE OF YOUR WEDDING! ENJOY!

DOWNLOAD HERE

Something Borrowed. Something Blue. Something Old.

Something for You!

Diamonds

from Loloma Jewellers Signature Collection

Confirm your wedding for 2015 with

Roux Blond Catering and Events and receive a beautiful pair of diamond earrings.

To find out more email enquiries@rouxblond.net or phone (07) 4724 4018 Offer is valid once deposit is paid. Only valid for weddings taking place in 2015. Conditions apply.

www.rouxblond.net |

07 4724 4018

PHOTO. SEVEN SILVER SWANS

FASHION FEATURE

Well Suited Embrace colour and think outside the black & white box.

We share the latest suits to inspire this season from Wil Valor.

SUITS. WIL VALOR

PHOTO. FIGTREE PICTURES

P H O T O S . A L E & K I M P H O T O G R A P H Y​

P H O T O S . W H I T E I M A G E S W E D D I N G P H O T O G R A P H Y​

PHOTOGRAPHY. JODI MCDONALD PHOTOGRAPHY

VENUE #22 SUGAR WHARF PORT DOUGLAS CLICK TO VIEW THE FULL BLOG ON THE SUPRISE WEDDING WE CREATED FOR MADDI AND LLOYD

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HE SAID : SHE SAID MEET BONNIE + LYLE

BONNIE 25

LYLE 27

HOW WE MET he said Army cadets around 2002.

she said Lyle and I met at Army Cadets in Brisbane back in 2001. We were friends for about 8 years before we actually got together.

T H E F I R S T D AT E he said We went down to test drive a boat I was looking at. Then we went for a drive around the scenic rim Beaudesert area and watched a storm roll in.

she said Lyle doesn't class it as a date, but we haven't been apart since. We spent the entire day driving around together.

I vividly remember stopping for ice cream on the way home and watching a big storm roll in.

We laughed the entire day.

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THE FIRST KISS he said In the pool where I lived on my 22nd birthday.

she said A pool, at a party, 'egged' on by our mates (how unromantic)!

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THE FIRST I LOVE YOU he said On the living room floor covered in blankets, pillows and couch cushions.

she said Lyle accidentally said it first not long after we got together, but I let that one slide. He said it again properly a few months later. I remember it was the night after we had made a fort in the lounge room and watched movies all night. By that stage I said it back and meant it.

SMALL THINGS YOU LOVE he said Vegemite toast in the morning and beers after work.

Plus, always having someone to talk to.

she said Lyle finished painting the spare room while I was at bootcamp one night. After I got home and went to bed, I found that he had painted a big love heart in our room that I only saw when I closed the door. I am holding off painting our room because I love looking at it every day.

THE BEST MOMENTS he said Doing the outback loop, camping for 2 weeks and going to places either of us had never been before. And sitting on top of Big Red in the Simpson Desert in the middle of a flood.

she said For me, our best moments and my favourite memories together are just lots of little things that happen when we are hanging out. We’re very silly together and laugh a lot. It’s the simple little things that add up that make our relationship so awesome.

THE PROPOSAL he said It was on the beach watching the sunset over the ocean in WA. I am pretty sure I had to ask her twice as she didn’t believe me.

she said Lyle proposed while we were watching the sunset over the ocean at Cottesloe Beach in Perth. I was in total shock; I asked that he ask me again because I was so shocked I missed the moment. Then I sobbed uncontrollably into his shoulder while he was laughing his head off.

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THE WEDDING he said We are having the wedding back down in Brisbane with all our friends and family on Friday the 18th of September next year.

The planning is going great. Bonnie says "do you like this?" and I just answer yes or no - this works for me.

she said We are getting married in a little heritage chapel in Brisbane, followed by a reception at the old Queenslander style pub, at Old Petrie Town. It’s an 'Australian Bushy' themed wedding. It will be small with around 60 of our family and very close friends.

THE END. PHOTOS BY SB CREATIVE CO.

E DI T I O N 8 / S U M M E R R E A L W E D D I N G S • C L E V E R I D E A S • V I S U A L I N S P I R AT I O N

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REAL WEDDINGS • CLEVER IDEAS • VISUAL INSPIRATION

FEATURE STORY

ALL S

PRO BASKET BALLER TO MEN’S FASHION DESIGNER – TELL US ABOUT THAT TRANSITION

I was playing for the Crocs between 1998 and 2005 and I retired at the ripe old age of 25 and went into the

UITED UP

corporate world. I’m six foot five so I couldn’t find anything that fit me. I trained three times a day and was on the court for six hours every day when I was playing so mostly I was just in basketball shorts and shirts. I wasn’t overly interested in fashion, but I think I always had an eye for detail and an eye for colours.

The idea for the business came to me while I was on a basketball tour through China and Hong Kong. I had to get some shirts tailor-made and I started thinking

BAGGY GREEN SHORTS AND A BASKETBALL SINGLET WERE ONCE STAPLES IN MARK FERGUSON’S WARDROBE, BUT THE FORMER TOWNSVILLE CROCS PLAYER IS NOW MOST AT HOME IN MORE FORMAL ATTIRE. THE BASKETBALL PLAYER COME FASHION DESIGNER AND DIRECTOR OF WIL VALOR, SPOKE TO RUFFLES & CAKE ABOUT HIS JOURNEY FROM SLAM-DUNKS TO SUITS.

that I could do this myself. The business started on a part time basis and then became full time in 2006. I started Precision Tailors in 2005 and then we changed to the Wil Valor brand in December 2011 because we wanted more of a label rather than just a descriptive name. We want our clients to be proud to wear the brand.

HOW DID TOWNSVILLE EMBRACE THE BUSINESS?

I had a good network of people through the Crocodiles so I was able to call people up and tell them what I was doing so we had a fair bit of business from the get go.

From the start I was going down to Brisbane as well and was able to expand the brand because there was a real market for it there. We’ve had franchises in place since late 2012 with two in Brisbane and now looking at Sydney as well.

STORY. KATHERINE POWELL

"UNDERSTANDING PEOPLE AND THEIR ST YLE IS SO IMPORTANT TO WHAT I DO."

TELL US ABOUT WIL VALOR, WHAT’S THE

YOU’VE DRESSED SOME REALLY AMAZING

PROCESS?

PEOPLE…

I have tailors who make the actual suits but I design,

I’ve dressed Noel Rogers who has worked with Pharrel

measure and fit. I’ve been trained in colour impact and

Williams and Daft Punk and won three Grammy’s earlier

coordination so I can tell by talking to a client and looking

this year. He wore one of our suits to the Grammy’s parties.

at client which fabric is going to suit them best. This also

I just made Paul Stanley from Kiss a second jacket which

comes from about ten years experience. I’ve designed for

he received last week and loved which was nice to hear.

over 1500 weddings; our business is about 50 per cent

With people like this you often don’t get a chance to talk

corporate wear and fifty per cent weddings. We find out

to them about styles and patterns so I kind of just made

who they are and what they want and then design and

it for them. Understanding people and their style is so

fit them to make sure it’s perfect.

important to what I do.

WHAT’S YOUR PERSONAL ST YLE?

WHAT’S THE ULTIMATE FASHION FAUX PAS?

My personal style is more classic but with a contemporary

The ultimate fashion disaster for me would be pairing

edge or twist. I’ve got an aubergine coloured suit, a

a belt with a vest. If someone is wearing a three piece or

burgundy coloured suit but they’re very classic in their

just a vest with a pant and they have a belt on then it just

design. I wear a three piece generally which is my

looks terrible. It just adds too much bulk and loses that

signature and then I add accessories so that might be a

streamlined look.

bow tie or a colourful pocket-handkerchief or some funky cuff links.

WHAT’S TRENDING IN THE SUIT MARKET AT THE MOMENT AND IN PARTICUL AR FOR THE GROOM

Instead of going for a full suit a lot of guys are going for different coloured jackets and trousers. It can be a

WHAT’S NEXT FOR WIL VALOR

We are wanting to take the franchise to a more national level. I’m currently talking to some guys in Sydney to expand down there. I would absolutely love to have a franchise in Townsville at some stage and I think there is definitely the market to have one in North Queensland.

little more casual than your traditional suit. This has transcended into the wedding market. The only thing the man usually has to look after is the suit so we try to make it as easy as possible and get them to inject their own style into it. Instead of automatically matching the bride they’re finding their own individuality, which I think is cool.

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WANT TO SEE MORE OF MARK AND WIL VALOR? CHECK OUR WILVALOR.COM.AU

M A R K 'S T O P T I P S FOR DRESSING LIKE A BOSS

UNDERSTAND YOUR COLOURS BL ACK ISN’T FOR EVERYONE

A lot of guys are a midnight blue. Not many guys actually suit black. As a whole I probably only sell three black suits a year COLOUR IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE “PERFECT FIT”

You can get away with a good fit rather than the perfect fit if you’ve got your colours right.

GETTING THE FIT RIGHT

You can add an inch to a guy’s height and take off five kilo’s by getting this right. You need to have a little bit of shirt sleeve showing under the jacket – about one centimetre, the jacket needs to just cover their bottom but no longer or shorter and the shoulders need to fit.

THINK ABOUT YOUR ACCESSORIES AND DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE FUNKY

You need to make sure your accessories complement your suit but don’t be afraid to try new things and step out side the box a little. You can do some really cool things with a pocket hanky, lapel pin or bowtie.

UNDERSTAND WHAT THE BRIDAL PART Y IS GOING TO LOOK LIKE

Think about the colours of the wedding and try to understand them. What are the bridesmaid’s dresses going to look like and if your fiancé is open to it, find out if her dress is white or ivory.

You need to make sure you complement each other but not necessarily match.

ALLYCE + MICHAEL REAL WEDDING

RARE MOMENTS “We got ready at the house so all my siblings and their partners were there also getting organised so it was a bit of a mad rush as time got away from us. My mum, sister and I dressed in my parent’s room so no one could peek at my dress, and once I put the dress on it all turned into a blur. My mum and sister gave me some beautiful pieces of jewellery as gifts, so that was a special moment as it's rare having just the three of us are together these days.” - Allyce

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SURROUNDED BY HAPPINESS “We didn’t realise how special the day would be as we’ve been to alot of weddings before, and they all sort of feel the same as a guest, but it really is so different on your own wedding day. Though we were both nervous about having to stand up in front of so many guests with all attention on us, it felt so nice to have everyone witness how lucky we both feel everyday we’re together! It sounds a bit cliché, but it was so humbling to be surrounded by so much happiness and love on one day that really is all about the two of you. We also had a lot of guests travel, from Western Australia, New South Wales and even overseas so that made our whole day special! ” - Allyce

JUST THE TWO OF US "The ceremony was our favourite part of the day. Prior to the wedding I was so nervous about the ceremony and having all eyes on me/us, but it turned out so beautiful. Once I stepped out of the car with my Dad I felt so proud to be in that position, and also very lucky that everyone was there for us.

Michael and

I wrote our own vows and kept them a surprise until the day. I know how Michael feels about me but to have heard his vows for the first time at the same time as witnessed by everyone there was a very special moment. Though we had 200 eyes on us it felt like it was just the two of us at that point." - Allyce

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Q U I C K T O T H E A LTA R “We decided quite quickly to get married as soon as possible, setting a date for 16 weeks ahead of our engagment. By the time of the proposal Michael and I had been together for 8 and a half years and had a child so we wanted to get married without too much fuss. We spent about a week of mad wedding planning which (with luck) we were able to book everything we wanted very easily. We really didn’t do much wedding 'stuff' after that until about 3 weeks before. We didn’t deliberate over any decisions from invitation design to cake design, and (thankfully) it was very stress free. We had both our ceremony and reception at our family home in Ayr.” - Allyce

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MORE THAN MARRIAGE "For us, our wedding was about us as a family. Prior to having Darcy we weren’t really fussed on or in a hurry to get married but since we had Darcy, both Michael and I felt like our family was missing a piece. In hindsight it is so lovely to call Michael my husband and share my new last name with him and Darcy. While marriage hasn’t changed our relationship or how I feel about Michael it’s a lovely sentiment and makes me feel very fortunate." - Allyce

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THE PROPOSAL “Michael proposed in April, earlier this year. I was actually sitting in the kitchen getting organised to go up to Townsville for dinner when our son Darcy (17 months at the time) carried over to me a huge bunch of fresh flowers with a little card (asking Mummy to marry Daddy), and before I could really read it properly Michael was there on one knee with the most beautiful ring. It was lovely to have Darcy involved and made it such a special family memory. � - Allyce

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THE DRESS “My dress was a Rachel Gilbert evening gown. I actually didn’t try on any wedding dresses after we got engaged, as I’d seen Rachel's most recent collection earlier in the year and knew that was the style I wanted to wear to marry Michael. I hadn’t tried it on until it arrived in the mail and was already mine!

The dress had an ivory beaded bodice with a beaded peplum and fitted bottom. I had a local dressmaker make a veil for me to make it a bit 'bridey' and she also added a small train. It was simple and elegant. I wanted something classic for both myself and my sister (my bridesmaid – who wore an ivory Camilla & Marc structured cocktail dress) so when we look back in 40 years it doesn’t make us cringe too much. I wanted a dress that was just 'me' and I could feel and look like myself in. The gown I chose was perfect for me.” - Allyce

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THE RECEPTION “While we were off getting photos, back at the house the bar was open and cold platters were served. I loved that our reception was easy going.

We returned from photos and warm cocktail platters were served with speeches, followed later by our joint speech, cutting of the cake and our first dance. Once the speeches were done everything flowed really smoothly and casually.

It was so lovely to look around and see everyone mingling – which was what we were hoping to achieve with our cocktail style. My favourite detail was the festoon lighting (which Michael strung across the backyard); it looked so magical and made our reception so different to a lot of others we have been to. Another touch I loved was our surprise for my Dad. Michael and one of my brother’s found a Pub Licensee plaque in my parents shed from when we lived in a pub in NSW where my dad was the publican. The boys put it on the front of the bar and it looked great.” - Allyce

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THE VISION “We both wanted an outdoor cocktail wedding that was simple yet elegant. My parent’s have a beautiful new home with large yard which inspired our wedding day. The main focus for our ceremony was the pool and then for the reception my wonderful new husband made 200 metres of festoon lighting to string across the yard as a ceiling which was a beautiful feature.

We wanted it to be like a fancy party rather than a formal wedding and it was all based around the beautiful lighting, other than that we didn’t need many decorations. ” - Allyce

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WORDS OF WISDOM “I think it’s really important to remember that at the end of the day we all end up with the same thing, a marriage certificate – and as a bride-to-be, just remind yourself during the engagement period that the whole point of the day is to marry the person you love and to make them your husband/wife, really nothing else matters that much.” - Allyce

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THE SUPPLIERS Dress Rachel Gilbert Veil Sandi Milani Suit Roger David Bridesmaids Camilla & Marc Shoes Zu Shoes Florist Dotty Daisy Flowers (Ayr) Hair Dolce Capelli - Carmela Vasta Makeup Chica Guapa - Lourdes Achurra Photographer SB Creative Co. Rings Susan Ryan (private jeweller in Canberra) Cake Mrs Teresa Scuderi Entertainment / Music Shane Scholefield Celebrant Aimee Cursio Ceremony & Reception Family home, Ayr Hire through Ede Events Catering Fusion (Ayr)

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GET THE LOOK ALLYCE + MICHAEL

Print Printable scripture art wall art decor / PrintableWisdom, Etsy Earrings Monica Statement Drop Earrings / Forever New Ring Brianna Bow Ring / Forever New Fragrance Black Opium / Yves Saint Laurent, Myer Heels Banish Evening / Zu Shoe

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ERICA + MATT REAL WEDDING

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ALL UNDER CONTROL "My mum, my bridesmaids and I had a great morning, I was extremely relaxed and I knew that everything was under control. I had my 2 best friends, Katie and Kate and my 2 sisters Lauren and Brydie as my bridesmaids by my side. A little tip; make a play list of your favourite party music and just relax! I loved mine thanks to my sister Brydie!" - Erica

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A GIFT LIKE NO OTHER "Matt and I decided to give each other a small gift on the morning of our wedding, and I'd have to say receiving my gift was one of my favourite moments from our day. When I found the little blue box I couldn't contain myself and let out a squeal - excitingly my first gift from Tiffany & Co. Inside I found something so much more meaningful than I expected. It was a silver bracelet with an engraved charm. I was managing to hold the tears back at that stage, so very conscious of not ruining my makeup but once I took a closer look at the charm all bets were off! Matt had our monogram of 'M&E' (matching the design of our bridal table runner) engraved on one side; which I thought was just so cute and thoughtful. On the other side the charm said 'I love you' ... so perfect and so simple. It said it all and it was all I needed to rid me of any nerves." - Erica

THE DRESS "I loved it from the moment I put it on. I did not want to take it off and I really knew from the moment I looked in the mirror that I had found my dress. After many discussions with my mum and a few trails, I decided on a simple black grosgrain sash to replace the ivory one that originally went with the dress, it added texture and a modern edge to my very classic gown. I had so many comments on and after our day about how stunning it looked. I paired my dress with an ivory raw edge cathedral length blusher veil for that traditional 'bridal’ look, it made me feel even more elegant." - Erica

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KEEPING WITH TRADITION "As I have always loved everything weddings I wanted to do the traditional - something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. My 'something new' was my garter that my mother in law made for me, it is ivory lace with a pink bow and a Princess castle Pandora charm stitched onto it, she gave it to me at my bridal shower. I was really lovely to wear something so personal and special." - Erica

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SOMETHING OLD "Something old and borrowed had been chosen many years ago, it was actually a big factor in choosing my dress. It was a necklace handed down from my great grandmother to my mum. 3 strands of cream pearls, I can remember my mum showing me when I was younger and I always knew I would wear them on my wedding day. It was such a special moment between my mum and I when she placed them around my neck - I am actually getting emotional thinking about it now." - Erica

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NO ONE CRIES ALONE "I was a little nervous but when it was just myself and my dad waiting to walk in I told him I was feeling really 'pumped'. I was excited that the moment I had been waiting for 6 years had finally arrived. Even though I am a very emotional person I didn’t really feel the tears coming, until I heard our song (Bridge Over Troubled Water by Johnny Cash and Fiona Apple) playing. I was completely overcome with joy and I certainly wasn’t alone. In my family no one cry’s alone, its like a domino effect! It can’t go unsaid that Matt’s eye were not dry either." - Erica

THE CEREMONY “Our ceremony was on the Plantation Deck at the Mercure Townsville.

All the nerves we felt really just melted away when you see each other for the first time, and remember what this day is all about. Its such a relief to finally be together. Those nerves all just disappear because that person that you always depend on to get you through times of stress or nervousness is finally holding your hands and you realise that, thats how its going to be for the rest of your lives, how exciting!" - Erica

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SIMPLICITY IS KEY "We kept things really simple. We went with fairly straight forward vows choosing to write our own words for the exchanging of rings only. We wrote them together and decided to stick to something classic and simple." - Erica

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THE PROPOSAL “We had my engagement ring made by the talented Angelo from Loloma but I did not know when it was ready, or that Matt had collected it! Matt suggested that we take a trip up to Wallaman Falls one morning for sunrise. Although I was somewhat suspicious on what Matt had planned, the early rise and drive did allow my mind to wander elsewhere and forget about the imminent proposal. As the sun was rising we walked to the lookout and were completely in awe of the breathtaking views, by this time I was well and truly distracted. I was taking some photos of the falls when Matt, who was standing behind me, asked me to turn around. When I did I found him on one knee asking me to marry him. Tears were flowing and we both couldn’t wipe the smiles from our faces. It was perfect.” - Erica

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A TOUCH OF ELEGANCE “We knew right from the start that we wanted our day to be timeless and simple, but we wanted to make sure that certain elements were special to us too. When it came to my personal styling, I did draw inspiration from Audrey Hepburn; always looking timeless and understated but so elegantly beautiful.

We went with a classic black and white theme, and although I was worried that it was a little cliché to start with, but by adding touches of blush and gold we created a really elegant feel and something a little different.” - Erica

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TA K E O N M A R R I A G E "We have always talked about marriage together, and although it took Matt a little longer to get there than I did, I know that we view marriage in the same way. It was never about the big white wedding (as wonderful as it was) or even the Mr. and Mrs. part for us, it’s more about letting everyone know that we love each other so wholly that we want to spend the rest of our lives together. That even when, especially when, times are tough, we want each other to be that one person to be there holding our hand and getting us through it. That one person that we come rushing home to when something amazing happens, and the one person we want to share those hilarious 'hurt your stomach' moments with. Marriage to us also means that we don’t have to be perfect, we can have our flaws in ourselves and we will love each other despite that. We will have moments where we won’t see eye to eye, but marriage to us is always coming back to each other and loving each other anyway." - Erica

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THE RECEPTION "The Banquet Centre was the perfect choice for us. It fit in with our theme perfectly and even inspired us to incorporate the touches of gold into our colour scheme. The staff were wonderful and the food was perfect as always.

We decided to have canapĂŠs prior to the reception, however we broke tradition and joined our guests, giving us more time to spend mingling with them before we were seated." - Erica

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A TOUCH OF DIY "We had around 70 guests seated at 3 long banquet style tables highlighted by black and white striped runners and simple arrangements of blush roses. Although we did not have a small number of guests our reception really did feel very intimate. Matt’s mum Anne and his Nanna Daphne made the black and white striped table runners which were about 11 metres in length! They created such a dramatic and elegant effect. My very good friend Felicity hand painted our monogram on our bridal table runner - it looked so stunning and we both just loved having that personal touch. My mum Janine and friend Kate helped me fold our napkins, and Matt also very cleverly made our cake stand (in the final days) which made our gorgeous cake look even more spectacular!" - Erica

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S E N T I M E N TA L M O M E N T "One of my personal favourite moments from our reception was dancing with my dad. He knew that we would have a chance for a special dance together, however I kept the song choice from him until the moment and his reaction was well worth it. I chose Edelweiss from The Sound of Music. Dad had sung it to my sisters and I as a lullaby when we were growing up. It was a very emotional but special moment for both my Dad and I, and I am so glad that our photographer Skye captured the moment perfectly." - Erica

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THE SUPPLIERS Ceremony The Mercure Townsville Dress Alfred Angelo, The Fashion Gallery Alterations by Liz Zappala Veil Big Rock Bridal, Etsy Bridesmaids Forever New Grooms suit YD Florist Townsville Wedding Flowers and Designs Cake Paper and String Hair Stephanie Blucher Hairdressing Makeup Beauty Blessings by Nix Photographer & Videographer SB Creative Co. Rings Loloma Jewellers Celebrant Amanda Medill Reception The Banquet Centre

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GET THE LOOK ERICA + MATT

Earrings Isabelle Pear Halo Stud / Forever New Craft Trim Sequinned Ribbon / Typo Dress Zara Lace Bodycon Dress / Forever New Glass LSA Malika Grand' Cocktail Glass 350ml Gold Spiral Set of 2 / Myer Fragrance Giorgio Armani Si EDP / Myer

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Mercure

Summer wedding special Includes:

Plated 2 course

$75pp

PL ATED MENU Main meal and wedding cake served as dessert ROOM HIRE from 6pm until midnight (Deck 11pm) PLUS Wait staff and personal bridal party waiter, white linen and skirting for bridal table cake, gift and present table, dance floor and basic AV. BONUS COMPLIMENTARY accomodation and breakfast for the bride and groom.

PLUS YOUR CHOICE OF ONE PACKAGE FROM THE TWO AMAZING BONUS OFFERS. TO FIND OUT MORE OR TO BOOK, CALL 4759 4908

OFFER BASED ON MINIMUM OF 70 GUESTS. VALID JANUARY 2015 TO JUNE 2015.

SUBJECT TO AVAIL ABILIT Y. CONDITIONS APPLY.

MERCURE TOWNSVILLE WOOLCOCK ST TOWNSVILLE WWW.MERCURE.COM

psst... save the date!

W ED D IN G EX PO 18 JA N U A R Y 20 15 9.3 0A M - 12 .30 PM

MARNEE + DAVID DESTINATION WEDDING / BRISBANE

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ARM IN ARM "We were at a friend’s wedding on the Sunshine Coast a few weeks before ours and I bought an old heart pendant from an antique shop. Dave had it engraved with a little message and gave me it on our wedding day – the most romantic thing that man has done! I also wore my sisters earrings, and my great grandmothers brooch." - Marnee

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DIY “My good friend Sam and I were always doing crafty things while at uni together. The day before I asked her to make a flower crown – having never made one before she came through with the goods on the morning of the wedding; wildly hungover, and did an amazing job!” - Marnee

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ARM IN ARM "I was nervous about standing in front of everyone but we mingled before the ceremony so that helped. I still wanted to walk in with my dad, so we walked through the kitchen together onto the deck!" - Marnee

THE CEREMONY “We initially thought we would have the ceremony at the Registry but were convinced otherwise. A friend of a friend was the celebrant and she kept it as simple as she could.

We tied the knot in the backyard of Dave’s sister and brother in law Elizabeth & Ben’s house in Brisbane – a beautiful Queenslander with a big deck, backyard and chooks.” - Marnee

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C E L E B R AT E L O V E "To us, marriage means two people showing their commitment to each other. We wanted to keep the day as simple as possible to not forget the reason why we were getting married – to celebrate our love with the people we love." - Marnee

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A S T H E Y S AY. . . “We met through my cousin Aaron at high school at Pimlico High. Dave was in the year below me. Over the years we kept in contact and when I moved down to Brisbane for work we started hanging out again. We went to a music festival together and it was pouring with rain, Dave put his hand around my shoulders and as they say the rest is history.� - Marnee

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THE DRESS "I found it so hard to find a 'non bride-y' dress, I wanted something casual that wouldn’t look too out of place in a backyard! I was lucky to find something online. The lady [from Kitsch Bitsch] was so lovely. She express posted me the dress the next day. Vintage lace – loved it!" - Marnee

T H E I N S P I R AT I O N “If we were to describe our day, it would be a casual backyard wedding with a bit of Mexican theme. Dave and I spent some of 2012 cycle touring through Central and South America. With 8 hour days on a pushbike and camping by the side of the road, we figured if we can survive that together we can probably put up with each other for the rest of our lives (that’s not very romantic is it…!) Mexico was one of our favourite countries – the food, the colours, the people – so amazing!” - Marnee

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THE PROPOSAL “We aren’t really the proposal kind of couple….we talked about it and decided to go for it. The most important thing for us was to have our closest family and friends with us. My sister lives in France and my brother in USA, and Dave’s family is spread around the east coast – as long as they could all make it to the same place at the same time then we had a wedding!” - Marnee

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G O O D C O M PA N Y "Our reception was amazing. I can't begin to describe the feeling you get when you see all your family and friends from different parts of your life all getting along! Dave's brother in law DJ'd to the wee hours of the morning while we smashed pi単atas and ate lollies. There was lots of dancing, good food and tequila shots!" - Marnee

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M E X I C A N F I E S TA "The one thing Dave really wanted was to cater for the food ourselves, and to be honest it was one of my favourite parts. We spent the day before the wedding with our nearest and dearest (or those who we could convince to help!) chopping vegies and preparing meals. We felt so lucky to have so many good friends who lent a hand. We had a few of our lovely friends cooking and serving the food on the day. We went with a Mexican BBQ; tacos and salads – you can’t go wrong! There was even a 'second dinner'. The BBQ got fired up again and all the left overs were eaten! Family and friends made desserts for us, too; pavlova, lamingtons and brownies!" - Marnee

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M A K E I T Y O U R D AY “Just do what feels right for you.” - Marnee

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GET THE LOOK MARNEE + DAVID

Towel Roundie 'The Aztec' towel / The Beach People Wedge Bridey, Tan Jaz / Tony Bianco Bow Tie BLAQ Navy Geometric Bow / Myer Earrings Janice Faceted Stone Earrings / Forever New Flamingos Pink Flamingos - Garden Ornaments (Set of 2) / Milan Direct

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THE SUPPLIERS Dress Kitsch Bitsch Bride's shoes Tony Bianco Suit Politix Bow Tie Wellington, David Jones Groom's shoes Belmore Ceremony + Reception Groom’s sister and brother in law’s house - Brisbane Rings Engagement Ring - Tyabb Packing House (Victoria) Makeup MAC Hair Chester and Leopold Photographer Jess Jackson Photographer Music Spotify playlist Celebrant Claire Julitcher Lights FireFly

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YOUR VOICE WE ASKED YOU YOUR OPINION FACEBOOK. THIS IS WHAT YOU SAID...

THE AVERAGE AUSTRALIAN WEDDING COSTS $36,200.

RIDICULOUS OR REASONABLE? WE ASKED YOUR THOUGHTS AND PUT IT OUT TO THOSE ALREADY MARRIED AND YET TO BE! "Each to their own. For some people it's the most important day of their lives, but we are getting married next year for under $10k. We've been living together for 5 years and working ourselves to the bone for properties, careers and businesses. The wedding is just a formality, we would much rather spend the money on our first ever holiday (yeah, no holidays for 5 years...). Seems silly to blow the budget for one single day."

KATE BADDELEY

“If you had of asked me before I was engaged.. Absolutely ridiculous. Now that we're planning our wedding I can see how it adds up!�

MELISSA LUCAS "My husband and I spent more than that and I wouldn't have changed anything.

Unfortunately when you say 'wedding', prices go up - but in saying that we had 120 people and it was quite elegant. I tried to take things off but it just wouldn't have been the same without it. It seems like a ridiculous price, but like I said I wouldn't have changed anything with mine. We were engaged for a year and half to save and be able to have the wedding of our dreams."

"I can't justify that much money on one day, but everyone is different. We're planning for ours to be less than $8000, as our focus is spending a decent amount on a 5 week holiday/ honeymoon."

"I think it's ridiculous. I know everythings getting overly expensive but that money could go to more important things like a roof over your head or schooling for our kids. I got married in September for $7000 and our day was perfect. Alot of people invite people they hardly no and spend money on materialistic things. The day is about marrying the person you love!"

AMANDA LEITCH

MEGAN PARSONS

KATIE CROSSLEY

“I think it [your wedding day] should be treated more as a celebration with those you love and care about no matter what you spend on them whether it be $5,000 or $50,000.�

MARIE ERKER

"It is ridiculous, but if I sat down and really added it all up I would say our [wedding] would be up there around $25,000+. It's not just the big ticket items like venue, food, entertainment, photo and video, wedding dress etc but it's also everything else. My hubby and I were engaged for approx 2 years and it felt like I was always spending money on the finer detail. $40 here and $100 there! If I were to change anything, I might have considered having a smaller guest list and having just immediate family and close friends and keeping it intimate."

MELINDA MAUND

"My whole wedding only cost $5000 but that was nearly 18 years ago. The only things You shouldn't skimp on in my opinion is the photographer and the food!"

"I got married in 2007 down on the Gold Coast hinterland. All in all, we probably spent that much or close to. $2,000 on custom dress, 30 guests; garden wedding in the mountains on a Thursday (cheaper than on a weekend) and a string trio for entertainment while we had photos done.

Wedding, reception and accommodation at the same venue so there was no travel. Topped off with a 10day honeymoon in Egypt. It adds up.

Wouldn't regret it, it was a perfect day spent with close family and friends."

MARIE ERKER

MARINA WARNER "Our wedding cost $2,000 (if that), and it was one of the best days of my life. I married the person I love, surrounded by my friends and family. We had a picnic and ate pizza! We had some drinks and I wore a beautiful second hand dress. I think I had a magical wedding day and I'm not in debt because of it."

CHARMAINE EVERETT KRUEGER

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HELLO HONEYMOON MEET DANIELLE & CHRISTOPHER AS WE HEAD OFF TO THE MALDIVES

D E S T I N AT I O N THE MALDIVES: 1 0 N I G H T S AT S I X S E N S E S L A A M U G R E AT A D V E N T U R E Having our own private island for the day! We were dropped off by private boat with a picnic lunch, a bottle of wine, 6 hours all to ourselves and a mobile to call the resort if we wanted to come back early. It was the most romantic thing we have ever done, but the weather wasn’t in our favour. After 30 mins of sunshine it started raining, torrentially! Despite not getting our perfect day on our own private island we had a blast and all we could do was laugh about it (then and now). When you’re in Paradise it’s hard to get upset!

MUST DO

M U S T E AT Everything! Every meal was fantastic, Hubby’s favourite was the waffle / crêpe / pancake bar at breakfast every morning... the choice is amazing.

The seafood was beautiful; make sure you try a Maldivian curry. The Japanese Restaurant – best Sushi I have ever eaten.

Get an Overwater Villa! Don’t miss the open air Jungle Cinema and indulge in the free ice cream parlour. Say yes to as many activities as you can!

The diving and snorkelling were great and the House Reef was amazing, you will be blown away by the sea life. Also, ask about the Mantaray colony.

BEST EXPERIENCE There are so many, but walking into our Overwater Villa for the first time. Pictures do not do it justice! The view from your room and being able to jump straight into the water to go snorkelling off your balcony… Incredible!

MUST DRINK

The glass bathtub and outdoor shower were

Cocktails on the Sandbank at Sunset – it is just the 2

(Guest Experience Maker) and they are

of you, your bar tender and the ocean! A must do!

heaven! Also every Villa has its own GEM amazing. They will organise all your activities and reservations on your behalf and seem to just appear like magic!

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THE BEST MOMENTS Our private beach dinner!

We had our own private candlelit dinner under the stars on the beach where we were presented with a beautiful bottle of Champagne and the Chef had tailored a 5 course menu to match. Sitting on the beach, sipping champagne was a perfect way to end our Honeymoon.

We bought the empty bottle home as a souvenir as it’s a beautiful gold bottle.

FAV O U R I T E T O U R I S T M E M O R A B I L I A ?

Our personalised bicycle plates for sure, it’s something we will cherish always!

2016 WEDDING BOOKINGS NOW OPEN

FOLLOW THE JOURNEY SBCREATIVECO.COM.AU / WEBSITE COMING SOON

EMAIL HELLO@SBCREATIVECO.COM.AU TO CHECK AVAILBILIT Y LOCATION. 2/2 BL ACKWOOD ST, TOWNSVILLE CIT Y PH. 0447 370 087

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