Ruffles & Cake Edition 2 | Winter

edition 2 / winter REAL WEDDINGS

: 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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he said/ she said

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feature interview:

melanie bowman

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contents edition 2 / winter

regular

regular

regular

EDITORS NOTES

WHAT’S TRENDING

LOCAL LIKES

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feature

interview

inspiration

HENS NIGHT

MEL BOWMAN

WINTER CARNIVAL

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real wedding

real wedding

destination wedding

CLINT & HANNAH

JAMIE & LYNDA

CAMBELL & BIANCA

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hello, again! (we had to say it... 2nd edition already?)

As we type these words we can’t believe it’s time for issue 2 to go live! The past few months have been a whirlwind and it’s come around so quickly.

Since launching our Autumn edition back in March we’ve been on a Ruffles & Cake high, riding on the waves of the overwhelming feedback we’ve had from our readers.

When we launched our first ever edition back in March we really had no idea what to expect. Happily (no wait, ecstatically!) though it seems that our vision for Ruffles and Cake resonated with you all and we’re so thrilled to be bringing you stories and features from our local region and inspiration from afar. Townsville really does have an amazing array of vendors and suppliers, all top-notch in what they do.

As well as our readers, an extra special mention and a hundred thanks have to go out to our advertisers. Without their support this publication would never come to life. Just as we’re supporting the Townsville wedding industry, they’re supporting us.

If you work or are involved in the wedding industry in Townsville and surrounding areas and would like to get on board why not contact us for a media kit and a chat?

Together we’re capable of big things!

And speaking of big things, we have a few in the pipeline at the moment so be sure to ‘like’ our Facebook page and get your name on our subscribers list so you can stay up-to-date with some big giveaways and events we’ve got coming up.

Until next time!

Savan&ahSkye xx

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Savanah PRO DUC TION & SALE S MAN AGE R

how to interact with ruffles & cake

Take advantage of our click-and-go features throughout the magazine, allowing you to interact with us! Look for Pinterest or Facebook icons like below throughout to link directly. Try clicking our products, too.

Hovering over all areas will show you where you are able to take advantage of click-and-go!

Skye

CRE ATIV E DIRE CTO R

follow us

we’d love to hear from you Have feedback? Got a topic you want us to cover? Or perhaps you’re looking to advertise your business.

Email info@rufflesandcake.com.au

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e n i onl YOUR VOICE

On Facebook, Ruffles & Cake asked you to “Tell us your best

wedding money saving tip.”

This is what you said!

Jodie Hume

Rosie Corney

“Mine was Etsy, gorgeous hand made crafts..

I purchased my girls flower girl dresses, Guest book, Tissue PomPoms, Personalised Wedding glasses as gifts for my bridal Party & Favour Boxes! Can’t rave enough!”

“For us it was keeping a spreadsheet of all the things we were going to pay for, approximate costs, actual costs when we paid the bills etc. It isn’t a money saving tip as such, but certainly kept us on track.”

Courtney Martin

Megan Thorn

“Make your own invitations and decorations! Shop around for everything else to make sure you get the best deal.”

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“Ahhhhhh elope! worked for me we saved thousands and have amazing memories....”

Kate McAllister

Bianca Shugg

“MY NANA MADE OUR CAKE, IT WAS REALLY SPECIAL TO HAVE HER INVOLVED AND SAVED US MONEY.”

We got married on a Friday evening instead of the usual Saturday wedding. It saved [us] loads of money on everything from cars to flowers as it wasn’t as in demand of a time and got the date and venue we wanted without any hassle!!

Annet te Cot ter “Stop the daily coffee purchase is a good start...”

Did you know?

Yl ana Bradney “Don’t do a drinks package at reception venues - it works out much more expensive. [Instead] just do drinks at bar prices and set a list of what drinks are allowed (wines, beers, etc). We saved a fortune!”

Nicole Hands “eBay is your friend. You just never know what you will find on eBay that is cheaper than in stores. I saved hundreds of dollars doing my own decorations.”

If you cut down just 1 coffee a day you can save yourself $100 a month? (on average).

The little things count!

question?

Got an interesting question you’d like featured in our next edition? Let us know.

Email submissions@rufflesandcake.com.au

follow us on facebook

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g n i d n e tr what’s

balloons

PHOTOGRAPH BY STEPHEN LANE PHOTOGRAPHY

No longer just for birthday parties, balloons are big on the wedding scene at the moment. An economical way to add a dash of whimsy to your big day, balloons can truly transform your wedding into something spectacular.

Colour can make or break the tone you’re trying to set so choose wisely! Using white, metallic gold and soft blush or peach add a romantic and elegant touch, while brightly coloured balloons will add a dash of fun and playfulness.

Use balloons as accessories for your wedding photos, venue décor, as a substitute for bridesmaid bouquets – they possibilities are endless. Check out our Pinterest gallery for inspiration!

let terpress Inject some glamour and opulence with gorgeous letterpress invitations. Considered as the original printing method, letterpress consists of a raised ink image being pressed into a soft, thick paper to produce a print resulting in vibrant colours and a beautiful tactile quality that leaves a lasting impression (no pun intended).

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PHOTOGRAPH THANKS TO RYLEE HITCHNER

ceremony backdrops The ceremony is the most important part of the day; after all, it’s where you’re pronounced Husband & Wife, so inject some creativity and personality to make your ceremony backdrop truly beautiful.

From beautiful tassel bunting, to string lights and candles, there are hundreds of (inexpensive) ways to personalise this space. Need ideas? Check us out on Pinterest.

kid zones

Tip for the parents!

Got kids attending your event but want to make sure Mum and Dad can enjoy the night too? Consider setting up a ‘kids zone’. Growing in popularity and a guaranteed hit with parents, a space where kids can chillax and be entertained will ensure your party guests don’t need to make an early exit. If you’re holding your reception at a hotel venue, why not rent out an extra room and hire in a babysitter? Pizzas delivered and the latest Playstation games will keep your mimi guests entertained for hours.

Or, if you’ve got room in your reception space, set up a mini lounge area and have Gameboys, snacks and portable DVD players at the ready.

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edition 2 / winter REAL WEDDINGS

: 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

subscribe for free here with just one click your online guide to everything wedding.

www.rufflesandcake.com.au REAL WEDDINGS

: CLEVER IDEAS : VISUAL INSPIR ATION

l a c lo ikes l tropical north day spa

Having temporarily relocated due to fire damage, Tropical North Day Spa is now back in its usual premises and doing what it does best: pampering the ladies (and gentlemen) of Townsville. There is so much on offer – from warm stone massages to facials, body wraps and ear candling. We’re itching to try the infrared detox cabin which promises to help eliminate toxic buildup, ease muscle tension, diminish cellulite and improve skin tone (book us in!). We also especially love the double treatment rooms, perfect for including hubby-to-be in a little prewedding pampering. If you’re looking for a hen’s get together that doesn’t involve a fluorescent-condom veil and the local nightclub strip, a day of spa treatments could be just the thing!

VISIT tnds.com.au PHONE 4779 7648

urban miss makeup Having worked in the industry for over 10 years, Cherie has all the experience you’d hope to uncover when it comes to finding the perfect make up artist.

Trained at the prestigious Napolean Perdis Makeup Academy (as well as a three month stint in the USA), Cherie has worked with some big names including Rachael Finch, Kristy Hinze and Pat Rafter. A stockist of boutique Sydney makeup line, Harlotte, Cherie’s ethos is that wedding make up should make you look like you, only better. And having made up hundreds of brides, bridesmaids and mother-of-the-brides, we’d say this lady knows what she’s on about.

PHOTOGRAPH BY STEPHEN LANE PHOTOGRAPHY

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PHONE 0418 796 897

tutu societ y “Vintage-style pieces of the highest quality that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.” That was the mantra this fashionista followed when launching Tutu Society. As a mother-of-two, Hannah Amos was searching for the perfect pieces and when she couldn’t find them, Tutu Society was born. “My greatest joy is my family and that is why I decided to start my own little online clothing boutique”, says Hannah. “After I’ve tucked my babes in bed I spend my evenings sourcing beautiful pieces to add to the Tutu Society Collection”. We have managed to score a sneak peek at some of the beautiful pieces and they don’t disappoint. What’s more, with nothing over $30, the perfect Flower Girl dress just got a whole lot more affordable. Head over and like Tutu Society’s Facebook page and stay tuned for your chance to win!

Win!

NICO POORTA WEDDING VIDEOS

Watch!

Much like your photographer, your videographer should be tried and tested with years of experience in his or her field; after all, they’ve only got one chance to get it right. Nico Poorta brings that experience in spades. Having worked for years in commercial television production, this man knows his stuff. ‘Lapel mikes’, ‘glidecams’...those terms probably don’t mean much but know this: they make for an amazing wedding video. We love that Nico breaks the mould and delivers unique and personal wedding videos. Pre-wedding interviews with the couple, multiple cameras ensuring all angles are covered and every vow that you utter captured forever (that’s where those lapel mikes make an appearance... no muffled audio here!), all edited together in a professional documentary-style package that you’ll want to watch over and over again. Don’t take our word for it though, you can check out Nico’s work here. (Hint: have tissues handy!)

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s n e h igh n

tam’s top 5 tips for a fab

Townsville’s blogger, designer and stylist Tam Kipping from Little White Space shares with us her top 5 tips to pull off a hens night to be remembered.

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WORDS BY TAM KIPPING

1.

hassle the hen

Without giving too much away, talk to the hen herself and find out what her ideal day or night involves. She might be looking for a mellow day at the spa with her closest girlfriends being pampered and plucked, an opportunity to dress up all glitz & glamour or a wild night out with buff topless men serving cocktails.

Whatever it is, the bride has to be in. Straws with men’s genitalia are not everybody’s thang! The next thing you’ll need off her is a list of lucky attendees…

SEE TAM’s GLiTZ & GL AM INSPIRATION

2.

send out invites

Send them out via snail mail or e-mail. Set the tone with your design and make sure everyone is aware of the dates and times. Giving everyone as much notice as you can so that they can organise to be there around rosters, babysitters, accessories and so on.

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3.

create a signature sipper Create a signature liquid to be consumed on the day or night, give it a fun name and viola! You have a simple solution to your beverage requirements. Have everyone bring a suggested bottle that goes into the drink to ensure you don’t run out. Make sure you have a mocktail option for those non-drinkers, too.

You don’t want them missing out!

SEE TAM’s COCKTAIL INSPIRATION

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check out TAM’s RECIPE

4.

delegate

Get others on board to lighten the load and take advantage of their abilities. For example, if there is a good cook among the group get them planning canapés, a crafty friend can whip up some fun decos! Get the girls involved.

5.

continuous canapés

I’m always a fan of a cocktail reception where guests can mingle and chat informally. For this you will need snacks. Click here for some really quick canapés that I have shared on my blog. Make sure you have plenty and that they continuously come out and roam around the space.

Of course there are loads of other ideas that you can incorporate depending on what you decide to do. Make it personal and get creative with your girlfriends to make it an occasion not to be forgotten. The most important thing is to remember what the bride would enjoy; after all, that’s why she has selected you to do the planning!

follow TAM’s BLOG

Have fun, kick up your heels and giggle lots!

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DIY

22 PHOTOGRAPH THANKS TO TRACY DODSON PHOTOGRAPHY

g n i l k r spa a

DIY

A quick and easy DIY for a stunning farewell

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WHAT YOU’lL NEED This clever DIY is low key, and (fingers crossed) you really shouldn’t need to outlay too much to create it! Such a gorgeous idea for your guests at the end of the night. You’ll need a Stanley Knife, a printer (or visit your friendly local printing company), and some nice paper! We’ve kept our FREE downloadable simple, so you can print on any colour (besides black, of course) or texture you like!

Create your own!

HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN Firstly, jump over and grab our free downloadable template for your sparklers below. Open the file, hit print, and you’ll be able to cut out as many as you wish using your Stanley Knife (being careful, of course) on the guidelines provided. We’ve also created 2 lines for you to cut the slots for the sparkler to slide through.

Remember to cut using the guidelines, and no closer to the edge (imporant!). Next, Delicately slide the sparkler through - one at a time. And presto! You’ve got yourself a cute little send off sparklers to give your guests for the end of the night!

Free Download!

We love freebies for our readers!

Download our printable to create your own HERE!

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edition 2 / winter REAL WEDDINGS

: 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

like us on facebook REAL WEDDINGS

: CLEVER IDEAS : VISUAL INSPIR ATION

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Wedding Purses

by Sarah Holmes

Let your bridesmaids know how important they are with a custom wedding purse including a unique message.

Ph 0457 346 509

www.sarahholmesdesigns.com.au www.facebook.com/SarahHolmesDesigns

LyndaRoss Civil Marriage Celebrant, JP

be seen. advertising starts at just $150* click here to request a media kit kit!

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he said she said MEET KOBIE & EMMA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SKYE BREE PHOTOGRAPHY

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kobie 24.

emma 23.

HOW WE MET HE SAID I first got a few glimpses of Em in between the computers in IT class when I was doing something other than what I was supposed to be doing! The first proper meeting was during a bit of handball in one of the lunch hours – I think the opener was stirring her about being uncoordinated (who needs pickup lines!?)

SHE SAID In high school during IT class. I was quietly completing my work and Kobie was disrupting the class and causing strife.

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O U R F I R S T D AT E HE SAID I believe it was Star Wars Episode III (yes, I’m a nerd), I was kind of surprised she said she didn’t mind watching it, then kind of got the inkling she was just being nice about coming to a movie I wanted to see. The date went better than the movie though!

SHE SAID To the movies to see Star Wars. I pretended I had seen all the other sequels… I ended up accidentally falling asleep.

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OUR FIRST KISS HE SAID We always debate this one – I’m certain it was at her house, but she reckons it was at school. Leaves a bit of mystery to the relationship I think [haha].

SHE SAID We snuck a quick kiss under the beautiful big tree at school.

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THE FIRST I LOVE YOU HE SAID That’s a tough one – I’m not too sure. I think it gets said in a lot of relationships but what you mean by those words changes with time to something a lot more meaningful as you get older. So I’m not quite sure when that was!

SHE SAID That’s a tricky one! I’ll agree with Kobie on this one [laughs]

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FINDING THE ONE HE SAID Can’t pin it down to just one moment. I think it’s something that starts off as a bit of a spark, something peculiar and interesting about one person that keeps them in your mind, then changes with time to something deeper and more meaningful, where that person is kind of like an extension to yourself – who balances and improves your character. Either that or when I decided to go to university so we could both earn a decent amount of coin – I don’t think I would’ve had any real drive to do that if it wasn’t for her – and I’m very happy I did!

SHE SAID I don’t think there was ever one defining moment. It was more a combination of factors (particularly when I realized he wasn’t the one laughing at me when I played handball. I’m very unco and apparently make annoying noises). Kob is the first person I think of in the morning and the last one that I think about at night.

I couldn’t imagine living life without him by my side offering endless love, support and guidance.

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THE PROPOSAL HE SAID I popped the question on the patio of our partially completed house – I wanted to do it on our 7 year anniversary, but we ended up going to Magnetic Island the few days before so I couldn’t do it there (plus the nerves!). It was a little bit impromptu but I really wanted to do it at the house –it was quite dark that night so she couldn’t really see the ring though, I told her “trust me you’ll like it!”

SHE SAID We spent a lovely weekend on Magnetic Island celebrating our 7 year anniversary. Kobie took me out for dinner when we got home (much to my dismay as we had several dinners on the island), a nice walk along the strand and then a night time visit to our house that was being built.

He got down on one knee on our soon to be patio and popped the question under the stars. It was lovely to create memories in our first home before we had even moved in!

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THE WEDDING HE SAID About 90% ready – Em has done a lot of the organising, so that remaining 10% is all stuff I ‘m doing! I’m finding it surprisingly difficult to pick a ring but I’m narrowing it down. Emma is very organised about the wedding and sometimes stresses a bit, and I’m very laid back and impromptu about it. I think we balance each other out pretty well and the day will be awesome.

SHE SAID We are officially on the countdown now and things are coming along nicely. I don’t think there have been any big bridezilla moments just yet but the wedding nightmares are certainly in overdrive. I cannot wait to see how all of our planning comes together, share the day with our nearest and dearest and most importantly marry my sweetheart.

The End

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FEATURE INTERVIEW

SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW, SOMETHING BORROWED WITH

melanie bowman STORY BY KATHERINE POWELL

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY: FUSION PHOTOGRAPHY BRIDAL STUDIO: JETTY BLUE PHOTOGRAPHY

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“Your wedding gown sets the scene for the whole day. It is a reflection of your personality and style and all eyes are on you.�

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The wedding dress – it’s often one of the most expensive and stress-inducing elements of the entire wedding. For a bride-to-be it can be the make or break item.

While most brides dream of wearing a designer gown the sheer cost often prevents them from being able to. Melanie Bowman however is helping to make this dream a reality.

Her business The Barefaced Bride takes in pre-loved designer bridal gowns and re-sells them for a fraction of the cost of brand new.

Melanie said the idea came to her when she spent a small fortune on her own wedding gown and decided she didn’t want it sitting in the back of her wardrobe for the next 50 years. She said there were numerous websites offering the ability to buy or sell a second-hand dress but she felt there was a gap in the market.

“I really wanted to offer a unique and personal space for brides to come in and try on designer gowns but for a fraction of the cost you spend when purchasing direct from a designer or having a couture gown specifically made,” she explained.

Melanie’s studio in Kurnell, south of Sydney, has been open since August last year. She said while there has traditionally been a bit of a stigma surrounding a ‘second-hand gown’ once a bride-to-be actually comes into the studio and sees the pristine condition of the dresses, they quickly change their mind.

“I don’t think brides generally set out to choose a preloved gown but they are searching for a dress that speaks to them and one they fall in love with. It’s that moment when they know it’s their dress, and it just happens to be half the price it retails for.”

Brides-to-be are not the only ones to benefit from this idea though. Recent brides have the opportunity to sell their gown and re-gain some of the money spent on the big day. The normal process involves Melanie and the seller agreeing on a price for the pre-loved dress. Upon sale, the bride receives 70 per cent of the agreed amount and Melanie keeps a 30 per cent commission.

M E L’ S BA R E FAC E D B R I DE S T U DIO

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“I find it usually takes a bride at least 3-6months to lose the initial attachment to the dress. But after having it dry-cleaned and then stored away you begin to question, ‘what if someone else could fall in love with my gown?’ Aside from pocketing the extra cash there is also the feel-good factor of knowing someone else has chosen your dress for their big day and ‘fairy tale’ moment,” she said. Melanie stocks a range of designers at her studio including Helen English, Karen Willis Holmes, Pronovias and Lisa Ho. She said one of the major trends and influences on gowns at the moment was the roaring 20s, ‘Great Gatsby’ style and she said she has recently taken on a large selection of vintage gowns. “That timeless vintage elegance is appealing to my personal style too. However, I think it’s about every bride staying true to themselves and their personality and letting that shine through, rather than following a particular trend,” she said.

Melanie said one of the biggest advantages of purchasing a pre-loved designer gown was the affordable price.

“Be open to the idea of a pre-loved gown. At the end of the day who can justify spending thousands on something you wear for less than 8 hours.”

If you are interested in selling your dress or purchasing a pre-loved gown contact Melanie at info@thebarefacedbride.com.au

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M E L A N I E ’ S P E R S ONA L W E DDI NG P IC S !

Mel’s Tips

Want to help someone else’s dream come true? Then get that wedding gown out of the closet. Here are

for getting your dress weddingready:

your dress laundered or dry-cleaned 1. Get straight after the wedding. any stains quickly as they only get 2. Remove more stubborn over time. your receipt for original proof of 3. Keep purchase. a photo handy that can be used to 4. Have advertise the dress online. your partner, photo’s and memories 5. Finally, are the things that hold the most value after the big day – not the dress.

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a beautiful winter Six products you need this winter (that won’t break the bank)

2.

1.

7.

4.

5.

6.

3.

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1. NAPOLEON BOUDOIR MIST CAPELLI HAIR

2. SKINSTITUT GLYCOLIC SCRUB 14% BLUSH BEAUTY &

3. OLAY COMPLETE DEFENCE SPF 30+ WOOLWORTHS

MAKEUP

Flawless skin in a flash? This handy little foundation-in-a-can makes the dream a reality. In just a few seconds, this clever cat evens out imperfections, puts the dimmer switch

Australian made, choc full of AHAs and the facilitator of the smoothest skin you’ll ever have, this is one product that needs a space in your beauty cupboard.

on fine lines and creates a flawless finish that lasts all days. Quick, easy and absolutely fool proof.

Perfect for face and body, this is a deep, invigorating scrub that’ll have you glowing in no time.

4. DERMALOGICA PRE CLEANSE MICHELLE’S SKIN &

5. KERASTASE ELIXIR ULTIME

Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean you can forget about sun protection.

To save time, use a moisturizer and sunscreen in one. We love Olay Complete Defence SPF30+ (sensitive) for its super high sun protection factor and lightweight formula, perfect for our climate.

6. SKINVITALS CLOTH FACIAL TREATMENT MASKS TERRY

CAPELLI HAIR

BODY SOLUTIONS

Dermalogica’s PreCleanse was one of the original cleansing oils. It is a lightweight cleansing oil which gently liquefies sebum (oil in the skin) and oil-based debris (for example: longlasting make-up, sunscreen, etc).

Gently massage into dry skin, then add water so the solution emulsifies.

Voila – some of the cleanest skin you’ll ever see.

WHITE CHEMISTS

Said one woman “I love this hair treatment so much that if it were a real person, it would have a key to my house”. See where we’re going with this? If you need super hydration on hair that’s bleached, straightened or otherwise tortured regularly with your GHD, then we’d suggest you get your hands on this, stat.

These one-shot wonders have made at-home (and honeymoon) facials a breeze. Simple unwrap, pop on for 10 minutes and let them work their magic. They come in a number of variations too, from whitening (helps to banish pigmentation, sun damage and uneven skin tone) to purify, revive and brighten.

7. GHD STYLE HEAT PROTECT SPRAY CAPELLI HAIR

No more choosing the right heat protector for your hair type, the GHD Style Heat Protect Spray is a one-size-fits-allhair-types heat protector and an absolute must have for anyone using hairdryers/hair straighteners/curling tongs regularly! It smells divine and won’t leave you with a sticky residue, just spritz lightly onto damp hair and comb through, let it dry and style away.

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HOW TO

o t w ho

P R OT EC T YO U R RINGS It’s one of the most precious things you’ll own, both in monetary and sentimental value, so looking after your engagement ring is of utmost importance. We asked the award winning team at Kim Bartlett Master Jewellers to share their top tips on how to show your ring some love.

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DO Have your jeweller check your ring (and other jewellery) for wear and tear.

Have your ring cleaned and polished at least once a year. Your jeweller may recommend that this be done more frequently on certain pieces.

Remove jewellery before using household cleaners as they can contain chemicals which can be harmful to your precious jewellery.

Store your jewellery in a jewellery roll when travelling, it will keep the jewellery organised and free from tangles and scratches.

DONT Wear your ring while doing heavy manual work. Diamonds can chip!

Put your jewellery down thoughtlessly, as it can be easily misplaced or lost. Always put them into a lined box and store in a secure place.

Expose your gemstones to salt water and harsh chemicals, which will dull and erode your gems.

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CLEANING Diamonds need care to keep them at their brilliant best. A clean diamond reflects light better than one that has been dulled by skin oils, soap, cosmetics and grease.

So it is important to clean your diamonds regularly. Your jeweller is the best person to do this, and the setting can be checked at the same time. It is advisable to take your jewellery for a professional clean and polish at least once a year. However, in between visits to the jeweller it’s reasonably easy to clean your jewellery yourself.

The Soapy Water Bath In a small bowl of lukewarm water and a mild detergent or soap, brush each piece of jewellery with a soft toothbrush, and rinse in warm water. Dry with a soft lint-free cloth.

The Quick Dip Method Purchase any brand of liquid jewellery cleaner and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. We recommend using the CONNOISSEURS® brand of Jewellery Cleaner.

Polishing Cloths The ultra-soft CONNOISSEURS® brand cloths are made of thick, gentle, natural cotton – and have the power of the most modern cleansing techniques. Each polishing cloth consists of two layers: one cleans and the other polishes. Not only is dirt quickly removed, but an invisible barrier is also applied to help prevent new tarnish from forming.

CHECK-UPS

Storage

Your valuable jewellery should be taken to your jeweller periodically for

Store your jewellery in a way that prevents different pieces from scratching one another. The ideal solution is to keep it in a box with separate

a check-up, to protect them against possible damage. Your jeweller will check that stones are still securely set and there is no wear or breakage.

At the same time you can have your jewellery cleaned, and you’ll be amazed at the difference a professional clean and polish makes.

compartments.

INSURANCE Make sure your valuable fine jewellery is insured for its full value at all times. Your insurance should cover loss, damage, and theft. You will also need to make sure your policy covers your valuable items both at, and away from, home. Valuations should be obtained every 12 – 24 months from a registered and qualified Valuer.

e r o m Say “ ” I T’ S A D AY TO CE LE BRAT E A ND A MO MENT T O C HERISH

Express your feelings for each other with one of our exquisitely crafted wedding rings.

Become a Diamond VIP to receive exclusive offers & more *Conditions apply

88 DENHAM STREET, TOWNSVILLE QLD 4810

PHONE. (07) 4772 3622

WW W. M A ST E R J E W E L L E R S .CO M .AU | F IN D US ON

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VINTAGE WINTER WEDDING

CARNIVAL A love of anything vintage, a little bit of glamour, a dash of bright colour and a touch of quirkiness! Step right up to our Vintage Carnival

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WINTER WARMERS What better way to warm up a winter wedding than with a decadent, spiked hot chocolate – complete with rich whipped cream and garnishes your guests can serve up themselves.

Add to the fun by letting guests add booze (try Amaretto for a subtle nutty flavor or Baileys for creamy sweetness) and toppings of their choice (marshmallows, hand whipped cream, sprinkles, oreos).

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A BIG THANK YOU Photography

L I T T L E D E TA I L S PHOTOGRAPHY Wedding styling, Dining Table styling and Vintage prop hire including couch, dining table setting and crates

AISHLING EVENTS Cake/Dessert Table, Hot Chocolate Stand and Concession Stand styling

SUGAR BUZZ Wedding cake, cookies, fudge, mini donuts and toffee apples

PA P E R & S T R I N G Bridal bouquet, Bridal headpiece, Flower Girl dress sash and headpiece, Page Boy bow tie and suspenders, Bunting, Bridal monograms (embellished wooden letters)

S E W V I N TA G E Wedding dress : Model’s own Flower Girl clothes : Supplied by photographer

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visit our online wedding supplies store!

create the wedding you’ve dreamt of with dreamscene events free consults & quotes . decorations & hire items . chair covers & sashes affordable decorating . ceremony & reception . set-up & pack-down

contact sarah on 0402 667 515 or email sarah@dreamscene.net.au

www.dreamscene.net.au

your way YO U R DAY

BIG VS SMALL

Your wedding day will be one of the most exciting and important days of your life. It will also be one of the most stressful, with lots of decisions to be made. Before you even decide where you want the ceremony and reception help, you need to sit down with your husband-to-be and decide on what kind of wedding you want to have - big or small? Some people want huge, they want to celebrate with all the people they know, whilst others are crave a more intimate day.

Both options can create a beautiful wedding, which one are you? We spoke to two brides to find out how their day worked for them.

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YO U R D AY YO U R WAY

Smallnerg!

Weddi

T R E VO R & M A N DY Ceremony: Palmetum Reception: Backyard at our home Guests: Approx 30

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How do you describe the style of your wedding? We wanted to celebrate our day with the people who meant the most to us, and to feel relaxed but with a little touch of elegance. We bought a white marquee and hired most of the other materials, and set up our reception in the backyard after a small ceremony at the Palmetum. We both settled on a brown/ chocolate theme with a chocolate themed desert and lolly bar – plus had a cocktail waiter making chocolate cocktails! Our efforts were to try and make our day personal in every way, too. We individually piped guests names onto heart shaped cookies for a Bomboniere, along with a lollybag and a personalized cupcake. Very us!

Keeping to a tighter budget, did you have any hurdles or compromises along the way? We thought by doing the catering ourselves (my husband is a Chef and I love being in the kitchen, too) that it would save us money, but we wished that we had hired a caterer. The saving was not worth the extra stress on the day.

We don’t think a smaller budget means lacking in quality. What do you think now it’s all over? By no means. We still managed to (well, we think) have the wedding we’d hoped for with the budget we had set. But as mentioned, wish we’d looked into hiring a caterer.

Can you tell us about the defining moment that made you want to have a ‘backyard’ style wedding? I guess we

Were you warned against having a ‘small’ wedding? Or loved the idea from get go? We really just wanted to invite those who

just wanted it to have our personal touch, so by setting it all [the reception] up ourselves and being hands from beginning to end had our own feel. We really wanted guests to feel to a point that they were at home with us.

knew us well – otherwise if we invited everyone we knew we could of easily had a larger wedding, but we feel like it would have been impersonal. We only ever wanted a small, intimate wedding. We actually got to talk to all our guests at the reception too, which was nice.

Did you have an exact budget going into your wedding? Or was it on a whim? We had some idea and budget after doing

Do you have a word of advice for other couples planning a backyard style wedding? Start planning early and shop around.

our homework but some things ended up a little more expensive. Overall, it was not much more than estimated. Shopping around and getting quotes for hire and so on is a must – but, one thing I noticed was as soon as I mentioned ‘wedding’ there always seemed to be an ‘added’ cost involved.

Don’t compromise on your vision of your perfect day. Be sure to drag those nearest and dearest to you to all the wedding expos for ideas as well. It just helps to add the personal touches that mean something to you and your husband to be.

If you were to pick one element of your wedding to be your favourite, what would it be? Having my daughter with

Hopefully holidays and more holidays! We love travelling.

What’s next for you and your hubby?

me every step of the way, including having her walk me down the aisle. And of course saying our vows!

They were really relaxed and very personal to us. Oh, and one more - the reception and the way it all came together in the end, just as we had imagined.

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YO U R D AY YO U R WAY

Biggerg!

Weddin

SHANE & A N I TA Ceremony: St James Cathedral Reception: The Pavilion, Jupiters Guests: 125 (originally thought 70)

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How do you describe the style of your wedding? To be honest we didn’t really picture a ‘wedding’, our focus was more on having a ‘celebration’. We didn’t want the night to be filled with formalities with an hour left at the end to party; we wanted our guests to have a night of fun.

We really wanted to keep speeches minimal and not have a big formal structure. We also had a band and a photobooth to keep everyone entertained.

Fun was the aim of the day.

Can you tell us about the defining moment that made you want to have a ‘big wedding’? Having a big wedding wasn’t really planned, it’s just something that grew and grew! Our original thought was a small, cocktail style wedding with around 70 people. We ended up with a three course sit down dinner for 125!

How did you go from your original plan of 70 guests cocktail style to 125 three-course sit-down? Our parents! We are the first wedding our families have had for about 15 years so everyone was really excited. Shane has a big extended family that are very close, plus I’m the only girl in my family, so all of this resulted in our wedding being bigger than we had originally thought.

Mum was pretty insistent that we really should have three courses and not cocktail food, and when we saw the Pavilion at Jupiters it sealed the deal. We also got married in St James Cathedral, a church that holds a lot of significance to Shane’s family.

Did you have an exact budget going into your wedding? Or was it on a whim? We didn’t have a set budget as such; we just played it by ear. We were also lucky that both sets of parents made generous contributions to the day.

If you were to pick one element of your wedding to be your favourite, what would it be? That’s easy. After our priest had declared us Husband and Wife and we turned to walk down the aisle, out sprang some of our ‘guests’ to serenade us with All You Need is Love, Love Actually style! Love Actually is my favourite movie and Shane had arranged this as a surprise to me and our guests. He did it completely on his own, nobody knew, not even our parents. It was a total surprise and had me in tears.

Were you warned against going ‘big’? Nobody really ‘warned’ us about the day, but we did have some people say that they didn’t get around to seeing all their guests at their wedding. We really wanted to make sure that although our wedding was on the larger side, we got to see all of the people we had invited so we made a point of going around to each of the tables. We were also adamant that we had to know everyone who came to the wedding! It sounds odd, but we had a few people tell us that they didn’t even know some of the people at their own weddings!

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything? We wouldn’t change a thing. Despite it being very different to what we thought we originally wanted, it was perfect and we wouldn’t have done it any other way. We’re glad we had a big wedding, it was such a fun time to catch up with family and friends.

Do you have a word of advice for other couples planning a big wedding? My advice would be, make sure you have the day that you want. You only get one chance to walk down the aisle, so make it yours.

What’s next for you and your hubby?

We’re actually about to have a baby in the next week and half! So it’s exciting times in our house!

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REAL WEDDING

clint&hannah After an introduction by a mutual friend, it took twelve long months for these two to realise what everyone else already knew: they were madly in love with each other. Commuting between Townsville and the Gold Coast (where Clint resided for work) saw these two move from friends to something more, and before long they both knew it was for keeps. A surprise proposal by Clint on their 3 year anniversary was followed by a country club cool wedding in Port Douglas where family and friends joined the couple for a five-day celebration. Oh, and the bride wore Vera.

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THE BOUQUET We adore Hannah’s bouquet - combined with roses, ranunculus, freesias, lisianthus and filler flowers in white and soft muted tones to suit her colour palette.

THE BOUQUET Hannah and her bridesmaids enjoyed champagne and room service on the morning of the wedding. “The girls arrived at my hotel suite around 8am. I didn’t want to be rushing around at the last minute so we got started on hair and make-up straight away. It was a really relaxed vibe.”

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THE DRESS Hannah’s spectacular one-shoulder fitand-flare Vera Wang dress was found late one night while searching for bridesmaid dressed “I fell in love with it immediately”, says Hannah. Not being available for purchase in Australia, Hannah went out on a limb and tracked down an American based company that purchased and shipped the dress to her. “I took a chance but it was well worth it. The wonderful ladies at Sew We Can made a few small alterations and the dress fitted perfectly on the day.”

THE CEREMONY The ceremony took place at the beautiful chapel, St Mary’s By The Sea. With its already spectacular setting, very little was needed to decorate the venue so the couple tied simple ivory ribbons to the end of each pew. “I managed to hold myself together for most of the ceremony”, said Hannah. “Towards the end I caught a glimpse of my father wiping tears from his eyes and that was it! Out came the waterworks! Clint, as always was quite composed, only slipping out a sneaky tear as he saw me walking down the aisle.”

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FA M I LY Hannah and Clint’s guest of honor was their son, Finn, who enjoyed being included in the day’s celebrations. The couple made special mention of Finn in their vows, with Clint carrying Finn down the aisle after the couple here pronounced Husband and Wife. “Our family and friends came together on the day to help look after Finn. It was important to us that we included him as much as possible.”

THE THEME Clint & Hannah decided on a ‘Casual Country Club’ theme which took place over 5 days in Port Douglas, one of the couple’s favourite getaway spots. “Everyone had travelled to be there so we just wanted everyone to relax and have fun”, explains Hannah.

T H E L I T T L E D E TA I L S Clint & Hannah followed the ‘Casual Country Club’ theme right through to the reception. “I had all of my friends and family collecting their used jars for me. I ended up with over 100 jars which I tied ribbon and twine around and placed tea light candles inside them,” describes Hannah.

THE RECEPTION “I was 6 weeks pregnant at the time of our wedding so with no champagne on the menu for me, the cake had to be perfect�, explains Hannah. The couple opted for a 2 tier vanilla bean buttered cake and saved the top tier for their first wedding anniversary.

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THE SUPPLIERS PHOTOGRAPHERS Shaun Guest - Port Douglas Photography

DRESS Vera Wang

SUIT Roger David

MAKE UP REDS Cairns

HAIR REDS Cairns

CAKE Cairns Wedding Cakes

THEMING Ward Benedict

FLOWERS Port Douglas Wedding Flowers

TRANSPORT Paradise Limousine Service

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get the look CLINT & HANNAH

HEELS Randall Ruffled Bridal Sandals Badgley Mischka EARRINGS Class Diamante earrings Diva Camera Fujifilm Instax Mini 7 Camera White Officeworks Perfume Vera Wang Signature EDP Myer

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in store now

Stockist of gowns by BellaDonna, Wendy Makin and Brides Desire

www.belladonnabridalnorthqld.com find us on facebook

Shop 1/1 Ingham Road Townsville West | p. 07 4771 5580

REAL WEDDING

jamie&lynda Whilst on a girl’s weekend at the snow, Lynda met Jamie over a game of pool. After a semi-date a couple of nights later, numbers were exchanged and the two kept in contact, eventually finding each other in a crowd of 20,000 at a university festival. Six years later Jamie proposed to Lynda at her favourite place in the world; The Paris Opera House and the plan for their intimate wedding was born.

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GETTING READY Bucking tradition, Lynda and Jamie stayed together the night before the wedding. “Jamie works for the defence force so we spend a lot of time apart, we decided we didn’t need to spend even more time away from each other”, explained Lynda. With an afternoon wedding the couple headed out for a leisurely breakfast, just like any normal Saturday morning. “It was surreal”, laughs Lynda “We read the paper, had breakfast, chatted… nothing screamed ‘we’re getting married’.

We were very chilled, very chilled out.” The couple did get ready separately however, and reunited pre-ceremony for a reveal.

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THE DRESS “My wedding dress is actually the second dress I bought. I bought a beautiful Pronovias lace gown on sale and during alterations realized it was just too costly to make what I wanted and just not what I was after for the day so I took the rash decision in a short time to have one made. It was a risk, it just paid off, but was a wee bit stressful�.

THE REVEAL “It was nice to be able to take our time seeing each other for the first time. We were also a bit ‘‘so, are you ready to do this?’ as we got ready to leave for the ceremony”.

THE CEREMONY With their original plans to elope in Spain quashed, Lynda and Jamie decided on a small and intimate ceremony with just 16 of their closest family to witness their vows, and extended further invitations to their friends for the reception. “Guests who didn’t attend the ceremony received invitations ‘to celebrate the marriage’. We fielded a couple of questions about what was happening with the ceremony but we explained we wanted to keep our vows private and that they got to attend the dream wedding…a big party without having to sit through a long ceremony with a three hour break in between. They were happy with that!”

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THE EMOTIONS “Oh yeah, I totally cried. I cried when Jamie said his vows - I was in awe that he was promising these things to me and felt so lucky - it really hit me in that moment. I still don’t have words, but I felt a huge range of emotions then and I will look back on that with fondness.”

T H E L O C AT I O N Lynda and Jamie chose the Rotunda at Strand Park as the backdrop for their vows. “With lots of guests coming from out of town we wanted outdoors and pretty�.

The surrounding park area and beach also provided the perfect backdrop for their stunning photos.

THE RECEPTION The reception was held at The Banquet Centre and followed the same intimate theme as the ceremony with just 30 guests in attendance. Lots of candles and personalised centerpieces (made by the bride) made the room warm and inviting. “I had photos of us with our guests printed onto tracing paper. I then put them in little frames and glued them together in bunches of three. Once a tealight candle was placed inside the cavity created by the frames, the photos glowed.�

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THE SUPPLIERS PHOTOGRAPHERS Sandra Heier Evensen

DRESS Etsy

SUIT Calibre (suit Jamie already owned)

MAKE UP Think Pharmacy

HAIR Tiki on Ackers

CAKE Paper and String

D E C O R AT I O N S / TA B L E S E T T I N G S Via Etsy

RECEPTION The Banquet Centre, The Brewery

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get the look N I C K & LY N D A

EYES Benefit Smokin Eyes Kit Myer EARRINGS Pearl Drop Earrings Equip CLUTCH Bernadette Pave Cluth Forever New COMB Silver Diamante Vintage Style Comb Lovisa FRAME Brass Frame Stylishh Castletown PERFUME Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb EDP Myer

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D E S T I N AT I O N W E D D I N G

cambell&bianca After convincing her friend to head out for uni drinks, Bianca spotted Cambell at the bar and couldn’t resist introducing herself. Six years later, a nervous Cambell popped the question whilst at a Boxing Day family lunch to a delighted Bianca, “It was the most perfect proposal I could ever have hoped for”.

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THE CEREMONY Bianca had a firm idea of the style of dress she wanted from the onset: timeless and classic with the right fit for her. “I was after a particular neckline and I had seen lots of Wendy Makin gowns with straps, so I went straight to Wendy and she custom made my dress. A beautiful raw silk and tulle gown. For my first fitting, I took my Mum, Dad and sister. They all loved it which was important to me�.

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WALKING THE ISLE Like most brides, Bianca battled a case of the nerves as she walked down the aisle. Her Dad helped distract her by naming the current players in the Collingwood football team! “It was incredibly funny”, says Bianca “And the nerves just seemed to disappear”.

L O C AT I O N With extended family in Melbourne, Cambell and Bianca decided Werribee Mansion would be the place to hold their wedding celebrations. “Holding the wedding in Melbourne meant that it was easier for older members of our family, such as our grandparents, to attend. It was really important to us that they be there�. The couple also liked the stylish garden setting, which fitted perfectly with their classic theme.

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THEME In keeping with their classic theme, the couple decided on elegant black and white as their wedding colours. Each table was laid we black & white motif table runners with vases of white reeds. The couple ditched traditional take home wedding favours and chose to do a more expensive three-course menu and longer beverage package.

THE CAKE Cambell and Bianca’s cake was made with love by her grandmother. “We had a cake lined up and then Nana asked if she could make it for us, to which we were honored”, says Bianca. Not only did the couple have a wedding cake with true sentimental value, it was also a fantastic way to save on some of the wedding day costs.

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the suppliers photographer Insight Creative

dress Wendy Makin

bridesmaid dresses Myer

rings Loloma Jewellers

hair Mondo Bassi

suits Roger David

cake Bianca’s Nana!

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get the look CAMBELL & BIANCA

EARRINGS Loop Diamante Earrings Colette Hanger Personalised wedding dress hanger Etsy LANTERN 20 inch White Nylon Vivid Room LETTER Wooden Letters White Typo RUNNER Table Runner Etsy BOTTLES Silver Embossed Bottles Stylishh Castletown

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HONEYMOON

the maldives & thailand Looking for some honeymoon inspiration? Join us in taking a peek into Candace and Matthew’s fabulous Maldives holiday. Bright turquoise ocean, over-water bungalows and a cocktail (or three!), the perfect place to relax and unwind.

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Landing in the Maldives was simply incredible. We had to take a sea plane to our resort and I couldn’t believe how beautiful it all was. The colour of the water was just mesmerising.

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“We spent a lot of time researching where to stay in the Maldives as there are so many amazing resorts and ended up deciding on the Anantara, Kihavah. It ended up a fantastic choice and they really went out of their way to make it the most memorable holiday ever. Honeymooners paradise!�

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“WE STAYED IN VILLAS OVER THE LAGOON WHICH IS THE PREFECT HONEYMOON HIDEAWAY. THE VILLAS HAD PRIVATE POOLS, GLASS BOTTOM TUBS AND STAIRS TO DIP INTO THE LAGOON FOR A SWIM. HEAVEN!”

“A MAJOR HIGHLIGHT FOR US WAS GOING SCUBA DIVING FOR THE FIRST TIME. THERE WAS AN AUSTRALIAN MARINE BIOLOGIST AT THE RESORT WHO TAUGHT US THE BASICS AND TOOK US DOWN ON OUR ADVENTURE INTO THE DEEP. THE OCEAN LIFE AND THE EXPERIENCE WAS SOMETHING WE WILL NEVER FORGET.” 154

“The Maldives are a snorkelers paradise and we went nearly every day. The colour and life of the reefs there was beyond compare.”

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r e t n i W edition launches June 1

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“We also went to the island of Koh Samui in Thailand on our honeymoon and it consisted of cocktails, shopping, beach massages and of course delicious thai food! This is a Thai cooking class we took at our resort Sareeraya. Whenever we cook that pad thai recipe here in Townsville it transports us straight back to Koh Samui.�

Submit your photos!

Would you like to feature your fab honeymoon photos in R&C? Please email submissions@rufflesandcake.com.au with 5 of your favourite snaps!

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jumstarried

RUFFLES & CAKE

We love seeing your real weddings and are thrilled when we get to share them with our readers. Big congratulations to these gorgeous couples that recently tied the knot!

Submit your photos!

Recently married? Submit your favourite photo including names, wedding date, ceremony location and photographer to submissions@rufflesandcake.com.au

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BLAIR & OLIVIA

BLAKE & SARAH

DAN & RACHEL

20th April, 2013 Bangalow NSW Melle Veronesi Photography

13 April 2013 St Joesph the Strand Townsville QLD Megan Louise Photography

21st April 2013 Ryan Community Centre Townsville QLD Andrew Rankin Photography

BEN & KELLIE

CHRIS & KELLIE

RYE & ALICIA

5th May, 2013 Queens Gardens Townsville QLD Stephen Lane Photography

May 7th St Liborius Church Eaglehawk, Bendigo

11th May 2013 Queens Gardens Townsville QLD Sass Studios Photography SUBSCRIBE | www.rufflesandcake.com.au

g n i spr We love you’ve stopped by!

OUR NEXT

EDITION LAUNCHES SEPTEMBER 1

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