You might expect the wedding of two insurance owners to be a thing of caution. But the celebration was effortlessly carefree, filled with excitement and a few surprises. From the Groom’s Bond like helicopter arrival, to a custom made stage fit for a Princess as the Bride glided down the aisle in her couture gown. White blush wedding set the tone for the colour palette which complimented the bridesmaid navy dresses.
Sarah Valdivia married her partner Garth King on the famous Lamington Plateau in Beechmont on 24th September 2022. The couple enjoyed a relaxed morning before meeting each other at the alter to exchange their heartfelt I do’s. A fairy light glass marquee was the setting for dinner and dancing, while outside a burst of fireworks lit up the night.
Rosewood Estate is regarded as one of the finest properties on the mountain. Boasting a charming homestead nestled on 250 acres of rolling, lush farm land and surrounded by acres of manicured gardens.
“Bronwyn and her dedicated team are nothing less than incredible. They made our day truly magical. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending them. Thanks again guys, we wouldn’t have had the best days of our lives without you all!” Sarah and Garth King
Behind the Scenes
Photo & Film: Cloud Catcher | Wedding Planner: Scenic Rim Bride | Stylist: Love Notes | Florals: Bunch It Up | Venue: Rosewood Estate | Hair: Tanya Golden | Makeup: Fernando Hervas | Wedding Gown: Darb Bridal | Transport: Elite Helicopters | Catering: Cuisine on Cue | Furniture Hire & Tableware: Hampton Event Hire | Cake: Frosted Indulgence | Entertainment: Baker Boys Band | Bathroom Hire: Ensuites on Tow | Stage: Staging Creations | Celebrant: Married by Ange | Fireworks: Xplosive Entertainment
Find more Real Weddings planned by Scenic Rim Bride HERE
Andrea Klease married her partner Mitchell Armstrong near her hometown in the Scenic Rim on 15th May 2021.
A Jimboomba based florist and local wedding planner formed part of their dream team, with a private property in Lamington as the chosen venue.
Wooden elements and barrels were introduced to this rustic farmhouse wedding for a seamless blend. With country temperatures renowned to drop, blankets were provided to keep guests comfortable. A roaring wood heater was a warm welcome inside the barn, with wooden fire-pits outside creating extra warmth for a Winter wedding.
A canopy of festoon lights above guest tables and dance floor, set the mood.
Photography: Nicola Lemmon Words: Scenic Rim Bride
Floral Notes: creams, cappuccino, dusty pinks and soft green by Bunch It Up florist
“Mitch and I wanted to express our gratitude and thank you so much for all your help to make our dream wedding. It was everything and more! From the bottom of our hearts we are truly grateful for you. It was well and truly the best day of our lives and so stress free. I honestly didn’t have one worry, knowing you were all over it. Everything was perfect!” Andrea and Mitch Armstrong
Via social media in late 2013 when Brad slid into my DM’s. We have basically been inseparable ever since.
The Planning
If I didn’t procrastinate so much and have a surprise baby on the way, I’m sure it would have been a lot less stressful. I don’t know what I would have done without Bronwyn’s help in tying everything together! Taking care of the finishing touches which brought I had ever wished for, to life. For me, I really enjoyed researching the different suppliers. That would have been my favourite part of the process and of course, making endless Pinterest boards.
The Dress
Originally, my wedding dress was purchased from When Freddie Met Lilly. Three weeks out from the wedding, it was not possible my dress was going to fit with the growing bump. My poor mother had to make a wedding dress from scratch. Being so last minute, I am grateful my Mum was able to create a dress including the skirt and veil. Our bridesmaid dresses were also made by my Mother. It was quite difficult for us to find dresses to suit Winter in the Scenic Rim! I also crashed the guys suit fitting just to purely help with colours.
The Location
We chose Royston House as I am obsessed with horses so they had to be incorporated! Brad and I loved the idea of spending four days together with our closest friends and family. Eliminating the worry of travelling to and from another location.
Advice
Must have element for our wedding was an epic photographer who really brought out the emotion in every photo. Levi from Beauxartco did exactly that. A microphone for the ceremony! Too many times we have attended a wedding and couldn’t hear a word. For us, hearing the ceremony involves the guests. Our wedding was intimate so we could be present and involved with all our guests.
Like everyone says, the day goes so fast and before you know it, it’s over. Make sure you take time every now and then to have a few minutes for the two of you.
All our suppliers were equal in making our wedding what it was. I believe Kate being the amazing Celebrant/MC absolutely set the tone for our wedding and nailed our brief. Phoebe our Videographer package inclusions was incredible.
Bronwyn’s advice, from Scenic Rim Bride, on all things wedding related is second to none. She really helped incorporate everything we imagined while working within our budget.
We first met in late 2009. Juan had recently arrived from Colombia and was introduced to Alessia by one of his English school friends, but didn’t start dating until March 2010. Together, we have been through everything. Growing together, traveling, and learning each other’s languages (rustily!). We are strongly tied to our cultures and believe in the importance of love, family and good friendships.
Planned, Styled and Coordinated by Scenic Rim Bride Photography by Nina Claire Words by the Bride
THE PROPOSAL
Our engagement took place in December 2018, Juan using Alessia’s birthday as an excuse for a surprise trip to Tasmania. Juan got down on one knee and proposed during a breathtaking sunset in Marion Bay. The surprise involved a romantic picnic and a long walk to the picnic location with Alessia wearing a paper bag for the journey for full effect! Hot tip: always prepare a blindfold for a surprise picnic. We chose to have a two year engagement, giving us time to craft the wonderful vision for the wedding we had in mind.
PLANNING A WEDDING
Being from Italian and Colombian backgrounds, we had food, music and colours top of mind for our wedding day. Our wedding planning was a year in the making. We used to joke that it was our second part-time job. That is definitely how it feels, but in a fun way!
Soon realising, our DIY venue where almost everything needed to be hired, it made sense to have someone on board to help us. That’s when (to our amazing fortune) we met Bronwyn from Scenic Rim Bride. From then on, everything was so perfectly organised and executed and couldn’t possibly have done it without her!
Second hot tip: hire a wedding planner/coordinator/stylist extraordinaire. Make sure that person is Bronwyn from Scenic Rim Bride. Together with Bronwyn we organised and planned everything the way we wanted. With ideas in mind for our table settings, flowers and general vibe which was joyous, beautiful and most of all, filled with our favourite music and people.
We always agreed we wanted the process to be just as fun and enjoyable as the day itself. With an endless to-do list that seemed to keep growing. Thankfully we tackled each new section when it felt right and completely organic. It might not work for some, but everything seemed to fall neatly into place one job after another, which we were super grateful for!
THE CEREMONY
Our first thought was having a separate ceremony in the surrounding area of Royston House. We looked at a few churches nearby, hoping to find a quaint country church, but there was nothing that suited.
Therefore, we landed on the idea of having our ceremony and reception in the same area. With the sweeping landscapes of Innisplain as our backdrop, Royston House had plenty of locations to choose from. In order to make the ceremony as special and personal as possible, we asked Alessia’s godmother to be our officiant. She has known both of us for a long time and has seen us grow into the couple we are today.
We also wanted our wedding day to be the official day we got married, so we devised a plan to have our ceremony be both official and personal. Feeling grateful we found Ann Taylor from Ceremona via The Celebrant Society – she understood our vision. Together with Alessia’s godmother, made the perfect ceremony team. Ann performed a “legals only” ceremony, which means she legally married us with our witnesses and paperwork. Then Alessia’s godmother popped in and out of our ceremony to speak to the personal parts.
THE ATTIRE
For our attire, Alessia chose Brad from Darb Bridal Couture to create a custom gown for an idea she had in mind. Darb also supplied her veil. Juan enlisted the help of Black Jacket Suiting for his tuxedo and shoes. Alessia chose a reception dress from L’ETO Bridal in Sydney with a scooped pearl-lined back. She had Brad alter the length for dancing, and wore an Aura Bridal headband and matched it with a Shrimps bag that she sourced from Vestiaire.
We recommend giving yourself as much time as you can – even 6 months longer than you think you need – for your attire, especially if something is being custom made for you! For Hair and Makeup, Alessia went for a subtle, natural glam look, and had her hair pulled back into a low chignon which she then took out for the reception to wear with her headband.
Our Groomsmen suits were from David Jones, and they each wore a bow tie that matched the colour of Juan’s jacket. We wanted a multi-colour bridal party, so Alessia worked with the bridesmaids to choose a colour that suited each of their complexions, and sourced their dresses from multiple online retailers.
Flowers
Even though we got married in May, the early days of autumn are very spring-like in Queensland, and so that was the seasonal inspiration we used – a beautiful spring day bursting with flowers, sunshine and colour.
We wanted florals as a main feature for the day. To bring this to life, we enlisted the help of Kat from Garden Graffiti. We knew we wanted something pretty special for our arbour and showed her a reference image we’d found on Pinterest, but on the actual wedding morning when we each peaked out the window to see Kat assembling it, it was completely breathtaking. She absolutely delivered on the bursting and colourful brief, there were sprays of colour from every angle. We wanted to keep our centrepieces more toned down and pastel to fit with the rest of the tablescape. Kat made the bouquets unique to each bridesmaid’s dress colour, and Alessia’s bridal bouquet was a fresh arrangement of chamomile daisies to match her dress. She later had her bouquet preserved so we could have it hanging in our living room.
STYLING
Our table settings reflected the garden wedding party vibe. Alternating coloured glassware with blue and white toile plates, periwinkle napkins and golden candlesticks. All items were sourced by the wonderful Bronwyn at SRB of course! As a nod to Alessia’s heritage, we had limoncello bomboniere from a lady on Etsy in Greece with personalised tags, hand-tied to each bottle. Third
Hot tip: if there’s even a slight chance of rain (even though you planned your entire wedding day during one of the most beautiful, temperate months of the year) and your reception is outdoors, just get the damn marquee!
CATERING
Our food and alcohol was a nod to both our heritages, with influences from both cultures. We opted for 3 canapes and an Italian-style grazing table at cocktail hour, paired with a Paloma cocktail. Jerome from Dalton Catering and his team kept the food and drinks coming all night, with a 2-course meal that we’d chosen and sampled with him beforehand. We had a pasta entree and beef cheek and wine jus for our main. We didn’t want a wedding cake, instead breaking tradition to go for a cannoli tower so that everyone could serve themselves (there were no leftovers to take home!).
PHOTOGRAPHY
Our photographer was Nina from Nina Claire Photography. Nina has a great eye for detail and knows where to be. Her style of capturing emotions and scenery focuses on un-staged, natural moments – the result was a jaw dropping wedding album that we’ll treasure forever.
STATIONERY
Laura from Laura Elizabeth Design created all our wedding stationary including our invitations and signage on the day. We had our menus and name cards printed on raw-edge cream paper for a rustic look, and a three-piece wedding invite suite tying together with the overall theme (the inside of our envelopes had lemons!).
ENTERTAINMENT
Spencer and the incredible Baker Boys Band kept us toe-tapping through our jazzy cocktail hour. They raised the roof during our reception. The Baker Boys Band provided the ultimate wedding day music feast. Complimenting each section of the day perfectly working in with our song preferences and (many) requests.
We chose our songs meaningfully. Alessia’s walk down the aisle song was ‘Ti Amo’ by Umberto Tozzi. A romantic Italian ballad that we asked Baker Boys Band to perform live for us. The original version was a bit synth-heavy for our liking! Exiting the aisle, we paid tribute to our love of Queen with ‘You’re My Best Friend’. For our reception entrance song we chose ‘Day Tripper’ by The Beatles.
Our first dance we chose to twirl to the heavenly, romantic version of ‘Bésame Mucho’ by Cesaría Evora. This was a surprises to our guests. Lovers of music and dancing, we choreographed a dance with the help of Kristi Hall from Dance Culture. Kickstarting the party our hype song to get everyone on the dance floor was ‘Bella Ciao’ by Manu Pilas. Dancing in a circle we got everyone up to celebrate with us.
Unfortunately Juan’s side of the family couldn’t be there to celebrate with us on our day. The only regret we have (thanks to Covid). Knowing we alway wanted two weddings, one to celebrate our life here in Australia, and one to celebrate Juan’s heritage with all his family.
So, we’re doing it all again, with our second wedding in Colombia! Hopefully to take place in 2023 or 2024, and we will definitely be enlisting Bronwyn to help us once again.
Love Alessia and Juan
Behind the Scenes
Planned, Styled and Coordinated: Scenic Rim Bride | Florist: Garden Grafitti | Tableware: Table for Louis | Furniture Hire & Tableware: Hampton Event Hire | Stationery & Signage: Laura Elizabeth Design | Linen: The Supper Club | Catering: Dalton Catering | Entertainment: Baker Boys Band | Lighting: Scenic Rim Wedding Hire | Dance Floor: Let’s Dance | Celebrant: Ceremona | Hair Stylist: Aleesha Darke | Makeup Artist: Sarah Smith | Gown: Darb Bridal | Transport: Logan Coaches | Film: Josue Films | Photographer: Nina Claire
Find your dream Scenic Rim Wedding Suppliers on SRB Community
Timeless country romance set the scene for planning this beautiful wedding for James and Grace.
There aren’t too many couples around whose wedding plans haven’t been touched by COVID. Grace Herbert and Jimmy Downes are no exception and they didn’t let the pandemic put a dampener on their day!
Taking place at a historic Church in picturesque Christmas Creek was a traditional ceremony. After an exchange of heartfelt vows, guests delighted in gourmet grazing and free-flowing champagne. Following the ceremony, guests were transported by private coach and treated to an incredible reception setting!
Greeting guests upon arrival was three Sperry Tents sprawling a private property. The classic white and sage palette helped create a timeless country romance. Spectacular sunset views took place over mountain vista ranges as thoroughbred horses grazed in nearby paddocks.
Behind the Scenes
Planning & Coordination: Scenic Rim Bride | PhotographerFigtree Pictures | Film Anchored Cinema | Catering Spoonfed Catering | Church Tamrookum Church | Tent Sperry Tents | Furniture / TablewareHampton Event Hire and Innovative Hire | Entertainment: On Stage Entertainment | Signage / Stationery Laura Elizabeth Design | Florist family friend of the Bride, Susan Mee | Gown Darb Bridal | Hair Stylist Chantelle Maree | Makeup Lily Rathie | Transport Our Wedding Cars and Logan Coaches | Reception Christmas Creek Thoroughbreds | Bathroom Hire Portable Powder Rooms
Intimate wedding at Rosewood Estate, not without a few set backs.
Callum and Georgia’s wedding was planned for June 2020 with a 100+ guest list. When international and local border closed, (thanks to Covid), they faced the difficult decision to postpone their dream wedding day. With a new date in place, August 2021, a new style brief was in order. Saying goodbye to cool Winter hues and hello to vibrant Spring vibes!!
Weeks leading up to the new date, Queensland experienced a snap lock-down. A lock-down that would extend by 14 days with an allowance of 20 guests who could attend a wedding. This just so happened to fall on Callum and Georgia’s postponed wedding date. Now, more than ever, Callum and Georgia just wanted to get married.
In a matter of days, a luxurious cocktail wedding was transformed into a stylish sit-down lunch celebration. The colour palette was vibrant, introduced by way of florals, signage and finishing touches. The ceremony was heartfelt, shared via zoom with those afar. Musicians entertained whilst drinks flowed accompanied by a delicious feasting menu.
Callum surprised his Bride with dancing wavy men which inflated when announced ‘Husband and Wife’. Georgia surprised her Groom with a whiskey bar cart, including whiskey! Above all, smiles were aplenty as Callum and Georgia shared their love with a select few. Celebrating a stylish, intimate wedding at Rosewood Estate.
