A Gorgeous Garden Wedding in the Whitsundays

Wedding photography by Seyher Heffernan

We met at work and dated for 6 years before we got engaged. Our proposal was amazing, we went on a holiday to Koh Samui Thailand with my brother and his girlfriend, on our last night Adam had arranged for us girls to have a beauty afternoon of manicures and pedicures. When we arrived back to the room, there was an “Amazing Race” envelop with a treasure map and clues for me to find the treasure. It took me down to the beach where I had to dig for a treasure chest. This gave me the next clue, I had to make my way back to the hotel room where another envelop awaited me. I opened it to find a room key to one of the over water bungalows at the resort. I opened the door to find the room full of rose petals and candles, champagne and canapés. Adam took my hand and I followed the trail of rose petals out to the balcony and found another little treasure chest. I opened the treasure chest and found a little toy elephant with an engagement ring on his trunk. Adam bent down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him.

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My wedding gown was a classic elegant dress. It was lace with swarovski crystals. I loved the open back and the neck line. As soon as I put it on I knew it was the one.

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Our theme overall theme was classic, elegant and romantic. With the colour theme being neutral, creams, browns, pinks, charcoals. Our bonbonniere were individaually wrapped bride and groom shortbread biscuits which we personally gave to all of our guests as they left the wedding. Our table decorations were crystal candle holders varying in size that were placed on circle mirror plates that held roses and candles. The tea candles sparkled romantically through the crystal. We had a fingerprint tree, all our guests stamped their fingerprints and it now hangs in our home to remind us of the wedding and all our family and friends who were there to celebrate with us.

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As our wedding was a destination wedding, I had made welcome packs for our guests. I had arranged for them to be dropped off at their hotels and given to them when they checked in. They had lollies, details of the activities we planned to do the week prior to the wedding so they could join us if they wanted. It had details of the lunch and dinner that was organised for the night before the wedding. In the pack I gave our guests a disposable camera that they could use the week prior and take to the wedding to capture the day from their perspective.

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At one point during the night my husband took my hand and we walked to the sea deck (we were there all by ourselves) where we reflected on the day and talk about our favourites parts of the day. I would recommend every couple spend a few minutes of the night just the two of you to reconnect and take in the wonderful day you are having.

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Best decision I made was to listen to Jane and Michelle with the advice they offered as they knew exactly how to make our day perfect and it was. Absolutely perfect! Another good decision was to prepare a wedding dance prior to the wedding that way we were both relaxed, we actually enjoyed the dance and it was a surprise for our families.

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I wouldn’t change a single thing. To us our wedding was perfect we had our friends and family with us and we were in an amazing place/venue which gave us memories we will cherish and remember for ever.

Wedding photography by Seyher Heffernan