R O S E + J O R D A N

The lush green hills of the Gold Coast hinterland provided a stunning backdrop for Rose and Jordan's love-filled wedding day. Not even a spot of rain could dampen the spirits of this loved up couple from QLD. With stunning natural surrounds to work with the couple used minimal styling in their ceremony and reception - bringing the outside in by using native florals from around their home.

F R O M T H E B R I D E

How we met...
We met through a mutual friend at the end of 2009.

When we knew it was love...
We became official in 2010, we were both studying at the time and realised not only did we have a great friendship forming but had similar life goals and aspirations. That is when we decided to become official as it became clear that we were not only inseparable but wanted the same future together.

The engagement...
Jordan surprised me by taking me to O'Reilly's Rainforest for a day out and about. He told me about this amazing hike to a waterfall. I didn't realise that he had planned to propose to me once we arrived at the waterfall location. It took 8km to get there, mind you. Funny story, there was no one at the waterfall at the time, though as soon as Jordan got down on his knee to propose a group of tourists popped out of the bushes with cameras to take photos of the waterfall. It gave us a bit of a fright, though Jordan was determined to propose with no interruptions, so he waited until they moved along to continue his nervous proposal.

T H E W E D D I N G

Our dream wedding...
Please describe theme/colours/style. We wanted a raw natural theme. Using Grevilleas, Banksias's, Kangaroo Paw and many other native plants as our greenery and neutral colours with the table clothes and wedding décor to complement the soft green natural look. There was no set theme or structured style. We just wanted something natural, relaxed and simple really.

The ceremony & reception...
We held both at Summergrove Estate, Carool QLD.

Our photographer...
We chose Andrew Sun Photography as we had read reviews and feedback about them that was fantastic and incredible. We also looked at some of their photos taken from previous weddings, the quality looked fabulous and the energy of the photo shoots looked fun and enjoyable. We were exactly right in our thoughts! We adore our photos, as they are raw, natural and reflect so much of the affection and warmth Jordan and I have for each other.

Pre-wedding celebrations...
Just some family time together and some quality time with our three beautiful dogs (Bosco, Tommy and Joey) down at Currumbin beach. As they are a very special part of our family, and with all the wedding planning dominating our time recently, we didn't want them to feel as though they were being put to the side.

The groom...
Jordan wore a navy blue jacket, white long-sleeve button up shirt and a tan pair of pants with leather boots. All purchased from YD. Jordan wore a Kukui necklace made from the Pandanus tree around his neck, it is a traditional Samoan necklace normally worn at formal occasions. Usually an indication of person of importance and high status.

The gown...
It was a two piece set from Miss Holly the online boutique. I wanted something that I would feel relaxed in and also something that suited my energy and personality. I have always loved the lace crop top look with a long maxi skirt (especially for tall girls, as I am 6ft), and I thought that this specific two piece, ivory set brought a more sophisticated and elegant look that could pass for a wedding dress. I complemented the look with a diamanté choker from Lovisa.

The flowers...
Jordan and I had planned and decided to use a florist for our flowers and bouquet on the day. We had noticed that in our neighbourhood, through the bush walking trails we usually walk on with the dogs, that the native plants would be in bloom during the time of our wedding. We made a rash and spontaneous decision to sneakily cut some native plant stems and use them as our flowers, greenery and also my bouquet. I must say, I was quite impressed with the turn out, it looked simple, raw and exactly what I envisioned.

Reception styling...
We used the greenery down the centre of the tables, complemented by a crisp white table cloth. We used soy sweet pea and vanilla candles down the tables to create a sweet calming smell throughout the night. A friend of ours works for Sapient Nitro in Woollongabba. She is a graphic designer and designed and created the save the date cards, invitations, table numbers, thank you cards, posters and signs for the night using a blue watercolour theme that tied in nicely with our natural look.

The menu...
It was an alternate drop entrée and main. Summergrove provided the entrée of coconut crumbed prawns served with avocado, cucumber and bush tomato tian and finished with mango and lime aioli and roast beetroot and goats' cheese mousse served with baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, candied walnuts and balsamic glaze.

For the main Summergrove served garlic and herb marinated sirloin of beef served with potato gratin, grilled field mushroom, brocollini and red wine jus and grilled chicken supreme served on sweet potato puree, with asparagus, blistered cherry tomatoes and balsamic glaze.

The bomboniere...
Jordan and I organised a candy bar, included in the candy bar was a small bag of homemade (Jordan and I wildly made the night before) caramel popcorn for the guests with a thank you card.

Memorable moments...
The entire occasion was memorable. The energy and mood was fantastic. We must give our thanks and gratitude to the amazing, professional and extremely loveable staff at Summergrove who made the night fun and stress free with their dedication, eye for detail and support through every step of the way. One occasion on the night that is a fond memory etched into our minds is when I had to do a traditional Samoan Islander dance called a Siva Samoa, to show my respect and appreciation towards being Jordan's wife and being a part of his family. Jordan in return joined in the dance with me to celebrate and acknowledge me as his new wife and a new member to his family.

Wedding soundtrack...
We hired an incredible DJ called Shawn Simmons from Ace DJ Hire, we met with him prior to the occasion to collate the music for the night. He understood the mood and ambience we wanted. We went with a reggae, relaxed music theme for the night.

We also had a band perform two sets on the night, they are called ALSJAY. They are actually Jordan's family members. They sang a variety of islander, RnB and pop styles of songs. The crowd were so engaged and on their feet dancing most for the night to either the band or the DJ. It was incredible to hear the live band perform in the hidden treasure of Summergrove on the mountain top.

M A R R I E D L I F E

The honeymoon...
We have not had a honeymoon yet, we plan to visit the United States next year to explore the east and west coast. Jordan is a huge fan of the winter sports (NFL) and we would love to organise to see a game when we visit there.

Plans for the future...
To continue renovating our home together. We would love to build also in the future on my mother's farm block of land out at Cedar Creek. Such a serene area. For now just focusing on being healthy, happy and appreciative for the past present and future.

In 40 years we hope to...
Have happy souls and be even more in love with each other than we are today.

W O R D S O F W I S D O M

On how to enjoy the...

Engagement
I guess thinking back now you have a few coulda, woulda, shouldas enter your mind in regards to your wedding. With the engagement, I would suggest to do whatever makes you feel comfortable and most importantly something you will enjoy. Remember it is all about you and your significant other. If you want a low key BBQ, or a day at the beach with loved ones to celebrate this occasion then go for it.

Planning
I was quite stubborn and took on most of the planning myself and divided up some jobs for Jordan to do. I arrogantly thought because I was a primary school teacher that I would have the planning strategically down pat, seeing as I naturally have OCD tendencies. I was wrong, work/life basically dominated my time and my focus and planning wasn't as precise as I had hoped it would be. I would suggest if you can't afford a planner, utilise your lovely friends and family for small jobs here and there to ease the pressure for you both. They love you, support you and I know they would do anything to assist with your special day. I cannot thank my friends and family enough for their assistance with small tasks, as it helped us focus on the planning for the big heavy duty stuff.

Wedding day
Just remember to focus on you and your other half when times get stressful. As this day is dedicated to you both and it should be a celebration and flow naturally. Don't stress if some things don't go to plan or aren't precise with schedules. If you are too focused on making everything perfect you will miss capturing the raw beauty of the occasion. Be flexible, appreciative and gracious to have these magnificent moments with your loved ones.

Photography Andrew Sun Photography / Venue Summergrove Estate / Bride's gown Miss Holly / Groom's suit YD / Cake Cake Kiosk Woolloongabba