The Wedding Collective

Image from The Wedding Collective

You know the saying “First impressions are lasting”? Well it was certainly fitting for me last night. I begrudgingly dragged myself off my cozy sofa, out of my warm tracksuit (it was really cold in Brisbane), donned a little black dress and strutted off to yet another wedding fair. The night of The Wedding Collective in Brisbane had finally arrived.

As I drove up the road to the venue and saw the mass of cars lined up, I began to question my decision, why didn’t I just stay at home? And then he appeared, like an angel… a parking angel!! I guess you could say he had me at ‘hello’. Right then and there I knew that this was going to be a wedding event with a difference. I mean honestly, when have you ever been to a wedding fair that has a parking usher to ease your parking stresses? I know I haven’t… and I loved it!!!

This year, The Wedding Collective was being held at Brisbane’s newest wedding venue hotspot, Northshore Riverside Café at Hamilton. If you hadn’t seen or heard of this venue before, I can guarantee you won’t stop talking about it now, it’s a mandatory Brisbane address.

Arriving on the elegant candelabra lined red carpet, the sounds of an infectious sound track hit me (there was an uber-cool DJ playing in the corner), and then the most decadent crystal dripped trees came into sight and I was handed a delicious Skinny Girl Cocktail. It was an assault of the senses. I was giddy with excitement. Northshore Riverside Café was filled with spectacular wedding glamour. I couldn’t wait to see more.

As I made my way through the crowd and past the plush seating, for all the pretty people to lounge on, I was presented with a romantic scene… a gorgeous couple embracing and dancing under the moonlight at a classic beach fairytale setting.

Image by Stewart Ross Photography

Moving around the venue there was something on display for every style of wedding. From a luscious green eco-style setting to a romantic vintage display and a rich, exotic Moroccan table. The stylist from White+White Wedding and Events, Amini Concepts, Epic Empire, Urban Weddings and Wedding Bling truly showed us just how talented they are and that your dream really can be made a reality.

Throughout the entire venue were exquisite bouquets and florals by Bouquet Boutique. The flowers varied from diamante adorned rose bouquets to chic country styled posies of babies breath and modern bouquets with maidenhair fern, orchids and lisianthus. The mix of colours and styles Bouquet Boutique used on each table setting were the perfect reflection of all the themes on display. The flowers on each table were stunning.

This years event saw nobody being left out, with talented tailor Wil Valor on hand to discuss suiting styles and fashion options for the modern groom along with Perdomo Cigars Australia to show the guys the hot trend of having a gentlemen’s cigar bar at your wedding.

Bridal designers, The Babushka Ballerina and Maticevski Bridal showed their latest designs on free-standing mannequins so you could get a close up look, touch and feel of the delicate fabrics.

With so much sensational inspiration you certainly worked up an appetite and The Wedding Collective had that covered too. Delicious canapés flowed freely and Cake Star provided tasty samples of their decadent cakes.

But for me ‘la piece de resistance’ was the oyster bar. One of the chefs from Northshore Riverside Café was shucking delicious fresh oysters to accompany the fine Champagne offered. It was as if The Wedding Collective had seen a list of all my favourite wedding features and put them all on display. But it wasn’t just me that was unexpectedly overwhelmed, I heard another guest saying “I never want to leave, I just want to live here tonight forever.”  I heard this while I was walking out of the alluring clear marquee that was sitting pretty on the lush green grass. Inside, the walls were dripping with thousands of crystals and chandeliers hanging above. Rush Entertainment created a lively atmosphere and saw many visitors perching themselves on the bar tables, sipping cocktails and wine, enjoying the live music and just taking in all the amazing inspiration.

In only its second year, The Wedding Collective in Brisbane has certainly raised the bar when it comes to chic glamorous wedding events. And just like your wedding day, The Wedding Collective shows that it’s all the little things that make an impression (thank you Mr Parking Angel). This years venue, Northshore Riverside Café was the perfect choice for a city filled with brides-to-be with an unquenchable appetite for the new, fashionable and extraordinary. The Wedding Collective 2012 was a surreal and lavish party, filled with wedding delicacy.

Image from The Wedding Collective, stationery by Urban Weddings

If you attended The Wedding Collective, I’d love to know what your favourite feature was? Will you be booking any of the suppliers who showcased on the night? What were your thoughts on this style of wedding fair?

Photos by Ms Lace