Jen and Monica’s chapel wedding in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland area was filled with everything that was special to the brides! From the gorgeous DIY to the Scottish touches and with every detail thought of, we can’t wait to share their day! Adriana Watson Photography captured the celebration.

Having met at a pizza and movie night during university, Jen proposed while the two were on holiday on the South Island of New Zealand. She remembers, ”I had been planning it for a while and was worried she would find the ring in our suitcase! Near the end of the holiday we went to Akaroa and swam with Hector’s dolphins in the bay. After we got back on the boat and were admiring the view, I asked Monica to be my wife.”

Both brides wore outfits that were entirely true to who they are. Jen shares, ”I fell in love with a floral fabric and had my dress made by Jackson Zhu Design. I wanted to wear something feminine that could be altered and worn again for special occasions later. Monica wore a strapless gown from Angelic Bridal. She was nervous about finding a dress that would make her feel good. She had a lovely experience there and was so pleased to find something that showed off her figure and was comfortable. Monica was given a horseshoe that her grandmother made, and my mum gave me pearls that her mum had given her, as well as a sixpence for my shoe.”

On a crisp winters day at Annabella the Wedding Chapel, Jen and Monica both walked down the aisle, arriving separately. Jen shares, ”Our dad’s walked us down the aisle, and we had a bagpiper, which was important to me because I grew up in Scotland. We wanted a simple ceremony where we said our own vows, and Monica’s very good friend Angelika read 1 Corinthians 13:1-13.”

With tartan ribbon around Jen’s bouquet, the flowers reflected the brides personalities. Jen tells, ”We wanted colours that would go with the bridesmaid dresses, and the colours in my dress. Monica wanted natives and I really wanted some of my favorite flower – tulips. The ladies all wore floor-length dresses of their choosing in a colour palate of purples, pinks and burgundy. Connor wore a navy blue suit.”

Adriana Watson Photography captured every moment, from the getting ready, to the chapel, to the party to follow. Jen shares, ”We saw Adriana’s photography online, loved her style, and knew that her work was exactly what we were looking for. She was wonderful to work with, made us feel at ease, and of course produced the most wonderful photos. We had a wonderful group of vendors, in particular Adriana, Pamela Marriage Celebrant, Maple Weddings and Events, Obi Obi Homestead and Mellen Visuals. We were very conscious of the whole wedding being a reflection of us and the things we love.”

Choosing their wedding venues led the brides to a spot that was one of their favourite places. Jen shares, ”It was important to Monica to have our ceremony in a chapel, and I wanted a venue that we could style to suit our tastes. We love getting out of the city and heading to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland so we chose Annabella the Wedding Chapel and Obi Obi Hall.” Remembering some favourite moments from the day, Jen says, ”Waking up and getting ready together, being with our closest friends and the time together on the car trip between the venue and hall. Plus seeing everyone have fun at the photo booth and having Monica’s grandmother there, while honouring those who couldn’t be there with a photo display.”

Getting crafty for their DIY wedding day, Jen tells, ”We did a lot! I hand embroidered our table numbers and crocheted shawls for the bridesmaids. I also made strawberry jam as wedding favors, and together we made table decorations, and styled the hall with a little help from Maple Weddings and Events.”

The reception room was strung with ceiling fairy lights, while every detail was lovingly thought of or handmade. Jen tells, ”We had one of Monica’s favorite meals for dinner, paella, and a ceilidh (Scottish country dancing) with a Scottish band to get everyone up and dancing and laughing at the reception. We danced to Kacey Musgrave’s ‘Golden Hour’. The main thing I remember is worrying about tripping on Monica’s train!”

Thank you to our gorgeous brides for sharing your wedding with us, and congratulations! Thank you also to Adriana Watson Photography and Mellen Visuals for your stunning imagery.