We love a good story on a Saturday, and today, we’re immersing ourselves in the romantic, elegant urban Brisbane wedding of Madeline and Teti. The perfect mix of glamour and culture, the couple brought to life everything they loved, and everything they’ve come from – weaving Teti’s Fijian culture throughout the day, as they danced and laughed the day away.

The couple almost missed their match, Madeline saying no to a friend’s setup. “I was attending a ‘ladies day’ at the local rugby club” she remembers. “My good friend wanted to set me up with Teti but I declined. Until I saw Teti… started dating that same week, we’ve been together ever since.”

Maple + Ochre Photography captured this merry day, that made the most of the urban backdrop for Brisbane’s city streets. And while the details are glorious, it is the love story, and the joy, that most captured our attention. Says Madeline, “The  atmosphere was love all around with the most incredible family & friends.”

Teti popped the big question on a surprise Byron Bay adventure. “My family is from Byron Bay” explains Madeline. “Teti took me for a weekend away and did a surprise day trip to Byron. We grabbed our morning coffees, and Teti led me up to the Wategos walking track. He proposed on the hill, overlooking the ocean on a beautiful Saturday morning.”

To honour his Fijian heritage, Teti started the day in traditional Fijian dress, switching to a suit to match his groomsmen (from Country Road) when the party began at the reception. “We included a lot of traditional Fijian elements were included in the decor/ dress which was very special” says the bride.

Pop the champagne! Madeline counts waking up and getting ready for the day surrounded by her sisters and best friends as one of her favourite parts of the day.

Going for glam, Madeline chose her gown at White Lily Couture. She tells  “I envisioned a dress that was figure-hugging and elegant with a touch of the old school which I got from the all-over lace detail.”

Madeline and Teti’s ceremony was held at High Church Brisbane. “We wanted some traditional aspects which is why we chose High Church for our ceremony. It gave very warm energy.”

Madeline walked down the aisle with her mum to ‘Best Part’ by Daniel Ceaser. She tells “The whole day was incredible. Walking down the aisle and seeing Teti’s face was a memory I will cherish forever.”

The couple. who chose Rowena Travi to officiate their day, wanted their ceremony to be a little traditional, a little lighthearted. “We wanted the ceremony to embody us. It was relaxed, so much love and quite funny. We wanted short and sweet with our handwritten vows. Our nephew (6 months old at the time) delivered our rings with my father in law which was very special.”

“Our photographer Em was incredible!” raves Madeline. “She captured our day beautifully. She knew every right moment and it didn’t feel staged at all. It was natural, just the way we hoped for!”

Madeline has this advice if you’re in the midst of wedding plans. “Try not to stress too much about planning! The day is about your marriage not everyone else. We made this our priority and it lessened our stress levels! At the end of the day you will remember the drinks, the food, the music – so make sure these are all on point!”

 

The stunningly elegant floral details of the day were the work of Kate Dawes Flower Design. Madeline sharing “Kate Dawes did our flowers, she is incredible. Myself & bridesmaids had long stem white roses. We also had some beautiful dry flower arrangements throughout the reception.”

The modern, industrial space of  The Lussh was perfect for Madeline and Teti’s to celebrate with their guests. “We chose the Lussh as wanted an open space with lots of room to dance. I didn’t have an official wedding planner but Sophie from The Lussh was incredible and helped me out with a lot of the details! She brought our day together seamlessly.”

Madeline’s favourite part of wedding planning? “Organising our music – we both love music and it is very special in our relationship – sometimes how we communicate with each other. Also choosing smaller details together like the flowers was very special.”

A sit-down dinner was catered by Cuisine on Cue. “Our food from Cuisine on Cue was incredible! People still bring up how good it was months later.” Caravan bar Wunderbar Australia parked to serve up a delicious range of gins for guests to enjoy.

And then it was time to dance! Madeline remembers “We did our first dance to ‘Beyond’ by Leon Bridges as we listened to this song a lot during our relationship.”

Not only did Maple + Ochre Photography capture every beautiful shot today, but they also captured the film of the day. How’s that for a double treat?

Congratulations Madeline and Teti. Your stories brought so much joy to our weekend. Thank you also to Maple + Ochre Photography for sharing today’s celebration with us.