We never considered car-pooling a romantic activity until we heard about Carissa and Ash. The two started off as colleagues and it wasn’t long before their in-depth conversations on the drive to work turned into something more. They tied the knot at Maleny Retreat, in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, and with another Ash (of Stories by Ash) behind the camera, these sweethearts couldn’t have been happier with how the day went down.

During her hunt for the perfect dress, Carissa enlisted the help of her closest girlfriends and together they found the stunning Violet Gown by Rue De Seine at The Babushka Ballerina. Needless to say, Ash looked pretty darn rapt to see her at their first look before the ceremony.

Both nature lovers, an outdoor bohemian-rustic theme was exactly what this pair were after, so Maleny Retreat’s remote hinterland location was the perfect spot. Carissa tells us, “When we saw the spectacular view and tranquility of the remote location, along with the awesome guest house and tent village, we couldn’t say no. It was exactly what we envisioned!”

Willow Bud brought Carissa’s dreams of bohemian romance to life with beautiful blooms in her nominated palette of pink, red and cream, and eucalyptus leaves lent an earthiness to the bouquets. DIY played a big part in this couple’s day, and with a little help from family members they crafted signs, invites and labels, along with soy candles in Vegemite jars provided by an uncle. All we can say is, that’s a lot of Vegemite Uncle Josh!

Wanting their guests to be fully present for their special moment, Carissa and Ash requested that their ceremony be ‘unplugged’, which meant putting the smartphones away and leaving the photography to the professionals. If these guys had to share one piece of advice with brides-and-grooms-to-be, Carissa suggests, “Work out what’s important to you and book your key vendors as soon as possible.” Hear Hear!