Ash & Carissa’s Maleny Retreat Wedding

Words by Hannah Pronesti / Images by Stories by Ash
November 4, 2015

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!

DIY timber wedding ceremony sign Maleny Retreat wedding | Photography by Stories by Ash Maleny Retreat wedding | Photography by Stories by Ash Maleny Retreat wedding | Photography by Stories by Ash Maleny Retreat wedding | Photography by Stories by Ash DIY lightbox Maleny Retreat wedding | Photography by Stories by Ash Maleny Retreat wedding | Photography by Stories by Ash Maleny Retreat wedding | Photography by Stories by Ash Maleny Retreat wedding | Photography by Stories by Ash Maleny Retreat wedding | Photography by Stories by Ash
Carissa and Ash tell us their best decision was booking photographer Stories by Ash . “Ash is a truly special person, who has found her true passion in photography and you can see in her eyes as she does her magic.”
Rose and amaranth bouquet by Willow Bud Maleny Retreat wedding | Photography by Stories by Ash Flower girls Maleny Retreat wedding | Photography by Stories by Ash Maleny Retreat wedding | Photography by Stories by Ash Maleny Retreat wedding | Photography by Stories by Ash Maleny Retreat wedding | Photography by Stories by Ash Maleny Retreat wedding | Photography by Stories by Ash Rue de Seine wedding dress - the Violet gown Maleny Retreat wedding | Photography by Stories by Ash Maleny Retreat wedding | Photography by Stories by Ash Rose and amaranth bouquet by Willow Bud
When it came to the blooms, Carissa tells us Willow Bud far exceeded her expectations. “I was quite indecisive about exact flowers/colours, so really left it to Sandi to take creative control. When she delivered the flowers they took our breath away!”
Maleny Retreat wedding | Photography by Stories by Ash Maleny Retreat wedding | Photography by Stories by Ash Maleny Retreat wedding | Photography by Stories by Ash Maleny Retreat wedding | Photography by Stories by Ash Maleny Retreat wedding | Photography by Stories by Ash Cake buffet with gold letter balloons Maleny Retreat wedding | Photography by Stories by Ash Maleny Retreat wedding | Photography by Stories by Ash Maleny Retreat wedding | Photography by Stories by Ash Maleny Retreat wedding | Photography by Stories by Ash
These budget-savvy foodies were set on having a food truck and were delighted with That BBQ Joint . “It was still new when we booked, and was one of the most cost saving elements of the wedding, not to mention that Brent went above and beyond throughout the night.”
Maleny Retreat wedding | Photography by Stories by Ash Maleny Retreat wedding | Photography by Stories by Ash Maleny Retreat wedding | Photography by Stories by Ash Maleny Retreat wedding | Photography by Stories by Ash Maleny Retreat wedding | Photography by Stories by Ash

Credits

Images Stories by Ash | Bride's Dress Rue De Seine | Bride's Shoes Zomp | Bridesmaid's Dresses Saba | Groom's Suit Saba | Rings Hearts on Fire | Accessories Samantha Wills | Hair KJ Artistry | Makeup KJ Artistry | Ceremony Venue Maleny Retreat | Celebrant Jo Lincolne, Big Love Weddings | Flowers Willow Bud | Catering That BBQ Joint | Prop Hire Little Gray Station | Games Bar Boys | Marquee Equip 4 Hire | Cake #1 Jocelyns Provisions | Cake #2 Chester Street Bakery |


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