Experience the enchanting tale of Alana and Sophie, two women with undeniable chemistry, who tied the knot on October 2nd, 2022, at the stunning Heaven Gardens in Salt Ash. Their wedding was a joyous commemoration of love, laughter, and a promise of a future filled with adventure and boundless affection.

After only one sushi dinner, they knew there was a special connection between them. Their connection was built on open communication, shared values, and feeling completely at home and at ease in each other’s company. As they got to know each other, they realised they had found “the one” in each other. 

Sophie had been planning the perfect proposal for months, and it was a complete surprise to Alana. The proposal took place on the beachfront of Magnetic Island, complete with a surprise picnic setup and a photographer to capture the beautiful moment. Alana’s family was on FaceTime to witness the proposal, and Sophie had arranged for Alana’s closest friends and family to send in congratulatory messages. The ring box was a Harry Potter-themed golden snitch, a nod to Alana’s love for the iconic book series.

Creating a Dreamy Bohemian Vibe: The Inspiration Behind Sophie and Alana’s Spring Garden Wedding

The inspiration for the wedding style was a bohemian vibe for décor and a Spring garden cocktail themed for the guests’ attire. Alana wore a Stella York dress from Bells and Beaux on Hunter St, Newcastle, while Sophie had her dress custom-made through Noble Brides. For photography, Florent Vidal Photography was chosen based on their ability to tell a story through the art of photography and their experience in getting the perfect shot. The whimsical venue for the ceremony and reception was Heaven Gardens, while CMP Bridal meticulously did hair and makeup. The celebrant, Nell Dark Jones, was highly recommended for her supportive and humorous personality. Teasha and Mari provided the amazing music, and the rings, including the engagement and wedding rings, were purchased from The Moissanite Company. All the suppliers provided an excellent experience that culminated in this wedding masterpiece!

Enchanting Garden Ceremony and Rustic Reception at Heaven Gardens

The wedding ceremony took place in the enchanting gardens of Heaven Gardens, a flexible and DIY venue that offered a perfect canvas for the couple’s vision. Instead of traditional runners, Persian-type rugs adorned the aisle, adding to the earthy and rustic vibe the couple wanted. The wooden pavilion was a brilliant reception area, complementing the garden’s natural beauty. The catering was provided by My Three Beans Catering, a local business that served mini burger sliders, tacos, and chips/wedges, in line with the laid-back and magical garden wedding theme. Mr Goaty Gelato gave the guests four different gelato flavours, served from a bike setup – how cool is that? A gourmet grazing platter was also prepared by the couple’s friends, adding to the intimate feel of the occasion.

Sophie created the bridal and bridesmaid bouquets, along with the arbour pieces, from a mix of artificial and dried flower arrangements, tying in with the earthy, rustic tones of the wedding. The couple purchased the styling and props, including the Persian-type rugs, the dried native table arrangements, and the hanging greenery, which added to the overall gypsy and natural garden vibe. The wedding favours were little boutique jars of honey made by the venue owner, Barbara, who kept bees on the property, topped off with personalised stickers.

A Perfect Moment: The Sun Shines Brightly on Sophie and Alana’s Wedding Day After Weeks of Rain

One of the most memorable aspects of their wedding was how the weather cleared up just in time for the ceremony. After weeks of rain, the sun shone brightly on their special day.

Looking back on their big day, Sophie and Alana have some words of wisdom for other couples planning their weddings. They emphasise the importance of focusing on the love between them and not getting lost in the stress of planning. It’s easy to get caught up in the details, but at the end of the day, what matters most is the love between the couple.

They also advise couples to have a solid budget and to stick to the things that matter most to them. It’s important to remember that this is their special day, and they should do what they feel is right to make it everything they’ve dreamed of. And most importantly, they encourage couples to steal moments throughout the day to slow down and enjoy the moment because, as they discovered, the day goes by in a flash.