Hidden to this moment, the sun peeped out, the sequins sparkled spectacularly the precise moment the bride exchanged her vows, personalised for the pilot….“I vow to stand by your side, even through turbulence, ..oh and thanks for getting today off!..”
A touch of humour, before extending her slender hand, gently encased in his, as the groom slipped the bespoke wedding ring onto her third finger, “With this ring, I give you m
y heart…” the gift she will wear for the rest of her life.
Every bride and groom dream of their wedding day being the best day of their lives….and for most it meets every expectation, and for some, exceeds it. For Dani and Adam, every moment was absolutely perfect…it could not have been more special, and for the guests, .they were treated to a superb experience akin to a royal wedding, minus the paparazzi!
For Dani, it was the culmination of 17 years in the planning – from the age of ten, she had been dreaming of her wedding day, …..and when she met her prince charming, she knew, but the timing was wrong – there was study to be done, careers to be forged, and they were too young…They met again some years later, and this time, Adam became part of the wedding dream, and …. now their families are forever united as they became husband and wife only a few weeks ago at the award winning Maleny Manor on the Sunshine Coast hinterland….
Imagine, it starts like this….
120 Guests are “ferried in” via Mystic Mountain Tours….leaving the rolling hills and farmyards of the Sunshine Coast hinterland, to become engulfed by rainforest, snaking down the driveway, to emerge to the view of the magnificent Maleny Manor, spellbound by the spectacular views over the valley, Mt Coolum, Mt Ninderry and beyond.., the helipad – a popular wedding ceremony location.
Simon, called in from retirement, greets the guests with a warm smile, directs traffic, …. nothing left to chance… guests receive a welcome drink as they alight the bus, and absorb the views to the north through the three arbours dressed in arrangements by Mondo Floral Designs.
Exclamations of amazement, the party has started, they knew they were in for a treat.
Musician playing gentle tunes,…buzz…friends and family uniting…hugging, shaking hands, kissing….having already met at one of the previous “do’s”, the lavish rooftop engagement party….the bridal shower, the three day buck’s experience, or the hen’s in Bali. Some guests had flown in from Holland, The Bahamas, Sweden and Hong Kong, all in preparation and anticipation. for the big event to come.
Guests are seated, glasses collected, phones turned off…..no distractions….all eyes on the groom and his party, pre-wedding announcements –…
“Could you please stand for the bridal procession” and the musician played…
Six year old Sadie was pushing an antique pram down the aisle, with Matilda propped perfectly – like the queen at an Ascot processional, her ten month old head nodding occasionally at the guests.
But there was more….the bridesmaids appeared one by one, beautiful, graceful, gorgeous, and then…. The bride, framed by the third arbour, smiling confidently, standing with proud dad…she was in no hurry, this moment would be remembered forever… the groom gasped, and was given the chance to savour this vision, as he wiped a tear from his face….his bride gliding down the aisle….to take her place beside the man she would love for the rest of her life..
According to the celebrant, who happened to be the groom’s auntie, “they were a perfect match”… and after some beautiful readings, massaged words read with emotion, they were pronounced “Husband and Wife”,
The bride and groom kissed and blissfully walked down the aisle, through the arbours, the bride with one hand in her husband’s, triumphantly thrust her other arm and bouquet high in the air….”Wow!”.the hardest part was over!
Family and friends were elated, their congratulatory buzz became suddenly hushed as, at exactly 3.33pm, there was a roar from above. Everyone looked skyward. Four Tiger Moths were flying directly over the helipad in perfect arrow formation….Guests clapped and cheered…it
was a dramatic ending to a brilliant ceremony.
Congratulations complete, ushers guided the guests to the other side of the property to the Pavilion, wedding lawn, and magnificent Ash Tree where the signing of the certificates took place. Champagne cocktails, canapes – the MM staff always on hand. Family photos, music, a chance to catch up with friends and family, when we were ushered to our seats in the Manor. Wow! It just looked beautiful. Every detail, every tiny detail, discussed, planned, perfected.…gold cutlery, handmade serviettes, chairs, floral arrangements from the arches repurposed at the bridal table…
The speeches were absolutely brilliant, funny, emotional, the food delectable, service impeccable, time flew, and then, we were in for a real treat. The MC’s encouraged guests to head outside as the lake, fountain and pontoon lit up. The groom escorted the bride onto the pontoon dance floor, 50 metres away….The music started, all eyes were transfixed on the sheer beauty of the whole experience – marvelling at a beautiful couple – totally in love, just married, their first dance as husband and wife. Dani’s, “seven Sydney trip wedding gown”, once again sparkling, , when the groom impressively lifted the bride – a la Patrick Swaze and Baby – and … the fireworks went off! What a surprise. It was absolutely magical.
The atmosphere was thrilling, and everyone was dancing – nanna bootscooting, Grandad twirling the bride, the music was pumping, With everyone in the circle taking their turn to do their thing – dirty dancing , twirking, the bombcousin dropped to his tum to perform the slug, The groom and his groomsmen loosened their belts….dropped their daks, to reveal matching black tie budgie smugglers.– or was it white? And after some more hijinks, it was time for the farewell arch….and the bride and groom, elated, ecstatic, disappear upstairs to begin their new journey together…..
Congratulations to Adam and Dani, and families who put on such a wonderful wedding.
Congratulations to Maleny Manor staff, and all other wedding suppliers who worked together to create and pull off the perfect dream wedding…..It really was one I will remember for the rest of my life.
@Maleny Manor, @Mondo Floral Designs, @Lovebird Weddings, @Nicola Lemon Photography, @Mystic Mountain Tours
