~Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose~ *Preferred Vendor* {Gold Coast Weddings}

Here's the next in the series of "Preferred Vendor Interviews". I love working with THE best of the best and I know you will too.

Julia Rose is by FAR the vendor that I have worked the most with...and happy to say so! Because her styling and floral arrangements are head & shoulders above the rest. Not to mention her helpful, bubbly personality. Put it all together and Voil a (my new favourite word) and you have THE BEST flowers from Brisbane to Byron...there, I said it!

Enjoy
xoxo Martinia

Please introduce yourself

My Name is Julia Rose and I am a Wedding Specialist.

I LOVE to create beautiful and unique floral pieces, Weddings are my heart and soul.

I just love working with brides & their wedding coordinators to help bring an area to life, filling it with flowers, helping to create an atmosphere which will evokes guests senses, visually or emotionally through sweet perfumes. 

I LOVE my Job! I am one of those lucky people who just adore what they do.

Who wouldn't love getting lost in amongst the flowers, being part of a couples special day. I truly love creating & designing Beautiful Pieces of Floral Art.

When I am designing and creating is when I am most alive.

I also teach Floral Art, which is just amazing.

Can you tell us about your services and what you offer?

My specialty is designing flowers for weddings, events, runway & advertising campaigns. My designs have been featured in large 'big brand' worldwide campaigns, as well as in many National and International Fashion Magazines, published in over 5 languages. I am what the industry calls a “Glamour Floral Artist”. In April this year, an Avante Garde Floral Gown I created was the centre point for the "Sneak Peak" at fashion week at the prestigious QT Gold Coast Fashion week and Awards. This night was especially created to feature the gown I designed. I was the exclusive floral designer for the entire floral arrangements displayed at the St Hilda's Centenary Celebrations with over 85 tables. I created the florals for the Redbull Quiksilver Pro after party. I write for many Wedding magazines on what’s hot and in trend this season, as well as being a guest blogger on Australia's oldest and number one flower suppliers website, Tesselears. I like to keep my floral art affordable, as it is a passion and created with love, as opposed to love of money.

How early do you accept bookings?

Anywhere from 18 months out from the wedding date. (I have taken the occasional booking up to 24 months out from the Wedding date)

What is important for couples to be aware of?

I would say the most import thing to be aware of is that the day is about "You", "You two as a couple" so basically don't sweat the little things, as long as you two are there on the day, then everything is Perfect!! It does not matter that the napkins are supposed to be cream and not white..trust me no one will notice...everyone is there to share in your love and see you two become one.

Why should couples book with you?

 My Floral pieces reflect the couple and every piece is unique. I have designed many different packages in exactly with exactly the same flower recipe, yet each has been completely different, pending the structure and feel of the overall wedding.

 Each and every package is tailored to suit the couples needs, budget & style. 

You can rest assured the the quality of the the brand "Julia Rose" will be flawless each and every time. Then there is the cost, as I am a wedding & event specialist my flowers are made with passion as this is the only fields I service, so the the prices are not dramatically increased as soon as the word 'wedding' appears.

What special advice do you suggest?

I would suggest to book early to avoid running around at the last minute. This will help to make your Wedding Planning a much more pleasurable experience

How can they get in contact?

Ph: 0439 894 737

Email: enquiry@weddingflowersbyjuliarose.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Weddingflowersbyjuliarose
Website: http://www.weddingflowersbyjuliarose.com

Instagram: http://instagram.com/flowersbyjuliarose

Twitter: https://twitter.com/juliarosefloral

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/juliarosefloral/

~Gingerbread Folk~ *Preferred Vendor* {Gold Coast Wedding}

Can you say cute, unique, yummy & a REALLY great idea? When I first came across this little gingerbread folk...that was EXACTLY what I thought. Are you looking for that special something...that WOW factor to add to your reception? Well, this is it! This adorable, edible gift doubles as a placecard. Voilà!!

Enjoy!!
xo Martinia

Please introduce yourself.

I’m Karen Sharman shared owner with Dominic Mason (my husband) of Gingerbread Folk. Our business was created 12 years ago, when I was inspired by a passion for baking and the artistic process of decorating gingerbread.

Can you tell us about your services and what you offer?

We offer personalized bride and grooms cookie-placecards that are a 2-in-1 solution to a gift and namecard at a placesetting. These can be personalised with your guests' names(or any wording) for a practical, delightful and delicious table decorations. They are also a terrific ice-breaker at tables!

How early do you accept bookings?

We encourage couples to book up to a year ahead of their wedding and encourage orders to be placed at least 3 months ahead of ‘peak’ wedding times to guarantee supply.

What is important for couples to be aware of?
We also offer a gluten free and vegan gingerbread options. All our cookies are wrapped in compostable film and that is because we want to reduce our impact on landfill

Why should couples book with you?

With Gingerbread Folk you will receive a unique and delicious product as well as friendly, professional efficient customer service.

What special advice do you suggest?

I think it is important to make sure there is something to make everyone comfortable. It is your wedding day but it is a shared celebration so it’s lovely to make all your friends and family feel special too.

How can they get in contact?

Ph: 02 4739 0950

Website: www.gingerbreadfolk.com.au
Email: info@gingerbreadfolk.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gingerbreadfolk
Twitter: twitter.com/gingerbreadfolk

Pinterest: pinterest.com/gingerfolk/

Instagram: instagram.com/gbfgingerbread

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/gingerbreadfolk

~Currumbin SLSC Vikings Room~ *Preferred Vendor* {Gold Coast Weddings}

Here's the next in the series of "Preferred Vendor Interviews". I love working with THE best of the best and I know you will too.

With all the unpredictable weather we have had the last several years...why not have the best of both worlds? Is there a more beautiful beachfront wedding venue? I think not! The views are just stunning! And the staff there are friendly and helpful. What more could you ask? Contact Jenny to come along to the Bridal Open Day Saturday, 7th September 2013. Remember, if you find this helpful, please share.

Enjoy!
xo Martinia

Please introduce yourself

Jenny Wood

Wedding Coordinator

Currumbin SLSC

Can you tell us about your services and what you offer?

We are a Beach Wedding Reception venue from cocktail to sit down wedding. We also manage “poor weather” in room ceremonies

How early do you accept bookings? 

12 months

What is important for couples to be aware of?

To find the perfect place for your wedding, go and view some venue. You will know right away, once we walk into the room, if it is your wedding venue or not.

Why should couples book with you?

Our location is the #1, we are one of the few venues right on the beach and with spectacular view.

What special advice do you suggest?

Choose people that know the area for ceremony set up, photographers, cakes, florist. People that know the area and can offer you the best the area has to offer, easy delivery, great service & fresh product. Wedding items don’t like to travel!

How can they get in contact?

Jenny Wood

Ph: 0428 451 579

Email: events@currumbinslsc.com.au

Facebook: Currumbin SLSC Vikings Room

Website: www.currumbinslsc.com.au

~Tarnya Bennett, Celebrant~ *Preferred Vendor* {Gold Coast Weddings}

Welcome to the first of many in my series of 'Preferred Vendor Interviews'. I have a collection of FABULOUS vendors that are amazing at what they do and offer so I wanted to give you some very important info to help you choose the very best team of professionals for your special day. If you find it helpful, please share. After all, everyone deserves THE best of the best!

Enjoy!
xoxo Martinia

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Please introduce yourself

Hi !!...My Name is Tarnya Bennett, I am a Civil Marriage Celebrant based on the beautiful Gold Coast …and service not only here but Australia wide!

Can you tell us about your services and what you offer?

I do what I love and love what I do. And to me being chosen to be a part of a couples special day is truly an honor and a privilege. It is so important that each couple have their own unique and personal wedding ceremony…..not a carbon copy of someone else’s !! Every couple have their own special dynamic, so too should every wedding.

My promise to you, is that I will help you… and guide you, and most importantly 'listen to you… so that I can create the wedding ceremony that you both want….after all, it is all about you !!

Your wedding day should be a day full of love and magic moments…that will remain locked in your hearts and minds forever….a day to be remembered for all the right reasons !

Every ceremony I do….is personal….so if it’s a Wedding, Renewal Of Vows, Commitment Ceremony, or Baby Naming Ceremony……I give it my all….because I am simply in love with what I Do !

How early do you accept bookings?

2013 has proven to be a busy year thus far and 2014 is looking to be fantastic !

I have enquiries and bookings already for 2015…so it’s fair to say the I take bookings 2 years ahead

The Notice of Intention To Marry Form can be lodged no earlier than 18months  your Wedding…. and no later than one month before your Wedding

Your Celebrant will explain all the appropriate forms that are relevant to complete the Intent To Marry Form

What is important for couples to be aware of?

Please Please Please….do not ever book anyone that you don’t feel comfortable with ! You should never feel like you are being pressured into anything.

Ask suppliers to show you a portfolio of the weddings they have done.

When meeting with suppliers for your Wedding, make sure that they have a genuine interest in you and what you are looking for.

When you have a great team of people working on your special day….the day will be run like clockwork and be everything you wanted.

Especially when that team of  suppliers have worked together before.

Those that care about you…..well, it shows on the day , believe me !!

A little tip when booking a Celebrant…ask them their registration number? ….how many weddings they have done? What is BDM ?….and what is a NOIM ??

A qualified professional Celebrant will be able to answer those 4 questions in a heart beat. And a final little tip, make sure you receive an invoice and a receipt….with any supplier you decide to book with.

Why should couples book with you?

Hmmmmm, I hope couples would want to book with me because I will always go that extra mile for them.

It’s not only about the destination…..it’s also about the journey as well, and I want that journey to the Aisle to be full of exciting times and great choices.

I don’t work on a one phone call one meeting policy….we meet, then email text talk as much as needed…and we have a Rehearsal before the day, just to make sure it’s all come together as planned.

I take the time, to get to know you as a couple…to know what you want and certainly what you don’t want !!

I pass no judgments and I certainly have no specific religious beliefs or opinions that I would push onto you.

However….I am a very open person and if you have some religion or belief or cultural ceremony that you would like incorporated into your Wedding….then I am all ears !

I genuinely care about all my couples and want to give them the very best of everything I can.

If I didn’t really care…..I wouldn’t get up at sunrise on the day of your Wedding and take photos of “the sunrise of your wedding day “ and send them to you…especially in winter !!!... lol.

What special advice do you suggest?

 Ask yourself these questions, when booking with suppliers for your Wedding

Do I feel comfortable?

Was I rushed?

Did they answer all my questions?

Were they really interested in me or was I just “a number”?

Were they attentive to our needs ?

Did they offer anything unique or personal ?

And finally…if it feels that ”yes” this is the person for us, then please book us! There have been times where people have procrastinated then a few weeks later gone to book and that day is taken.

I will never ever pressure you…..and if you need some time then please take it…but if you are 100% sure, …then please book, you only need to pay a deposit to lock in your booking.

And I am more than happy to organize a payment plan…talk to me. !! Weddings can be very expensive. So to help make it easier for you along the way with a payment plan is not a problem at all

So….if you are on the way to becoming Husband and Wife…Congrats to you both….many exciting times Ahead….I would love to hear from you

Regards

Tarn   xx

0439764405

  

How can they get in contact?

Website: www.idoforyou.com.au

Facebook:  Wedding Celebrant Gold Coast, I Do ForYou Tarnya Bennett

Email: tarnya@idoforyou.com.au

Ph: 0439764405

And the winner is...Expo Giveaway! ~ {Gold Coast Wedding Photographer}

WE HAVE A WINNER!...well, 4 actually! I had such a GREAT time yesterday meeting lovely couples and terrific vendors at the inaugural wedding expo held by Gold Coast & Hinterland Weddings. It was a very busy and enjoyable four hours with 110 (yes, 110) entries to 'Win A Free E-Session' with Life, Love & Light Images. So you can see why I just HAD to pick more than one winner. Thank you all for your interest.

So Bob, tell 'em what they've won:

• Candice Maxwell & Mitch Wilson
• Danielle Brewer
• Stephanie Perry
• Racquel Hunter

 ...have all won a FREE Engagement Sessions ~ 90 min portrait session (Gold Coast locations only) with a disc of edited high res images. Congratulations, Ladies (and Gentlemen)! I will contact you via email to schedule our time together.

xoxo Martinia

~Flowers & Lace~ *Vintage Inspiration* {Gold Coast Wedding Photographer}

If you love lace and can't do without gorgeous flowers...WELCOME TO INSPIRATION HEAVEN! {echo, echo, echo} Ok, I didn't mean to yell but I'm excited to share this with you. Check out these fabulous dresses from Grace Bridal...they are beautiful, full of lace and vintage yumminess. And can you even take your eyes off of the delicate & elegant flowers & head circlet by Julia Rose? Add in this classic beauty with makeup by Kylie Eustace and...voila!!

Amazing Team:
Flowers & Styling - Wedding Flowers by Julia Rose http://www.weddingflowersbyjuliarose.com/
Dresses - Grace Bridal  http://www.gracebridalcouture.com.au/
Hair & Makeup - Kylie Eustace http://www.kylies.com.au
Model - April Harvey http://www.facebook.com/april.harvey.79677

Enjoy!
xo Martinia

*What to look for in your Wedding Photographer!* ~ Gold Coast Wedding Photographer

 

What to look for in your wedding photographer!

Planning a wedding can be extremely overwhelming…I know, I planned my own wedding (almost single handedly). There are tons of beautiful details that you want to get just right. The venue, the flowers, the rings, the ceremony, the reception and of course, THE DRESS. Take it from me, you will want every single detail that you planned to perfection…captured. Your wedding day will whiz by in a flash. When all the dust settles, the up-dos come down and all guests go home…you will rely on the memories captured by your wedding photographer.

When choosing this "super human" in charge of archiving one of the most important days of your life, here are a few things to look for:

~    Make sure they are a wedding photographer. That might sound silly, but wedding photography includes many different skills that maybe haven’t been sharpened by a studio portrait, landscape, student or amateur photographer.

~    View a wide range of their images, either online or in person. From bridal prep and small details to ceremony, bride & groom portraits and candids. Anyone can take one or two great shots and put those forward for you to see. A great photographer has it all!

~    Ask for a price list not just a quote. You don’t want to be charged more just because of your suburb, the pretty car you drive or the gorgeous ring on your finger. Also, don’t choose your photographer purely because of price. Remember the old phrase, “you get what you pay for”. Please don’t leave your one and only wedding day to a student or amateur photographer…you WILL be disappointed.

~    Meet with your photographer and make sure you like them and feel comfortable with them. After all, they will hopefully be nearby while you experience all your special moments of the day.

~    Convey to your photographer exactly how you envision your dream wedding. Do they share your vision? Find out their style (traditional, candid, photo-journalism or a mixture).

~    Verify if they have backup equipment including cameras, batteries, etc. There are no re-dos and do-overs on this day.

~    Do they respond promptly to your queries, emails or phone calls? This might sound petty but you don’t want to be kept in the dark or wondering about anything, in respect to your special day.  A great wedding photographer makes your day EASIER... not harder.

~    What is their payment policy? How much will you need to hand over to secure your wedding date? And can you make payments via direct debit, cheque or credit card or even a Payment Plan?

~    Find out exactly how soon you can expect to view your images. At Life, Love & Light Images you will see a sneak peek within days of the wedding and your album planning/image viewing session is about 2 weeks after.

~    Can your friends and family easily order prints directly? At Life, Love & Light Images you will have a private online gallery with a password that you can share with friends and family. And as an added bonus, they can order prints and canvases directly through the online gallery. Simple!

~    Does your photographer offer professional photographic prints, albums, enlargements, canvases, thank you cards and other display options? If so, find out the costs so you can budget for those special items.

Ok, I think I’ve given you enough to ponder when choosing your wedding day photographer. Just a quick reminder, your wedding photographer will be an integral part of one of the most important days of your life, (sometimes even getting you a glass of water or helping you with your dress) so make sure you choose someone that has a relaxed and friendly personality and most of all, you feel comfortable with.

Enjoy your day!

Martinia xoxo