~Michelle Shannon, Celebrant~ *Preferred Vendor* {Byron Bay Weddings}

Here is the next in my series of preferred vendor interviews: Michelle Shannon, Celebrant! The weddings that I've seen Michelle perform have been lovely, touching and filled with tons of laughter and joy. Just what you need on your BIG day!

Enjoy
xo Martinia

Please introduce yourself

Hi my name is Michelle Shannon and I am a Marriage Celebrant. Guests have often asked me 'are you a minister'? (I just cheekily say - yes, I am the 'Minister of LOVE' :) - we are the same but different..

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

I am lucky enough to be part of a couples special day.  As a celebrant we do all the legal documentation required and with meetings and phone calls/Emails etc. I guide couples to creating the kind of wedding ceremony that they have always dreamed of.  Then when the big day comes we make it all official and start off the celebrations with a heart- warming, memorable ceremony and at times we even have a few laughs - The day really is about the couple and their style of ceremony which suits them and their personality.. Everyone is different and each ceremony is individual and personal.

How early do you accept bookings?

I am already taking bookings for 2014 - couples usually start booking at least 6 to 12 months in advance and by Christmas time I am usually almost fully booked for the year ahead - which is wonderful!

What is important for couples to be aware of?

I am always surprised by those who leave booking a celebrant till last.  At the bare minimum, you need book and supply the Notice of Intent to Marry Document to your celebrant no later than 1 month prior to the big day.  You need to find your birth certificates to be sighted by the Celebrant and if either of the couple have been married before they also need to locate their divorce decree to be recorded.

It is always helpful for me to know your ceremony location and chosen time when booking as this really helps in the planning for all of us.

And have a bad weather back up...A definite must if you are looking at an outdoor wedding..

Most important aspects to consider for you and your guests especially if you are having an outdoor wedding are -

• Shade
• Shelter if required (could even be umbrellas on the beach if hot)
• Toilets & parking close by
• And a drink of water if needed
• (some months like January and February can be very hot outside).

Why should couples book with you?

I really believe it is a personal choice - the great thing is that couples have so much choice now. I always say my style in modern, romantic with a little bit of fun there if you wish.  If I had all my past 300+ couples come together for a party I know they would all get on great.  The same kind of lovely people find me!!!

What special advice do you suggest?

• Have a look at the internet to get ideas.
• Takes notes if you are going to any family or friends wedding about the kind of things you like and wish for your wedding ceremony -
• Make sure you meet a couple of celebrants so that you know you are happy with who you have chosen.
• Take note of weather for those months or even tide times if on the beach.
• Don't try to involve everyone to please them it is your day so keep it memorable and about you.
• Email family and friends well before the big day so they have a clear indication of what is happening for the weekend -
• E.G - Rehearsal dinner Thursday 7pm - meeting at Pub for drinks at 6pm Fridayevening - Wedding Ceremony starts at 3pm Saturday - Wedding breakfast 10am on Sunday @ Fresh Restaurant  etc. Just so your phone doesn't ring constantly the day before the wedding..  (I see it happen all the time - trust me!)
• If you want help - delegate don't try to do it all alone - I see too many tears the day before from Brides trying to be everything to everyone..
• And when all the family turn up remember to take yourself and your fiancé out for a quite drink somewhere on your own that night before the wedding to reflect and have a moment alone.
• And smile - this is going to be the best day of your life.

How can they get in contact?

Ph:​0412 649 313

Email: michelle.shannon.celebrant@hotmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ByronBayWeddingCelebrantMichelleShannon

Website: www.byronbayweddingcelebrant.com

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/byroncelebrant

~Southport Yacht Club~ *Preferred Vendor* {Gold Coast Weddings}

I'm so excited to introduce you to my next "Preferred Vendor". I love working with this venue on the northern portion of the coast. The staff are lovely and extremely friendly, the ceremony and reception options are all SO dreamy and what about that aspect?! I don't know about you but I drool over those gorgeous super yachts. A photographer's dream!

Enjoy
xo Martinia

Please introduce yourself

I’m Maddison Pieper, Functions Supervisor with Tamara McKean - Functions Manager at the Southport Yacht Club.

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

The Southport Yacht Club function rooms capture the stunning views of the Club’s 300 Yacht Marinaon the tranquil Gold Coast Broadwater with private beach and weddings tailored to suit your dreams and desires. The Compass Room, located on level one, accommodates for larger wedding receptions, whilst our unique sun drenched Western Lawn with boardroom and grassed Eastern Lawn caters for smaller wedding ceremonies and receptions.

How early do you accept bookings?

We accept bookings well into the future with weddings already booked into 2015. We can book 18months in advance with our current package prices and anytime after with prices subject to variations.

What is important for couples to be aware of?

Southport Yacht Club is one of the Gold Coast's best well kept secrets and the view will take your breath away! Those seeking to find a perfect location for their Wedding Ceremony and Wedding Reception are welcome to view our Function Rooms by simply making an appointment with our function team.

Why should couples book with you?

Our Functions team is passionate about weddings and making your wedding tailored to suit all your dreams and desires. Southport Yacht Club is the perfect location for your special day with amazing photographic opportunities on our private beach or Super Yacht Marina and just minutes from world famous Beaches. ​ 

What special advice do you suggest?

Always have a Ceremony plan ‘B’. By booking your wedding at the Southport Yacht Club we can cater for all weather. We have the Eastern Lawn for the perfect day or our Western Deck for your wet weather Ceremony. Both of which overlook our Marina and Private beach for the perfect back drop for the moment you say ‘I do’.

How can they get in contact?

Southport Yacht Club
1 Macarthur Parade
Main Beach QLD 4216 
Ph: (07) 5591 3500 
Fax: (07) 5532 7507
Website: www.southportyachtclub.com.au

Email: functions@southportyachtclub.com.au

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/southportyachtclub

~Cakes By Simone~ *Preferred Vendor* {Gold Coast Weddings}

Yum, Yum, YUM! This week I'm introducing you to the bread & butter or should I say the cake & frosting of my preferred vendors. Cakes by Simone makes cakes and cupcakes that are absolutely divine! They are the trifecta of wedding cakes...stunning & unique designs, tasty beyond belief and they won't break the bank. 'Nuff said!! Swing by her website to see tons of pictures.

Enjoy!
xo Martinia

Please introduce yourself
My name is Simone Weatherstone
Can you tell us about your services and what you offer?
I specialize in chocolate cakes for weddings, that combine delicious flavour and stunning fresh flowers at affordable prices. I also create beautiful cakes for birthdays, christening and any other special occasion.

I can also make cupcakes and a variety of other of cakes with lots of flavours to choose from. All my cakes are homemade, I don’t use any premixes. My prices are very reasonable and I don’t charge extra simply because it is a wedding cake.
Cupcake stands and silver cake stands also available for hire. I can also do lolly buffets to suit your theme.

How early do you accept bookings?
10 months in advance
 
Why should couples book with you?
I give personalised one on one service to all my clients from the start with design, baking, decorating and right through to delivery and set up of their cake . I try and answer my emails everyday so I can answer any queries quickly. I really love what I do and I hope that shows in my work.

What special advice do you suggest?
Try not to get caught up with the little things you cannot control and also to enjoy the whole planning of the wedding it is not meant to be stressful but fun.
How can they get in contact?
Ph: 0417 719 565
Website: www.cakesbysimone.com.au
Email: simone@cakesbysimone.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Cakes-by-Simone/351155011082

~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