All posts by: Bride Columnist

We decided early on to have a large engagement party with all of our family and friends, and a smaller, more intimate ceremony for our wedding. Inviting just 80 people we utilised the front lawn of the beautiful , 100 year old Glenwillan Homestead and couldn't have asked for a better day....the sun was shining and there was not a single cloud in the sky (lucky as we didn't have a back up venue!). From pre-wedding drinks with mates the night before to Mel, who is NOT a morning person, waking up at 5am on the day too excited to sleep any longer, everything went to plan perfectly. Choosing a rustic chic theme to fit with our country lifestyle, we used hay bales as aisle ends, with native flowers, rustic handmade signs, stumps and birdcages as aisle runners and even a handmade altar - along with touches of Mel's favourite colour, purple.

Ecostudio Fellini had everything we wanted for the wedding and reception, we both fell in love with the natural setting of the venue which gives it such a relaxed, intimate ambience and it feels like you are a million miles away in your own little enchanting world. On the day my dad escorted me to the charming open-air chapel overlooking the tranquil Mudgeeraba creek, where Brett was waiting in front of our family and friends alongside our celebrant, who is also one of our best friends, Lindsay. After we made our vows we went to take photos and our photographer loved the variety of locations available within the five acre grounds, especially the lily pond with its sunken boat and the natural gardens connected by wooden footbridges and winding paths. Then we joined our family and friends for drinks and canapes back at the split-level reception deck overlooking the lily pond and gardens to the bushland beyond. We always wanted a rustic chic style for our wedding, which suited the reception deck perfectly with its large French windows, soft pendant lighting and extensive use of timber and iron. We served a menu of hand-crafted gourmet canapes from the award-winning Gold Coast Italian restaurant Fellini and set up half the deck as a casual dining area where people could sit down and relax whenever they wanted. The other half of the deck was set up as a dance floor, flowing downstairs to the romantic al fresco dance floor where we shared our first dance under the stars. Every aspect of the venue looked magnificent and our wedding co-ordinator, Anna, ensured everything ran smoothly so we could completely relax. It was so wonderful having everyone we care about in one place having a great time, it was a truly unforgettable day.

Our dream was to be married in a quaint country church – which we found 10 minutes away from our reception venue, Ecostudio Fellini, which has a natural setting and an expansive split level timber reception deck with beautiful soft lighting, French windows and views out to the lily pond, gardens and bushlands beyond. We complemented the hinterland surroundings with rustic chic styling featuring native flowers, timber, lace and candles, keeping the colours neutral and the lighting delicate to create an intimate, romantic atmosphere. On the day we arrived at Ecostudio Fellini, where the on-site wedding co-ordinator met us with a glass of Champagne. We took some time, just the two of us, to watch as our guests enjoyed the canapé hour – it was so precious to take it all in. The venue looked amazing, the sun was setting and our guests were out on the lawn eating canapes, drinking Champagne and playing lawn games. It was special having our closest family and friends in one place – celebrating and sharing our first meal as husband and wife with those dearest to us was something we will never forget. Italian cuisine is our favourite and the food from award-winning Gold Coast Italian restaurant Fellini was delicious, presented beautifully, and our guests loved every mouthful. Along with the exquisite food our guests enjoyed the wonderful service, exploring the grounds, and dancing under the stars. We have beautiful photos of the outdoor dance floor with our guests holding sparklers and the white festoon lights twinkling around the venue. I'll always remember celebrating the start of our marriage with our closest family and friends in one place, the most idyllic wedding venue. As our perfect day came to an end we retired to our comfortable onsite lodge to relax and reflect.