Carly & Brett | Real Weddings Queensland
About Carly & Brett
We knew each other in high school, then when we were 20 we lived in the same area and would always run into each other while we were out and end up sharing a taxi home.
Our friendship grew and our first official date in 2008 was drinks and dinner at the Gold Coast – we got so wrapped up in talking to each other that at 11 pm we realised we hadn’t had dinner and ended up eating sandwiches at Subway!
The proposal
Brett surprised me with a weekend at the Gold Coast for my birthday and hired out a penthouse, keeping it secret that we also had exclusive access to the private rooftop pool area with breathtaking ocean views.
He said he wanted to show me something before we went out for dinner and took me up to the rooftop, which he had covered in candles.
Brett started talking but was so nervous and jumbling his words, so he just dropped to one knee and said ‘Will you marry me?’ – I was so surprised
Your Wedding Day
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 coordinator, 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.
1. Invest in a Videographer
2. Make sure you take time to enjoy the day together – moments alone to take it all in.
3. When planning, concentrate on one decision at a time so it is not as overwhelming.
Every single moment was a highlight!
