Wedding date: 4 March 2019 // Number of guests: 56
Niketa and Brian opted for the naturally beautiful backdrop of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland to celebrate with an intimate group of their nearest and dearest, and there is lots to love about their special day …
QB: Make us laugh, make us cry: who proposed to who, and how?
N&B: “I had my suspicions when Brian told me he was taking me away for the weekend because he’s not one to organise anything, but I think that’s probably because he’d spent 11 years just thinking about these big preparations because the whole proposal was like a fairytale and couldn’t have been more perfect. He took me away for a romantic weekend to Uki, NSW staying in a beautiful chalet at Ecoasis. After arrival, he strangely left me to drag our esky a near-half-kilometre from the car to the chalet – with great difficulty! – while he quickly ran ahead (which I now know was so he had time to set up!). Arriving at the chalet (in a huff, mind you!) he instructed me to be quiet, covered my eyes and walked me upstairs and out to the verandah which overlooked Mount Warning. With our favourite song playing in the background, he dropped to one knee and asked me to marry him. What followed was a beautiful celebratory candle-lit dinner and a romantic weekend which was completely off-the-grid without any phone or internet reception at all.”
QB: How and why did you choose your venue?
N&B: “Beerwah Hideaway just felt so right – and it was the first venue that we visited (after many) which we both knew instantly was the one. It is well priced for the inclusions and their staff are so down to earth, friendly and offer genuine hospitality. It was also so convenient to have an all-in-one venue where we could host our ceremony, reception and accommodation. There were lots of extras included in our price which we found other venues were charging for, and the grounds and reception area are jaw-dropping! I could go on forever as it was just such a perfect choice for us.”
QB: What was the inspiration behind your wedding style?
N&B: “We opted for a mixed native boho feel and chose our styling elements to complement both this theme and the style of the venue.”
QB: Did you incorporate any traditions or perhaps do something a little different?
N&B: “Brian is of Indian heritage and to honour this we opted to incorporate a few wedding elements. I had an intricate Mehndi design (Henna) applied to my hands, and Brian’s mum and sister helped me change into a beautiful Sari for our reception. We also involved our guests by having our Henna artist apply designs to our guests whilst our bridal party photos took place.”
QB: Do you have any words of wisdom to offer other couples?
N&B: “Enjoy every moment! Schedule some time into your day between your ceremony and reception just for the bride and groom, even if it’s only 15 minutes to touch base and be present in the moment because it’s a very busy day (and seems to be over so quickly!). Your biggest investment will be your photography, and I can not recommend a videographer enough, it allows you to relive the day over and over again.”
QB: Did you (or will you) enjoy a honeymoon?
N&B: We absolutely did! We ventured to a secluded island in Thailand and stayed in a lush treehouse villa. Bliss!
Niketa’s highlight of the day:
“Having Brian walk up the aisle and collect me so we could walk down together, because like anything we do in life, we do it together.”
Brian’s highlight of the day:
“The unexplainable feelings the moment I saw the bridesmaids start walking out because I knew there were only seconds until I could see my beautiful bride. That was the moment it all became real.”
LITTLE BLACK BOOK
Photographer: Gavin James Photography // Videographer: Fairytale Films // Venue: Beerwah Hideaway // Dress: Alexandra – Grace Loves Lace // Suit: Politix // Celebrant: Cassie, Wish Ceremonies // Musician: Liam Johnston Music // Transport & Photobooth: Deluxe Kombi’s // Cake Supplier: Cakes by Nola // Hair Stylist: Cheabeau // Hair Makeup: Kate Ellen Makeup Artistry // Henna Artist: Henna Paradise // Flowers: The Flower Crew Originals
