We like to think we’re pretty lucky, here in Queensland. Okay, we have to deal with humidity and mosquitoes – but our scenery really is something else. It was a love of beach-chic Noosa that led these two Melbournians to the Sunshine State for their special day. A regular holiday spot for Chelsea and George, Noosa and its hinterland were at the heart of the couple’s three-day wed-fest and boy, did they make the most of everything this destination had to offer…
George and Chelsea met at university and were together for eight fun-filled years before George popped the question – in a slightly unconventional way. Suggesting a romantic dinner out and getting all dressed up, he hid the ring for safekeeping… which didn’t exactly work in his favour. “I couldn’t find my mum’s wedding ring, which I inherited when she passed away,” remembers Chelsea. “I was in complete freak-out mode, searching frantically and beginning to cry when I heard George yell, ‘I found it!’” She walked into the kitchen to find George on one knee and (thankfully) holding her mother’s ring. Cue floods of happy tears! “I was so happy that the ring wasn’t lost that I forgot to say yes when he proposed. When he asked me a second time I, of course, accepted!” Chelsea laughs. Talk about a whirlwind proposal!
With a ring safely on Chelsea’s finger, the two got to work planning their dream celebration. “We wanted to have a destination wedding in our favourite place in the world,” says Chelsea. Taking advantage of a Victorian long weekend, Chelsea and George invited 130 loved ones to Noosa and kicked off the festivities with a big family dinner, plus welcome drinks at Hastings Street’s Miss Moneypenny’s. “Being away on holiday at a beach location with fabulous summer weather put everyone in an extra-good mood and it made the atmosphere even more fun for our wedding,” Chelsea adds.
Naturally, the good vibes were still flowing for the big day (11 March, 2017), when guests were bussed up to Chelsea’s cousin’s property in Eumundi for the couple’s hinterland wedding. “It’s such a beautiful place, and it’s full of happy memories for us,” says Chelsea. “You can’t go past those rolling green hills!”
Following her four lovely bridesmaids, bridesman and two super-cute flowergirls, the bride joined George at a beautiful floral arch on a scenic hilltop for a delightful, heartfelt ceremony. “I’ll never forget walking down the aisle, holding my dad’s hand and singing along to Sam Smith’s Latch,” Chelsea says fondly. “I just couldn’t wait to see George! In that moment, my heart was so full.”
After exchanging vows and listening to a touching reading from Chelsea’s aunt, the two were showered in rainbow confetti as they were pronounced husband and wife. “It was a not-so-subtle nod to my mum, who needed no excuse to fire off party poppers at any occasion,” laughs Chelsea. “While she wasn’t there physically, we could really feel her in that moment.”
Formalities out of the way, guests mingled and sipped cocktails while the newlyweds took in their magnificent surroundings in a photo session that was filled with belly- laughs. “We had the best time with our photographer,” says Chelsea. “Even if he did make us run hand in hand, looking into each other’s eyes and dodging cowpats along the way!” That takes some serious skill.
When the couple walked (shoes thankfully muck-free) into their incredible translucent marquee later that day for their reception, they were met with a breathtaking scene.“I could not believe my eyes when I saw the giant hanging installations our florist had created,” says Chelsea. “They went beyond all my expectations!”
As the sun set and the stars came out, the party enjoyed summer-inspired canapés including local oysters, crunchy pork belly, mini pizzas and Southern fried tofu popcorn. Paired with Champagne and Aperol Spritzes (the bride’s favourite drink), the menu was a hit with the guests. But if you ask Chelsea, the real highlight of the day was when she and George had their first dance to Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling In Love. “I read once that you should live for the moment that you can’t put into words,” says Chelsea. “That moment – surrounded by a sea of sparklers with George holding me tight – was hands-down one of the most special moments of the whole day. It was that first dance kind of magic.” Our hearts!
Another clear winner of the night? The wedding cake, which took just minutes to completely disappear! “When a waitress offered me a piece I asked if she could serve our guests first,” says Chelsea. “She returned shortly and said, ‘I think you need to eat some now! All the guests are devouring it!”
Heart-warming speeches, more amazing food (think sliders, veggie empanadas and gnocchi) and plenty of dancing topped off an unforgettable night. “It may sound cliché to say that our wedding was the greatest day of our lives, but it’s the truth,” says Chelsea. “A dream day in an even dreamier setting, marrying my best friend in front of all of our loved ones – nothing beats that. Ever.”
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LITTLE BLACK BOOK:
Photography: When Elephant Met Zebra // Ceremony & reception: Private property in Eumundi // Wedding dress: Silvana Tedesco // Bride’s shoes: Sophia Webster // Bridesmaids’ dresses: Zimmermann // Hair: Evalyn Parsons // Bride’s hairpiece: Tania Maras Bridal // Makeup: Sally Townsend Makeup Artistry // Suits: MJ Bale // Groom’s shoes and belt: Aquila // Rings: Pilkington Jewellers // Flowers: Willow Bud Flowers // Cake: Made by the bride’s friend // Celebrant: Kath Tilly // Wedding planner: Jess Ward // Marquee hire: Excel Event Equipment Hire // Furniture hire: Hampton Event Hire and Innovative Hiring // Lighting: Event Letters // Catering: Wine & Dine’m Catering // Band and videography: The White Tree // Stationery: Stephanie Dellaportas Designs // Transport: Hinter-Coast Transport // Honeymoon: Europe
