Classic Tweed Coast Resort Wedding

Gold Coast couple Lisa and Matt were married at the Balinese-inspired Santai resort at Casuarina Beach, on the Tweed Coast, where the couple celebrated their engagement. The pink cocktail bridesmaid dresses are so fresh against Lisa’s gown and the beach setting. Make sure you check out some of gorgeous Lisa’s fantastic budget-friendly and handmade tips.

Couple: Lisa and Matt
Date: 21st November, 2009
Location: Santai resort, Casuarina Beach, NSW.
Photography: The wonderful Calli Burnett from Calli B Photography.

Gown: San Patrick ‘Beret’ bridal gown. Purchased from Strictly Bridal, Robina, QLD. Jordana and her team were just wonderful with every detail.
Shoes: Jam Jam ‘Lavina’ shoes.
Suit: Spurling Formalwear. ‘Monaco’ suit with ‘Spirit’ vests and ties.
Wedding Party: Two Bridesmaids (Jasmin and Dianne wore Carla Zampatti cocktail dresses from Myer Brisbane, and ‘I Love Billy’ shoes in ‘Leslie’ design from Suna Shoes, Stones Corner, Brisbane) and two Groomsmen (Shaun and Brent wore the same suits as the groom).
Accessories: All accessories were from Diva except Bride’s earrings which were from Suna Shoes, Stones Corner, Brisbane.
Hair: The amazing Amanda Higl (the hair and makeup girls work as a team and can travel to where you are).
Makeup: The talented Ellie Wright.
Flowers: Peonies, Brasilia berries, Lisianthus, Roses, Dusty Miller foliage, from Jannine at White Ivy Design.
Ceremony: Residents Lounge area of Santai, Casuarina Beach, NSW. Matt booked a room at the Santai for us to celebrate our engagement. As soon as we arrived, we just new it was the place for our wedding. We had guests from interstate so we liked the option of a ‘one-stop’ venue where we could also take advantage of seeing them the next day. Guests did not have to worry about any transport issues.
Officiant: the awesome Kim Lucas, Civil Marriage Celebrant.
Reception: Bamboo Restaurant, Santai, Casuarina Beach, NSW. Contact the magician - Bradd Broom. Food was created by the multi award-winning chef Greg Pieper. Our guests are still commenting on the wonderful food!
Music: Our own compilation from iPod and burnt cd’s.
Decoration: We had Simon from Elegant Events provide and set up the white carpet and drapes behind the altar area. I crated our own monogram in PowerPoint and sent to Simon which he had made into a banner and formed as part of the draping to personalise the ceremony. I had some canvasses made from our parents’ wedding photos through Brilliant Prints and displayed these on easels with candles at the altar. We arranged one candle for each guest and they were invited upon arrival to light their own candle in honour of their attendance and participation.
Stationery: I made all stationery myself from the Cristina Re collection. I used the dotted lace with scalloped edge and bow from my bridal gown as inspiration for the design.
Cake: BIG compliments to Judy C from Judy C Cakes located at Ashgrove. Judy is a complete professional who clearly loves what she does as it shows in her finished product. Our chef from Bamboo Restaurant even commented on how well made the cake was.
Transport: None needed due to the one-stop location but we did ask a friend to drive the Bridesmaids and I around the block just for the photo opportunity to arrive in the Grooms new car!
Budget Tip:
* I tried to keep the costs down by making my own stationery however in hindsight, with all the time and financial expense, I could have paid someone to save me the stress and I’m estimating the costs would have been similar.
* I also saved money by making my own cake topper, garter, and by having the reception and ceremony in the one place.
* The money we would have spent on transport, we put towards a room at Santai the night before for myself and the girls and the wedding night itself for us.
* I saved about half the retail price on my bridal gown by purchasing one that was older stock and was slightly shop soiled. All my alterations and drycleaning were included in the price – it was a real money saver and the dress was perfect on the day!
* I did 95% of my shopping online. It saved me so much time and I was able to compare prices and styles easily until I found what I wanted. I encountered no problems or delays in paying online or delivery times.
Handmade Tip:
* I made the stationery from my own inspiration.
* The ‘LM’ cake topper was made from M.D.F. lettering from Spotlight. Matt drilled holes and glued wooden skewers into the holes. I then painted them in white to sit above the floral topper.
* I made my own garter and floral inserts into my shoes for ’something blue’ with white monogram lettering to personalise it.
I wish: … that I had completed the wedding preparations much earlier to enjoy some stress-free time leading up to the wedding. Not that I was not organised, just that when you choose to do things yourself, your estimation of what needs to be done often blows out of budget once you start and the project often grows bigger than your expectations.
Something Special: My Father has passed away so I had some beautiful canvasses made of our parents’ wedding to display at the altar. My daughter Jasmin gave me away which was beautiful and the image of my parents right there with us helped me to stay connected to my Dad throughout the day.