Melinda and Dan
How did you both meet?
Although we would love people to believe our preferred story – which is basically any other story than the actual… our devious mothers plotted to get their very stubborn, very single and apparently, very well suited children together and we are (just quietly), ridiculously thankful for their devious ways. We were both fed different lines before we met-up, which in hindsight, led to some funny/awkward situations. We hung out on a friends level for a few months and well, I guest her was no denying that we were going to be peas and carrots for life!!
Tell us about your proposal?
5 years after we met, Dan and I were having a pretty regular Saturday night at home, admiring the view and enjoying some drinks, next minute dan bolts off into the house.. returns carrying something in his outstretched hands that I could not see… After much confusion, I had the eventual realisation that he was holding a gorgeous yellow sapphire (a family tradition) “Is this you proposing?”, “Yeah, I want you to be my wife?!”… romance is not a strength for either of us so this is a very classic “Dan & Mel” kind of story!
Why did you choose Earlando to host your wedding?
We were not actually looking to have a destination wedding but with a specific setting in mind, we decided to do some exploring of our favourite place – The Whitsundays. Very little effort was required for us to decide on Earlando. It provided everything that we were looking for: a stunningly private beach/country location, that was reasonable (for most) of our guests to attend, with an affordable, stress-free package that suited our tastes.
Where did you splurge and where did you save?
I wouldn’t say that we “splurged” as such, but we did have a few priorities: good (and plentiful) food, a generous and varied bar tab and of course, excellent entertainment (The Breeze Duo suited our eclectic taste in music beautifully!). We were able to save money by having simple and minimal decorations, preferring to allow the stunning surrounds to be the main feature and utilising what we had at our disposal like the gorgeous bouquets becoming decorative pieces at the reception as well. Our cake was probably another area where we saved a fair amount without having to compromise the look or taste. We elected to purchase a two-tiered, iced white mud cake and decorated ourselves (personalised wedding topper and some fake flowers – simple but effective!).
What was your key styling inspiration?
There was no particular theme/styling inspiration but maybe relaxed/rustic would be a good description!?! We figured that the location was spectacular enough and did not want, or need to detract from that. So candles, flowers, timber, glass jars, cushions and a few personalised touches on the gift table as well as fairy lights were as invested as we needed to be for the decor. As for the styling of the bridal party, we were looking for classically simple, comfort and something that worked for different shapes and tastes, with a slight point of difference where possible.
What wedding favours did you give your guests?
The gifts on offer to our guests were: personalised key chain, bottle openers; personalised coolers and/or; handmade soaps and bath bombs.
Did you DIY any details of your day?
Having a cocktail style wedding meant that we were able to get away with minimal and subtle decorations, that were incredibly easy and relatively inexpensive to provide ourselves. The look we were going for was easy to achieve and not requiring specific direction as to placement etc meaning our planners/venue coordinators were able to decorate on our behalf!
WEDDING TEAM: Photographer: Tropix Photography // Celebrant: Annie Lloyd-Lewis // The Dress: Made With Love// Suits: YD Rockhampton// Hair & Makeup: Airlie Beach Hair and Makeup// Entertainment: Breeze Duo// Caterer: D’Vine Catering and Events // Decorator: Azure Weddings and Events// Florist: Flower Hut // Cake: Client provided // Transportation: Whitsunday Transit // Pre and post-wedding activities: Post wedding catch up at Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill