St. Valentine's Day is one of our favourite days of the year, and celebrate and brighten up your social media feeds with a little bit of V'Day magic, we are bringing you this romantic shoot captured to perfection by Becky van Straalen Photography and White Lace Films.
There is something about Valentine's Day that can stir even the most reluctant of us, it's a time of year where love is just love and you feel like there are no impossibilities. It's a day where courage is boosted, new romances are formed and proposals take place and it makes us all very mushy on the inside! Speaking with team coordinator and concept stylist Lorelie of Studio B. Couture about the concept behind the shoot she explains that the team wanted to get together and have a bit of light hearted fun whilst celebrating love, with bright pops of colour and luxurious details.
"In dreams and in love there are no impossibilities… I could climb the mountains…" ― Janos Arnay
The Gold Coast Farm House, a 1920's Queensland, is located on the Gold Coast Hinterland only a short thirty minute drive inland from the hustle and bustle of the popular beachside suburbs of Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Heads and Southport. This lovingly restored home is tucked away amongst fifty acres of exquisite bushland and completely surrounded by state forest, the minute the team saw the location they knew it would be the perfect backdrop for their romantic concept.
As the team travelled up the driveway each turn in the road revealed more pinnable backdrops and as the property came into focus our anticipation grew, and we were not disappointed! The interior lived up to and blew our expectations completely out of the water, providing a calming and picture perfect oasis with instagram worthy moments behind each door like the; stunning hot pink kitchen, designer decor and bright light filled rooms, that would check all the boxes on the fussiest of couples' wish list!
Ilana, our stunning bride was simply glowing as she had her hair and makeup done by the lovely and extremely talented Jessica from Jessica May Hair and Make Up, wearing a gorgeous floral silk and lace gown from accessory specialists Little White Couture.
Florist Kathleen from Garden Graffiti worked tirelessly battling the elements on the day to create the most heavenly backdrop that drew the eye up and out to overlook the water lily filled lake. Kathleen used a mix of wild foliage and delicately bold blooms to frame our lovebirds and the contrast between the rolling green hills, dense forest green countryside and rich, bright, exquisitely bold blooms was utterly breathtaking!
Wearing a stunning custom tailored red velvet suit, by Johnny Bhattarai, Chris our groom looked every inch the dapper groom as he waited patiently for the rain to stop and for his bride to join him.
It wasn't long before the weather gods blessed us with a stunning rainbow and our glowing brides walked down the driveway wearing a spectacular Jordanna Regan Couture original, a delicate and feminine silhouette of silk chiffon, with an illusion neckline and bodice that had been painstakingly and lovingly encrusted with pearls, crystals and sequins.
Stationer Lorelie of Studio B. Couture wanted to step away from the gimmicky renditions of cartoon hearts pierced with arrows and lipstick kisses and create a modern yet romantic suite. Taking the iconic symbol of Love and Valentine's Day 'the love heart' she re-worked it into an intricately hand cut geometric gemlike design that was surrounded by hand painted watercolour blooms. This delicate design was repeated throughout the whole suite that included; vow booklets, an invitation suite and menus.
The after party was a really 'sweet' occasion from the exquisitely modern sculptural cake by Maria of Magnolia Cake Boutique to the delicious clouds of pink fairy floss and subsequent fairy floss champagne cocktails courtesy of the lovely Sofi from Glitterati Fairy Floss this celebration had something for the inner sweet tooth in us all and with all that sugar in their systems, how could they resit a little bit of fun?, and who better to capture the receptions antics that the spectacular Kombi Photobooth from Keifa of Insta Kombi!
With so many pinnable moments it's hard for us to pick our favourite but we must say that one very clear highlight from the day and possibly the show stealer, was Evie, the daschund who got dressed up (with the help of her mumma Keifa of Insta Kombi) in a cute little floral collar and was there to chase the kangaroos and be coaxed into pictures to up the reading on the adorableness meter! We invite you to sit back and relax as you enjoy the images from this incredible shoot and let us know what your favourite moment was, and don't forget to check out the list of vendors and follow the links to discover some serious talent for your big day!
meet the team:
Photography: Becky van Straalen Photography Videography: White Lace Films Concept, Coordination & Styling: Studio B. Couture Production Assistant: Tahlia Stuparich Venue & Furniture Hire: Gold Coast Farmhouse Floral Design: Garden Graffiti Fairy Floss: Glitterati Fairy Floss Cake Artist: Magnolia Cake Boutique Paper Goods: Studio B. Couture Kombi Photobooth: Insta Kombi Hair & Makeup: Jessica May Bridal Couture: Jordanna Regan Couture Accessories & Robe: Little White Couture Bride: Ilana Collins Grooms Attire: Johnny Bhattarai Groom: Chris Bridgewater