Kiara & Callum’s Wedding

Posted on January 10, 2012 by

So excited to announce that I can finally share some photos from my daughter Kiara’s wedding to Callum which took place October 2011 at a lovely private garden at Flagstone Creek just south east of Toowoomba. It’s been a long wait but there has certainly been a good reason for it, as their wedding has been featured in Cosmopolitan Bride which hit the shelves recently. It’s kinda caught me by surprise as I’ve been on holidays enjoying some lovely time with my family so I must say I haven’t had my head on my blog as the sun and surf have been calling most days with the gorgeous weather we’ve been experiencing. I wandered into a newsagent today and as I’ll check out the Bridal Mags I discovered Cosmo was out, OMG it’s actually out. I must say I was a little panic stricken to think that details of my blog were in the magazine so tonight I’m just doing a very quick update before we return home tomorrow, with mixed emotions I might add as I know it may be sometime before I get back to the coast which I love so much. So a couple of photos just to satisfy your curiosity but please check out more on Matt & Katie’s blog as they have featured quite a collection capturing the details and emotion of the day. I do hope you enjoy and are inspired and I highly recommend this gorgeous couple to capture your day if you are getting married. Click here to check out their blog and I hope to share a few different photos as soon as I can, once settled into things again.

Kiara & Callum had a brief private moment before their ceremony.

We made sure we didn't feel rushed and took a special moment together as a family, and yes she was late to arrive.

Although the day was very cool the evening was gorgeous and still surrounded by the illuminated garden.

Kiara & Callum relaxed and enjoying the speeches.

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Annika & Tim’s Engagement Party

Posted on December 21, 2011 by
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This gallery contains 18 photos.

Where better to celebrate than in your own backyard so clear out the shed, move in a lounge, clear off the stainless steal bench, hook up some lights and add a little bunting and find a few hay bales and … Continue reading →

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Eva’s 7th Birthday.

Posted on December 1, 2011 by

ImageI recently had the priveledge of styling a birthday party for Eva who was turning 7. Sixteen gorgeous little girls from Eva’s class joined her in celebrating at the Japanese Gardens in Toowoomba. It was the perfect backdrop for such a pretty party. There were lots of old fashioned games, bubbles, tutus and ice cream sundaes providing loads of fun for the afternoon while the mum’s got to relax and catch up for a chat. For this party Eva’s mum was excited about the thought of each of the girls wearing a tutu for the afternoon, so I contacted Amanda from Poppy & Rose and I am now the proud owner of 16 of her gorgeous tutus in pretty pastel colours. My friends Shannon and his wife Kay made the balloon wings which just look fabulous in the photos. 

Photos are by Linley of La Belle Photographics Mobile: 0427 272 744

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Weddings in the air!

Posted on August 17, 2011 by

Spring is nearly upon us (at least I hope so) and it’s the favourite time of year for engaged couples to tie the knot so the wedding season starts to get busy. It’s definately going to get busy in our household as the first wedding of our four daughters is only just over 6 weeks away, so very exciting. So I’m experiencing what it’s like to be the mother of the bride and all that comes with this new stage of life. I must say it’s been a fun experience so far and almost a bit cruisy, but I know things are going to get intensly busy over the next few weeks as final preparations take place as it is definately a handmade style wedding.

It hasn’t been hard for my daughter Kiara to choose a style of wedding. To have a garden wedding in spring was an absolute must where the ceremony and reception would take place and it has to be relaxed and fun. They have chosen to be married early in the day and have a cocktail garden reception in a beautiful private garden at Flagstone Creek. The garden provides a lovely backdrop so it’s only a matter of taking something that is already beautiful to make it stunning by adding some personal touches which will be mostly handmade by us.

I will share some of the process in the following weeks (here’s hoping I have time for that) in the hope of inspiring other couples and families in the process of planning their very special day. I’m determined that no matter if some details don’t come off as planned for whatever reason, our daughters wedding day will be a day of relaxed celebration with a focus on family and close friends. With that in mind we have booked a gorgeous little cottage for Kiara and her five bridesmaids to stay in for a few nights, giving them plenty of girly down time together and a place to have the Bridal Shower and of course last minute beauty preparations. I thought this would be a great lead up for the girls and begin to create the excitement for what was ahead.

We’ve not yet organized the bridesmaids dresses but as they will be buying off the rack and will be all individual to suit each of the girls, we think this is going to be a very fun process which will take us to Brisbane for a day or two of shopping. Colours are chosen but not set in concrete as we might find it difficult to find the right colour in the right style so it will be a very spontanious shopping day indeed.

Kiara’s dress was found locally in Toowoomba in a matter of an hour and a half ( and I thought this was going to be super difficult). I also have found the dresses for my 2 youngest daughters who will be junior bridesmaids locally along with my dress on a unintentional quick shopping spree with a friend. So my advice as you go about pulling your wedding together is, know what you like, but still be flexible enough to make quick decisions that fit the overall style of the wedding. 

So for those brides and mother of the brides to be. Happy shopping, stick to what you like with some flexibility and don’t labour too much on decision making as it will take the joy out of the process. So have fun with it girls.

My daughter Kiara with her husband to be Callum.

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Melissa’s 21st

Posted on June 4, 2011 by

I couldn’t wait to share these photos of Melissa’s 21st. What a fun, cosy winter night this was inspired by a vintage theme with lots of popping colours so beautifully captured by Matt from Matt and Katie Photographers. Katie couldn’t make it due to a family illness but Matt did a great job ( although we did miss you Katie and seeing you guys work together, which creates such inspiration). To pull this party together it was a real team effort. Melissa’s cousins made and decorated the gorgeous cupcakes, friends gathered together at my place to make all the paper wheels over several nights. Friend Raquelle organized a side show and lots of family and friends helped out with food for the evening. The venue was the perfect location down at Six Mile Country Retreat at Withcott with the blazing fire and rustic surrounds creating great atmosphere for 80 guests. The cake was a great feature but there is a little secret about this cake…it’s a mock cake, it’s not a real cake, the icing is real but underneath sorry to dissappoint but its polystyrene. This is a really sneaky way to have the wonderful look of a layer cake but without the expense. The real cake which was just a slab cake, was hidden out in the kitchen already cut and ready to serve. So don’t be afraid to cheat a little to achieve the look you want. Hope you enjoy the photos and get a little inspired for your next celebration.

 

 

 

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Girls only Sweet Stella Party!

Posted on March 31, 2011 by

Is it worth it? Yes it takes time, creative energy and money to celebrate a birthday or special occassion, but in the end is it worth all the effort? Sweet Stella thinks it is and even loves to create those moments in life that will linger in your child’s memory for years to come. We think it’s about fun, girly laughter and pretty things that make your little princess and her friends feel special. It’s about celebrating who she is and shaping the years ahead. We think it’s not only about having a party but creating an opportunity to express love and affirmation that will build your daughters confidence and give her an appreciative heart for beautiful moments and her parents contribution to make life fun. It may be one short moment, but one that we hope impresses on her not only her value, but a way of life. To celebrate life’s journey and that the little things in life can change her world… in the hope that when she grows up she will know what it takes to change someone  else’s. Worth the effort…we think so!

Ice cream sundaes are always a hit.

Simple details can make all the difference.
Macie and Tessa having a fun time and enjoying the camera.

Photos by Matt & Katie photographers. mattandkatieblog.com.au

A Sweet Stella Party starts at $30 per child with a minimum of 8 guests + $60 for game host for entire party.

Extras:

Tutus $10 hire per child. 6 pink, 3 blue, 2 mint green, 2 lemon, 2 mauve currently available.

Face Painting $7o

Balloon art from $6 per child.

Off site fee (Sweet Stella provides all decor, set up and pack down) $250

Photography $100 to capture party (2 hours). Photo disc and prints extra.

Party Package may include:

Handmade or Graphic design Party invitations.

Choice of beautifully decorated atmosphere inside or out at the studio with personally labelled drink bottles and lolly bags, gorgeous table settings or picnic style setting.

2 hour party personally hosted by gorgeous Olivia.

Old fashioned games such as three legged races, the chocolate game, and pass the parcel to name a few.

Craft activity to make and take home.

Badges.

Cupcake decorating to take home or create your own ice cream sundae to enjoy at the party.

Menu may include:

Cupcakes with meringue or butter cream and gorgeous sprinkles. Jelly cups, leg ham and cheese heart shaped sandwiches, fruit platter, potato chips, crackers, vegetable sticks and dip, Strawberry milk or punch, Mini Chocolate Smash cake filled with lollies.

Lolly buffet to fill their lolly bags. Heart shaped shortbread, beautifully wrapped lolly pop, musk sticks, marshmallows, meringues, rock candy and more.

Individual and group photos. (Entire party captured photographically)

Free coffee and dessert for mums photo viewing at a later date held at the studio.

Free 10×8 photo of your choice for the host. Digital photo books available.

Beautiful Oliva is studying early education at USQ and would love to spend 2 hours of her time playing host to your daughters and her friends.

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Styled Photoshoot with Linley

Posted on March 25, 2011 by

Don’t you love it when some things just fall into place. It doesn’t always happen but I can say things seemed to fall into place when I met Linley last year. Linley bought candy from me at a market and we just got talking. The next week Linley photographed a party for me and things have just evolved since then. I’ve now moved into Linley’s studio and we’re very excited about working together, it seems to be the perfect combination…styling and photography. We had a ball a few weeks ago with a styled shoot for a brochure for a women’s conference. Our models Tammy and Tana didn’t quite know what they were in for but they soon relaxed when we presented them with homemade scones, cream and jam and said now play ladies.

We then whisked them off to another location with some of our children in tow and it was time to pull on some gum boots and tackle the electric fences. Mmm, I didn’t do so well there. The cows welcomed us and the soon to be setting sun provided the perfect light. Ah this doesn’t really feel like work. So here are a few unedited photos from the shoot and Linley in action.

You can visit us on Tues and Thurs 9am-4pm during the week, otherwise by appointment, but we are down there quite a bit, so if the doors open please pop in.

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Sunny’s 1st Birthday Party

Posted on March 1, 2011 by

Gorgeous and perfectly pretty is how I would describe Sunny’s 1st Birthday party.  Sunny’s mum Renee choose to take care of all the details herself and did a fantastic job gathering, shopping and planning to make this day very special for her precious little girl. I came along to help pull things together which was so easy and such a pleasure to work with Sunny’s doting parents. Dad even put his skills to work putting together the photo screen. It all came together in their beautiful back yard shaded by a huge tree, most welcome on a hot Sunday afternoon.

Birthday cake by Madam Cupcake.

Photos courtesy of Christina Kuhn.

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Alex’s 21st Princess Party

Posted on February 21, 2011 by

Ta da, princess cake ready and waiting to be delivered.

Most little girls at some point in their lives wonder and imagine what it would be like to be a princess even if only for a day. It’s no wonder when we’ve been captivated by the adventures of princess Jasmine riding on a flying carpet with Aladdin, to the Cinderella Story depicted in Ever After with Drew Barrymore. Not to mention movies such as The Princess Bride, A Little Princess and the Princess Diaries. So why not decide to dress and feel like a princess not only when your turning 8, but why not when your turning 21. This is just what Alex did for her 21st birthday celebration. All things pretty, pink and pearls where all need be accessories. I had the privilege of creating the perfect princess smash cake…what fun, so it was topped with tulle and a tiara and filled with pretty pastel easter eggs not only for their shiny pastel colour but also because I’m told that Alex will always buy them when they’re in the shops. So take a cue from your favourite childhood movie, or the things you love and adore and venture to a land filled with anything but normal, but be careful you may find that you and your guests will never want to leave. 

 

 

Princess Alex on the left with two of her princess friends.
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Styled Photo Shoot with Matt & Katie

Posted on February 3, 2011 by

Last year sometime I had the absolute pleasure and opportunity to style a photoshoot with Matt & Katie. This was heaps of fun and my girls Macie and Tessa had the most amazing time playing ladies, drinking tea and eating cupcakes. After all the pretty photos had been taken it was time for some serious mixing mess. My girls love to get in the kitchen to cook but being outdoors gave the opportunity to throw a bit of flour here and there , but things were taken to a whole new level when Matt got in the act, and all lady like behaviour was replaced with pelting flour with all their might, aimed of course directly at Matt. OMG these guys know how to have fun and they still managed to capture the moment. This was truely special and a moment my girls will definately not forget. Hope you enjoy!

For heaps more photos of this shoot click here.

To check out the video the girls featured in click here.

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