Gold Coast wedding & event venue located on South Stradbroke Island

Phone 07 5577 1112

Summer Bride - Alicia marries Andrew - 22nd Feb 2012

Summer Bride – Alicia marries Andrew – 22nd Feb 2012

 The History

Andrew and Alicia met back in 2003, Alicia was 17, Andrew was 21 and it was love at first sight. The couple were at a house party and just connected from the moment they saw each other. Alicia couldn’t wait to make her way through the party and meet this blue eyed man. Andrew says when he saw Alicia he was “Oh yeh! She’s alright…” and from there their love grew rapidly. A 1st date where he made Alicia pay, a 2nd date where he ate off her plate, Alicia was wondering what she was in for but  6 months later they were travelling to New Zealand and before a year they had moved out of home and living together. 9 years later and although their lives have changed dramatically, one thing stays the same – their love, friendship and respect they have for each other.

 The Proposal:

“After 5 years of “knowing” tonight was the night Andrew was going to propose and being let down I decided it was going to happen when it happened and I had to give it up.” – Alicia says.

“One December day Andrew suggested we start a new tradition of staying in the city on Christmas Eve. Christmas is my favourite so I arranged a room, booked a restaurant and went to Crown Casino. We shared a beautiful night together in the Melbourne Docklands, travelled back to the Casino boardwalk where chimneys shoot bursts of flames into the air and then I hear Andrew say “Alicia, you know I love you…” I just nearly fell over, I was so shocked and absolutely in love with him I had nothing to say. I just stared at the ring and he had to double check I was saying yes. Finally Andrew could breathe, I had the ring on my finger and it was out of his pocket.” Thankfully a man bypassing was lovely enough to take a photo and capture this precious moment.

How They came across An Island Hideaway

“I knew we had to have a wedding that reflected both Andrew & I. From the moment he proposed we decided the wedding would be in Queensland, strange for some to hear as our hometown is Melbourne but we wanted to have a small intimate wedding. I searched the internet and found An Island Hideaway. I had all the information and we both loved the idea of it.”

They then decided to have a Melbourne wedding. They booked a reception centre and set a date. Alicia decided she wasn’t happy. The couple had just moved to a beautiful golf estate with a reception centre and just knew they had to have it there. “We booked the date and to everyone’s disgust, I decided I wasn’t happy!”

“ There was just something missing from the excitement they felt after researching An Island Hideaway. “Next thing you know, my mum and I are flying to Queensland to see An Island Hideaway in real life and I am finally happy.. Our first instinct was right and from the moment we set foot at the Island to the day we were married An Island Hideaway made our day special. I felt like I was the only bride on their books, they just knew everything about us and made us feel right at home.”

 The Wedding Day

We have so many fond memories of our Wedding Day but my favourite was stepping into my wedding dress. It was a dream come true and to walk out of the room to have Kylie snapping away was amazing. I just couldn’t wait to see Andrew and know what he thought of my dress.

 

Sailing away to the ceremony with mum and the girls was beautiful and I thought arriving at the Island to see Andrew was the next thing I would cherish however I was wrong. Pulling into the pier my 2 beautiful brothers were there ready to give me away and I just broke down inside. They were so nervous, one had tears in his eyes and the other said “oh you look good”. Seeing Andrew’s face welling up as I walked down the Aisle is one thing I will remember for the rest of my life and I am so thankful Kylie captured it.

Andrew & I both agree the most treasonable moment of our entire day was travelling to the beach together for photographs. Just the 2 of us sitting there in being told to kiss for photos was to die for. That half an hour was just lovely and as we drove to the beach we just smiled and looked at other giggling like we had finally done it!!

Everyone was right, the wedding day just flew. They say you put so much in to your Wedding Day and then its just over and you wonder why you stressed. Thankfully for me, Erin was my rock. Erin was just amazing and although it got to a point where An Island Hideaway may have recognised my voice they were always so happy to hear from me, assisted in every way possible and sorted every hurdle for me with such professionalism leaving no stress for me. I loved that they were able to recommend suppliers who had local knowledge and this was truly reflected in the ceremony and photos I will cherish forever.

Advice for other bride’s & groom’s

My advice to brides – this day is one to treasure and one you and your husband will remember for the rest of your life. Don’t let people remember you being that awful bride. The day will turn out perfect even if you have to change a few things along the way.

Alicia & Andrew’s Wedding Details at a Glance:

 An Island Hideaway Ceremony Venue: Beachside Chapel

Signing of the Registrar – Bali Hut

Wedding Coordinator – Michele Del-Bianco

Ceremony Time – 4.30pm

CelebrantMr Gary Taylor

Photographer: Kylie Maree Photography

Hair & Make-Up: Belle Sheppard

Band: Nuthin Betta Live Band

Bouquet: Wooden Roses

Bridal Party: 2 Bridesmaids & 2 Groomsmen

Guests: 48

Theme – Elegant Black & White Theme with Black Satin Runner, White Linen Table Cloths, Black Chair Covers & An Island Hideaway’s Classic Beach Theme with Shells & Pearls & Hurrican Vase Centrepiece with accompaning tealights.

Menu – 1.5 Hours of Bride & Groom’s Selection of Gourmet Canapes followed by Ultimate Traditional Buffet

Cake: Chef Wayne – An Island Hideaway – Individual Cup Cakes with Topper Cake

Why We Love Alicia & Andrew

We know at An Island Hideaway how stressful it is planning a wedding, that’s why we try to make the experience as smooth as possible for all of our Bride’s & Groom’s. It’s always daunting planning a wedding especially when you live interstate however that did not stop Alicia & Andrew from being calm and organised right the way through.

There were a few hiccups along the way for Alicia & Andrew but all the while taking it in their stride keeping faith that their day would come together just as they had dreamed, and what a beautiful day it was.

Despite the dark clouds (probably not such an uncommon site for our fellow Victorians) the day was absolutely stunning, Alicia’s beautiful chosen Black & White theme was simple elegance. Alicia was radiant and Andrew all smiles as his eyes welled with tears watching his beautiful bride walk the aisle – (and making the AIH team well up too!!).

All of Alicia & Andrew’s guests were lovely and you could feel the love through-out the celebration of their nearest & dearest.

We are so happy that we could be apart of this beautiful union of a couple so much in love.