don't sweat the small stuff

Mel + Matt Edwards

S A T U R D A Y  6  F E B R U A R Y  2 0 1 0

It was the day before their four year anniversary when Matt popped the big question, and the unsuspecting bride (much to her dismay) had her surprise caught on camera. After taking a few happy snaps on the beach, Mel just wanted to settle down to their picnic, but Matt had other plans. After convincing Mel to take one more photo he set the timer and landed on one knee in front of his soon-to-be fiance, just as the picture was taken. From then on, the Sunshine Coast couple set to work organising their perfect day, with a 'modern country' theme, back in their hometown of Toowoomba. The ceremony and reception were booked at the gorgeous Preston Village Chapel and Preston Manor respectively. Both venues are set on a hilltop overlooking the valley surrounds and as you can see, the location made for some breathtaking photos. 

While organising a Toowoomba wedding from the Sunshine Coast wasn't always easy, Mel says she wouldn't have had it any other way, “Both Matt and I grew up in Toowoomba and I grew up on a farm and have always loved the country. Coming from that background, I have always imagined a romantic, country atmosphere for our wedding. We always knew that we’d get married where we both grew up and where our families still live”. Mel's wedding gown was a white, strapless, Ella Bridal design with a chapel train and beaded detail, from The Bridal Centre in Brisbane. While her bridesmaids wore strapless gowns in a 'dusty rose' colour from Bridal Lane in Maroochydore. Not to be outdone by his gorgeous bride, Matt wore a pin-striped charcoal suit from Roger David to stand out from his solid charcoal-wearing groomsmen. 

The wedding was full of unique personalised extras to suit the bride and groom; the wishing well made by Mel's dad, the M&M chocolates wedding favours representing the couple's initials, bagpipes to recognise the couples Scottish ancestry, and of course their three-week honeymoon tour of Vietnam. And Mel came away from the experience with some excellent words of wisdom for other brides-to-be, “I think all couples that have been married say this, but try not to sweat the small stuff - all that really matters in the end is that you have fun with your new husband on the day”.

Photography by Jennifer Oliphant.