Alison Hughes Weddings - Blog

Ali's Top 5 - Maid Trends

16/4/2018

This cheeky top 5 is all about your bride tribe!

Just loving these fun trends brides are trying in 2018 - pushing creativity and traditions, for something completely unique and different!

Warmest
Alison xx

Trend No. 5 - Different Style

Always a sure winner to have your gals in the same dress material, but different cut!

Photo credit - Dean Snushall Photo

Trend No. 4 - Jumpsuits

Ooh! Loving this whole concept, scrapping the bridesmaid dress for a flirty jumpsuit!

Photo credit - Trent Bailey Studio

Trend No. 3 - Black

Yes black can be worn at weddings! Push those boundaries despite what others say - this is all class!

Photo credit - Frank & Peggy

Trend No. 2 - Sneakers

Who wants uncomfy heels when you can rock sneakers with a lace dress - genius!

Photo credit - Mitch Pohl

Trend No. 1 - Complete Mismatch

My fave boho look is mismatching maid dresses!

They choose their fave style and print - you have peace of mind they feel nothing less than amazing!

Photo credit - Joey Willis

Ali's Weekly Q&A

17/3/2018

Bride Q: Ali, please tell me, what is the best way to save money when wedding planning?

Ali A: the best way to save money is to be strategic from the beginning. When venue finding!

Venue: Byron Bay Surf Club

Inclusions, inclusions, inclusions!

Depending on inclusions, booking a venue you don't have to pay per head for can be either a big time winning cost saver, or a depressing losing out expense.

Be strategic with this, take your time and choose your venue wisely!

Venue: Moby Dicks Whale Beach Sydney

Surf clubs, bars, sheds, warehouses and halls can be fantastic for cost saving, as the venue hire cost is usually lower and you don't always pay per head.

As long as there are inclusions in the hire price, such as guest tables, chairs, cutlery, a dance floor area - you'll save big time!

Venue: Sunnybrook Barn, Sydney Polo Club

Hiring a marquee in most cases is the most expensive way to go as you have to hire or purchase absolutely everything needed for your guests!

The best way to save the most when using a marquee is if you choose a venue which will allow you to use their furniture and tableware in the marquee on their property.

Venue: Novotel Twin Waters Resort Sunshine Coast

If you have any burning Q's you'd like answered, shoot me an email at alison@alisonhughesweddings.com xx

Alison Hughes Weddings makes White Magazine's top 20 Weddings of 2017!

8/1/2018

When it comes to best moments of 2017, nothing beats seeing the couples I've worked with over the months of planning finally saying "I do"... but this amazing news from one of Australia's leading wedding magazines, White Magazine, was certainly one of my greatest achievements made in 2017.

This elopement shoot at Lilyvale in Sydney's Royal National Park I named 'On This Night', stemmed from wanting to create that ultimate glamping escape for couples to aspire to. I've always loved the quote by Robert Brault "What we find in a soul mate is not something wild to tame, but something wild to run with”. Elopements fit this quote perfectly, to me, the quote means when you embrace every bit of love you have for your soul mate, no matter how wildly in love you are, and nothing else matters.

When plans started and the most amazing team of wedding vendors came together, I knew it would be a winner. The team brought their own unique style to my original vision and they completely blew me away with their bohemian rustic luxe styling.

I absolutely adored those florals !! Pampas grass and sandstorm roses took the stage, and that boho styling using Persian rugs, cane and velvet chairs and brassy vessels were so divine! The belle tent was lit up by lanterns, candles, festoon lights and looked so warm and cosy by the burning fire.
Seeing the shoot concept come together on the night was really the most amazing feeling.

Who would have thought our shoot would make White's top 20 viewed weddings for 2017. I think I will always be on a high from this news! All thanks to my fantastic team of creatives and of course to the photographer Joshua Mikhaiel for documenting the story for us in his own artistic way.

Check out the photos and read the full blog here: https://whitemag.com/blog/this-is-the-best-thing-youll-see-all-day/

For your ultimate wedding in Sydney's Royal National Park, don't hesitate to contact me - alison@alisonhughesweddings.com

Wedding Planner / Concept / Coordination
Alison Hughes Weddings www.alisonhughesweddings.com

Photographer
Joshua Mikhaiel www.joshuamikhaiel.com

Luxury tent & tent styling
Nomadic Belle www.nomadicbelle.com

Styling
Lovestoned Bridal www.lovestonedbridal.com

Décor hire
Lovestoned Bridal www.lovestonedbridal.com
May Rose Style www.mayrosestyle.com.au

Florist & Driftwood Arch
Aisle of Eden www.aisleofeden.com.au

Hair & Make Up Stylist
Jennifer Mountain www.jennifermountain.com.au

Gown & Veil
Supplied by Love Marie Bridal www.lovemarie.com.au
Gown Designer Tatyana Merenyuk www.tatyanamerenyuk.com

Groom Attire
Topman www.topman.com

Celebrant
Stefania Cox www.stefthecelebrant.com

Wedding Cake
Paper & Poppies www.paperandpoppies.com

Venue
Lilyvale www.www.lilyvale.com.au

Bride and Groom
Shanah and Shaun Baxter

Accessories
White Woollen Wrap: Rembo Styling www.rembo-styling.com
Brown faux fur shall: Zara www.zara.com
'Lynn' Red Wine Velvet Peep Toe Pump: Novo www.novoshoes.com.au
Brassy gold bangles/bracelets: Lovisa www.lovisa.com

This is the best thing you'll see all day! White Magazine Feature by Alison Hughes Weddings

18/10/2017

Another shoot of ours featured in White magazine this month which we are so stoked about! This bohemian elopement inspiration shoot is a boho bride's dream wedding! It captures the essence of two lovers running away to an intimate bushland to elope - just the two of them, under the stars. Nothing but romance here! It is filled with amazing blooms you'll obsess over, next level boho styling, and so much creative photography - you'll be loving it as much as we do!

Coordinating this shoot was an amazing experience, especially working alongside the most incredible team!

Looking for the ultimate boho glamping wedding in the Shire? alison@alisonhughesweddings.com is my email address - let's get those plans started!!

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On this Night - White Magazine - Elopement Inspiration

“What we find in a soul mate is not something wild to tame, but something wild to run with” – Robert Brault

This was an incredible shoot inspired by this quote from Robert Brault, which captures the essence of two lovers running away with their one true love to an intimate bushland hideaway, underneath the stars, to exchange vows.

When two people want to escape the world to be married, what better place than Lilyvale, a quiet corner of the world set on 3 acres of privately owned Australian bushland in the heart of Sydney’s Royal National Park.

Alison Hughes Weddings composed the concept of this bohemian luxe glamping elopement. She gathered together a team of local creatives who brought every detail of her vision to reality and we’re obsessed!!

Photographed by the artistic eye of Joshua Mikhaiel, the ceremony set the theme where the couple exchanged vows with delightful celebrant Stefania Cox. Aisle of Eden styled their driftwood arbour with blooms in the shoot’s colour scheme of crimson, brassy gold, peach, dusty pink and forest green. Sandstorm roses, stock and pampas grass brought luxe styling to the arbour, where Australian native blooms and textured, lush foliage kept it rustic.

The makeup on our bride was of a glam boho style by Jennifer Mountain. Jennifer chose a luxe red lip and lush lashes with enhanced brows to complement Shanah’s feminine features. She wore a Tatyana Merenyuk two piece lace gown and Teeki veil from boutique Love Marie Bridal, matched with red wine velvet peep toe heels and brassy bohemian gold mixed bangle bracelets.

Lovestoned Bridal completely transformed this cosy post ceremony nook into a dream luxury escape for two. Festoon lights hung from the low branches of the trees and shone above the crunchy leaves underfoot. The rustic, bohemian luxe styling followed through onto the dining table with the lush table runner the main feature using a mix of seeded eucalyptus, olive branch and gum with threaded pheasant feathers throughout. An old wooden stained dining table was styled with brassy gold candle stick holders, dripping taper candles, grainy grey toned charger plates and rustic brass cutlery.

When the stars came out, the newlyweds sat for their first meal as husband and wife on mismatched cane and red velvet chairs, and indulged on buttercream and caramel drip cake. Of course there was no shortage of mulled wine as they got cosy under a blanket by the crackling fire before retiring into their luxury Nomadic Belle tent.

We couldn’t think of a more perfect way to escape the world to be married. Two soul mates, wild in love, running away to exchange vows and be together.

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Check out the full write up here: whitemag.com/blog/this-is-the-best-thing-youll-see-all-day/

Wedding Planner / Concept / Coordination
Alison Hughes Weddings www.alisonhughesweddings.com

Photographer
Joshua Mikhaiel www.joshuamikhaiel.com

Luxury tent & tent styling
Nomadic Belle www.nomadicbelle.com

Styling
Lovestoned Bridal www.lovestonedbridal.com

Décor hire
Lovestoned Bridal www.lovestonedbridal.com
May Rose Style www.mayrosestyle.com.au

Florist & Driftwood Arch
Aisle of Eden www.aisleofeden.com.au

Hair & Make Up Stylist
Jennifer Mountain www.jennifermountain.com.au

Gown & Veil
Supplied by Love Marie Bridal www.lovemarie.com.au
Gown Designer Tatyana Merenyuk www.tatyanamerenyuk.com

Groom Attire
Topman www.topman.com

Celebrant
Stefania Cox www.stefthecelebrant.com

Wedding Cake
Paper & Poppies www.paperandpoppies.com

Venue
Lilyvale www.www.lilyvale.com.au

Bride and Groom
Shanah and Shaun Baxter

Accessories
White Woollen Wrap: Rembo Styling www.rembo-styling.com
Brown faux fur shall: Zara www.zara.com
'Lynn' Red Wine Velvet Peep Toe Pump: Novo www.novoshoes.com.au
Brassy gold bangles/bracelets: Lovisa www.lovisa.com

We're on the blog! Modern Wedding Magazine Blog Feature - Wedded in Bundeena

2/6/2017

A BIG congrats to the vendors who contributed to our recent ‘Wedded in Bundeena’ editorial shoot!

Very exciting to see it up on the Modern Wedding Magazine Blog today! See the full blog feature here: https://www.modernwedding.com.au/beachy-bundeena-wedding-styled-shoot/

The shoot showcases Bundeena as a beautiful location for a wedding, being right on water's edge of Sydney’s Royal National Park, and how lucky we are to have talented local wedding suppliers right within the Shire.

Bundeena is the perfect location for a wedding ceremony, where the ocean meets the bushland. Located only 50kms from Sydney CBD, with beautiful cottage accommodation near by, and many reception venues to choose from, it has everything you need for your ultimate beach escape wedding - not too far out of reach for Sydney brides!

We hope you enjoy the photos and snippet video all taken by Jonathan Wellings of Bird & Bee Studio, and that you just might be inspired to have a sticky beak at what Bundeena has to offer!

Want to make a wedding in Bundeena a reality? Drop me an email to get your plans started! alison@alisonweddings.com

Full credits to the team:
Wedding Planner / Coordinator / Stylist / All Floral - www.alisonhughesweddings.com
Photographer & Video - www.birdandbee.com.au
Couture Wedding Gowns & Flower Girl Dresses - www.vellosbridal.com.au
Wedding Suit Hire - www.formalwear2suitu.com.au
Hair Stylist - www.louiserichmondhairdesign.com.au
Décor / Props Hire - www.facebook.com/inspireloveweddingandeventhire
Make Up Artist - www.facebook.com/DEEstractionMakeUp
Wedding Cake - www.facebook.com/renee.decorates
Professional models: Esther Heise, Francis Mossman, Jessica Dimech, Rob Lahoud and David Andrew

Floral Styling Clip - Michaela & Scott's Wedding!

21/5/2017

Here's a short clip I made earlier of the floral styling we did for Michaela and Scott's beach side wedding yesterday! Really adore how the silver dollar gum table runner combined with the proteas in the crystal cut decanters looked so elegant on the tables.

Décor styling by the bride, and all florals by us!

For enquiries, please email me at alison@alisonhughesweddings.com

#alisonhughesweddings #sydneyfloralstylist #floraldesign

Flower crown & bouquet design

14/11/2016

Did you know that I'm not only a wedding planner and co-ordinator, but I have full wedding flower services too? From ceremony and reception flower styling and design, to all bridal party flowers, I'm your complete package - bringing costs down and lifting all the worry off your shoulders!

Even the big jobs aren't too big! I've got great qualified florist support networks to bring a dream team together to ensure your flower filled wedding dreams come to life! At the fraction of the cost!

Loving this 'Wedded in Bundeena' photoshoot clip by the creative superstar Jon of Bird & Bee Studio www.birdandbee.com.au taken of stunning Esther having a great time on Hordern's Beach, Bundeena in the Royal National Park Sydney in my blush pink and white floral crowns and matching bouquets!

Esther is wearing Vellos Bridal's www.vellosbridal.com.au couture bridal gown - 'Something Wonderful has Sprouted'!

See all amazingly talented all Shire-based vendor contacts below!

Contact me for more info on my flower and wedding planning services on alison@alisonhughesweddings.com xx
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Bridal photoshoot - Wedded in Bundeena
Wedding Planner/Coordinator/Stylist/All Floral by Alison Hughes Weddings & Events - www.alisonhughesweddings.com
Photographer & Video by Bird & Bee Studio - www.birdandbee.com.au
Wedding Gowns by Vellos Bridal & Evening Couture - www.vellosbridal.com.au
Hairdresser by Louise Richmond Hair Design - www.louiserichmondhairdesign.com.au
Make Up Artist by DEEstraction Make Up - @DEEstractionMakeUp
Wedding Suits by Formalwear 2 Suit U - www.formalwear2suitu.com.au
Wedding Cake by Renee's Bakes @reneesbakes
Décor/Props Hire by Inspire Love Wedding & Event Hire @inspireloveweddingandeventhire
Model Esther Heise - @estherlina
#floralcrown #weddingbouquet #weddingflowers #rosecrown #sydneyfloraldesigner #weddedinbundeena #shireweddingphotographer #sydneyvideographer #birdandbeestudio
#sydneyweddingphotographer #weddedinbundeena #bridalphotoshoot
#editorialphotography #bundeenaweddingplanner
#hordernsbeach #bundeenabeach #bundeenawedding
#cronullawedding #bundeenabride
#royalnationalpark #cronullabride #sydneybride #justengaged
#seasidewedding #mydreamwedding #sydneyweddingplanner #sydneywedding #sydneyengagement #alisonhughesweddingsandevents

Bundeena - the Shire Sydney's ultimate beachy 'destination wedding' location!

4/11/2016

Bundeena is the Shire's 'destination wedding' location, not too far out of reach for Sydney brides, known for its three sparkling beaches, little quaint town, vintage ferry and sweet white painted timber wharf.

With modern rustic reception venues within the Royal National Park, such as Audley Dance Hall www.audleydancehall.com.au, ample glamping hideaways, and peaceful cottages to retreat to on wedding night www.simpsoncottage.com.au, it has all you need for that perfect modern day beach to bushland wedding get away.

If you're thinking of having your wedding in Bundeena, or The Royal National Park Sydney, or anywhere in the Shire for that matter, don't hesitate to get in contact me via email alison@alisonhughesweddings.com. I'd love to help you along in the process and can refer some amazing local creatives in the industry!

Here's a gorgeous snippet video taken by Jon of Bird & Bee Studio www.birdandbee.com.au during our 'Wedded in Bundeena' Shire 'all star' photoshoot in Bundeena!

For this shoot, I brought together some of the most talented and creative wedding loving vendors from the Shire, and this is a taster of how it all came together on Hordern's Beach.

All credits of amazingly talented Shire-based vendors hired for the shoot below:

Location - Hordern's Beach, Bundeena, Royal National Park Sydney
Flowers | Wedding Planner | Coordinator | Stylist | Alison Hughes Weddings & Events www.alisonhughesweddings.com
Photographer & Video by Bird & Bee Studio - www.birdandbee.com.au
Wedding Gowns by Vellos Bridal & Evening Couture - www.vellosbridal.com.au
Hairdresser by Louise Richmond Hair Design - www.louiserichmondhairdesign.com.au
Make Up Artist by DEEstraction Make Up - @DEEstractionMakeUp
Wedding Suits by Formalwear 2 Suit U - www.formalwear2suitu.com.au
Wedding Cake by Renee's Bakes @reneesbakes
Décor/Props Hire by Inspire Love Wedding & Event Hire @inspireloveweddingandeventhire
Model Esther Heise - @estherlina and @officialfrancismossman

Expo Display Styling! Love on the Lawn Rosehill Racecourse!

16/10/2016

Are you up for some wedding planning this weekend? Of course you are! 🙋

Get yourself over to stand 15 at Love on the Lawn bridal expo at Rosehill Racecourse, Sydney 🐴 this Sunday 18 September and meet gorgeous wedding planning extraordinaire Leah Every of Every Wish Events!

Can't wait to get our creative on tomorrow with her rustic chic set up and play with some floral design! 🌿🌷🌸🌸🌷🌿

Check out more here: @loveonthelawn1 www.loveonthelawn.com.au

That moment when you receive feedback like this!

30/9/2016

I love event planning and styling - even the aspects that many people say is tedious, I can't get enough of! Such as the hours of planning and research, negotiating and price beating! But what makes my role even more rewarding, is receiving amazing feedback like this from my clients! I was Sophie and Justin's full wedding planner, stylist, floral designer, florist and reception co-ordinator for their wedding in September this year, and this is their feedback!

"Alison was our wedding planner for our wedding in Sydney's Royal National Park and Bundeena Beach in September this year.

From our first meeting, Alison went out of her way to make planning our day special, and she always approached planning with excitement and passion - just like she was planning her own wedding again.

Her flower arranging and design skills are superb. She managed to go direct to the grower to source my flannel flowers - despite being told they weren't in season!

Although she quickly learnt that our wedding was to be less than traditional, she took it in her stride and made sure the day panned out exactly how we imagined it.

On wedding-eve when we had torrential rain and everyone was worried... I felt confident that with Alison's help the wedding would go ahead without any problems. With her help, and the gift of a clear (but windy) day, our outdoor ceremony and reception went ahead just how we'd planned!

And best of all - I spent the day enjoying myself, rather than worrying about the planning, as I knew Alison would have everything under control!"

WEDDING PLANNER | WEDDING COORDINATOR | WEDDING AND EVENT STYLIST | BUNDEENA | SUTHERLAND SHIRE, SYDNEY AUSTRALIA