Australia’s holiday playground is also a spectacular place to tie the knot. For some insider tips, who better to ask than the wedding experts who live and work here?
Martinia is a wedding and portrait photographer based on the Gold Coast. She’s lived in many places, mostly beach cities: Venice Beach, Santa Monica, Hawaii and now the gorgeous Gold Coast. She moved to Australia – and specifically the Gold Coast – 10 years ago after meeting her husband on the first day of her holiday… and the rest is history! Martinia says she’s enjoyed photography for as long as she can remember and, being a true romantic, in 2009 combined her passion for photography with her love of, well, love! The result was the launch of her photography business, Life, Love & Light Images.
What’s great about getting married on the Gold Coast?
“The choice of the beach or hinterland. It’s all about the lush locations that are available here.”
What makes a wedding here different?
“The relaxed spirit of the Gold Coast makes it very easy to find vendors with that amazing ‘can do’ attitude to make the day absolutely perfect.”
What new GC wedding businesses excite you?
“Throughout the year I have the pleasure of working with stylist Nicole Eden from Circle of Love Weddings. But I’m really excited about her additional new endeavour, Pole Catz Gold Coast (above) – dance fitness that is so much fun!”
What’s your favourite spot on the Coast for wedding photos?
“Oh that’s easy – Currumbin Valley (below) is definitely my favourite spot. Because of the lush trees, gorgeous greenery, blooming flowers, rustic look and the fact that there are always very few people around. Plus, if we really want to, we can quickly pop into Currumbin Beach for a sunset shot… best of both worlds!”
What’s the most Instagrammable spot in the hinterland?
“Again, I say Currumbin Valley for the win.”
Your favourite GC beaches for a wedding by the water?
“Too many favourites to name just one! Froggies Beach, Currumbin Beach, Tallebudgera Beach (below), North Burleigh Beach, Main Beach – they all have something special about them, whether it’s privacy or a rock wall or even sand dunes.”
How should brides de-stress before their big day?
“ I recommend the Freedom Float Centre in Burleigh to everyone I know, to de-stress. You can have an amazing massage or even a sauna and then let all the stress drift away in one of the fabulous floatation pods. I’m there often – it’s amazing!”
What’s a romantic pre-wedding dinner idea for the happy couple?
“I’m a foodie, so it’s really hard to choose one restaurant, especially since my all-time fave, Hellenika is closed for renovations. But I recently had a birthday dinner at Mamasan’s in Broadbeach (below) and I’m still doing a ‘happy dance’ when I think about it! The food here is perfection.”
What’s a fun/bonkers thing you can do at a Gold Coast wedding?
“Instead of a limo or vintage car, a bride can opt to arrive at her ceremony in a helicopter or a seaplane. Now that’s called making an entrance!”
What’s a good tip for out-of-town guests?
“Definitely take the lovely drive out to Springbrook to see the waterfall and the Natural Bridge (below). It is breathtaking.”
Are there any trends you’re expecting to hit the Gold Coast in 2018?
“With the resurgence of the classic vintage look, I would like to see bridal hats become a trend. Am keeping my fingers crossed!”
What would surprise (and delight) brides about the Gold Coast?
“The Gold Coast enjoys (on average) 287 days a year of fabulous sunshine. So Mother Nature is sure to smile on their big day!”
Tying the knot on the Gold Coast? Discover the Goldie’s most beautiful photo spots here…
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