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?
Kylie Eustace is a Gold Coast-based freelance makeup artist and founder of the award-winning Kylie’s Professional makeup range. She’s also a qualified hairdresser, as well as an educator – and with more than 25 years in the hair, makeup and beauty industries, she brings a wealth of experience, expertise and knowledge to all her work. How best to describe Kylie? Passionate, creative, resourceful, meticulous, intuitive, friendly and approachable are the seven words that spring to mind! As a green/eco makeup artist, she only uses ethical, natural and cruelty-free products in all her work. Hugely influential in her field, Kylie was also a finalist in 2014, 2015 & 2016 for the Australian Beauty Industry Awards – Australian Makeup Artist of the Year.
What’s great about getting married on the Gold Coast?
“The weather is beautiful, the atmosphere relaxed, the people are so friendly and it’s a great place for out-of-town guests to visit and explore. From the beautiful hinterland to the best beaches in the world, there’s something here for everyone. Plus, there are so many talented wedding vendors, so it’s easy to find suppliers that suit your style.”
What makes a wedding here different?
“Because the coast is so popular and everyone enjoys celebrating here, many weddings often end up being a week-long event – a sort of friends-and-family reunion, with outings, social gatherings, breakfasts, dinners and loads of other get-togethers in the lead-up to the big day as well as afterwards.”
What new GC wedding businesses excite you?
“I couldn’t possibly name all of them as there are just so many! But I love the fact that almost every great restaurant on the Gold Coast has started to cater for weddings in a major way, offering amazing food and hospitality. The quality on the Coast is world-class, so it’s no wonder we continue to grow in popularity for weddings.”
What’s your favourite spot on the Coast for wedding photos?
“Again, I can’t name just one! I’d go for ocean backdrops at Currumbin Beach (above) and Valley, Tallebudgera Creek, Burleigh Heads, or the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, the hinterland and Mt Tamborine.”
What’s the most Instagrammable spot in the hinterland?
“The Twin Falls in Springbrook.”
Your favourite GC beaches for a wedding by the water?
“Definitely Burleigh Heads. Plus, there are so many amazing reception venues here, all within walking distance of the beach.”
What’s a romantic pre-wedding dinner idea for the happy couple?
“A picnic overlooking the ocean at Burleigh Point on a full moon, dinner at Oskars on Burleigh or Rick Shores (above), or a cosy meal at one of the beautiful wineries at Mount Tamborine.”
How should brides de-stress before their big day?
“A little quiet time is essential to recharge and refresh before the big day. In this beautiful part of the world, I recommend a long relaxing walk in nature, a dip in the ocean and maybe a massage.”
What’s a fun/bonkers thing you can do at a Gold Coast wedding?
“For a pre-wedding treatment with a difference, try vino therapy at the Lost World Spa at O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat (below) – a spa bath full of wine!”
What’s a good tip for out-of-town guests?
“Jam in as much as you possibly can, especially the beach, the hinterland and a different restaurant for every meal!”
Are there any trends you’re expecting to hit the Gold Coast in 2018?
“Romantic-but-sleek will be huge – think classic sophistication with a soft romantic edge. It will be popular in hair and makeup, but also in design and styling.”
What would surprise (and delight) brides about the Gold Coast?
“It’s not exactly a surprise that the views from beachfront apartments on the Gold Coast are spectacular, but they’re also the most amazing places to get ready for a wedding. And if you can get all your guests and loved ones to stay there too, you’ve basically got an iconic Gold Coast event!”
Want more expert advice? Check out the Gold Coast Insider Guide from celebrant Caroline Jackson
Feature image by Daisy & the Duke
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