After swapping Sydney for the Gold Coast, Tara and Sal found their wedding match immersed in the beauty of Mount Tamborine. This joyful album captures the mood and illustrates how a classic-meets-minimalist aesthetic and well-placed pop of colour can dovetail perfectly with a natural setting. Just glorious!
We chatted with Tara about rainforest themes, DIY serendipity, and La vie en rose …
Guests: 62 Venue: Tamborine Mountain Glades (formerly Cedar Creek Lodges) Photography: Lauren Joy Photography
QB: All good love stories start somewhere; tell us how & when you met …
Our love story began in Sydney back in January 2018. A classic swipe-right scenario on Tinder.
We decided to meet at a burger place at Maroubra Beach, where I lived. But Sal changed the plans at the last minute and said he would pick me up and take me to North Sydney. Wary, as a small-town girl new to the big city and determined to prioritise safety, I discreetly investigated and managed to uncover his license plate details. I sent this and his number to Mum. It was her cue to swoop in if she didn’t hear from me for a certain time. Luckily, no mum rescue mission was needed.
So, Sal pulls up in his impressive Mustang and plays the old-school gentleman by opening the car door. He then drives us to the delightful Piato restaurant in Milsons Point for our first date.
QB: Give us a glimpse into your lives together …
Lately, we’ve been hard at work renovating our home, shaping it into a space that reflects our vision and comfort. Our cherished moments of relaxation are shared with our beloved fur babies — Bentley, our spoodle, and our cats Enzo and Stormy. They consistently add an extra layer of warmth and happiness to our days. Our lives are about to take another exciting turn as we eagerly anticipate the arrival of our little one. Among the renovation tasks and downtime with our furry friends, we’re preparing for the next chapter, embracing the joy and anticipation that a baby brings into our lives.
QB: Make us laugh, make us cry: who proposed to whom, and how?
On our anniversary, Sal planned a special dinner celebration. Following our meal, we strolled along the beach, savouring gelato. While the initial plan was for Sal to propose on the beach, a rowdy group of teenagers disrupted the scene. While walking back to the car, I turned and said: “Tonight would have been a perfect night to propose to me.” To my surprise, as soon as we settled into his Mustang (the car from our first date), he put on our song, La vie en rose, pulled a ring box from his pocket, and handed it to me with a casual: “There you go.”
QB: If you had a hens/bucks/hucks, how did you celebrate?
I enjoyed a girls’ weekend on the Gold Coast. We kicked off Friday night with cocktails and games at our Airbnb. On Saturday, we got creative, painting wine glasses at The Craft Parlour. Later, we indulged in a delightful Italian dinner and a show at Pink Flamingo. Sal returned to Sydney for a boys’ weekend, visiting a German Brewery and going on a pub crawl.
QB: How & why did you choose your venue?
When we relocated to the Gold Coast, Sal developed a connection with Mount Tamborine and even suggested we move there. I said, “Let’s compromise and get married there instead.” I came across Cedar Creek Lodges (now rebranded to Tamborine Mountain Glades), and we loved the idea of a rainforest wedding. Remarkably, it was the first and only venue we visited in person.
QB: What was the inspiration behind your wedding style?
A big part of my inspiration came from seeing some artificial ‘real touch’ flowers while shopping. This sparked the idea to make my wedding flowers. I scoured the shops and discovered vibrant hues in bright pink, white, and orange, ultimately embracing this colour palette.
I love classic and minimal styles, so I decided to combine the two for a unique and personalised approach. I also spent a lot of hours on Pinterest.
QB: Tell us about your dress/suit choices …
Our preference was for a minimalist look that is classic and timeless.
QB: Best splurge/investment?
Given that most of the wedding was a do-it-yourself wedding, our photographer and videographer were our most significant and worthwhile investment. We are so happy with how the magic of our day was captured. We also included a violinist to perform during our ceremony and pre-reception. It turned out to be one of our most cherished decisions.
QB: Best saving?
I would say my wedding dress. Despite trying on several dresses in the $2500-$4500 range, I wasn’t fixated on prices. I chose a dress straight off the rack that embodied simplicity, a classic look, and elegance. After trying it on and falling in love, much to my surprise, I found out it was only $1100! Being so tall, I luckily didn’t have to get it altered either.
QB: Did you incorporate any traditions or perhaps do something a little different?
My husband’s heritage is Iranian and Pakistani. A few days before our main event, we held an intimate Nikah ceremony.
QB: Your First Dance song was…
La vie en rose (Louis Armstrong version) is mashed with “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” by Leo Sayer.
QB: Would you like to share any special vendor shout-outs?
Lauren from Lauren Joy Photography made us feel incredibly at ease, skillfully capturing the magic of our special day! Millie from MC Hair Design Co. was not only incredible at bringing my hair vision to life for both my bridesmaids and me but also provided incredible support on my wedding morning, for which I will forever be grateful.
QB: What does marriage mean to you?
It’s the certainty that at the end of each day, regardless of how wonderful, challenging, or tough it’s been — whether we’ve had one of our stubborn disagreements or had to be apart — there’s simply no one else we’d rather be with. We are forever a team; coming home to each other feels right, and it’s a shared vision when we dream about the future.
QB: Any nuggets of wisdom for other couples?
Not everything will go exactly as planned, and that’s okay. Embrace the imperfections and focus on the joy of the moment.
QB: How did you honeymoon?
We kept with the rainforest theme and enjoyed an intimate escape to Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat.
DREAM TEAM
Photography: Lauren Joy Photography // Videography: Mitch Birchall Studios // Ceremony & reception venue: Tamborine Mountain Glades (formerly Cedar Creek Lodges) // Celebrant: Siobhan Adams // Gown: Rosa & Mary’s Bridal Shop // Shoes: Asos // Groom’s outfit: Bruno’s Suits // Groomsmen outfits: Bruno’s Suits // Makeup: Erica Coffey // Hair: MC Hair Design Co // Flowers: DIY // Cake: Cheesecake Shop Oxenford // Music: Jonathon Ginn Violinist
