Noosa was the destination for Tola and Paul’s first-ever getaway together as a couple, so it’s no surprise they chose this beautiful part of the world to make things official. “We wanted the vibe of the wedding day to feel very romantic and intimate, with modern minimalistic touches and rambling florals,” bride Tola tells us. “The gorgeous natural beauty of the location meant that we did not need to go over the top with styling too, allowing us to focus more energy on some of the finer details.”
Finer details like, ahem, that stunning Karen Willis Holmes gown – heaven! They were lucky enough to lock down the amazing Janneke Storm for pics on the day and once you’ve take a scroll, we think you’ll agree, they’re pretty spesh!
THE VENUE “I had my eye on Noosa Waterfront Restaurant & Bar as a potential wedding venue for a while, so I was delighted that Paul was as charmed as I was about the location, especially given that it was the first venue that we looked at. I think what really sold it for us was the idea of getting married beside the idyllic Noosa river and the restaurant’s amazing food on offer.”
THE DRESS “I ended up buying my wedding gown on my very first day of wedding dress shopping. I had been to one bridal boutique beforehand and was almost certain that I had already found my dress, but decided to check out Karen Willis Holmes just in case, as I have always loved her designs. Just as well I did, as I ended up falling in love with the Cassie gown. It just seemed to suit my body shape so well and the vintage art-deco detailing paired with the diamond cut-out back really aligned with the modern yet romantic vibe I was hoping for on the day.”
TAKE ON TRADITION “As my heritage is Nigerian, we were able to surprise our guests by incorporating a shortened Nigerian wedding ceremony at the start of the wedding reception. At the beginning of the night, we changed into traditional Nigerian attire, which made for a really exciting wedding reception entrance. The ceremony ended with a big boogie on the dance floor to one of the hottest tracks from Lagos. It was so special and fun.”
LITTLE LOL “We got along with our photographer Janneke Storm so well and I really trusted her artistic direction on the day, so when she said ‘leap’ during our portrait session, I leapt, of course. After a few seconds of leaping around, Janneke realised what had happened and started laughing. She had actually said ‘lead’ not ‘leap’ and I could not stop laughing. It was definitely one of the funnier moments of the day and also made for some hilarious photos.”
STANDOUT VENDOR “All of our vendors were absolutely amazing, especially our celebrant, Beth Stevenson from I Heart Ceremonies, who was able to make us feel so calm on the day and conduct a ceremony that felt so special and uniquely us.”
Tola and Paul’s beautiful big day first appeared in issue 35 of Hello May, and yes, you can still pick yourself up a copy and see all of the details over on our online store. Don’t forget to hit up the likes of Janneke Storm, Karen Willis Holmes and other amazing vendors over on the HM directory!
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Janneke Storm Cinematographer Luke Bickley Stylist Lovebird Weddings Florist Willow Bud Stationery Mila + May (invites, place cards), Sunday Nude (table numbers) Ceremony, reception & Catering Noosa Waterfront Restaurant & Bar Cake & Wedding Favours Chocolate 2 Chilli Hire Items Lovebird Weddings Entertainment Love Note Music Celebrant I Heart Ceremonies Rings Diamondport Jewellers Transport Boomerang Bus Hire Live Streaming Big Smiles THE BRIDE Gown & Veil Karen Willis Holmes Pyjamas Le Rose Shoes Isabella Anselmi Earrings Ruby & Sage (now closed down) Hair Family friend Makeup Makeup by Marlies Bridesmaid dresses Shona Joy Bridesmaid gifts Ruby & Sage (now closed down)(earrings) THE GROOM Suit & Shirt Tony Barlow Bow tie OTAA Cufflinks Kailis Shoes Vizzari Watch Glashutte Original Groomsmen suits Tony Barlow Groomsmen gifts Montblanc (engraved fountain pens)