Edwina and Brad’s romantic rainforest celebration at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Many couples we see want to turn their wedding into an immersive, memorable experience for their guests, and Edwina and Brad achieved exactly that for their 74 loved ones at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

The celebration was treated as a multi-day event, beginning a week early with rooftop pre-wedding drinks hosted by the bridesmaids. The day before the wedding featured a sumptuous high tea celebration at The Langham for the bride, while fun family reunions took place over dinner at local Palm Beach and Tugun restaurants that evening. The couple even sent out a dance tutorial link months in advance so their guests could learn the Zorba dance together. On the morning of 28 March 2026, Edwina got ready at home with hair and makeup by Natalie Lucas Hair and Makeup, stepping into a strapless mermaid gown by Kate Gubanyi Bridal. Escorted by bridesmaids in blush pink Bec and Bridge dresses, the bridal party enjoyed a scenic drive along Currumbin beach in white electric vehicles before arriving at the venue.

The main event unfolded seamlessly at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, where guests were treated to a surprise train ride through the grounds to the ceremony at the Lost Valley. Set on a raised platform within an enclosed rainforest aviary surrounded by waterfalls, the couple exchanged custom vows written by celebrant Natalia Arnold from Under the Arbour, who also co-planned the day alongside the sanctuary’s wedding coordinator, Katie Stopher. After the ceremony, guests took a short walk through open fields of free-roaming kangaroos and emus to reach the reception at The Homestead. Musician Steven Michael entertained everyone on the veranda with a baby grand piano during cocktail hour, where crab tartlets, arancini, and pork and fennel sausage rolls were served. Photographer Cooper Brady captured candid portraits against the lush canopy while guests transitioned inside for an alternating menu of burrata, Mooloolaba king prawns, and Angus beef. The styling featured beautiful dried and artificial florals by Bloomjar, custom stationery by Signed with Love, and a three-tiered cake by Cakealicious. To sweeten the evening, fresh almond cakes from Paris Brest artisan bakers were handed out as bonbonnieres, and the dance floor filled instantly when the crowd united for the surprise Zorba dance.

Reflecting on the day, the couple found that the venue perfectly combined romantic aesthetics with easy accessibility for their interstate and international guests. “We imagined an outdoor wedding in a rainforest setting with lots of greenery and light,” Edwina says. “To find Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary was a wonderful surprise, it has everything. The rainforest in the Lost Valley was stunning, and having The Homestead for our reception just a short, beautiful walk away was perfect. Finally, knowing that our money was going back to wildlife conservation made us very happy and was one of the reasons we picked this venue over others. We truly believe we would not change anything, it was perfect in every way.” The festivities concluded the following morning with a relaxed recovery breakfast at the Currumbin Surf Life Saving Club, capping off a flawless Gold Coast celebration.

"To find Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary was a wonderful surprise, it has everything. The rainforest in the Lost Valley was stunning, and having The Homestead for our reception just a short, beautiful walk away was perfect. Finally, knowing that our money was going back to wildlife conservation made us very happy and was one of the reasons we picked this venue over others. We truly believe we would not change anything, it was perfect in every way."

Edwina

This is stunning celebration was captured by Cooper Brady Photography.