Wild hearts: Sharna and James’ Coolibah Downs Private Estate Wedding

Sharna and James sought a romantic rainforest wedding with a spacious white marque and some uniquely “them” highlights.

Lovebirds Sharna and James met at a mutual friend’s birthday party,  five years prior to a romantic Mount Tamborine proposal. In their hunt for a rainforest wedding venue, Coolibah Downs Private Estate took the cake with its convenient on-site accomodation and 10 acres of lush private grounds.

Sharna and James’ September 9, 2022 wedding for 81 guests began with a rainy morning, leading to their indoor ceremony at Coolibah Downs Private Estate‘s stone chapel. Sharna wore an elegant, low-backed, lace wedding gown with a chai coloured underlay, while her bridesmaids dressed in rust coloured dresses from Esther & Co to match the desert tones of the wider colour scheme.

After exchanging vows and their first kiss as a married couple, Sharna and James lead their guests up the festoon pathway to the gardens. A private bartender fixed cocktails for all as two friendly, fuzzy alpacas made the rounds. The couple slipped away for some wedding portraiture— bringing the alpacas along for the photo opportunity, of course!

The party moved into Coolibah Downs Private Estate’s gorgeous, open-air marquee, just as Sharna and James had envisioned, for the reception. Guests dined on hot and cold seafood canapés, followed by a Mediterranean lamb and beef brisket shared-style dinner. Forgoing the traditional sweet cake cake, the couple opted for a cheese tower from Harris Farm Markets.

When asked what they would do differently given the opportunity, Sharna said, “I’d do it the same! Last minute we chose to hire a DJ, videographer and get a second dress for the reception. They were some of the best decisions we made for the wedding.”

Add in a smoke machine, a whole lot of champagne, and a packed dance floor, and you have one unforgettable wedding celebration!

We envisioned a white marquee reception at an outdoor rainforest-like venue. We wanted a garden ceremony with a wet weather option that we loved! We also wanted onsite accommodation for both of us to get ready onsite. Coolibah Downs Private Estate ticked all the boxes.

Sharna & James

This elegant yet alternative wedding at Coolibah Downs Private Estate was captured beautifully by Boy and Bird Photography.

Photos courtesy of Boy and Bird Photography.

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