‘Our guests went crazy for it’: Newlyweds set up temporary tattoo station for guests
Takeaway pizzas, personalised temporary tattoos and cocktails named after the bridal party - this couple thought of everything for their wedding day.
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It took a dress-up night on the dance floor at a university college for this couple to get involved.
Coorparoo couple Sasha Kotanko and Scott Hemsworth, who have been together nine years, were living in the same college and were on the same social soccer team but had no interest in each other initially.
“This was until a fabulous dress-up night on the college dance floor where I was dressed as a Hawaiian, Scott as a basketball player and my moves took his interest, resulting in the exchange of a kiss, and each other’s phone numbers,” says Sasha.
After a proposal in Noosa National Park at Teatree Bay during a sunset picnic, the couple married at Rosewood Estate in the Gold Coast hinterland on November 25 last year before 70 guests.
First dance song?
Hold My Girl – George Ezra (acoustic).
Hen’s night?
I initially had a quiet Friday night with just my bridesmaids for an Italian feast at Gemelli’s, but Saturday brought an Abba themed boat party, cruising along the Brisbane River with all things ’80s!
Buck’s night?
Scott had a very relaxing weekend away on the Sunshine Coast in a BnB across from the beach in Kawana.
How did you choose your wedding venue?
We initially were swept up in the engagement bubble wanting to look at what was available in the wedding world, but weren’t ready to lock anything in. We booked a few venue walk throughs at hinterland-based venues. Rosewood was our first, and absolutely took our breath away. We could not take our minds off Rosewood, so booked it far in advance.
What was the budget for your wedding?
$40,000.
What would you spend more or less on?
We are so happy with every purchase we made. We spent on things that were important to us and saved in areas we didn’t think our guests would even notice. It’s a huge and very expensive industry, but you get what you pay for and good vendors go above and beyond for you!
How did you go about choosing your wedding dress?
I had one dress try-on for fun, early on to give me an idea of styles that I might like. Then, I booked a day at Made with Love Bridal and tried on all of the styles I thought I would have loved, but they really didn’t do it for me. I was starting to worry a little, but my Maid of Honour and mum had been eyeing off a simple, crepe dress. I was hesitant, as I didn’t envision myself in a dress so tight fitting but when I put it on, I burst into tears! I knew it was the one and am so glad I went with it.
What was the most stressful part of wedding planning?
While Rosewood is such a stunning venue, it is a lot of work. We initially thought a blank canvas would be great as it allows us to pick and choose what we invest our money in but we soon came to realise, having a lot of choice can be incredibly overwhelming. From selecting what style of chair we wanted, to the styling of the napkins. And we have large families and friendship groups, so making the guest list was really difficult and largely dictated by our budget. We look back and are so happy with who we shared the day with.
Any unique or surprising details?
We tried to have personal touches and surprise details that didn’t cost too much. During our ceremony, we had our celebrant share why each member of our bridal party was important to us which was a really special personal touch. We made personalised temporary tattoos and had a station set up which our guests went crazy for! We had two cocktails served during the night which we let our MOH and Best Man select and name after them. We made courtesy baskets in the bathroom full of Band-Aids, hair spray, breath mints, you name it! I have Scottish heritage so I wrapped my traditional tartan in ribbon form around my bouquet for the night.
What was the standout moment of the day?
Our ceremony was such a special moment that we got to share with those most important to us. The dancefloor that followed dinner will always be a standout!
What was non-negotiable for you?
Spending quality time with our guests. We did all of our couple/bridal photos before our ceremony, which meant wedding nerves were mostly out of our system, and we could spend cocktail hour with our guests! Additionally, good food. Having so much food during cocktail hour, dinner and even having takeaway pizzas available for the end of the night was perfect.
What would you do differently?
Not worry as much about what is on trend, or what guests might think. These are the people who care for you the most and aren’t worried about if you selected the most expensive option available! It is so easy to get swept into the TikTok wedding world, which can come with such a price.
Top wedding hack?
Don’t be afraid to buy second hand! There are so many fabulous wedding social media pages where you can buy and sell goods which will save you so much time and money! Get as much photography done before your ceremony, especially if you are already doing a first look. This only took an hour before the guests arrived, the photos are perfect as hair and makeup were fresh, and you get to spend the evening with your guests!
Best advice for other couples?
Triple check all the fine print with every contract, invoice or receipt and track the reimbursement of bond payments post wedding. Enjoy the day and don’t sweat the small stuff!
The Bride
Sasha Kotanko, 28
Profession Teacher
Parents Karen Donaldson and Brian Kotanko
Bridesmaids Tifanie O’Leary, Ruby Yu and Brittany Farley
Dress Made with Love Bridal; Parker
Hair Sarah Kelly Co
Make-up Erin Coffey
Flowers Aurora Floral Studio
Engagement ring Michael Arthur Diamonds
Wedding planner/stylist Scenic Rim Brides
The Groom
Scott Hemsworth, 28
Profession Demand planner
Parents Diane and Gary Hemsworth
Groomsmen Peter Clause, Ben Gatwood, Matt Hemsworth and Blake Tyler
Entertainment Sarah Archer Weddings (Acoustic) + Party Liaison (DJ)
Videographer The Tognazzinis
Celebrant Ali Rollinson (Wed By Ali)
Caterer The Italian Job
Cake We had a two tier cake, white chocolate mud with raspberry filling as well as chocolate mud with peanut butter praline. It was supplied by Floral and Fauz Cakes
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