Emerald mum Cassie Watene showcases small businesses in vow renewal
Couple collaborates with other small businesses across the region for their special day in a bid to encourage other couples to stay local by showcasing just what they could create.
Central Queensland
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An Emerald couple created their dream wedding ceremony in their own backyard and used it as an opportunity to showcase more than 15 regional businesses, encouraging more people to stay local for their special day.
Cassie and Jared Watene renewed their vows in front of a glamorous, rustic style set up at Fairbairn Dam on Sunday, surrounded by their four children, before heading home for an intimate reception in the yard.
“It was perfect,” Mrs Watene said.
“Just a celebration of love, because celebrating love is precious and life’s too short.”
Rather than sourcing everything themselves, the couple collaborated with 16 small, regional businesses in a bid to keep people local rather than travelling for events.
With the help of her friend Kasey Davies, Mrs Watene, the owner of Cas’ Cakery, sourced all the plates, glasses and cutlery from Emerald op shops, and worked with a range of other businesses to showcase what they do best.
“Kasey and I had an idea to collaborate with other local businesses to create a magical intimate wedding set up, showcasing local businesses and how you can create magic right in your backyard with the right amount of imagination,” she said.
“A lot of people typically leave Emerald to get married, I wanted to show that you can have a dream wedding here in Central Queensland using a little imagination and some amazing businesses.
“Plus, Covid seems to be wrecking plans and travel.”
Her favourite part of the organisation was brainstorming ideas and getting to know other small business owners.
“Seeing creative people in their element and watching an idea come to life,” Mrs Watene said.
“It was honestly so much fun to work with everyone to bring our vision to life.
“I also enjoyed creating my dream dessert table with no limitations.”
From the photography, to the wedding dress, jewellery and signage, all elements were brought to life by small businesses.
Paula Swain of JS Vintage Lighting and Hire, based in Emerald, said supporting locals kept communities vibrant and allowed businesses to keep operating.
“You don’t have to be in the city or on the coast to get the same products, there are heaps of talented people here and we enjoy what we do,” she said.
“Your business provides us an income, you get to have your beautiful wedding and all the guests that travel here spend money in town so lots of people benefit from it.”
Mrs Swain said the Central Highlands had so many hidden gems and beautiful locations perfectly suited for the big day.
“We’ve done functions at the dam before, the photos are beautiful,” she said.
“I think there are some really great opportunities out here to showcase.
“We’ve got the dam, nice sheds, paddocks of grapevines. I think it’s great to look in your backyard and see what’s available.”
All the suppliers were located across the region, with only two not based in Central Queensland:
- Wedding dress – Desert Moon Bridal
- Earrings – Wattle & Co
- Makeup, macramé and preserved arrangements – Kasey Davies
- Hair – Danielle Hales
- Girls dresses and boys tops – Noiz Handmade
- Girls flower crows – The Sweet Pea + Co
- Bouquet and arbour florals – Pepperberry Studio
- Rose petals – Simply Rose Petals
- Rug, arbour, lights and vintage hire – JS Vintage Lights and Hire
- Photographers – Dux Till Dawn and Meraki Portraiture
- Cookies – Petals and Cream
- Catering – Cracked Pepper Canteen
- Cakes and cupcakes – Cas’ Cakery
- Cake topper – Mini & Co
- Signage – Laser Plus Signs
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