Amber and Paul

Successful Sunshine Coast property guru Amber Werchon married her long time partner, solicitor Paul McHugh in a glamorous outdoor ceremony at a picturesque residence in Sunshine Beach. The venue was actually a last minute decision after unforeseen storm damage caused the beach where they had hoped to hold their ceremony, to become almost inaccessible.

Photography by Greg Gardner Photography

The stunning residence, owned by Amber’s uncle, was framed by the clear blue sea of the Pacific Ocean and featured a bamboo canopy with soft billowing white chiffon and delicate floral posies that lined the rose strewn aisle. Although unplanned, the venue ended up being perfectly intimate and because they had held their engagement party there, it held special memories for both of them.

Amber and Paul met through an industry charity ball and their long courtship culminated in a romantic proposal that took place while on holiday in Vietnam. ”Paul had the ring in a sock throughout the holiday, and although his plans to propose got sidetracked with weather interruptions that compromised his big plan he finally proposed at a beautiful restaurant in Hoi Ann, after a romantic and relaxing day together!” said Amber.

Working and living on the Sunshine Coast and knowing the landscape intrinsically well, both Amber and Paul didn’t hesitate when deciding to celebrate their wedding day in their hometown. Amber planned all the details for the wedding day herself, but made sure Paul assisted with the planning along the way. Amber looked breathtaking in a contemporary yet elegant  wedding gown featuring a detailed bodice and tulle layering showcased by a luminescent elegant train. The bridesmaids wore simple black gowns with grey sashes from Hills in Hollywood, and the bridal party held bouquets of David Austin roses which reflected a soft palette of pink, ivory and lemon.

Amber and Paul’s inspiration for their wedding day was one of timeless elegance, and the ceremony and in particular, the vows were very important to them. “We both wrote our own vows. It was our unique touch to the day, and hearing each other’s words for the first time was so very special,” recalled Amber.  As busy professionals, both Amber and Paul worked right up to their wedding day but still found time to make sure the intimate details were not forgotten. “The night before our wedding, Paul had given my Matron of Honour a gift to give to me the morning of our wedding. It was a stunning pair of earrings which was accompanied by a beautiful card. I just burst into tears with emotion and wore them for the entire day,” said Amber.  Just prior to the outdoor ceremony a moody sky filled with grey clouds hovered above, but in true fairytale style, the clouds parted, blue skies appeared and the expected rain managed to stay away.

Being very familiar with the restaurants in the area made the decision of where to have the reception very easy for Amber and Paul. The fact that they chose award winning restaurant Berardo’s was of no surprise to anyone who really knew what was important to both of them.  “Berardo’s provided us with an intimate and romantic setting for our reception, the food was just exquisite and together with our guests, we were able to celebrate our wedding in pure style,” said Amber.

The couple chose photographer Greg Gardner to capture their wedding day with his unique and recognisable style of photography. The Photographs were taken in and around Noosa, encapsulating the scenic beaches at Little Cove and Laguna Bay. “Greg was such a pleasure to deal with and assisted us with other aspects of the wedding as well – which was great,” said Amber. “Greg uses a discreet approach on the day and makes sure the atmosphere is one of fun.  The images he took speak for themselves – top class!”

Amber was born and bred on the Sunshine Coast and was schooled in the area.  She has also established her property business here.   Paul is a partner in a law firm in Maroochydore, and both he and Amber are looking forward to creating their home together on The Sunshine Coast. “Most of my family live here, so there was never any question that one of the most special days of my life would take place in this gorgeous part of Queensland. Paul also wouldn’t have had it any other way,” said Amber.

“Noosa is our ‘get away place’  and even though it’s practically right on our doorstep, it is still far enough away to make you feel like you have had a break. We love the beaches and its beautiful ambience, so it was wonderful celebrating our wedding day there,” recalled Amber.