Jess & David | Tamborine Mountain Glades Wedding

Written By Angela Brushe
Bride and groom walking through Tamborine mountain glades wedding venue

A Day I Knew Was Going to Be Epic

Even before Jess and David's wedding day started, I knew it was going to be an absolutely epic one to shoot. I got the first hint of that at their engagement shoot — the kind of genuine, easy-going energy between two people that makes a photographer's job feel less like work and more like getting to hang out with friends who happen to be having the best day of their lives. As the saying goes, love isn't about finding someone perfect, it's about finding someone genuine — and Jess and David are about as genuine as they come.

The Venue: Tamborine Mountain Glades

Jess and David said "I do" at the always-gorgeous Tamborine Mountain Glades, and I have to give this Mount Tamborine wedding venue a proper plug. They've really upped their game with some recent renovations, and it's genuinely one of the most beautiful venues on the mountain to photograph at. Not that it wasn't stunning before, but there's a real polish to it now, and I've been loving shooting here more and more lately.

Guests enjoying drinks in reception room at Tamborine mountain glades

The Boys, the Circles, and Perfect Overcast Light

We kicked the morning off with the boys. Instead of the usual getting-ready shots inside the cabins, we headed to the circles — one of the most iconic spots at Tamborine Mountain Glades — for David's prep. The overcast weather turned out to be a secret weapon: no harsh shadows, just soft, even light that made the greenery and the venue's colours really sing. David and his mates were having an absolute ball, and honestly, that energy set the tone for the entire day.

The Girls: Prettiest Princess Energy

Over with the girls, we kept things a little more contained in the cabin (with the boys safely shipped off to the pub for a bit), but still made the most of the surrounding gardens for some gorgeous shots. Jess looked absolutely stunning — her dress was perfect, her hair and makeup were beautiful, and honestly? Prettiest princess in all the land. I need a full moment of silence for the wedding rings too — specially designed and custom-made, they're some of the prettiest wedding bands and engagement rings I've ever had the pleasure of photographing.

The Ceremony: Tears Before the Music Even Started

If you want to know how much David loves Jess, here's your answer: he was already in tears before the ceremony music had even started. There was a beautifully tender moment where his mum came up for a hug before everything kicked off — the kind of small, unscripted moment that ends up meaning the most. Jess's walk down the aisle was pure emotion, and the ceremony itself was conducted by a celebrant who was equal parts hilarious and heartwarming. A huge shoutout to Michael Gardiner, who wore the celebrant, MC, and DJ hats for the day and nailed every single one. I would jump at the chance to work with him again — he was fantastic.

The Tree Log (Not for the Faint of Heart)

Once the confetti settled, it was time for photos around the venue, and there is one spot at Tamborine Mountain Glades that has to be mentioned: the tree log. This shot is genuinely not for the faint of heart — but if you've got the courage to climb up there in full wedding attire, I can promise you it's the photo you'll end up printing and hanging on your wall. It never, ever fails to look incredible. We also spent some time in the greenery near the new spa area, and with that same soft overcast light still holding, the images from this part of the day are some of my favourites.

The Reception: Lord of the Rings Meets Dungeons & Dragons

We only caught a small slice of the reception, but it was a memorable one. Jess and David aren't big "party people," so instead of the usual reception games, their friends had put together activities based on Lord of the Rings and Dungeons & Dragons. The level of thought and care that went into it was genuinely lovely to witness — this was a couple whose people know them, through and through.

Thank You, Jess & David

Thank you both for having me along for your wedding day — it was every bit as epic as I hoped it would be.

If you're planning a wedding at Tamborine Mountain Glades or anywhere across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, or Queensland Hinterland, I'd love to be part of your day too. Get in touch to check availability and chat through Angela Brushe Photography's wedding packages.

Ange x

VENDOR CREDITS

Angela Brushe
Next

Breanna & Steph's Wedding at Carrington Estate