Bringing Your Dream Day to Life: Wedding Planning with Lilly & Lotus.

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but with the right team and the right venue, it becomes a beautiful journey. We sat down with Danielle from Lilly & Lotus; wedding planner, stylist, and seasoned creative, for her expert advice on planning a wedding. From first steps to final touches, here's everything you need to know.

Why Ambrym Estate?

Q: What are the key benefits of choosing a venue like Ambrym Estate?

Danielle: Ambrym is immaculate. It’s a venue that doesn’t need much added to make it beautiful, it’s already there. The infrastructure package makes things easier for couples, and the onsite accommodation is perfect for a relaxed, intimate wedding morning.

We also love that the ceremony and reception are in the same location, which simplifies logistics and allows us to repurpose styling elements seamlessly.

Another standout is exclusivity. When you hire Ambrym, it’s entirely yours, no back-to-back weddings or rushed exits. As a vendor, we also appreciate the generous setup and pack-down time. Some venues give us just a couple of hours, which is extremely stressful. At Ambrym, couples have the time to arrive, settle in, and enjoy the lead-up to their big day.

Starting with a Blank Canvas

Q: For couples just starting to plan, what should they consider with a blank canvas venue?

Start by assessing the space: how does it look, feel, and function? Think about the layout, light, and flow. Consider practicalities like guest parking, transport, accessibility, and amenities.

Also look closely at what you’ll need to bring in. Everything from catering and cold rooms to styling and staff adds up, so ensure your budget reflects that. Check for restrictions and access times early to avoid surprises later.

Bringing the Vision to Life

Q: How do you help couples style a space like Ambrym Estate when there are no pre-set packages?

We begin by understanding what the venue provides, then dive into the couple’s vision, style, and preferences. From there, we build a detailed styling proposal, complete with mood boards, colour palettes, décor, florals, lighting, and a to-scale floor plan.

Next, we walk through the venue with the couple to ensure the layout works functionally and aesthetically. Then we collaborate with trusted suppliers to source everything and manage the logistics. It’s a bespoke process that ensures every wedding reflects the couple’s unique story.

Personalising Your Space

Q: What are some creative ways couples can make Ambrym Estate their own?

Ambrym’s neutral palette is the perfect canvas for colour, florals, and personal touches. Think floral arches that frame the view, modern layouts like serpentine tables, statement lighting, and custom signage.

Your wedding “brand” starts with your invitation design and can flow through every detail, menus, cocktails, music, stationery. Don’t be afraid to break away from tradition and do things your own way.

What’s Trending for 2026 Weddings?

We’re seeing bold colour palettes, fashion-forward bridal looks, and a strong lean into “pearlcore” and vintage glamour. Expect statement florals, sculptural shapes, and a mix of drama and romance. From bubble hems to detachable corsets, it’s all about personality.

We love that couples are becoming braver, mixing styles, breaking rules, and creating visually striking, emotionally resonant celebrations.

Common Challenges (and How We Help)

Q: What hurdles do couples face, and how do you help them through it?

Overwhelm is real. Most couples have never planned an event before, let alone a wedding. They're unsure where to start, who to book, or how to budget. Some struggle with family expectations or time constraints.

That’s where we come in. We guide our clients through everything, from building a vendor team to setting boundaries and managing timelines. We’ve been planning weddings in Central Queensland for almost 12 years, so we know who’s who and what’s possible.

Our goal? To take the pressure off and make sure the planning experience is as joyful as the day itself.

Choosing the Right Venue

Q: What makes a venue stand out?

For us, it's about flexibility and professionalism. A venue like Ambrym that’s immaculately maintained and open to custom styling is a dream. It gives us the freedom to create something truly personal for each couple.

Some venues are pre-styled to the owner’s taste, which can limit creativity. Ambrym respects the couple’s vision and allows us to start fresh every time.

When to Start Planning

Q: How far in advance should couples start planning their wedding?

Ideally, start 12 months out. It gives you the best chance of securing your dream team and ensures plenty of time to plan, budget, and enjoy the process.

Once you know your date, location, and guest numbers, lock in your key vendors. Start with your planner (hopefully that’s us!) and let us help you with the rest.

Styling Tip: Ceremony to Reception

Q: Any tips for transforming outdoor spaces between ceremony and reception?

Yes, plan every movement. Make sure items work in both settings and designate someone to move them. Know when key moments like family photos and reception photography are happening to avoid overlaps.

Most importantly, don’t leave it until guests are already mingling, it makes transitions messy. And if you’re not moving pieces, ensure they’re lit for nighttime impact.

A Final Favourite

Q: Can you share one of your favourite weddings?

I say this every time we finish a wedding, but every one feels like a favourite! Seeing a styling proposal come to life is the most rewarding part. I drive my team crazy saying, “Look at the proposal, now look at what we created!”

We’ve styled close to 2,000 weddings, but only a few have made it to our website so far. When time allows, I add more.

Let Ambrym Estate and Lilly & Lotus help make your dream day unforgettable. Connect with us to begin your bespoke wedding journey.