What we are trying to do
When we heard the story of the uninsured Brisbane couple (Clifford Williams and Tiffany Parfrement) who recently lost their home and possessions in the Brisbane flood and dealt a double blow as a fire ravaged their temporary home and destroyed their flood salvaged possessions – rescuing only Tiffany’s engagement ring from the cinders we immediately wanted to help!
I thought with the help from other businesses and wedding suppliers we could rescue their plans to marry and host a dream wedding for the couple – whilst this is not replacing what they had lost it will at least be one less thing for the couple to worry about as they go about putting their lives back together.
"Their incredible misfortune touched our hearts; we wanted to help this lovely couple in the best way we knew how! Morgans Sunset Blue has offered Tiffany & Clifford a $5,000 voucher towards their wedding reception. Sunset Blue is a multi-award-winning waterfront function venue located in Scarborough (on the Redcliffe Peninsula). Added to the Sunset Blue free-reception we hope other wedding suppliers from across Brisbane will come to the aid and help us make their wedding day truly a dream come true.
The couple will need assistance with everything from the wedding dress to; celebrant, cakes, wedding car-hire, entertainment, invitations, hair, make-up, lingerie, to honeymoon…
We are hoping that the wedding industry and the community will open their hearts to them and contribute with goods & services for their wedding day or maybe add a voucher or too for their wishing well as the couple have lost everything and they will need items from bed sheets to white goods, furniture – and children's toys for their seven year old son.
The wishing well will be presented to the couple on their wedding night and any gifts sent will be listed on the wishing well page along with your best wishes.
I want to make this the best wedding present – ever! Says Donna Browne, marketing manager for Morgans Seafood & Venue Manager for Sunset Blue Function Centre.
Meet our couple, Tiffany and Clifford
“When the floods hit on January 11 this year we were living in the Graceville area (near Brisbane). We were very comfortable with our lifestyle and we loved the area and community, it was just a short walk to Zy’s school – which he loved and a good location for my University and Clifford’s work. Clifford plays music with a band ‘Dakuta’ and also covers with a duo along with teaching guitar lessons to school children and his work in Brisbane. Tiffany is a University student well into her studies and hoping to start a career in mental health on completion of her degree.
Graceville is a great community and when the floods came we (like thousands of others) were unaware of what the outcome would be and that in a few short weeks just how much our lives would be changed. After contacting SES and speaking with other neighbours we decided to move what possessions we could to the upstairs level of our rented townhouse and under good advice from the authorities and the premier we evacuated – staying with my Dad and step-mum.
After the flood peaked and the waters receded to a level where we were allowed back in to check our home (days later) we realised the extent of what had just happened to us and seeing that the water had reached the top step we knew before even entering the home we had lost everything downstairs and all of Zy’s toys and things. With the support of family and volunteers we helped to clean up the disgusting mess and salvage what we could from upstairs. The pungent smell was really bad quite indescribable and mud, people and rubbish was everywhere.
With the help from family we were one of the lucky ones (so I thought) we found a place to move into at Forest Lake there were some many people just like us and looking for somewhere to live we couldn’t believe our luck finding a rental so quickly. Our contents in the floods were uninsured and the year we lived at Graceville was the only time that either of us was without content insurance.
Clifford was granted a personal loan and we replaced some furniture and items lost in the floods or at least what we could afford and the government disaster assistance was a timely aid as it helped with bond… Once we had semi-moved into our new place at Forest Lake we immediately attempted to get content insurance. The insurers were inundated with calls due to the floods and were not taking new enquiry calls at the time. The online process does not offer immediate cover so we waited until our message was returned to finalise the content cover over the phone. 13 days after we had moved in to the Forest Lake house an unexplained household electrical fault caused a fire inside our new home. Our salvaged possessions and the new items that we had taken a loan out to purchase and replace were now all gone!
My engagement ring and a few small possessions was all we were able to recover. The jewellery box – whilst warped and charred was enough to protect my ring but we had lost nearly everything else.
Our content insurance didn’t come into effect until the day after the fire so we were left once again uninsured.
To add to the devastation our family now faced from both the flood and the fire I also learned the heartbreaking news that my Grandad had passed away so we had that to cope with as well.
We were obviously lost and without some of the equipment used to make money (such as Clifford’s musical instruments…) and with our belongings for essential living gone we did not know where to begin.
Without the help from family and friends and the overwhelming kindness from strangers we would not have been able to begin start rebuilding our lives and to regain our family structure and lifestyle.
Our days at the moment are still topsy-turvy and busy, all three of us have attended counselling which has been really good – particularly for Zy (who I think could be the hardest hit by this, as how do you explain to a seven-year old that they have lost all of their toys and treasured keepsakes – twice!), he has been having a little trouble sleeping and settling in to the new place.
We have been given a few household essentials to get by, in which we are truly grateful for, we are now focusing on just getting by on a day-to-day basis and re-building a future for our family.”
The big day
You can read about Tiffany & Clifford's dream wedding day… very soon… as details will be featured in the Woman's Day magazine!
We'll keep you posted with the expected release date of the editorial feaure!
Thank You! xxx
A HUGE thank you to all of the generious businesses that
came forward and donated their time, goods and services to help
this lovely couple. Together we created a 'DREAM WEDDING DAY' and
DREAM HONEYMOON for Tiffany & Clifford!
Tiffany & Clifford are most grateful and thankful for your thoughts and efforts
and they had an amazing day blessed with fabulous weather, family
and friends finished off with a dream honeymoon on the Whitsundays!
"For us, this truely was a dream wedding and to all involved
Congratulations and thank you from the bottom of our heart !
Tiffany & Clifford"
A HUGE thank you to all our media friends that helped us
get the message out and ultimately helped resuce their wedding plans!
Channel Seven
In particular Reporter:
Sally Eeles
Thank you Sally, you were first to break the story and your
love, support and assistance helped make this happen!
Quest Newspapers
In particular:
Editor Kylie Knight & Reporter Kay Picton
Thank you for the many weeks of help and support.
You helped us gather the wedding suppliers needed
to make thier dream day come true!
Thank you to the Westside News for the amazing front page cover story!
Thank you to the Redcliffe Bayside Herald for the many follow up stories,
and to all of the 12 Quest Newspaper titles that ran our story
Channel Ten
In particular Reporter:
Nicolas Boot
Thanks Nic for you wonderful story & Dream Honeymoon surprise!
B105FM & Triple M
To all the team thank you for your help with the Ads & on0air mentions
for 'Dream Wedding Rescue'!
The Woman's Day Magazine
In particular Writer:
Shari Nementzik
To all the team at the Woman's Day thank you for the wonderful
story and support!
About the Wedding Rescue
The following generous businesses donated the services and/or products that could help make this amazing 'Dream Wedding' come true. We hope you will support them!
Morgans Sunset Blue Function & Reception CentreBird of Passage Parade Scarborough Boat Harbour P: 32035029 Reception Food & Beverage voucher to the value of $5000 [plus] Waterfront Ceremony package to the value of $600 Tiffany & Clifford are celebrating their reception at Morgans Sunset Blue Reception Centre in their multi awarding waterfront venue with a 5-course meal for approx. 75 guests. The couple start the evening with nibbles on the waterfront balcony overlooking the harbor and Glasshouse Mountains, followed by an alternate drop Entrée & Main course, (showcasing delicious Queensland Seafood of course), then finishing their meal with their sumptuous wedding cake as Dessert – and central table platters of cheese, crackers and dried fruits. CEREMONY - Decorations & Set-up to the value of $600 |
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Wedding Photography Five Star Photography21 McCosker Street, Kippa-Ring QLD 4021 P: 3203 4031 Description: Tina Metcalf of Five Star Photography provided Clifford & Tiffany with full photographic coverage of their Wedding – from the Pre-Wedding Shoot wherein their love and personalities are captured, through to their Wedding Day. Tina and her team worked from the morning preparations – to the cutting of the cake ceremony at the reception. Five-Star Photography also provided a beautiful signing canvas (as a guest book) and will provide Clifford & Tiffany with creative images to illustrate their Wedding Day Story with a beautiful Story Book, her total package provided is valued at approx. $3,800. |
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2-Day Bridal Accommodation Package Scarborough Beach Resort89 Landsborough Avenue Scarborough P: 3897 3100 Scarborough Beach Resort has provided a special bridal accommodation of: 3 Bedroom Apartment with picturesque views to the east of Moreton Bay, and to the north of Bribie Island. Our 3 Bedroom Apartments are fully self-contained, equipped with kitchen and laundry facilities, separate dining/lounge area, 2 bathrooms, and balcony. This accommodation package is valued at $735.00. |
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Designer Wedding Cake (to the value of $500) Forever After CakesServicing all the suburbs of Brisbane, Queensland – Located in CABOOLTURE Shanda from Forever After Cakes – a qualified pastry chef of many years designed a delicious 3-tier exotic dark chocolate mud cake & fountain cake, featuring layers of Chocolate Hazelnut & Chocolate Raspberry swirl mud cake encapsulated in dark chocolate shards and topped with chocolate shaved curls and silk rose posies to match the bridal flowers (made by Loverflowers). The cake was presented on top of a water fountain with soft mood lighting & tuelle decorations. The cake including the hire of the power driven water fountain is valued at $600. |
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Entertainment Package DJ / MC / Dry Ice for Bridal Waltz Paramount EventsEverton Park QLD 4053 P: 3855 3850 Paramount Events & Director Peter Hearnden have provided Tiffany & Clifford with a total wedding reception entertainment package incorporating: DJ services, professional Master of Ceremonies, and Dry Ice effect for the bridal waltz. Peter and his company Paramount events provided professional music services for thousands of weddings and special events for over 10 years. To make the music for the evening even more special Peter has incorporated several live performances from Clifford’s band ‘Dakuta’ into the evening’s music line-up. |
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Fireworks (Cake cutting fireworks package) Spectrum FireworksP O Box 618 Ferny Hills DC Qld 4055 To make Tiffany & Clifford’s cake cutting ceremony something their guests will remember Spectrum Fireworks provided 3 champagne fountain pyrotechnic fireworks . The champagne fountains shortly after ignition build in size to almost 2metres tall and rain a shower of illuminated stars and create a breathtaking backdrop for any cake cutting photos. The champagne fountain cake cutting fireworks are valued at $320. |
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Website Alyte Creative2/3 Southern Cross CT Urangan QLD 4655 Hervey Bay P: 07 4183 0204 |
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Designer Bridal Gown ‘Wendy Sullivan Design’ Brides Desire By Aries & Graces31 Vulture St (Cnr Paris & Vulture St) West End, QLD, 4101 P: 07 3846 7077 Tiffany, selected a very romantic vintage-style gown called "Anastasia", featuring a fitted strapless rouched satin bodice with a whispering skirt of soft tuelle ruffles & lace appliques. The value of the gown is $2750.00 selected from the latest Brides Desire collection, the gown was designed by Wendy Sullivan, Brides Desire. |
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Celebrant MM CeremoniesBased in Ningi Marion Marini P: 0434180015 Marion Marini is an experienced celebrant that is passionate about delivering a memorable ceremony, she designs the nuptial process |
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Wedding Flowers Loveflowers (wedding flowers to love and cherish)26 Ada St Toowong Queensland 4066 Australia P: 0408 102 309 |
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Invitations Sunshine InvitationsP: 0459 124 698 Sunshine Invitations have supplied a full invitation and reception package for Tiffany & Clifford is valued at $500 and includes: Save the date cards, Wedding Invitations, Wishing Well & RSVP Cards, Tea lit Table Cards, and Place Cards for the Bridal Table. The design Tiffany chose was a modern flourish lace swirl in black with a featured red & diamante highlights (every girl has just got to have a little bling!) with matching stationery and table cards. |
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Table Centrepieces & Reception Flowers Bloom’n BridesCaboolture / Morayfield area P: 0438 768 832 Bloom'n Brides provided jaw dropping table centerpieces, Belinda designed tall, simple and elegant table arrangements of weeping willow surrounded by blossoming deep red roses and finished off scattered hanging bamboo tea-light candle holders placed amongst the willow. These arrangements helped add a WOW factor to the room decorations and were designed to complement Tiffany and Clifford's red & black theme. The decoration package for the table centerpieces was valued at $700. |
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Photobooth for the reception PhotoboothBrisbane area P: 0416 237 229 Rebecca Cawood and her photobooth team provided their portable photobooth facility for the reception. They set up a groovy (but intimate space) for guests to have fun with their funny props and to create some memorable images for Tiffany & Clifford. |
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Bridesmaid Dresses Kiss The BrideMorayfield 4506, Caboolture Shire, QLD ‘Kiss the Bride’ supplied three designer bridesmaid gowns to the value of $1150. The designer gowns are approx. $300 each plus a little extra for alterations. Tiffany’s style choices fitted perfect with the ‘Mori Lee’ designs adding a simplistic, yet sense of elegance and sophistication to the look for the bridal party. The dresses were supplied in a romantic 'Red' to suit Tiffany's colour theme. |
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Butterfly ReleaseCeremony butterfly release Butterfly Releases http://www.butterflyreleases.com.au/ The butterfly Release team provided Tiffany & Clifford with a selection of butteries to release at the ceremony (and some for the photo session and cake cutting ceremony). Butterflies are a spectacular and enchanting way to enhance your ceremony – they add a unique and magical touch to your special occasion! |
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Wedding TransportHUMMER LIMOUSINES Pty Ltd Sydney: Melbourne: Queensland: Hummer Limousines would be more than happy to supply our pink panther 16 seater hummer for Tiffany & Clifford on their wedding day. We will supply our full Gold wedding package for 3hrs valued $2000 which includes: the car presented with personalised wedding car ribbon, the internal of the car dressed in theme with fresh flowers and tulle along with features such as; wheel covers, Just married flags, state of the art integrated sound system , driver privacy screen , three fully functional and well-stocked bars (serving spring water, soft drink, champagne, cheese platter and nibbles). |
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CinematographyOLIVER KUO CINEMATOGRAPHY Oliver Kuo’s studio provided 4 cinematographers with a 'full-day unlimited shoot', including portable lighting, wireless microphone recording system etc. They also included a stylish pre-wedding video shoot & edited the pre-wedding film so it could be played during the reception. Oliver included his cinematic highlight reel with 4-10 minutes of edited film, full high definition wedding film (including 10 sets of wedding film DVD’s), and compressed facebook versions of both the pre-wedding & wedding film. |
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Bridal Make-up ServicesBELLA MAKE-UP Rachel provided make-up services for the full bridal party (bride and three bridesmaids), she styled the look with contemporary colours and to suit Tiffany’s vintage style gown. The make0up services package is valued at approx. $250 |
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Bridal Hair StylingIMMACULATE MAKE-UP Amy was delighted to be donating Tiffany’s bridal hair styling which included the bride and three bridesmaids, and for an extra effect for Tiffany she has added some (tape) hair extensions for the day. The hair styling (with hair extensions) are valued at $620 |
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Honeymoon FashionMELINA HOLWAY DESIGNS Melina has designed a special dress for Tiffany to take on her honeymoon, Tiffany loved the dress so much she chose to wear it for her Five-Star Photography engagement shoot as well. The dress is cotton styled in a modern-chic beachy halter neck with a vintage twist. |
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The Honey MoonDAYDREAM ISLAND RESORT |
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MARINA SHORES WATERFRONT APPARTMENTS159 Shingley Drive Airlie Beach QLD 4802 P: (61) 7 49641500 Marina Shores is one of Airlie Beach’s most picturesque accommodation venues. The complex features five star fully self-contained serviced (optional) luxury penthouses and holiday apartments in Airlie Beach. With views overlooking Abel Point Marina and the Whitsunday Islands, this is certainly a new standard of fashionable living in Airlie Beach. Tiffany & Clifford will enjoy 3 nights in a 5 star, self-contained 1 bedroom apartment ‘at Marina Shores’ |
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PACIFIC SUNRISE – WHITSUNDAY SAILING ADVENTURESLevel 2/293 Shute Harbour Road Airlie Beach, QLD 4802 Tiffany & Clifford will spend 3-glorious nights onboard the ‘Pacific Sunrise’ sailing the Whitsundays. |
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AIR WHITSUNDAY SEAPLANESTerminal One, Whitsunday Airport, Air Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach (PO Box 234) Airlie Beach QLD 4802 |
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TROPIX PHOTOGRAPHY273 Shute Harbour Road Airlie Beach Qld 4802 P: 07 4946 6639 |
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WATERLINE on SHINGLEYLevel 1, Shingley Beach Resort Shingley Drive, Waterline on Shingley (next to the Marina Shores) is a new establishment positioned right on the waterfront of picturesque Shingley Beach. The restaurant and accompanying function room is the perfect location for Whitsunday Weddings, Conferences and for a quality dining experience for visitors and locals alike. Waterline on Shingley has provided an inclusive private dinner for two for Tiffany & Clifford to enjoy during their stay at the beautiful Marina Shores. |
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