Every couple dreams of that one magical day — a day that feels timeless, effortless and intimately theirs. But behind every seamless vow exchange and glowing reception lies hundreds of decisions, delicate balances and the quiet orchestration of someone who sees both the forest and the trees. That’s where Alysia Bridger comes in.
A long-time collaborator & friend of Wine & Dine’m, Alysia is the creative force behind Alysia Bridger Events. More than a wedding planner – she is a storyteller, architect of emotion, and curator of design. Based in Brisbane, her work has earned her recognition among the Top 20 Global Wedding Planners, features in Vogue Magazine and a portfolio of spectacular events across the world. Alysia’s work is rooted in an unwavering attention to detail and a deep respect for each couple’s unique story.
Not that you need further convincing of how much we love Alysia, our very own Craig & Ammie knew who to trust with the planning of their own wedding back in September at the Brisbane Powerhouse.
In this exclusive chat, we dive into all things wedding planning – from the moment you say “yes” to the final dance.
For those who don’t know you yet, can you tell us a little about yourself and what led you to create Alysia Bridger Events?
“I come from a background in marketing, events and interior design, and I’ve always had a great love for transforming and creating beautiful spaces and celebrating all types of events. Weddings, in particular, have always captured my heart. I adore the romance of weddings, the beauty of each of our couple’s stories, and the honour of being part of one of the most important days in our couples lives.
Creating Alysia Bridger Events was a natural extension of my passions, it allows me to weave together creativity, design, and heartfelt storytelling into unforgettable Weddings and events. I love my job so much.”
What part of wedding planning do couples most often underestimate or get surprised by?
“Couples are often surprised by all the hidden logistics. Everything from power and lighting requirements to detailed timelines, co-ordination of all suppliers, the endless emails and phone calls, permits, all hire required, and transportation plans to mention a few.”
What makes your planning process or client experience unique? Are there any signature touches or philosophies you’re known for?
“Immersing myself in each of our couple’s story, style, and priorities. Drawing on my background in interior design, I bring a trained eye for space, scale, and texture, ensuring every detail feels intentional and beautiful. Our goal is always to have all our gorgeous couples wedding feels effortless and deeply memorable, timeless in look and flawless in execution.“
What would you say is the strongest tool in your toolbox when it comes to planning?
“My strongest tool is our deep, trusted connections. Years of cultivating relationships with exceptional venues, florists, chefs, photographers and every supplier you will ever need for your wedding day. I can pair each of our gorgeous couples with the dream team that will suit their Wedding style. Combined with calm organisation and an eye for timeless design, these wonderful connections let me turn a couple’s vision into a seamless, unforgettable celebration.”
Is there an ideal timeline from engagement to wedding day when it comes to planning?
“12 to 18 months is ideal”
If a couple is hesitant about hiring a planner, what’s the biggest benefit over a DIY approach?
“A professional planner transforms months of stress into months of joy. We bring insider knowledge, trusted connections, and calm problem-solving that no checklist can replace.”
In your opinion, what are the first 3 suppliers/vendors couples should book early on?
“Always begin by reaching out to any vendor you’ve dreamed of working with who’s work you just love. If your Wedding date is flexible, see which options align with their availability and your chosen venue so you can have your dream suppliers on your wedding day where possible.”
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to every couple you work with?
“Work with the very best professionals and trust them. When you invest in seasoned experts being your planner, stylist, photographer, florist, caterer, videographer, you gain not only artistry but calm guidance. Also work with people who will bring a wonderful energy to your wedding planning. Stay fully present and enjoy every moment of your wedding day.”
How have you seen the wedding and events industry change over the years?
“We have seen Weddings become far more experience-driven. Couples are blending timeless rituals with unique elements, think immersive dining, interactive entertainment, and décor that tells their story. Social media content has become a key consideration, with many couples inviting a dedicated content creator to capture candid moments for instant sharing. Yet the heart of every wedding remains the same, bringing loved ones together to celebrate two people who fell in love.”
We’ve loved working alongside you at some incredible events! How important is great catering to the overall success of your weddings?
“Our entire team love working with Wine & Dine’m. Exceptional catering is at the heart of every successful wedding. Thoughtfully curated menus that reflect a couple’s taste and story, turning every course into a personal food experience complimented by wonderful service creates guest’s memories that they will cherish long after your wedding day. When the menu, presentation, and timing are flawless, every element, every detail feels elevated. With Wine & Dine’m, dining becomes a true culinary experience and an unforgettable highlight of every couples wedding.”
Last year, you planned your own daughter Billie’s wedding, which we were so honoured to be a part of. How did that experience differ from planning for other clients?
“Planning Billie and Angus’s wedding was an unforgettable honour. As both mother and planner, I felt every emotion twice, deep personal joy alongside my professional commitment to perfection. We planned and designed the day together with Billie, my other daughter Jess, and a little help from Angus.:-) Billie has a wonderful eye for design and after having worked at so many of our weddings over the years she already knew many of our trusted suppliers. She personally reached out to book each of them to be part of her wedding day, and they were all so beautiful and were so thrilled and excited to be involved ( the excitement was mutual as Billie was so excited to have them ).
Together we all shaped a celebration that was entirely Billie and Angus, with not a single detail or moment they would change. Food played such an important role in their Wedding day. Years earlier, while working at one of our weddings, Billie had fallen in love with a signature pasta dish created by Wine & Dine’m for one of our gorgeous couples. Billie never forgot that dish, so it became the heart of her own wedding menu and a must at their incredible tasting with Craig and Ammie. Their tasting was an experience in itself that my husband and I and our son Jim attended with Billie hosted by Ammie and Craig and it was amazing, every single dish. After their tasting Ammie and Craig designed a dining experience for their wedding that was beyond perfection every single mouthful that their guests still talk about. That day reminded me how precious it is to pause, celebrate family, and let love, and meaningful flavours, guide every decision. Their wedding day is one our entire family, our dearest friends, and all of Billie and Angus’s friends will treasure forever. It was the perfect blend of professional pride and personal joy, and an experience I will cherish always.”
For someone who brings so many other people’s visions to life, we’d love to know what was your own wedding like?
“It was absolutely incredible. Sydney Harbour has our hearts, so after Steve and I were married at St Ignatius’ Riverview, we all walked down to the water together with everyone for photos, and then surprised our guests with two hours of canapés and cocktails sailing on harbour. We then stepped off the boat to our reception set beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge, It was spectacular. The entire day was everything we could have dreamed of and more, and we felt so fortunate and we wished we could have done it all again the following day. Everyone always asks if I planned our wedding and the answer is yes, with a little help from Steve but mostly with my absolutely amazing mum and my two sisters. I still wouldn’t change anything about our Wedding day so many years later as it was PERFECT.”
What’s next for Alysia Bridger Events?
“We are entering such an exciting chapter. I’m hoping to finish a new Wedding book early next year, it’s about 80 percent complete and January I have earmarked to give it the final polish. At the same time, we have a truly breathtaking line-up of weddings across the rest of the year and next, each one designed to be deeply personal and unforgettable for all our beautiful couples and we just cant wait.”
A huge thank you to Alysia for sitting down with us!
Follow the links below if you’d like to follow Alysia or get in contact for your own big day!
Website: alysiabridgersevents.au | Instagram: @alysiabridgerevents | Facebook: Alysia Bridger Events
