When I first sat down with Gina from Best Day Ever Events, I immediately warmed to her bubbly personality and professional manner. As the creative force behind this Central Queensland planning business, Gina brings a sense of warmth, calm, clarity, and genuine care to every wedding she’s a part of.
As a wedding photographer, having a great working relationship with the planner is absolutely key. It is needed for a smooth, well-orchestrated day – for both the couple and the creative team. In particular, planners like Gina are invaluable. When it comes to coordinating timelines, handling last-minute changes, and ensuring everyone is exactly where they need to be. When the photographer and planner are truly in sync, the entire day flows more seamlessly, allowing space for those natural, beautiful moments to unfold effortlessly on camera.
Gina serves the Rockhampton Region and beyond, ready to make your day easy, stress free and memorable.
In this Q&A blog, Gina shares a little more about her planning style. The moments that give her goosebumps, and why the most meaningful weddings are always rooted in connection.
A Yeppoon Based Planner – Best Day Ever Events
The Best Day Ever Events process
Q. Can you tell me a bit about what you do as a wedding planner and how your role supports the couple throughout the process?
As a wedding planner with Best Day Ever Events, my role is really about supporting couples every step of the way, whether they just need a bit of expert advice or want someone to manage the whole event from start to finish. Some couples come to us right at the beginning, looking for guidance on where to start, and we offer planning templates, mood boards, and vendor recommendations to get them on the right track.
Others might have most things organised but want help pulling it all together on the day, that’s where we come in with coordination, making sure everything runs smoothly so they can actually enjoy themselves without stressing about timing or logistics. And then there are couples who want the full service – we take care of styling, budgeting, vendor management, setup, pack-down, you name it. Our job is to be their sounding board, their support system, and their calm in the chaos so they can have the best day ever.
Q. How do you help couples avoid overwhelm during the planning process?
I keep things clear, calm, and totally doable. We start with a simple game plan, custom checklists, timeline templates, and vendor recommendations, so couples know what’s coming. I’m there to talk things through, big or small, and I handle the behind-the-scenes so they don’t have to stress.
Let her help you out…..
Q. What’s one part of the wedding that most couples don’t realize a planner can help with?
Probably managing the guest experience. It’s one of the most overlooked yet crucial roles a wedding planner plays. At Best Day Ever, we don’t just focus on logistics, we are also behind the seamless transitions, the thoughtful timing, the vendor coordination, and the personal touches that guests remember long after the last dance. From guiding arrivals and smoothing over delays to coordinating music cues, and wet weather back-up plans, we’re the calm in the chaos and the unseen hand making magic happen. Couples often imagine planners handling vendors and timelines, but they may not realise we also help set the tone for the entire day, ensuring guests feel welcomed, cared for, and totally immersed in the celebration.
Her own personal style…..
Q. How would you describe your planning style? Are you more hands-on, behind-the-scenes, or somewhere in between?
I’d say my planning style is that sweet spot right in between, kind of like the best friend who’s super organised but also knows when to blend into the background so you can shine.
Q. How do you take a couple’s ideas and turn them into something unique?
It all starts with getting to know the couple, not just what they want for the day, but who they are as people. I love when I get to meet their families too, because it helps me understand the bigger picture of what the celebration means to them. Once I have a feel for their story, I gather all their ideas, wish lists, and non-negotiables and start weaving them together. It’s a little bit of intuition, a lot of listening, and a creative process that turns their vision into something that feels effortlessly them.
What does Gina love?
Q. Do you have a favorite wedding or styling moment you’ve created? What made it special?
I really love a dramatic ceremony entrance; it’s one of those moments that gives everyone goosebumps. I help couples find the perfect music that’s not just emotional, but totally them. When the song hits and the doors open? Ugh, chills. Every. Time. From there, it’s all about the vibe: the lighting, the florals, the way everything’s styled to build that perfect energy. It’s not about being flashy, it’s about making people feel something. I love seeing the look on the couple’s faces, watching guests get swept up in the moment, that’s when you know every bit of the hard work is worth it.
Q. What types of weddings or couples do you love working with the most?
My favourite couples are the ones where love is front and centre, where their whole vibe is grounded in their connection to each other. They’re not caught up in perfection; their main goal is simply to get married, celebrate that commitment, and let everything else fall into place around it. They trust us to handle the details, and in doing so, they give us the freedom to create something that truly reflects their love story. Those weddings always feel the most genuine and meaningful, and I’m always to grateful to be involved.
Favourite memory…..
Q. What’s one of the most memorable weddings you’ve planned and why?
Every wedding has its own little magic, so they’re all memorable in their own way, but my time at Capricorn Resort definitely holds a special place in my heart. As the Wedding Executive there, I had the chance to coordinate some truly beautiful celebrations at the white chapel on the beach. That location was just… breath taking. There was something so peaceful and romantic about it, and every ceremony there felt extra meaningful. Those weddings will always be some of my favourites.
The importance of a great planner/photographer team!!
Q. From your perspective, what makes a photographer great to work with on the wedding day?
I’ve worked with many amazing photographers in Central Queensland. The really good ones are more than just someone who takes beautiful photos, they’re a team player, a calm presence, and someone who just gets the energy of the day. They know how to capture the magic without disrupting it. They’re flexible when timelines shift, they communicate clearly, and they work seamlessly with the rest of the vendor team. I love when a photographer checks in with me before key moments, like the ceremony entrance or the first dance, so we’re totally in sync and nothing gets missed.
Q. How do you help photographers get the best shots on the day (timeline planning, lighting setup, etc.)?
It all starts with a solid run sheet. I usually connect with the photographer weeks, or even months, ahead of the big day to make sure we’re on the same page. I’m always happy to work with their suggested timeline, and I know when to step in and tweak things so it still aligns with the couple’s vision. It’s all about collaboration. I make sure there’s enough time for golden hour shots, that lighting setups are considered in the schedule, and that we’re not rushing through key moments. When we’re all working together, the day flows better, and the photos turn out even more amazing. .
Extra free advice!….
Q. Any tips for couples to help ensure a smooth flow between planning, photography, and real-time moments?
1. Start with a solid run sheet. This is your wedding day game plan. Work with your planner and photographer early on, weeks or even months ahead, to build a timeline that makes space for all the key moments and the magic in between.
2. Be flexible. Things shift on the day, it’s totally normal. A great planner will keep things on track without making it feel rushed, and a great photographer will roll with it while still getting the shots you want.
3. Trust your team. When your planner and photographer are working together, it shows. We’ll check in with each other before big moments, so nothing gets missed and everything feels seamless.
Q. What’s one piece of advice you give all your couples when it comes to planning their wedding?
Focus on what matters most to you. It’s easy to get swept up in trends and opinions, but the best weddings are the ones that feel true to the couple. I always remind my couples to come back to the why: Why are you getting married? What do you want the day to feel like? Build from there.
Q. How early should couples start planning – and when should they book their photographer?
I definitely recommend starting to plan 12-18 months ahead. That gives you time to secure your dream vendors, including your photographer, and make thoughtful decisions without the stress of a ticking clock.
Let’s end with some fun stuff!!
Q. Are there any styling elements you’re loving right now or trends you’re steering away from?
I am absolutely loving the lux minimalist trend, the neutral tones and intentional details. More isn’t always more. I’m leaning into styling that breathes, where every piece has a purpose and nothing feels cluttered.
Q. If your approach to weddings had a motto, what would it be?
Your vision, Our planning, One unforgettable wedding day
Best Day Ever Events – Get in touch with Gina!!
Thank-you Gina, for giving us an insight of who you are and your story! If you want to contact Gina about planning you wedding or next event, reach out to her and fill out this contact form!!
And remember, if you looking to tee up Gina as your planner, I want to be there!! Contact me and count me in on the fun!!
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