If you’re dreaming of a marquee wedding that’s equal parts heart, style and WOW allow us to introduce Kristie – the creative mastermind, chief problem solver and all-round event angel behind Over The Top Events. Based on beautiful Phillip Island, Kristie is the go-to for couples wanting a wedding that feels deeply personal, effortlessly cool and just the right amount of over the top (pun very much intended). Kristie brings equal parts logistics, creativity and soul to every wedding she touches, just like the one pictured here, with snaps from the oh-so fab Kinship By Kristy and marquee and furniture hire courtesy of Over The Top Events. From picturesque paddocks to family properties steeped in meaning, she transforms blank spaces into magic – dusty boots, problem-solving prowess and all. We caught up with Kristie to chat marquee magic, creative inspiration and what sets Over The Top Events apart.
How did you get started in the wedding and event industry?
Straight out of high school (almost 30 years ago – yikes), I landed a job at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. With zero experience, I somehow found myself running the weddings there, and I absolutely loved it. That’s also where I met the love of my life, my husband Dugald, who practically grew up in the event industry. Working alongside his parents transforming the racetrack from a sheep farm into what it is today. Fast forward a couple of decades, a local marquee company came up for sale, we look a leap of faith, and the rest is ancient (chaotic) history.
What wedding packages and marquee hire services does Over The Top Events offer?
From the moment you book with us, you’re not doing this alone. We hold your hand through the entire process. We start with a brainstorming session then invite you in for a warehouse visit so that you can see and touch everything. We come and do a site inspection, create a detailed floor plan so you can visualise the space, offer styling advice, and of course handle the full set-up and pack down. Basically, we are your event angels!
What inspires the creative vision behind Over The Top Events’ marquee weddings?
The couples. There is something really special about meeting people for the first time and quickly tapping into who they are together and how they want their day to feel. When guests walk into a marquee and say “Wow… this feels so them” that’s when I know that I have nailed it.
Which marquee wedding trends does Over The Top Events recommend or advise against?
If I had to pick a trend, I’m currently loving dramatic velvet backdrops. I’m actually in the middle of making our first one and quietly hoping that couples love it so much I can justify making one in every colour. As for trends to avoid? Anything that doesn’t feel right for you. Oh, and bows! Outdoor bows especially, they are impossible to get them to sit correctly in the wind.
What achievements are you most proud of?
I am incredibly proud of how we’ve grown. What started as a few marquees, some chairs and a pile of hay bales, has turned into a thriving business with two warehouses, an extensive furniture range and an amazing crew. And somewhere along the way, I also learned how to actually build a marquee – I am not just a pretty face.
What makes Over The Top Events different from other marquee hire and wedding styling companies?
From day one, you receive a personal experience. We come from a small business, hardworking, farming community, where relationships, family and creating connections with people really matters. Marquee weddings are special because you are bringing the celebration to a place that already means something – a family property, a holiday house, a paddock, your own backyard. We don’t take that lightly. Our job is to honour that connection and help to transform it into a treasured family moment and a lifetime of memories.
How far in advance should couples book marquee hire and styling services with Over The Top Events?
Peak wedding season (November to March) tends to book out at least 12 months in advance. From April to September, we can often accommodate shorter lead times, but as with most things wedding related, the earlier you lock it in the better.
Ready to plan your dream marquee wedding? Get in touch with Kristie and the Over The Top Events team today. Find them on the Hello May directory.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Kinship By Kristy Marquee & Furniture Hire Over The Top Events Florist Victoria Hall Catering The Italian Chef
