Hearts beat fast under the sunny summer sky as Lia radiantly walked the aisle where Joe is waiting to take her hand. The bride on her strapless, princess cut wedding gown with a rose and succulent bouquet tandem is a vogue.Even the bridesmaids’ pastel colored bouquets did a pretty good job in contrasting their pleated white skirts and black sleeveless tops. Which by the way, is an astute and more contemporary way of dolling the girl friends on the wedding day. Their reception decors of 70-meter white drapery illuminated by bright fairy lights done by Joe was what I liked best. Imagine everything with the sound of the sea waves repeatedly kissing the shore, isn’t it magical? By the way, Lia’s got that Emma Stone look in her eyes and Joe has the Austin Butler hair locks. This two is a match made in heaven.
Our Story
Joe and I met when my cousin brought along Joe to a friends party as a “wingman”. I picked him up on the way & whilst I waited in the car I was fixing my makeup…feeling nervous for some unknown reason. Joe admitted later he was the same. All night we both tried to impress the other thinking the whole time that neither were interested! From that night on we were inseparable.
We Are A Perfect Match
We are true opposites! Joe calms me and I light a fire in Joe (he’s been described as so relaxed he could be comatose). We are very similar in one way, we both crave each other’s attention and affection (which much to people’s dismay we offer a plenty).
The Proposal
On our 4th anniversary Joe and I went for an early beach walk before work. This is where we had one of our 1st dates and where we live now. Just as the sun was rising he got down on one knee. It was simple and romantic! As it was a Wednesday Joe had pre arranged with my boss for me to have the day off! We spent the entire day on the beach, drinking champagne and loving life!
The Planning Process
We were married a year later. I was the most unorganised bride so I had an enormous amount of help from my amazing friend Bianca and Joe’s step mother Michelle! In the end we just didn’t over think anything.
The Best Advice We Received
To take time out with your partner during the “craziness” to reflect on the day! We had planned to do this mid way through the reception but in the end didn’t need to. Our photographer was amazing and gave us time to enjoy those moments.
Tips & Tricks For Future Brides
DIY can be much more expensive!!! Before you go down this road consider exactly how much the entire process will cost (even before you factor your time spent)! At the end of the day ask yourself “What do you plan to do with 70metres of ceiling drapery and lights?” (Or is that just us?).
The Challenges We Faced
As we’d left things to the last minute we had rushed booking a celebrant before meeting her. It was a huge mistake as neither Joe or I felt confident that she “got us”. Joe took the bullet on this one and had to call her to cancel and explain our reasons. In the end we were over the moon with Tara (our celebrant). She was relaxed, professional and made the process simple!
Wedding Decor Inspiration
Our venue (Toowoon Bay surf club) has amazing ocean views which we wanted to highlight. We kept it very simple. White linen, amazing floral displays and Joe made ceiling draping which completed the look!
Wedding Outfit Inspiration
We wanted everything to be fun, comfortable and simple. Joe and I wanted to differ from the bridal party so we had Joe’s suit hand made as the light grey was impossible to find. The bridal party were all black and white, with a quirky edge!
Our Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Projects
Joe and his mother created the ceiling drapery for the reception. What started as a simple project quickly became extravagant! Joe ending up purchasing 70 metres of material and hand sewing countless metres of fairy lights into them. The result was magical. Joe and I also wanted guests to enjoy the scenery after the ceremony so we provided games and drinks after. Joe hand made a giant Jenga game and hand engraved (in 0ur invitation font) every block Joe & Lia 2015! It was amazing.
Money Matters
We didn’t exactly have a budget in mind, and still to this day don’t entirely know what we spent on! Even if we set one by the end you will just pay anything to make a decision. However, I guess I saved the most on my Shoes. I work for wantedshoes.com.au and was given amazing discounts!
The odd things is, I rushed into buying my wedding dress and one month before the wedding I saw another. Coral @ corstoncouture made it in a few weeks. I adored it and don’t regret it but I did pay for two dresses.
The Guest List
We wanted it to be intimate so we invited around 90 friends andfamily. In the end we had around 85 people. Our venue choice narrowed down our list and made this easy. Numbers were limited due to space and we were adamant that we had enough room for a large dance floor.
The Songs
We are blessed to know John from Romance Outsourced (they write and perform personalised love songs). John created a unique song/melody for us and preformed it at the end of the ceremony! It was a total highlight and something we have forever. John has played multiple times on the Today Show. I walked down the aisle to “Wonderwall” by Oasis (something Joe and I listened to when we 1st met). We entered the reception to Uptown funk just to start the party!
The Honeymoon
Koh Samui. Two weeks of sun, fun and adventures. We loved it! We hired a scooter and explored, relaxed together and had a very much needed break! We are both water babies so we made the most of the ocean and the cocktails!
The Next Step
I wanted to get married in Vegas (yes the tacky Elvis wedding!!!) Joe and I compromised. Next year we will renew our vows in Vegas. My best friend and bridesmaid will join us to renew her vows also, we cannot wait for the party! We are taking our dresses and will hire a photographer. Cannot wait!
Planning Advice For Couples
Don’t stress. It all comes together and everyone will bend over backwards to ensure the day is perfect! On the day you won’t even care!
The Album Story
Relaxed and romantic beach wedding!
Favorite Part of the Day
After the ceremony the entire bridal party drove around in our kombi. We had an amazing time pumping the music and visiting multiple backdrops! It was incredibly relaxed and a special moment in time.
Highlights from the Ceremony and the Reception
As previously mentioned John from Romance Outsourced playing at the end of the ceremony. As for the reception we had Crocq Lucero (in a duo) play for the evening. They were incredibly talented and everyone was up dancing. It truly made the night fun and memorable. We wanted from the beginning a “Party” and this is what we had.
VENDORS
Photographer: Impact Images
Reception Venue: Toowoon Bay SLSC