Long-time loves Jacqui and Rhys planned their wedding from afar while living in London, which meant calling on an experienced crew to help pull their relaxed beach nuptials together! Starting with a romantic ceremony framed by stunning ocean views, they carried their fresh white and green theme through to a Hamptons style reception at the bride’s family home. We can feel the fresh coastal breeze from here!
Love Story
“We’ve been together since we were 17, so we certainly haven’t rushed into anything! We met just after leaving school and have been together ever since. We’ve grown up together – going to university, starting our careers, buying a house, moving overseas…it was time to add getting married to the list!”
The Planning Experience
“We had to do everything via email, with one quick trip home to finalise a few things face-to-face. We gave ourselves plenty of time and had a fantastic wedding planner who understood completely what we wanted and was able to be the person on the ground when we couldn’t be there. It meant the whole experience was far less stressful – we could just enjoy the process, although we had to be decisive based on images in emails, which isn’t always easy!”
The Ceremony
“Our ceremony was on the beach directly outside the property where we had our reception. We had a very simple bamboo arch with white chiffon draping and white chairs – the beach is stunning on its own so we didn’t do too much at all.”
Bridal Party Style
“With bridesmaids living across Australia, I had to pick dresses which were stocked in multiple cities so they could all try them on. I chose a designer and asked the girls to wear the same pale grey colour and fabric, but they chose which styles they wanted. We wanted to keep a relaxed feel, so long, flowing dresses were the answer.
The boys wore navy suits with white open-necked shirts, and a pocket square which had pale greys and blues. It fit with the theme perfectly, plus avoided the need for ties on a hot day!”
Finding The Dress
“My wedding dress search experience was very focused and decisive! My mum was in London for a short time and I was determined to find my dress with her. I had made five appointments in three days, and we only needed one – we knew straight away. The next few appointments were just spent confirming that dress really was the one, so we ended up going back and buying it! It was perfect for the beach wedding we had.”
Reception Styling
“The reception was where all of the styling attention was focused! Our goal was to give the wedding a Hamptons feel and our stylist nailed it. It was held in the back yard of my parents’ property. A white marquee held long tables at the back of the garden, which left space for a dance floor and lounge area with two big grey and white rattan lounges with scatter cushions – it gave the whole place a beach club feel.”
Drinks On The Deck
“We had pre-dinner drinks and canapes on the deck leading down to the garden, which was filled with white-washed wooden high tables and an amazing white bar. These looked incredible under the festoon globes which were strung from the house to the marquee.”
Best Advice
1. Give yourselves plenty of time between the engagement and wedding – enjoy being engaged, and being able to focus on wedding planning and decisions when you have time – then put it aside and forget all about it when other things are going on in your life. We had 14 months between them.
2. Hire a wedding planner – especially if you live overseas. Our planner was invaluable and made the whole process enjoyable. It also meant that both families could just relax and enjoy both the planning and the day itself.
3. Don’t stress about decisions you have made, and whether they were the right ones. At the end of the day, as long as you are married to the person you love, then everything turned out as it should.
See their lovely film below!
Location: Western Australia | Photography: Aimee Claire Photography | Film: Wyatt Davies | Celebrant: Jennifer Etherington | Gown: Browns Bride | Bridesmaids: Dessy | Hair: I Do Hair | Makeup: Jen Thomas | Planning & Styling: Studio Events | Invitations: Chelsea Fine Stationery | Flowers: Alice and Rose Flowers | Marquee & Furniture: Cape Marquees | Cutlery, Crockery & Glassware: Bling Event Studio | Outdoor Furniture: Empire Events & Zest Group | Lighting: Wildwood Lighting | Catering: Supper Road | Cake: Edible Art | DJ: Absolute DJ Services | Transport: Gannaways