Nuala and Dave’s relaxed beach wedding features a fresh white palette, bridesmaids in champagne and for outstanding atmosphere? Relaxed waterfront dining followed by barefoot dancing on a moonlit beach!
Love Story
“Dave and I met at work back in 2007, we were instantly friends, which eventually turned into something more. We have travelled to Europe and Asia together, and purchased our first home in 2012. He is the calm to my crazy, and my best friend. Dave proposed on a Friday night, as I got home from a work trip – the Veuve was popped straight away!”
The Planning Experience
“I enjoyed the whole wedding planning experience. My husband was very involved with all the decisions, so it was fun to go through it together. I also had very supportive bridesmaids. I’m a perfectionist, so spent a lot more time on things than I probably needed to. I kept reminding myself, ‘you only go through this once – enjoy every minute!’”
Choosing The Dress
“I thought I had chosen ‘the dress’, and took my bridesmaid Kelly to see it. While we were in the store, another customer was looking for her daughter, and asked me if I would try on a dress as she thought her daughter was about my size. I put it on, opened the curtain to Kelly and said, ‘I think I have just found my dress.’ The rest is history! It was definitely the light bulb moment I thought didn’t exist!”
Nuala’s bouquet features David Austin roses, hydrangea, Queen Anne’s lace, Dahlias, blackberries and fragrant herbs.
Bridal Party Styling
“My bridesmaids also wore Anna Campbell – different designs to suit their body shapes, but in the same champagne colour. The girls looked amazing! We all had earrings by Samantha Wills and shoes by Tony Bianco.”
Making It Personal
“Dave and I wanted a relaxed feel to our day. Our celebrant, Felicity was amazing in delivering our ceremony in this way. We chose music to incorporate in the ceremony that was very calm – I walked down the aisle to the John Mayer version of Beyoncé’s XO.”
Most Important
“All we wanted was everyone we love and care about to be in the same place, celebrating with us and having a good time! I was picky about the timing of meals and speeches (to ensure maximum dance floor time). We picked a venue that was close enough to home if guests decided to drive – but also far enough away and by the beach so they could make a weekend of it.”
Ceremony & Reception Styling
“I wanted a very natural feel for the ceremony and reception – white and green flowers, timber, etc. The view from the venue was the ‘centrepiece’, looking out over Port Philip Bay, so we kept decorations light. My florist was absolutely incredible – I couldn’t have wished for more amazing bouquets and venue flowers!”
DIY
“Dave made a direction sign for the ceremony and our seating chart out of recycled timber. We also chose to incorporate things like twine and recycled paper for invitations and menus. I printed off some photos of our parents and grandparents weddings, which sat in frames along the servery – our families loved it. It helped keep costs down, but also added our personal touch to the day.”
Entertaining Guests
“I chose the same wedding band as my sister had a few years before. The best thing I remembered about her wedding was being up on the dance floor all night and everyone really enjoying the music. Fat Cats did not disappoint! They played acoustic while we ate dinner – then really kicked off for the party after!”
First Dance
“We were lucky enough to be able to have our first dance on the beach – our bridal party surrounded us with sparklers – it was a beautiful moment!”
Best Advice
1. Ensure you take some time to really enjoy yourself and kick your heels up. I requested a song from our wedding band, and made sure I got to dance to it with my friends later in the evening.
2. The feeling of having everyone you love and care about in the same place, having a great time and celebrating with you is one that you will never forget. All the planning is worth it!
3. I chose to get up myself and make a small speech. It gave me the opportunity to really thank my family, bridesmaids and new hubby! There may have been a few tears, but they were happy ones.
Location: VIC | Photography: Sorrento Wedding Photography | Venue: The Baths | Ceremony Hire: In2uCeremonies | Celebrant: Felicity Kerr | Flowers: Jaclyn Roma Floral Design | Dress and Bridesmaids: Anna Campbell | Hair: Elliott Steele | Makeup: Melonie Santos | Suits: Formal Red | Entertainment: Fat Cats Band