Location: Shoal Bay, New South Wales, Australia
Setting: Country club
Wedding season: Spring
Number of guests: 100
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
Wedding theme/style: Traditional, beachside.
Emma and Andrew met at work Christmas party, where their boss set them up. They went on a date shortly after, but unfortunately, that was the last date for almost two years before they rekindled and started dating again. “Love found us when we were both ready and shortly after, the pandemic lockdown put us in a love we never came out of,” recalled the bride.
Their wedding was held in a small seaside town in New South Wales, Australia, and having 100 guests stay there made the whole weekend unique: ‘You couldn’t go anywhere without running into countless loved ones prior to the wedding. It added to the feeling of being in a love bubble.’ Emma smiled.
On the wedding day, the couple was getting ready in a Salt at Shoal Bay which is placed by the ocean. The bride wore a white off-the-shoulder gown that gracefully flowed to the ground, complemented by a simple, long veil and natural glam makeup. The groom chose a classic black tuxedo with a white shirt and a black bow tie, enhancing the couple’s formal and stylish look.
“Andrew and I had a little surprise before the wedding: finding out I was pregnant,” Emma shared. After a final fitting left her feeling uncomfortable, she and her sister took the dress to a seamstress. Two days before the wedding, they worked until late to adjust it, and she loved the final result.
The wedding ceremony was held in a lush garden adorned with white floral arrangements on geometric stands, creating an ethereal setting. The groom and his groomsmen looked sharp in traditional black suits, while the bridesmaids wore elegant blue smoke dresses to bring an element from the ocean to our beachside wedding. A special petal station added a festive touch, inviting guests to toss petals in the air as the newlyweds make their way down the aisle.
After the ceremony, all guests arrived at the Shoal Bay Country Club for a cocktail hour. The venue was lively, with guests mingling under sunlit umbrellas and enjoying a selection of chilled Prosecco and fresh oysters served in unique shell-shaped dishes. The relaxed atmosphere was perfectly suited for the coastal setting, offering a wonderful continuance of the day’s celebrations.
The celebration continued with a lively dinner and a first dance to the sounds of a band. The wedding cake, adorned with delicate white orchids, was not only a visual delight but also a sweet end to the festivities. ‘Our day was unique as it perfectly complemented us as a couple,’ concluded the bride.
While guests were enjoying the drinks, the couple took a moment to stroll along the shore. The windy weather created a dynamic and vibrant atmosphere, causing the bride’s veil and gown to flutter beautifully.
The photographer Sheri McMahon skillfully captured these moments, creating charming and lively photographs that seem to carry the salty air’s essence and fleeting beauty of twilight. Each image is brimming with love and captures the joy and intimacy of the couple’s coastal walk. Sheri’s keen eye for detail and ability to seize fleeting moments added an exceptional quality to the photographs.
The reception was arranged in a spacious, light-filled room with an elegant set featuring a color palette of white, blue, and natural wood tones. The tables were beautifully decorated with white linens, delicate blue and white floral centerpieces, and simple candles, creating a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere for the celebration.
“We love the location, Shoal Bay, as this was also where we got engaged. Once we selected the venue, we drew inspiration from it to create the vibe of our wedding,” recalled Emma.
The celebration continued with a lively dinner and a first dance to the sounds of a band. The wedding cake, adorned with delicate white orchids, was not only a visual delight but also a sweet end to the festivities. ‘Our day was unique as it perfectly complemented us as a couple,’ concluded the bride.
Advice from the couple:
• Take in every moment. The day will pass you by so quickly, and make sure you select the right photographer to capture it perfectly.
PHOTOGRAPHER Sheri McMahon | VIDEOGRAPHER The Wedding Cinematographer | VENUE Shoal Bay Country Club , Salt at Shoal Bay | FLORAL White Lane Events | MAKEUP Elke Jean| HAIR Hair by Emily Ralston | DRESS Emerald Bridal | SUIT Peter Jackson | RINGS Louise Jean | CAKE With Love and Sugar | CELEBRANT Lovenotes Ceremonies | BAND Howard Shearman
