A Coastal & Classic Wedding in Australia

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Emily and Tom’s wedding was a celebration of love, laughter, and cherished moments. Set against the stunning backdrop of Sorrento’s coastal beauty, their day was filled with heartfelt traditions, joyful surprises, and elegant touches. From the emotional ceremony on the golf club’s terrace lawn to the lively reception filled with music and dancing, every detail reflected their personalities and shared history.

Location: Sorrento, Victoria, Australia
Style: Coastal and Classic
Time of planning: 14 months
Number of guests: 120
Setting: Golf Club & Beach
Season: Winter

Emily, a communications professional, and Tom, who works in banking, now call Melbourne home after returning from living and working in London two years ago. Their love story began nine years ago on a dance floor at a pub in Richmond, and they’ve been inseparable ever since. While living in London, Tom decided to propose, aiming to make Emily’s 30th birthday unforgettable. Three days before her big day, he took her to her favorite restaurant in Notting Hill for an early celebration dinner. Back at their flat, Tom insisted on giving Emily an early birthday present. Before she knew it, he was down on one knee, asking her to marry him. Overjoyed, they popped a bottle of champagne and excitedly called their parents back home in Australia to share the wonderful news.

Sixteen months after returning to Melbourne, Emily and Tom tied the knot. Their love for the beach, inspired by many happy memories with the family at Robe in South Australia and Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula, influenced their wedding theme. Their photographer Georgia Verrells beautifully documented their wedding, capturing every precious emotion of the couple and their guests. Her photos told the enchanting love story of Emily and Tom, making them feel comfortable throughout the day.

Location & Planning

Emily and Tom went for a relaxed coastal vibe for their wedding, channeling an Australian take on Hamptons style. They chose an emerald green palette complemented by fresh white-washed linens, natural textures, and white timber finishes. The Sorrento Golf Club was the perfect venue to bring their vision to life. Their floral arrangements featured asymmetric clusters of native flora, gum nuts, and pods, adding a unique touch of Australiana to their day. This elegant yet laid-back setting provided a stunning background for a day filled with love and joy.

Wedding Day

Bridal Morning: Fashion & Sentimental Touch

The morning of Emily’s wedding was filled with joy and anticipation. She started the day surrounded by her bridesmaids, all dressed in matching pale pink pajamas, toasting with champagne by the pool.

Emily’s wedding look was a picture of classic elegance. She found her dream dress at Luci di Bella, feeling completely herself the moment she tried it on. The dress featured an elongated train and a large asymmetric bow at the back, adding a striking touch. Emily adored the off-the-shoulder collar and the subtle split that perfectly showcased her sparkly Mach & Mach pointed heels. As she prepared for her big day, the atmosphere was light and filled with laughter, capturing the essence of her excitement and happiness.

As Emily entered the room in her stunning wedding dress, her father’s face lit up with a smile. His eyes welled up, capturing the heartfelt emotion of seeing his daughter ready for her wedding day. Emily approached him with a radiant smile, and they shared a tender moment as she carefully pinned a white rose boutonniere onto his lapel. This touching father-daughter first look was a beautiful and unforgettable moment of the wedding, perfectly captured by Georgia Verrells.

Groom's Getting Ready

Tom began his wedding morning with his closest friends and family, sharing laughs and creating unforgettable memories. His custom-made suit from P. Johnson, his favorite tailor, reflected his impeccable taste. The atmosphere was a perfect blend of excitement and joy as they prepared for the big moment.

Ceremony

The ceremony took place on the terrace lawn of the golf club. The altar was uniquely adorned with asymmetrical ghost plinths featuring large clusters of foliage and sculptural elements. Off to the side, a coastal cane signing table and chairs added to the charm. Paris chairs and market umbrellas lined either side of a jute aisle runner, creating a picturesque setting. A vocalist and pianist were positioned in one corner, while a golf buggy with champagne buckets stood ready in the other, adding to the celebration’s elegance.

The ceremony was truly enchanting. Inspired by a friend’s wedding in France, Tom followed the tradition of having his mother walk him down the aisle before the bridal party. Emily was walked down the aisle by both her parents. Tom’s sisters added a special touch with a reading from the song “Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, with the couple having adapted the lyrics for the occasion. Both of their mothers acted as witnesses, making it a beautiful moment shared with their loved ones.

Two moments during the ceremony still make Emily and Tom laugh. The first was when Emily’s veil got caught on the stair Velcro as her parents walked her down the aisle, and she had to subtly yank her head forward a few times to free it. The second was when the celebrant announced that Tom could kiss his bride, and a gust of wind swept through, lifting Emily’s veil right off mid-kiss. Her poor sister, the Maid of Honour, was covered in a tulle cloud!

Photoshoot

Following the ceremony, guests were guided around the clubhouse to a side lawn for canapés. They enjoyed a refreshing blood orange gin fizz made with the couple’s family gin. Meanwhile, the bridal party and the newlyweds headed to the clifftop overlooking Sorrento Back Beach for photos.

The photographer’s skillful use of the natural light and the picturesque backdrop highlighted the couple’s love and joy. The intimate moments between Emily and Tom, such as their tender kisses and heartfelt embraces, were beautifully framed, showcasing their happiness and the romantic essence of the day. Georgia Verrells’ ability to make the couple feel at ease allowed her to capture genuine smiles and laughter, resulting in photographs that tell an authentic love story. Her work is a perfect blend of artistry and storytelling, making every image a cherished memory for the newlyweds.

Reception

The reception was held indoors, with a stunning floral wall installation framing the dance floor. The room had round and rectangular tables, adding to its rustic charm. The menu highlighted fresh seafood and locally sourced wines from the Mornington Peninsula. Guests enjoyed a plated entree, shared mains, and a roaming dessert to maximize dance floor time. Additionally, a cheese table was set up, featuring a three-tiered savory wedding cheese cake and various condiments, perfectly complementing the desserts.

Guests were entertained by the amazing six-piece band Like This, who played Grover Washington Jr. and Bill Withers’ “Just the Two of Us” for the bride and groom’s first dance. The band also accompanied the bride during her solo performance of Stevie Wonder’s “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” dedicated to her new husband. The incredible evening concluded with a sparkler exit down the clubhouse stairs to John Paul Young’s “Love Is in the Air.”

Later in the evening, Emily changed into a playful A-line mini dress with a feather trim from Rachel Gilbert. This dress added an extra layer of fun to the night, perfect for dancing. The couple even took a joyful ride in a golf cart, adding a whimsical touch to their already perfect day.

Emily and Tom’s wedding featured a delightful twist on the traditional cake-cutting ceremony. Instead of slicing into a sweet confection, they opted to cut a tiered cheese “cake.” This unique choice perfectly suited their taste and added a touch of whimsy to the celebration.

The night unfolded with the newlyweds and their guests dancing the night away. It was a wedding day that everyone would cherish forever.

As stressful as the lead-up can be, keep reminding yourself this day is for you and your partner. Put to the side your friends and family’s expectations; this day is about celebrating the love you have for each other. If you have an incredible day, others will vibrate off your energy.

Emily, The Bride

Advice from the couple:

Get your venue and suppliers booked in as early as possible – the good ones go quickly!
Don’t sweat the small stuff – linen versus polyester napkins, are your guests really going to notice?
Take moments out for just the two of you – the day goes so quickly and there’s so much happening, make sure you remember to step away and take it all in.