Location: Hamilton Island, Australia
Style: Classic, classy, modern
Time of planning: 1.5 years
Number of guests: 40
Setting: Ceremony—beach, reception—pavilion
Season: Spring
When Candice and Martin first met during the pandemic, little did they know their chance encounter would blossom into a lifelong partnership. After a surprise proposal on a beach in Cabo, the couple set their sights on celebrating their love with an intimate island wedding in their Australian hometown.
Bridal & Groom's Look
On the wedding morning, Candice radiated timeless glamour in a custom “Audrey” gown “by Made With Love Bridal. To complete her bridal look, Candice accessorized with sparkling Badgley Mischka heels, delicate jewelry from JT Luxe, and a surprise wedding gift from Martin—a blue topaz ring. Her hair and makeup, crafted by the talented teams at LOHST and Joanna Dromgold, enhanced her natural beauty.
The groom looked sharp in a white tuxedo jacket with a black bow tie, paired with black trousers and a white rose boutonnière. He spent the morning on the balcony with his friends, enjoying the stunning coastal view. His friends matched the relaxed elegance of the day, one in checkered trousers with suspenders and the other in beige pants with a white linen shirt, sharing laughs and drinks to kick off the celebrations.
First Look
Before the ceremony, the couple shared a private first-look moment on the terrace of their island venue, the ocean providing a breathtaking backdrop. As the bride appeared, her groom’s face lit up with joy and anticipation, the two embracing tenderly before their official vows. This quiet interlude allowed them to soak in the gravity of the day and exchange words of love and gratitude, free from the eyes of their guests.
Ceremony
“It was a heartfelt moment shared with our daughter and all of our loved ones,” Candice reflects. Incorporating their daughter into the ceremony symbolized the unity and love that bound their family together, making the day even more memorable.
Every detail, from the meaningful words exchanged to the serene beachside atmosphere, embodied their unique journey as a couple and family. It wasn’t just a celebration of their love but a moment to honor the life they had built together.
Moment Alone
Following the ceremony, the newlyweds slipped away to capture intimate moments on the beach and at the yacht club. “It was so nice to have that personal time before the party started,” Candice shares. “The day went by so quickly, and we were grateful to have those moments alone.“
Kyndel Rafols masterfully captured Candice and Martin’s natural joy, love, and connection, creating a stunning visual narrative of their wedding day. With an eye for detail and a talent for storytelling, she seamlessly blended candid moments with artistic compositions, allowing the couple’s emotions and personalities to shine through each frame.
From the quiet, tender exchanges during the ceremony to the lively, laughter-filled moments at the reception, every photograph reflected the beauty and authenticity of the day. Her use of natural light and the idyllic beach setting added a dreamy, timeless quality to the images, preserving the couple’s most cherished memories in an effortless and deeply personal way.
Decor & Setting
The couple’s wedding celebrations unfolded across the island’s idyllic settings. For the ceremony, they exchanged vows on the pristine sands of Catseye Beach, surrounded by a canopy of white blooms that complemented the turquoise waters.
The reception took place at the Beach Pavilion, where twinkling fairy lights and long banquet tables created an enchanting, open-air ambiance. Personal touches like the customized luggage tag place cards and the champagne tower elevated the elegant affair, allowing Candice and Martin’s guests to immerse themselves fully in the couple’s island oasis.
Reception
As guests gathered for the reception, a lively sax duo played jazz, house, and old-school tunes. Candice and Martin made a grand entrance, joining their loved ones on the dance floor and embracing the vibrant energy with personalized tambourines. The revelry continued well into the night, with the couple changing into their “party looks” and dancing beneath a canopy of fairy lights.
Night Celebration
The revelry continued well into the night, with the couple changing into their “party looks” and dancing beneath a canopy of twinkling fairy lights. Guests delighted in the couple’s thoughtful touches, such as the champagne tower that signaled the start of the evening’s festivities. The dance floor remained packed throughout the night as the couple’s commitment to creating a memorable, fun-filled celebration shone through.
Guests danced barefoot on the lawn under a canopy of twinkling lights, celebrating with infectious energy late into the night. With live music setting the tone, tambourines and glow sticks added to the festive atmosphere, making it an unforgettable party filled with joy and laughter.
Advice from the couple:
• Take your time to enjoy your moments. The day goes by so fast.
PHOTOGRAPHER Kyndel Rafols | CONTENT CREATOR Socially Wed | DRESS Made With Love Bridal, Aston Bridal | HAIR LOHST | MUAH Joanna Dromgold | SHOES Badgley Mischka, Lulus | JEWELRY JT Luxe | MUSIC Sax Beats
