For Coral and Greg, their autumn celebration was all about balancing formal elegance with vibrant joy. Against the iconic backdrop of the Sydney Harbor Bridge, they created a wedding that brought together classic Australian charm and English traditions, complete with sunset vows and heartfelt speeches from Greg’s teenage sons.
Location: Sydney, Australia
Style: Classic, vibrant, elegant
Time of planning: 1 year
Number of guests: 100
Setting: Harbor
Season: Fall
Couple's Look
Coral chose timeless elegance in a Kenneth Winston gown from Rain Bridalwear, complemented by a rare Elizabeth Dickens veil—the last of its kind, custom-made in England. Swarovski crystal earrings and Dior J’adore perfume completed her bridal look.
Greg’s look combined sophistication with personal touches: a tailored suit from Peppers in Cremorne, custom shirts from Woolcott Street Tailors, and meaningful accessories, including a Cartier De Calibre watch and cufflinks designed to resemble watch movements.
Location & Planning
With Coral’s family traveling from England, Pier One Sydney Harbor offered the perfect blend of two worlds. The venue’s waterfront ceremony space and Bridge Marquee reception area provided an unmistakably Australian backdrop for their international celebration. Working with The Marmalade Sky team, they created a design that married Coral’s love of soft autumn tones with Greg’s desire for bold, vibrant colors.
Ceremony
The ceremony was held at the end of the pier, offering breathtaking views of Sydney Harbor as the sun dipped in the sky. Coral’s family, who had traveled from England, found the setting stunning and deeply symbolic, with the iconic Australian landscape creating a truly memorable backdrop. Their modern civil service was led by celebrant Julie Dominish, whose warmth and humor made the ceremony light-hearted and full of laughter.
For Coral, the most memorable part of the day was walking down the aisle and seeing Greg’s face as he turned to look at her. The pure happiness on his face made her feel like the luckiest woman alive. Greg recalled his celebrant’s instructions to wait until the perfect moment to turn around, and when he did, Coral’s radiant smile and the joy on her face lit up the entire harbor, creating a moment of pure magic.
Moment Alone
Coral and Greg stole away for a private moment along the harbor’s edge between the ceremony’s golden sunset and the marquee’s evening festivities. With the iconic bridge towering above and gentle waves lapping below, they savored their first peaceful moments as husband and wife. Amid their joyful celebration, this break became one of their most treasured memories – a moment when time seemed to stand still, with just the sound of water, the warm autumn breeze, and two hearts beating as one.
Reception
The Bridge Marquee glowed with evening magic, transforming into an enchanted setting for the night ahead. Through walls of windows, guests enjoyed front-row seats to Sydney’s most spectacular view – the Harbor Bridge standing proudly against the changing sky. As dinner was served, they watched the city transform day to night, the setting sun painting the harbor in shades of gold and amber before the bridge’s lights twinkled across the water. The space seemed to float between sky and sea, with the harbor’s gentle movements and the city’s gleaming lights.
The evening’s menu celebrated Sydney’s finest flavors, crafted to match the elegance of the harbor view. The kitchen’s artistry shone through in every dish – from delicate seafood starters that paid homage to the harbor setting to perfectly grilled main courses that showcased local Australian cuisine. An evening of festive elegance was capped off by the couple’s teenage sons delivering what guests would later call “the best wedding speeches ever,” their perfect blend of humor and heart leaving the proud newlyweds beaming.
Guests took a moment to admire the wedding cake—a three-tiered masterpiece that blended beauty with flavor. Each layer brought its twist: a classic vanilla for those who loved tradition, a refreshing lemon for a citrusy kick, and a rich, gluten-free salted caramel. Wrapped in smooth buttercream, the cake was as delicious as it was elegant. Even after the festivities ended, the newlyweds couldn’t resist sneaking back for a few more bites, savoring the sweetness of their unforgettable day.
As night fell over the harbor, DJ Robbie Rommers read the crowd perfectly, keeping the dance floor packed with a mix with both grandparents and Greg’s teenage sons showing off their moves.
Advice from the couple:
• Make sure you give yourselves enough time between the ceremony and reception for photos and time with one another, as the day goes so fast.. too fast!! I want to do it all again!
PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Jones | VENUE Pier One Sydney Harbor | FLORALS The Marmalade Sky | DJ Robbie Rommers | VEIL Elizabeth Dickens | DRESS Kenneth Winston | EARRINGS Swarovski | SUIT Peppers in Cremorne
