"Love is beyond either condition: without spring, without autumn, it is always fresh." Rumi
To all our newly engaged couples. Congratulations! Be yourselves and create a wedding that truly reflects who you are together. We hope we inspire you and introduce you to the wonderful world of weddings.
8 May 2016
Sergeants Mess, Chowder Bay, NSW
Photography by Society Photography
Choosing a quintessential Sydney location, Sarah and Daniel celebrated their marriage at harbourside venue, Sergeants Mess. “There was nothing better than gazing at the beautiful views of Rose Bay and Watsons Bay at sunset as the Manly ferries sailed past. I just wish the night was longer!”
“I was so blessed to have all four of my grandparents at the church,” Sarah said. “It also meant so much to me to be married at my old school. The church and grounds make for beautiful photos.” Sarah and Daniel’s wedding style was modern and classic. “I chose the colour scheme of purples, reds and white. We had large, vibrant, free-flowing bouquets.” The church was decorated with long garlands and cascading arrangements of flowers and foliage. The church flowers were then moved to the reception and re-worked into a hanging installation over the bridal table.
“Don’t sweat the small stuff. Remember why you’re getting married in the first place, and don’t worry if things don’t go exactly to plan because no-one will notice. Most importantly make sure you’ve got great bridesmaids to help you remember these things!”
Sarah wore Lisa Gowing’s Cordelia gown of corded lace over ivory liquid silk with a fitted slimline skirt and scalloped hem and train. It had a V neckline and low back with jewelled cap sleeves and bodice pleat detailing. “It was the first dress I tried on! I wasn’t going to wear a veil initially, but after seeing the matching Daria veil, which was so intricate and unique, I was easily convinced!”
Sarah and Daniel had put lots of time and effort into learning their first dance, “Dance lessons and all!” However Sarah forgot to use the bustle on her dress. “My gown was so long that we ended up falling all over ourselves. The one saving grace was that we managed to pull off the lift at the end to rapturous applause!"
Sarah and Daniel made a statement with their entrance and exit from the wedding. “The trip to the church was made even more memorable by the Lotus sports cars,” Daniel said. “I also liked walking out of the church with my new bride and celebrating with our family and friends afterwards. We left the reception with our closest friends by boat. It was a great way to finish the day.”
Sarah and Daniel’s reception floral centrepieces, showcased in fishbowl vases, were of a colourful and free-flowing style, similar to the bridal party bouquets. The tables also featured mirror-plates and pillar candles. “Our wedding stationery was themed in burgundy and white with a heart icon that also featured throughout our decorations.” The deep colour was also complemented by the gorgeous bridesmaids’ dresses.
The wedding favours were jars of homemade tomato jam. “It was a family recipe made by Daniel’s mother and aunt.” Some of the other sweet details of the day included the Polaroid camera which guests could use to take a photo of themselves and then write beside it a message in the guest book as well as the large ‘S & D’ letters at the entrance of Sergeants Mess decorated with flowers.
The wedding cake was 3-tiered. “It was red velvet with soft royal icing and decorated with pink, purple and cranberry coloured flowers. We saved the top tier to share with our family and friends at lunch the next day.”
Sarah and Daniel had organised a gift registry through David Jones. “We received so many lovely gifts. We both have favourite gifts but it depends who you ask. Daniel loves the new TV, but I love the Murano glass vase from some of our overseas guests.”
gown & veil: Lisa Gowing, www.lisagowing.com
photographer: Society Photography, www.societyphotography.com.au
reception venue & caterer: Sergeants Mess, www.sergeantsmess.com.au
reception decorations: Say It With Love Weddings And Events, 0438 706 098
flowers & floral decorations: Francis Floristry, www.francisfloristry.com
cake: Christopher's Cake Shop, www.christopherscakeshop.com.au
stationery: Blossom Tree Designs, www.blossomtreedesigns.com
groom and groomsmen: MJ Bale, www.mjbale.com
bridesmaids: Dressmaker (Elizabeth), 9417 4885
bridal accessories: Kate Ketzal, www.kateketzal.com.au
hair: Kylie Price Hair & Makeup, www.makeupbykylieprice.com.au
make-up: Carolyn Hampson, 0425 205 132
gift registry: David Jones, www.davidjones.com.au/gift-registry
