Custom wedding invitation for romantic beach wedding
We were thrilled to work with couple Jennifer and Sasha to create custom designed invitations for their special day! Here’s some inspiration and advice from the pair about the lead up and making the most of the day.
Tell us a little about the proposal and the lead up to the wedding?
Sasha organised a lovely trip to France, secretly looking for an opportunity to ask the big question at the right moment. On the last day in Paris, he organised for us to visit Chateau de Versailles. It was actually closed! Thankfully, the beautiful gardens were open, and we took a row boat on the canal. On the water, he asked if I thought Paris was romantic, I said ‘not really, but this place is!’ To my complete surprise, he stopped paddling and asked me to marry him with a ring he’d been hiding in his bag all week.
What was the inspiration behind your wedding theme / vibe?
I was browsing for invitation ideas (and must have gone through a million), and suddenly, a lovely laser cut of a row boat proposal by CWI. It just clicked. Sasha and I couldn’t go past it. Our little moment was perfectly captured.
Favourite detail and/or moment of the day.
Walking down the aisle – setting eyes on my husband-to-be was amazing. Our little world just stopped when we said our vows. It was just him and me. We married on the winter solstice and yet the Sydney weather could not have been a more stunning spring day.
Did you undertake any DIY projects, if so what?
Our occupations keep us very busy so I was keen to enjoy the engagement so got the professionals like CWI to worry on our behalf! I did however indulge in things like table numbers and decorating little honey jars which doubled as gifts and a place tag for our guests.
Any family or religious traditions incorporated into your day?
We married in a beautiful seaside chapel in a Christian ceremony, as both of us have deep personal faith in God. To respect Chinese tradition, we also held a Chinese ‘tea ceremony’ to honor our elders, which delighted my grandmother.
What does marriage mean to you?
With the right person, the wedding is a cosmic event that joins two people together. A marriage is the journey of the couple who makes a conscious decision every day to love the other (especially so when the other isn’t having a ‘loveable’ moment!).
Talk to us about your dress, where is it from?
I found my dress at Fashions by Farina. I had tried a dozen dresses of my choosing but they didn’t feel quite right. Until the lady who dressed me said ‘I really think you should try that one at the window’. I wasn’t convinced when I saw it, but gave it a go. When I put it on and walked out, I couldn’t believe my eyes. I even got a small applause other shoppers who were just watching. It was the best advice ever. The women there are so experienced with every shape and size, they know what works!
Any funny stories in the lead up to or on the day?
Our junior bridesmaid almost had no dress! She lives in Perth and just before her flight, they went to pick up the dress from the alteration place only to discover it was boarded up and closed down. Miraculously, the owner was just picking something up around the same time, and they were able to save the dress.
Oh, and whales turned up at our beach wedding! The chapel looks directly onto the ocean and they rolled about in the water to the delight of our guests!
Advice for other couples planning a wedding?
Enjoy as much of the engagement period as possible! Don’t get caught up in the details. Cherish each other and look long into the future, not just the wedding day!
Vendors:
Photos – Linda Truong Photography
Bridal gown – Le Sposa from Fashions by Farina
Veil / hair piece – Fashions by Farina
Shoes – Jimmy Choo
Flowers – Melissa Morgan Flowers & Styling
Rings – Mondial and Diamond Exchange
Jewellery/Accessories – Rhonda Hemmingway
Bridesmaids dresses – Rebecca Taylor
Grooms suit – Hugo Boss
Grooms Shoes – Windsor Smith
Groomsmen suits – Their own favourite suit of choice
Bow ties / ties - N/A
Ceremony – Little Bay Chapel, Little Bay
Reception – Dunbar House, Watsons Bay
Catering – N/A
Cake - SugaConceptz
Cake topper – N/A
Reception stylist / any decorations / details:
Stationery designer - CWI
Hair and Make up – Le Fabulous
Music – Impression DJs
Celebrant – Keith Mascord
Transport – Australia In Style and LuxCars
Bomboniere- Kelly Beans