After a whirlwind romance that spanned over a decade, Claire (a photographer and producer) and James (an arborist) tell us they met 11 years ago in the UK. “We were together for a few months on my britsh adventures, we were young, stupid and in love, but I unfortunately came home for my 21st birthday and that was that. We had few and far interactions over the next 5 years, trying to be friends, fighting the inevitable, until we finally decided to stop playing games, and sort out what we wanted?.which was each other. So he packed up his things and moved to Australia.” said the bride, who rocked a stunning Houghton NYC gown.
“The dress I purchased was the Beatrix Dress by Houghton NYC. This was my dream dress, but was way out of my price range. When we got engaged I thought I would just admire my dream dress on more time online, when I stumbled across it on a UK bridal shop, amongst their sample sale. I couldn’t believe it, it was too good to be true!” Without trying the gown on, or any other to be exact, Claire ordered the dress and fell in love the moment it arrived.
After discovering photographer Matt Godkin on Hello May, Claire tells us she fell in love with his work, and booked him immediately. “Not only did he make me feel calm and relaxed all day for the photos, but offering to drive us to the wedding after my slight hiccup,” which was pre ceremony when the bridal party intended to Uber to the wedding, but no one had their phones! “If that’s not going above and beyond I don’t know what is!”
“My wedding planners, Little Lane Event, were old friends that I grew up with, so it was so special having them organise our big day,” the bride adding that she’d worked with a number of their vendors in the past, including the hair and makeup team from Viviens Creative.
Loving the gorgeous work photographic work from Matt Godkin? Check out more of his weddings here, here and here.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Matt Godkin // Event Planner and Stylist Little Lane Events // Florist Jessie at Freesia Kahlo // Stationery Emma O’Brian // Printer Vista Print // Ceremony Venue Bayview Sea Scout Hall // Reception The Waterfront Cafe, Church Point // Cake The Artisan Cheese Room // Decorative Elements Grey Alfresco Emporium and Silk and Willow Linen // Prop and Furniture Hire Divine Events // Grazing Table Little Lane Events // Polaroid Books Little-Something via Ebay // Sound Hire Auswide Productions // Signage Little Lane Events // Entertainment Northern Beaches DJ // Celebrant Thornleigh Community Baptist Church // Engagement Ring Natalie Marie Jewellery // Brides Wedding Band Variance Objects // Grooms Wedding Band Prouds // Transport Forrest Coach Lines and Sydney Class Boat Charters // Dance Classes Dance Tonight // THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Designer Houghton NYC // Bridal Boutique The Lovers Bride // Veil Solo Bridal // Shoes Chloe // Hair and Makeup Viviens Creative // Bridesmaid Dresses Hansen & Gretel, Talulah and Ulla Johnson // Bridesmaid Shoes Ulla Johnson and Tony Bianco // Bridesmaid Gifts and Accessories Mocahete via Etsy // THE GROOM Groom and Groomsmen’s Suits Ferrari Formal.