Cupid was clearly watching on the Valentine’s Day Renee moved to Newcastle – the same day she met her future hubs, Connor. Exactly seven years since this Hollywood-worthy meet-cute, the two made things official with an Italian-inspired garden party, complete with pizza wedding food trucks and an Aperol spritz tower.
The vibe was vacation wedding without needing to leave the country. Hence why the beautiful Byron Bay region was an easy decision. As was hosting at Villa Riad – lush backdrops and accom for the whole bridal party, what’s not to love?
Tag along as we revisit the day Renee and Connor wed, captured by incredible NSW photographer Daniel Chafer. Plus, the pair tell us all about their standout Sydney shopping experiences with The Bridal Curator and Woolcott St, fave details, and why they happily opted out of a ‘first look’.
Standout Wedding Day Details & an Aperol Spritz tower
“The venue Villa Riad is the standout, everywhere you looked was so beautiful green with nature. Secondly was our aperol spritz tower, I loved the look of that. Our signage was beautiful, made from a local girl and she was so amazing to work with. Our photographer Dan was the biggest vibe and I’m so happy I picked him because the photographer and your personality really need to mesh so that the photos turn out beautiful. Dan made me and my bridesmaids and the boys so comfortable and he was so fun – I could not recommend him more highly.”
The bride’s corset and skirt combo from The Bridal Curator
“My dress was a two-piece so a corset and a beautiful skirt. It was made by Saint Bridal which is in New Zealand company. I found it at The Bridal Curator in Sydney. I actually didn’t pick this to try, the beautiful gentleman working at the store picked it out for me because he obviously has the eye for fashion and being a 6 foot tall girl he knew that this dress would look great for my body type. As soon as I tried it on I was obsessed. I loved my experience with The Bridal Curator.”
Whiskey and suit shopping at Woolcott St
“I always knew I wanted a suit from Woolcott St, as I wanted a premium, three-piece suit and the real experience of the suit fitting. We had a vision in mind of what we wanted for the wedding – earthy neutral tones – which meant I could get my suit in my favourite colour of a dark chocolate brown. The overall experience of the suit fitting from start to delivery was so good. Me and all the boys went to Sydney on Friday and did the suit fitting. We drank whiskey. We laughed. We got drunk and got fitted. It was perfect.”
Why the couple skipped the first look
“We both loved the drama of seeing each other for the first time at the aisle. Seeing Connor in his beautiful suit looking so nervous and excited – you can never re-create that moment. It was just incredible and I wish I could relive that over and over.”
More NSW wedding inspiration
Planning your own New South Wales Wedding day? Explore our favourite nuptials in the region (your moodboard is about to be chock-a-block with inspo). When it’s time to assemble your vendors, take advantage of our wedding supplier directory where you’ll find a bunch of local legends like Daniel Chafer Photographer. If you’re drafting your wedding dress appointment road trip make sure The Bridal Curator is on your radar and, for the guys, chat to Woolcott St about booking a suiting session here.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Daniel Chafer On-The-Day Coordinator The Events Lounge Florist Pikt Stationery & Signage Designs To Adore Venue Villa Riad Catering Peppe Pizza, La Bottega Lighting & Hire Items The Wedding Shed Entertainment Will Connell Celebrant AM Weddings Rings Louise Jean Transport Byron Bay Double Deckers THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Designer Saint Bridal Bridal Boutique & Veil The Bridal Curator Robe Kat The Label Shoes Tony Bianco Makeup Madi Wolfe Fragrance/Perfume Maison Francis Kurkdjian Bridesmaid Dresses Runaway The Label Bridesmaid Shoes Rubi Shoes via Cotton On THE GROOM Suit & Cufflinks Woolcott St Shoes The Iconic Groomsmen Outfits Woolcott St., Zara, The Iconic
Byron Bay wedding FAQs
An Aperol spritz tower is a tiered drinks display where Aperol spritz cocktails are poured down a stacked arrangement of glasses, creating a striking visual centrepiece for cocktail hour or reception styling. It’s a popular alternative to a traditional champagne tower for couples wanting an Italian-inspired or summery aesthetic.
A first look is a private moment before the ceremony where the couple sees each other in their wedding outfits for the first time, away from guests. Some couples skip it because they want to preserve that first reveal for the aisle instead, prioritising the raw emotional impact of seeing each other in front of family and friends over the benefits (eased nerves, more time for photos, and intimate moment together) that a first look offers.
Byron Bay’s drawcard is its green, hinterland-meets-coast scenery, so the best venues lean into that – think leafy gardens, open-air spaces, and views that don’t need much extra styling. On-site accommodation is another big one, letting the whole wedding party stay put for the weekend instead of shuttling between ceremony, reception, and separate places to sleep. Plus, Byron is known for its cool bar and dining scene and beautiful beaches, making it a great spot to holiday for the whole crew – so guests can make a proper trip out of it.
A two-piece bridal look – think a corset with a skirt, or a fitted crop with tailored pants – is perfect for brides after something modern and versatile. It also has practical perks: you can wear the top solo for the reception or dance floor, and easily switch up the silhouette across ceremony, reception and dancing.
