These two lovely humans met eight years ago studying public health at university and ever since have been enjoying good times galore. The only setback? A classic hangry girlfriend foiled proposal. “Stephen had planned for us to go for a walk around Lennox Heads, propose and then go back to The Farm for a celebratory breakfast but on the drive down I was getting hangry and wanted to eat first. So, we had our delicious breakfast at Three Blue Ducks at The Farm before going for our walk”, explains Jess. Despite Jess’ “ugly skirt and walking sandals” and one dropped ring, the moment was pretty perf and the duo wouldn’t change it for the world. Best of all, we have their big day to share, with pics by the wonderful Stories By Ash. Scroll down to take a squiz…
THE VIBE “We kept coming back to three words, colourful, relaxed and sustainable. This is all we told our vendors and trusted them to do their thing. We love colour and when I found my poncho from Wandering Heart it was the piece that helped to tie everything together. We didn’t want the day to feel structured so keeping things relaxed was our focus. This was the main reason we chose not to have an official bridal party, just us two getting married and celebrating with everyone we love. We try our best to live as sustainablyy as possible and didn’t want our wedding to be an exception.”
REFERENCES “I think I am the number one stalker of Hello May. I scrolled through every real wedding blog post! Hello May inspired us to be confident in our choices because the best weddings are those when you look at the couple getting married and say ‘that is so them.’ I love the uniqueness of every wedding published. We found Stories By Ash on Hello May and couldn’t be happier with our photographs. She has a true talent for capturing the emotions and feelings of the moment. The event coordinator at The Farm, Stephanie, also gave lots of local recommendations based on her experience. I had also seen on Hello May that a lot of Byron Bay weddings had used Sarah Archer as their musician, so we went along to the Byron Bay Wedding Fair to hear her perform. When she nailed Florence and The Machine and Jack Johnson we knew we found the one!”
FAVOURITE MOMENT “I had mum and dad walk me part of the way down to the ceremony before I gave them a kiss and sent them down the aisle. I had a minute to stand there, on my own, looking down at my to be husband and really take it all in… this was our wedding. It was such a surreal moment. He was the most handsome man I had seen, standing under the most colourful arbour in the most stunning location. That moment still takes my breath away.”
LITTLE LOL “During our photos as the sun was setting (the perfect golden light) my dad decided to drive the car down to where we were, to see if we wanted a lift back to save walking up the dirt road. Bless his kind heart, but the car was getting in the way of the amazing sunset! After telling him no, he proceeded to reverse incredibly slowly back to the party, blocking the sun as it went down! Also, me lying on the sticky dance floor in my wedding dress to Natalie Imbruglia’s Torn “lying naked on the floor.” I fully commit to a good dance floor!”
STANDOUT VENDORS “The ladies who did my hair and make-up, plus my dress and flower crown, made me feel like a total goddess. Ash (photographer) brought a wealth of knowledge to the day, kept us relaxed and produced the most incredible photographs, I still cannot get over how relaxed and happy we look in all our photos thanks to her. Everyone at The Three Blue Ducks went above and beyond to help host the most amazing reception and delicious spread. And finally Sarah (musician) for being an absolute angel and creating a killer dance floor.”
Impressed with these images just as much as us? We recommend taking a peep at some more weddings by Stories By Ash. We particularly loved Jade & Grant’s North Coast Wedding and Rhiannon & Josh’s Wanaka Wedding. Feel like flicking through our paper pages IRL? Head on over to our online store here to secure yourself a copy of Issue 28 in which Jess & Stephen’s Byron wedding was originally published. But first…
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Stories By Ash Cinematographer Forever Features Florist Anamundi Weddings Stationery With Joy Venue The Farm Catering Three Blue Ducks Cake Family Cake Topper Chaniquaa Hire Items Frank & Joy Lighting Hire North Coast Events Signage Family Entertainment Sarah Archer Celebrant Jane Curbishley Rings Brisbane Opal Museum(engagement) Jade Jewellers (bride) SPIRIT workshop Store via Etsy (groom) Pet Minder First Class Pet Wedding Services Candles Byron Bay Candles BRIDE Dress & Cape Erin Clare Bridal Shoes Myer Earrings Navah Studio via Browns General Store Hair Inspired Artistry Makeup The Luxe Beauty Co. Poncho Wandering Heart GROOM Jacket, Shirt & Pants Politix Bow Tie Marcello Neckwear via Browns General Store Shoes Florsheim
