Originally from Adelaide, Elise and Justin had always dreamed of getting married in Mexico or Portugal, “but due to the pandemic we knew that wasn’t an option, so we wanted to create something that evoked similar feelings”, they tell us.
Picking Palm Beach, north of Sydney, was a top choice. “We had decided on a few things we really wanted and that were important to us including – by the ocean, in Sydney (as our families and a lot of friends are from Adelaide, we wanted to create a destination without it being too ‘destination wedding’), good food and wine, a party/long lunch vibe and one where we could dance!”
Dunes Palm Beach was the perfect spot and Elise’s gorg Lola Varma gown was *chefs kiss*, friends (plus, we’re loving the sneaky outfit change into a mini at the reception). Take a squiz through the beautiful pics by Lucie Weddings for all the inspo!
THE VENUE “When we went to Dunes Palm Beach, there was a big table of couples having a long lunch and they were having the best time. We could see ourselves and our friends dining at that table, and could imagine going back there post-wedding. We also met with Jade their wedding planner – she was relaxed and so warm we knew it was the one.”
THE THEME “We love to travel and our favourite parts of travelling are the beaches and great food and wine. With Justin’s business (he owns Estancia Raicilla distillery), we have a huge connection to Mexico and had always dreamed of getting married there but due to the pandemic, we couldn’t. So we wanted to incorporate as much of the places we loved into our special day as we could. I wanted to create a neutral and minimalistic palette, with high whites, lush florals, raw textures and pops of butter yellow (my favourite seasonal colour.) It was one of the reasons the venue was perfect for us also.”
THE DRESS “With a very quick wedding I knew I had to make quick decisions and get something ready-made, so boutiques were my preferred option. I had seen Sarah from Sphere Bridal Gallery‘s wedding in Hello May well before our day and so had followed Sphere on Instagram. Coincidentally (or was it fate?), Sphere had opened in Bondi down the road from me the week we got engaged! I found one I liked by Lola Varma, bit the bullet, ordered it and didn’t look back. There were times after that I kept seeing other things pop up but stuck to my guns and am so glad I did as I absolutely loved it. There are definitely advantages to getting married a little later in life as I feel like I know my style more, what suits my body and what feels like ‘me’. Looking and feeling like yourself on your wedding day is such an important thing.”
WE’RE GLAD WE… “The day after the wedding we spent with all our guests at the Bilgola SLSC. We got to celebrate again with all our guests and highly recommend doing this especially if they have travelled. You get to relax, unwind, catch up with people and connect – as your wedding day FLIES by!”
STANDOUT VENDOR “Lucie Weddings, our photographer, was incredible. She was so warm, fun and got us as a couple.”
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Lucie Weddings Cinematographer Jarod Lucas Stylist & Florist Lisa Madigan Stationery Lisa Madigan (place cards, menus, seating chart & table names) Printer Peterkin Premium Paper & Printery Ceremony South Station Beach, Palm Beach Reception & Catering Dunes Palm Beach Bar Cart Estancia Raicilla Margarita Bar Cake The Boathouse Group Other desserts Haigh’s Chocolates Wedding favours Miniature Estancia Racilla bottles; Porch Ceramics copitas (traditional mezcal drinking cups) Entertainment Louis Fuller (acoustic), DJ Reelax Wilson Celebrant Kate Douglas Rings Natalie Marie Jewellery Recovery Venue Bilgola SLSC Wedding Website SquareSpace THE BRIDE Bridal gown Lola Varma Bridal Boutique Sphere Bridal Gallery Shoes Gucci Accessories Christie Nicolaides Hair By Liz Tieu Hair & Makeup Makeup Georgia Hull Hair and Makeup Artist Bridesmaid dresses Sir The Label Bridesmaid shoes Wittner Bridesmaid gifts Jolie & Deen (earrings) THE GROOM Suit, Shirt & Bow Tie P. Johnson Shoes Aquila Barber Bondi Barber Lounge Groomsmen gifts Birds of Condor, Ties N Cuffs
