D A R L E N E + K E I T H
{Jonah’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel}
Darlene and Keith were almost as in love with the dramatic view of the ocean behind their ceremony alter as they are with each other. The couple were married at Jonah’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel in front of stunning ocean views, the perfect venue for a beachside wedding, and later celebrated in style in the Banquet Room with family and friends and their gorgeous 17-month-old, Sophia.
F R O M T H E B R I D E
How we met…
I’d say this was love at first call. It was a job interview. Two months later we met in person and from the moment I saw him I just knew ‘it was him’. We have a beautiful family! Sophia is 17 months old and she is a very happy little girl.
The proposal…
The proposal happened on Valentine’s Day it was a lovely night, we had dinner at The Bathers’ Pavilion on Balmoral beach. On returning home our living room was covered with petals and balloons and before I understood what was happening he was down on his knee proposing to me. It was very special and emotional. The ring was stunning but not outrageous, very classy, and I love it.
T H E W E D D I N G
Our photographer…
We chose Studio Something. They were very professional, fun and helpful before and on the day. They seemed a little more exciting, funky and different from what we had researched for wedding photographers. We love our photos and our stop-motion video is fantastic!
Our dream wedding…
We always wanted a small, private wedding with family and just a few close friends. Our style was romantic-rustic.
The ceremony and reception…
Our beachside wedding ceremony and reception was at Jonah’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel.
We wanted a simple ceremony with traditional vows. We had a trio of violinists play a mix of our favourite songs throughout the ceremony, with the Pachelbel’s Canon as the wedding-march and Viva La Vida by Coldplay as we left the ceremony.
The aisle had Baby’s Breath on the cross-back chairs and rose petals on the floor. The beautiful arch was covered with burlap and had Baby’s Breath, with David Austin peach and ivory roses, and a completely amazing view as our backdrop. We also had vintage parasols for guests to use to escape the heat.
When you enter Jonah’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel and walk through reception to the bar/dining room and spy the banquet room, which leads out the balcony, you are instantly blown away. We knew we had to have our wedding there. The view was breathtaking and so romantic. It is an easy sell, especially on a sunny day!
The gown…
My wedding dress was beautiful. The fabric was a silk tulle and jersey fitted strapless bodice with French Chantilly lace and scalloped edging. It was a custom-made couture gown from The Wedding Boutique – the designer was named Jennifer Go. I wore a headpiece (part of the lace used in the dress) and earrings from Colette.
The bridal party…
The groomsmen wore similar blue suits also and pink tie from Calvin Klein. Our bridesmaid wore a Harriete gown from Bridesmaids Only in double bay.
The menu…
We had canapés at cocktail hour on the balcony with a choice of drinks served by the staff and also a stand serving signature cocktails in two beautiful decanters supplied by Jonah’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel, followed by a three-course sit down menu with a choice of two entrées, two mains and two desserts. The food and wine was fantastic and the service outstanding. The food was another reason we decided on Jonah’s due to its reputation, as we were having a smaller wedding we really wanted to treat our guests to something special.
The styling…
Our theme was ‘beach chic’. Our colour palette was burlap and peach all throughout the ceremony and reception. We chose it to create a romantic environment. We worked with Michelle Romeo from Romeo’s Chairs.
The flowers…
Flowers were positioned throughout the reception, with vines that hung from the ceiling of the dining room, candles in vintage holders and burlap spread over the tables.
Memorable moments
The highlight for me was when our baby girl Sophia gave us the rings! It was just beautiful and so special that she could be a part of the ceremony and the exchanging of the rings.The day was everything I had dreamed, romance, family, friends, food and wine!
Words of wisdom…
Be calm follow your heart and chose wisely.
For more information about holding a beachside wedding at Jonah’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel head to their listing. Also, if you’d like more beautiful inspiration for a beachside wedding make sure you read our article ‘Your Guide To Weddings By The Water’ up on our blog now.
Photographer Studio Something / Reception & ceremony Jonah’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel / Makeup Ann Hassarati / Celebrant Gary Mooney / Bride’s gown The Wedding Boutique / Groom’s suit Uber Stone / Bridesmaids’ dresses Bridesmaids Only / Styling Romeo’s Chairs / Cake Mezzapica cakes / Stationery Little Paper Lane