A S H L E Y & S H A U N
They met in Croatia, got engaged in New York and wed on the beaches of Sydney. But not even the most beautiful places in the world can outshine two beaming besties in love.
F R O M T H E B R I D E . . .
We first met…
In 2010, on a boat in Croatia. Shaun is from New Zealand and I’m from Sydney so we literally met half way around the world.
When did you know it was love…
Well, we knew the connection was strong from day one. On the first day I met Shaun in Croatia he told me he was going to be my bestie for life. I guess you could say I knew it was love, when I packed up and moved from the Northern Beaches to windy Wellington, its quite the commitment, it’s freezing there!
The proposal…
We got engaged in Times Square, New York. It was September 10 2013. New York is my absolute favourite place. Shaun had never been before but had arranged the proposal with a friend of mine who use to live there. The next day a video of the proposal was up on youtube and the week following was very surreal. From newspapers, radio ads, nightly news and magazine offers. The story was everywhere, well done Shaun ha.
Photographer…
Because Alex is fabulous. Besides from being a family friend, Alex Carlyle has a fabulous reputation and following that is growing by the day.
What do you love about your wedding photos?
That there were so many, and not a single moment was missed. When people look at the photos, everyone makes the same comment – everyone is smiling! Everything is captured, pre wedding getting ready shots to the ceremony, to bridal party and family photos, entrance, meals. Speeches, dress change and dancing, every moment was captured.
Wedding style…
Shaun loves the beach. I love a rustic setting. Moby Dicks at Whale Beach was the first venue we looked at and we fell in love. It was right on the beach, and had a rustic theme. Better yet, it was a matter of choosing a food and drink menu and that was it. We didn’t even have to pick the flowers. It was so easy and the team at Mobys were fabulous!
We were married at…
In the courtyard at Moby Dicks, Whale Beach.
And celebrated at…
Moby Dicks, Whale Beach.
Bridal party…
We had three groomsman and three bridesmaids. The groomsmen were Shauns friends from New Zealand whom he met at highscool and university. The Bridesmaids were all from Australia and we met at different stages in life. We had three flower girls and one paige boy, all relatives.
Bridesmaids wore…
Long navy strapless dresses from Sheike and Nude colour heels.
Groomsmen wore…
Navy pants and vest with white collared shirts and grey ties. From both Connor and Roger David.
The dress…
I had two. Both of my dresses were from Peter Trends Bridal in Roseville. My first dress which I wore during the ceremony and dinner was a strapless, corsette back with a very full skirt. My second which was a surprise to everyone but my mum, nan and the bridesmaids was a very sleek low back with sheer long gown.
Flowers…
I left this choice up to one of my beautiful bridesmaids and her mum. My only request was white, she convinced me to have a splash of colour and I was beyond happy with the result.
Reception style…
I left all of this to Moby Dicks, a mix of flowers and displays. They truly do a magical job!
On the menu…
We had a sit down meal, all mains and sides where share plates placed in the centre of the table.
Mains:
– salt baked barramundi, black olive + eggplant
– grass fed eye fillet + wild mushrooms
Sides:
– heirloom tomato, caramelised onion
– crisp bread + oregano
– baby roasted carrots, harissa + almonds
– crispy skinned potatoes, lemon thyme + rock salt
Dessert
Jar Desserts
– granny smith apple, anzac biscuit + ice cream
– tiramisu, coffee granita + dark chocolate
Local + Artisan cheeses + seasonal fruit (the biggest cheese platters you have ever seen!)
Wedding cake…
I was lucky enough to have a cousin who owns Miss Potts High Tea Company and she made the cake.
Bombonniere…
Yes, we chose rock candy as our bonbonniere that was white with ‘just married’ inscribed in the centre. Super easy and not too expensive at all.
Memorable moments…
The ceremony was actually pretty funny, we literally laughed the entire way through. It all started when Shaun decided to lean in for a kiss as soon as I got to the end of the isle, I quickly shut that down which turned into laughs from all. The ceremony ended with an entire guest list selfie – all 110 people fit! Our entrance dance started with red foo dance moves and finished with crumping to beyonce. No one expected a second dress change and all of the speeches were priceless. I could continue listing the highlights but the list would be too long!
Wedding music…
We had a music playlist of about 200 songs long, so we chose our top 10 and told the DJ he could choose from the rest. We also had the most amazing guitarist who played after the ceremony and a few hours into the reception Matt Boylan-Smith and he was 11/10. My fifteen year old brother and his best friend sung me down the isle, that was very special.
The honeymoon…
We went on a 10 night south Pacific Cruise to New Caledonia and Vanuatu.
Plans for the future…
To be happy! Of course a house and family are in the plans as well, but to have fun along the way is the main goal!
In 40 years you hope to…
Be just like my grandparents, well they are 60 years into their marriage, attached at the hip and still manage to laugh everyday.
Words of advice for the newly engaged…
Celebrate! And then get planning, first thing is find a venue. It all falls into place after that. Try to remember its your day. Everyone will have their opinion, but remember that they have either had or will get their day. Make decisions based on what you dream your day to be.
Wedding day tips…
Soak in every moment, the day will go so quickly so remember to breathe, eat and stay hydrated.
Photographer Alex Carlyle Photography Ceremony & Reception Moby Dicks, Whale Beach Bride’s Dresses Peter Trends Bridal Bridesmaid Dresses Shieke Suits Roger David and Connor Flowers By Friends Decor Moby Dicks, Whale Beach Cake Miss Potts High Tea Company
MW x