S O P H I A A N D D A N
Sophia and Dan said “I do” in a stunning summer seaside celebration on the shores of Balmoral Beach. Their contemporary, relaxed event was completed by family and friends as they celebrated their eternal love.
Young Love…
Sophia and Dan met through mutual friends in 2011 whilst studying at university in Canberra. They knew it was love as long-distance made them yearn for the time they could be together again. Dan proposed to Sophia with a surprise trip to the Yarra Valley after that had been apart for a number of weeks.
Timeless & Contemporary…
For their special day, the couple wanted to create a relaxed environment for their family and friends to celebrate their love. Choosing classic black and white tones for their overall wedding theme allowed them to create the timeless and contemporary occasion that they had always dreamed of.
Modern Location…
The wedding took place at Bather’s Pavilion at Balmoral Beach. With the venue having recently been renovated, the couple knew that it would perfectly support their modern vision. The location offered stunning panoramic seaside views and was styled with a nautical Hamptons style that the couple simply adored.
Photo Magic…
Nick McMurray from Muir Weddings was the photographer for the big day. Sophia and Dan chose Nick as they admired his natural photography and his ability to capture candid moments through photos. Some true beauties were captured on the big day!
Fortune Fun…
The bridal party was a mix of both family and friends for Sophia and Dan. Sophia also proposed to her best friend in the sweetest way! Bridesmaid Jess was living in Uganda at the time, so the pair would catch up through a video call. The bride pulled out a tarot card saying “If you choose, in your future you will be Sophia’s bridesmaid”. So cute! Jess was joined by Sophia’s sister and her now sister-in-law! The bridesmaids wore incredible neutral tones from Bec & Bridge. The groom had his two brothers and best friend by his side on the day. The group all wore matching, classic tuxedos for the ultimate dapper look!
A Vision In Ivory…
Sophia looked like a vision in a classic ivory silk high neck gown by designer Bianca Spender. The sleek gown was paired with classic jewelry to create the most magical seaside look. She and her bridesmaids completed the look with bouquets of white gardenias by florist Angela Powe. The bride also opted for a classically simple veil for her ‘I do’ moment.
Seaside Magic…
The wedding ceremony took place in the outdoor area of the venue, peering out over Balmoral Beach and further onwards across the rolling ocean waves. Guests and the groom greeted the bridesmaids and bride with the song ‘Here Comes The Sun’ by The Beatles and ‘Colour Me’ by Juke Ross. The perfect seaside songs!
Hampton Vibes…
The reception, located at Bather’s Pavilion, was renovated in a Hampton nautical style to perfectly match the surrounding location. The couple added their own touch of decor with hydrangeas, viburnum, and bamboo sticks. “We were very fortunate that the venue had been newly renovated. We didn’t need to do much at all!” the couple tells us. To match their contemporary theme, the newlyweds chose a Croquembouche as their wedding cake, made by Le Brenton Patisserie. The guests enjoyed the view whilst feasting on a cocktail style menu, alongside wedding traditions such as the first dance, speeches and the bouquet toss.
What a Story…
When asked about one of the best moments of the day, the couple couldn’t help by share a hilarious moment! “The bridesmaids and I were standing side-by-side having a photo taken when we all simultaneously ducked to avoid a sweeping seagull. I stood back up to see my bridesmaids looking alarmed. I asked ‘it pooped on me didn’t it?’, and it had, front and centre of my dress. The girls went into full bridesmaid mode and cleared it all up. Nick captured the hilarious moment including Dan roaring with laughter as he watched on. It is one of my favourite pictures of Dan from the day.” the bride tells us.
Just Married…
Sophia and Dan were fortunate to spend their honeymoon traveling through the UK and Europe enjoying their marital bliss. Their hopes are that 40 years from now they will be living happily, laughing a lot in an active and family-focused life together.
Wedding Wisdom…
Sophia and Dan wanted to express that you don’t always have to have large amounts of decor for your reception if your location is architecturally beautiful already. Sophia also shared that she found a beautiful dress by a designer outside of a bridal boutique and urges people to broaden their horizons when trying to ‘say yes to the dress’.
If you’re loving these real wedding stories, click here to read more…
Ceremony and Reception Location: Bathers’ Pavilion / Catering: Bathers’ Pavilion / Photography: Muir Weddings / Florist: Angela Powe / Music: Ben Fox Band / Makeup: Samantha Sara / Hair: Alex Kennedy / Cake: Le Breton Patisserie