T U L A A N D W I L L
[Jonah’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel]
Tula and Will held their magical seaside celebration at Sydney’s renowned beachside location, Jonah’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel. The venue totally encapsulated the couple’s love for the ocean and the dream coastal aesthetic they always wanted. Jonah’s set the perfect scene for their nuptials and we couldn’t love it more!
Forever and Always…
The couple had been together for 10 years before deciding to get married, first meeting at university through a mutual friend. “We were very much just 2 mates who loved each other’s company” explained the couple. “Meeting at a young age was tough because you grow individually in so many ways.” However, despite the difficulties, they both managed to remain best friends and stuck by each other through the good times and the bad…
Oh-so Sentimental…
Will proposed to Tula at the base of Mt Kilimanjaro, with his grandmother’s ring which his grandfather bought her the day he returned from WWII. The couple never wanted to spend money on an engagement ring, but rather save for their dream house! Tula explained, “It was so special that Will was able to gift me something that was so sentimental to his family.”
Small and Intimate…
The newlyweds decided early on that they wanted a smaller wedding, stating that it was one of the best decisions they made. Tula and Will were surrounded by 110 of their nearest and dearest on the day. They explained that it wasn’t a financial, practical or logistical decision, but rather they wanted to ensure the day felt intimate. Instead, they opted for a larger engagement party where they invited more friends and family so that everyone felt included… Such a great idea!
You’ve got it, You’re WOW, WOW, WOW!
The couple had always envisioned a coastal wedding and chose Jonah’s for it’s incredible wow factor! When finding the perfect spot, the couple considered location, reputation for service, incredible food, and great wine…all elements which were definitely available at Jonah’s! Importantly, both Tula and Will wanted an outdoor space for their guests. They found that not many coastal wedding venues in Sydney offer a balcony and view like Jonah’s, so it was an easy decision for them.
Set In Stone…
When deciding on their photographer, the couple fell in love with Megan Kelly of Megan Kelly Weddings. They adored her natural style which features crisp dramatic edits and soft, organic composition. “She understands how to photograph everyday people without posing or curating the shots and captures the candid ‘in-between’ moments that we both love so much.” explained the couple.
Styled To Perfection…
When it came to the styling of the venue, it was important to keep it as sustainable and local as they could. Their stylist Corey created a magical space that complemented Jonah’s breathtaking view and naturally light-filled space, rather than competing with it. They tried not to focus on just single-use flowers, but rather beautiful objects and decorations that could be reused again and again. The focus was a white colour palette with mixed corals, plenty of candles, re-usable dried foliage, and orchards to create a seaside tablescape that was soft, pretty and full. Guests were also gifted with hand-calligraphed capiz shells – a perfect addition to the decor and a beautiful wedding favour.
And The Bride Wore…
Tula’s dress was a couture gown designed and created by the wonderful Jess of J.Andreatta. It was the first dress that Tula tried on and she knew it was the one after trying several afterwards and realising that the rest just did not compare. “Jess absolutely nailed it and created the most comfortable, light, magical dress for me.” Tula’s advice to those who are considering couture would be to indeed do it!
An All White Affair…
Deciding on the bridal party was an easy choice for the pair. They both had 6 of their loved ones standing by their side on the big day. Bridesmaids wore beautiful white slip dresses from Hexie, a local designer from Melbourne. The groomsmen wore their own tuxedo’s, however, the jackets were off for the ceremony to suit the overarching white theme.
It’s The Little Things…
The couple were blown away with all the services offered by the venue, particularly when it came to gestures that showed they were willing to go above and beyond. “The food and wine at Jonah’s was unbeatable. The team offered us a full tasting with matching wine, which I know from friend’s weddings, you often have to pay for. This gesture was just one example of all the smaller details the team added to make the whole experience unforgettable and special.”
Staycation…
Jonah’s also offers on-site accommodation which made all arrangements easier for the couple and their bridal party. “Our entire bridal party and partners stayed with us at Jonah’s the night of the wedding, which was so special for both them and us. We all woke up together the next day for a swim and breakfast before heading to the recovery day after party – made it feel like we were all away on holidays!”.
Via Jonah’s – see more here
Dance The Night Away…
When it came to deciding on the entertainment for their special day, they had always wanted a band. However, when their amazing DJ friend Robbie Rommers offered to be a part of their wedding, they couldn’t resist. They also had Annie Hamilton play a cover of ‘Dreams’ by The Cranberries and then recorded the song for their wedding video. What a beautiful treat!
Just The Two Of Us…
During the reception, the newlyweds snuck out for a quiet moment, just the two of them. They took a bottle of champagne and walked along the beach, soaking in and reliving all the magical moments of their special day. Their photographer just couldn’t resist and followed the couple, candidly capturing them at this moment. Turns out, the shots were the couple’s favourite!
Words Of Wisdom…
When it comes to planning a wedding, the couple have some wisdom to share! They suggest booking your venue first and as soon as possible. They also recommend choosing vendors that you love and don’t be afraid to spend a little extra on a good vendor with a great attitude. “When you work with great vendors, it makes the planning process much easier.” the couple shared. “For example; our wedding planners at Jonah’s took the pressure off the planning process for us and were amazing every step of the way and on the day. We both have very busy day jobs, so to be able to trust and rely on our vendors was very important.”
Would you like to learn more about this amazing venue? Click here for everything you need to know!
Venue: Jonah’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel / Photographer: Megan Kelly Weddings / Videographer: Ripple Weddings / Stylist: Corey from Styled By Her / Dress: J.Andreatta / Grooms Suit: P Johnson Tailors / Bridesmaids: Hexie / Rings: Greene & Greene Antiques / Make-Up: Face by Onyx / Hair: Courtney Hurst / Celebrant: Kate Douglas / Live Music: Annie Hamilton / DJ: Robbie Rommers / Candles: Hunter Candles