As a fairytale come true, Katie and Andrew’s journey from high school sweethearts to husband and wife was sealed with a romantic celebration by the sea. The picturesque Northern Beaches of Sydney provided the perfect setting for their special day, complete with warm sunshine and a carefree vibe reminiscent of a weekend getaway with loved ones.
Old School Love…
Their serendipitous encounter at a high school performing arts program marked the beginning of an unlikely romance between Katie and Andrew. Both passionate about music, they exchanged contact information and went their separate ways, unaware that fate would soon reunite them. Three years later, a chance meeting brought them together once more, this time sparking a romantic connection that was rooted in shared values, similar goals, and a deep sense of happiness.
Kisses In Canada…
Andrew orchestrated the perfect winter proposal in Banff National Park, Canada, during a festive Christmas holiday. He enlisted the help of a local woman who let the couple borrow her dog, Shadow, which Katie adores. On the day of the surprise, the park was transformed into a breathtaking winter wonderland with snowfall and temperatures plummeting to -10°C.
Andrew recounts that Katie and Shadow strolled through the snowy landscape towards the frozen Lake Minnewanka, with its stunning mountain backdrop. As they walked, Andrew pulled out an engraved Christmas snowflake ornament with the special date 21.12.17, got down on one knee, and asked Katie to be his wife. The romantic scene was straight out of a holiday film!
Wedding Weekend Getaway…
As the dreamy proposal came to a close, Katie and Andrew set their sights on planning a wedding that would surpass even the romance of the big ask. Their goal was simple: create an unforgettable weekend getaway vibe for themselves and their guests. To achieve this, they sought out a coastal location with plenty of neutral tones and a modern, clean aesthetic that exuded romance. With their vision in mind, they entrusted Eddie Blake from Ripple Weddings to capture every intimate moment.
‘We chose Eddie because we fell in love with his photography style,’ Katie reveals. ‘His photos are always so real, sleek, and beautifully edited – just like our own love story.’
Custom Groomsmen…
As the big day approached, Andrew gathered his trio of groomsmen around him by presenting each of them with a thoughtful surprise – a fine bottle of whiskey nestled in a wooden holder, accompanied by a heartfelt note tailored to their unique personalities. On the wedding day itself, the groomsmen made a stylish statement in their bespoke suits, featuring custom linings from Belance that allowed each man to express his individuality through their choice of color and pattern.
Meanwhile, Andrew opted for timeless elegance, donning a classic black tuxedo paired with a matching bow tie.
From Bellini’s To Bride Tribe…
Katie took an unconventional approach when asking her three bridesmaids to join her on her special day. She surprised them with a group breakfast at The Botanica Vaucluse, where each guest received a thoughtful gift bundle complete with flower bouquets featuring handwritten notes that read ‘Will you be my Bridesmaid/Maid of Honour’, Bellini’s, and a beautiful necklace.
According to Katie, the gesture was met with excitement and enthusiasm from her bridesmaids, who were thrilled to be asked in such a unique and personal way. In fact, Katie’s bridesmaids looked stunning on the wedding day, sporting gorgeous sand-colored Bec + Bridge dresses that have since inspired countless other brides-to-be.
Butterfly Bride…
Katie’s wedding day look was nothing short of breathtaking, as she donned the stunning Myra gown by Énzoani. The fitted design featured intricate lace and tulle details, including a flattering V neckline and delicate straps that added to its romantic charm. The sheer bodice was adorned with fine lacework, appliqué, and beads that seamlessly transitioned into the soft, dreamy tulle and lace skirt.
To elevate her bridal look, Katie wore a soft French tulle layered overskirt featuring lace motifs that created an effortless flow. What truly made her ensemble stand out were the detachable tulle wings/veil designed by Alyssa Kristin, which attached to the tulle straps on her gown. As she walked down the aisle, the wings floated behind her, adding an ethereal touch to her overall appearance. Completing her enchanting look was a bridal bouquet of fluffy white roses from Ellebore.
Time To Say ‘I Do’…
The intimate wedding ceremony of Katie and Andrew took place at Maria Regina Catholic Church, located in the picturesque Avalon Beach. According to Katie, the church’s striking features, including its high ceiling above the altar and beautiful sandstone details throughout, made it an ideal choice for their special day. A poignant moment for the bride was being able to have both her biological father and stepfather accompany her down the aisle.
In a touching display of unity, her dad started walking her down the aisle, before meeting up with her stepdad halfway, where they exchanged a heartfelt handshake before her stepdad took over, marking a memorable and emotional moment in Katie’s wedding experience.
Reception By The Sea…
The wedding reception, held at Moby Dicks, perfectly embodied Katie and Andrew’s vision of a weekend getaway atmosphere. This stunning venue overlooks Whale Beach and boasts modern coastal interiors, as well as a breathtaking panoramic view of the ocean. As guests arrived, they were welcomed through a lush tropical garden, which seamlessly transitioned into a vibrant floral oasis filled with beautiful blooms in pots and vases.
To add an extra touch of whimsy, greenery was suspended above the bridal table, while delicate candles cast a warm, romantic glow throughout the room.
Making An Entrance…
Katie and Andrew’s grand entrance set the tone for a memorable wedding reception. As they walked in, an 8-piece brass band suddenly sprang to life, filling the air with the energetic beats of Beyonce’s ‘End Of Time’. The drums and trumpets lining the stairs at Moby Dicks initially drew their guests’ attention, but it wasn’t until Katie and Andrew entered the room that the roving band surrounded them, creating a truly show-stopping moment. It was the perfect way to get the party started!
Royal Cake…
At Modern Wedding, we’re no strangers to the joy of cake. So, when we discovered that Katie and Andrew’s wedding celebration featured not one, not two, but three show-stopping wedding cakes, our excitement was palpable! According to Katie, the inspiration for these sweet masterpieces came from the royal wedding, which famously featured a trio of cakes in varying heights and sizes.
What’s more, each cake boasted an impressive four distinct flavours, with one layer paying homage to the couple’s Canadian proposal – a nod to their special moment when Andrew popped the question with a hint of maple syrup sweetness.
Newlyweds Take The Stage…
As if the night wasn’t already filled with sentimental moments, Katie and Andrew took to the stage to deliver an unforgettable acoustic duet. With their own business, K&A Acoustic, they couldn’t resist the urge to perform together, even when they had originally planned to take a break from singing. The couple’s musical bond is what brought them together in the first place, and it’s been a significant part of their relationship ever since.
Joined by their wedding band, they treated the audience to a rousing rendition of ‘Never Seen Anything Quite Like You’ by The Script, evoking an emotional response from everyone present.
Forever Music…
As they settled into married life, Katie and Andrew took a moment to reflect on their special day. The newlyweds shared some valuable advice for couples planning their big day: ‘Start by setting a rough budget based on the costs provided by suppliers. This will give you a clear idea of what to expect.’ They also emphasized the importance of prioritizing areas where they were willing to splurge, such as music, which was crucial to them and ensured a seamless experience.
The couple is passionate about their music business and hopes to keep it a part of their lives forever. In the future, they hope to welcome their own furry family member and be taken on new adventures around the world.