At the picturesque Jonah’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel in Sydney, Tula and Will exchanged vows amidst a whimsical seaside setting that perfectly captured their shared passion for the ocean and the coastal lifestyle they always aspired to. This enchanting venue, with its beachside charm, served as the idyllic backdrop for their dreamy celebration, leaving us utterly smitten!
Forever and Always…
Despite having met in their early twenties, the couple’s decade-long relationship wasn’t without its challenges. Growing up together brought unique struggles, as they navigated individual growth while maintaining a strong bond. Yet, their foundation of friendship remained unshaken, allowing them to weather life’s ups and downs together.
Oh-so Sentimental…
In a romantic gesture, Will proposed to Tula at the base of Mt Kilimanjaro, presenting her with his grandmother’s ring. The significance of the ring lay in its history, having been purchased by his grandfather for her on the day he returned from serving in World War II. What made this moment even more meaningful was that the couple had decided against splurging on an engagement ring, instead choosing to save for their dream home.
As Tula explained, ‘It was so special that Will could give me something that held such sentimental value to his family.’
Small and Intimate…
The newlyweds’ choice to have an intimate wedding with only 110 guests turned out to be one of their wisest decisions. They wanted the day to feel cozy and special, without any external pressures or expectations. In contrast, they decided to go big for their engagement party, inviting more friends and family to join in the celebration. This approach allowed them to include everyone who was important to them, making it a truly memorable experience.
You’ve got it, You’re WOW, WOW, WOW!
With a clear vision of a coastal wedding, the couple settled on Jonah’s as their top choice. Its jaw-dropping wow factor sealed the deal! As they searched for the perfect spot, Tula and Will weighed factors such as location, reputation for exceptional service, exquisite cuisine, and an impressive wine selection – all of which Jonah’s had in abundance. What really set it apart, however, was its outdoor space.
The couple was thrilled to discover that few coastal wedding venues in Sydney could match the expansive balcony and breathtaking views offered by Jonah’s, making their decision a simple one.
Set In Stone…
The couple’s search for a photographer ended with Megan Kelly of Megan Kelly Weddings, whose natural style resonated deeply with them. They were particularly drawn to her characteristic use of crisp, dramatic edits and soft, organic composition. According to the couple, Megan has an uncanny ability to capture everyday moments without posing or staging shots, instead focusing on capturing the genuine ‘in-between’ moments that reveal a couple’s true personalities.
Styled To Perfection…
To maintain an eco-friendly approach, Jonah’s stylist Corey crafted a whimsical setting that harmonized with the venue’s natural beauty rather than overpowering it. By opting for reusable decor elements like dried foliage and orchids, they minimized waste and focused on creating a serene atmosphere with a predominantly white palette, accented by warm coral tones and soft candlelight.
The seaside-inspired tablescape was further enhanced with hand-calligraphed capiz shells, which served as a thoughtful wedding favor for the guests.
And The Bride Wore…
When it came to selecting the perfect dress, Tula’s search ended with a stunning couture gown designed by Jess of J. Andreatta. This exquisite piece was actually the first one she tried on, and after comparing it to others, Tula knew she had found her ideal dress. The comfort, lightness, and magical essence of the gown left a lasting impression on her.
In fact, Tula is so enthusiastic about her experience that she wholeheartedly recommends couture to anyone considering it – a true testament to Jess’s exceptional design skills.
An All White Affair…
For this special couple, selecting their bridal party was a straightforward decision. They chose six trusted individuals to stand by their side on their wedding day. The bridesmaids looked stunning in their white slip dresses from local Melbourne designer Hexie. Meanwhile, the groomsmen opted for their own tuxedos, but cleverly removed their jackets to align with the ceremony’s all-white aesthetic.
It’s The Little Things…
The couple was thoroughly impressed by Jonah’s venue offerings, with standout moments coming in the form of extraordinary gestures that demonstrated a willingness to exceed expectations. One such instance stood out: the complimentary wine pairing experience during their tasting, a perk often reserved for paying clients.
This thoughtful touch was just one example of the meticulous attention to detail provided by the Jonah’s team, ultimately contributing to an unforgettable and uniquely special celebration.
Staycation…
Jonah’s went above and beyond by offering on-site accommodation, making it effortless for the couple and their entourage to coordinate arrangements. The decision allowed the bridal party and partners to stay under one roof on the night of the wedding, creating a unique and memorable experience for all involved. The next morning, they even enjoyed a leisurely swim and breakfast together before heading out to the post-wedding celebration, making it feel like a mini-vacation for everyone.
Dance The Night Away…
As they pondered the perfect entertainment for their big day, the couple’s minds were set on having a band take the stage. Yet, when their talented DJ friend Robbie Rommers extended an invitation to join in on the celebration, they couldn’t pass up the opportunity. Additionally, Annie Hamilton wowed the crowd with her soulful rendition of ‘Dreams’ by The Cranberries, leaving guests in awe.
To make the memory even more unforgettable, the couple went one step further and recorded Annie’s performance for their wedding video, providing a lovely treat to cherish for years to come.
Just The Two Of Us…
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the newlywed pair slipped away from the reception’s lively atmosphere to savor a private moment together. Clutching a chilled bottle of champagne, they strolled along the beach, basking in the nostalgic glow of their unforgettable day. Unbeknownst to them, their photographer had been quietly trailing behind, snapping away as they revelled in each other’s company.
Little did they know, these impromptu shots would later become some of their most treasured memories.
Words Of Wisdom…
The couple emphasizes that booking your venue is the first step to a stress-free wedding planning process. They recommend making this decision as soon as possible, as it sets the tone for the rest of the planning journey. In their opinion, choosing vendors you genuinely connect with is crucial. Don’t be afraid to invest in a great vendor who shares your values and has a fantastic attitude.
As they shared, ‘When you work with amazing vendors, the entire planning process becomes much more manageable.’ Their own experience with Jonah’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel was a testament to this approach. With a team of dedicated professionals handling the logistics, the couple could focus on enjoying their special day. As busy professionals themselves, they appreciated being able to rely on their vendors every step of the way.