Real Wedding – Emma & Jake, Bellarine VIC
Emma wasn’t sure that finding ‘the one’ would happen when searching for her wedding gown – but how pleased she was that it did! The end result was stunning.
Following an incredible church service full of heart and soul, Jake and Emma used the urban backdrop of the city of Geelong to take some candid snaps alongside their bridal party. Making their way to the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula, they celebrated the night away and there to capture all of the action was Tribe photographer favourite Jake Hogan!
IN EMMA’S WORDS…
The meeting.
We went all through high school together at Christian College Geelong (Jake had a crush on me in Year nine) but we were just friends. We hadn’t really seen or spoken to each other since Year 12 but randomly six years after finishing high school I couldn’t stop thinking about Jake. I messaged him on Facebook (yes the girl made the first move, and yes it was via Facebook) after that we just couldn’t stop talking and going out for coffee and the rest is history.
The one.
From our first coffee date! I probably didn’t ‘know know’ then but I definitely knew from the beginning I had found someone that I had to have in my life and every time we spent together that feeling grew more and more.
The proposal.
Jake proposed on the balcony on top of the new Geelong Library, overlooking the amazing Waterfront. He tricked me into going up there. He had fairy lights everywhere and polaroid photos and signs pointing me in the right direction. He was all dressed up and soon got down on one knee. He had organised both our immediate families and closest friends together for a beautiful dinner to celebrate. He did very well!!
The planning.
We were both so super cruisy through the whole process; we enjoyed every single moment and just had so much fun. We made decisions together, as we wanted the same things so that made it easy. Our lives definitely didn’t revolve around the wedding; we were just excited to be married. We have so many talented and generous friends, so we got a lot of them helping us on the day and the lead up which made everything a million times better.
Style inspiration.
It was just everything we loved! We wanted everything to be simple yet elegant and timeless. We loved everything about how the day looked and turned out.
The dress.
To be honest, I hated wedding dress shopping; dressing up isn’t my thing. I went on a few shopping trips, some with just my mum, some with my bridesmaids and just couldn’t find anything I liked. Finally, I tried a dress on at Pearls and Roses in Geelong and I had that moment where I was like “Does this feeling actually exist where you just know that it is the right dress?” Apparently it does because I knew I had found the dress. I fell in love with it instantly and I felt completely comfortable and beautiful on the day.
Favourite moments.
No that’s too hard of a question! Can we say the entire day? If we have to choose, here are a couple:
We sung a worship song during our ceremony and it was a beautiful moment for us. Just being surrounded by our absolute favourite people in the world all day was also a highlight. The moment before entering into the reception and sitting on Jake’s knee being like ‘what the…we are actually married’ was also really surreal.
Traditions.
We did communion as part of our ceremony, where our incredible Youth Pastors Andy and Susannah Harrison led us in and were able to pray for us.
The meaning of marriage.
Finding the one to spend the rest of forever with, your best friend, it’s just the best thing ever. Everything changed for us when we got married, we got to go on our first holiday together, and move in together and it has all been a complete dream. We just can’t wait to spend everyday completely devoted to one another no matter what comes our way.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: Can’t help falling in love by Elvis Presley
Reception Entry: Can’t stop the feeling by Justin Timberlake
First dance song: When I fall in love by Nat King Cole
Any funny stories or near disasters.
They started playing the wrong Nat King Cole song for our first dance; it was hilarious. Jake’s wedding band almost didn’t come in time for the day but it made it! We bought the bridesmaid dresses online and they kept selling out! We were buying one at a time and then waiting until more would come back in stock so my poor Maid of Honor had to wait until very close to the wedding day before she got her dress. Luckily, they all arrived in time and they all looked beautiful on the day.
Words of wisdom.
Enjoy every moment, have fun and know that the most important thing is you get to marry the absolute love of your life. If everything else on the day falls apart then who cares!
Need venue inspiration? Check out Ivory Tribe’s top wedding venues on the Bellarine Peninsula.
EMMA AND JAKE’S TRIBE
Ceremony venue / location: St Matthew’s Anglican Church, East Geelong
Reception venue / location: Terindah Estate, Bellarine Peninsula
Celebrant/Officiant: Ps. Zoran Paunovich
Photography: Jake Hogan Photography
Videography: Eric Peng Photography
Styling: Us
Florist: Sam Gower (friend)
Hair: Emma Vandermark (friend) from Hidden Minx, Pakington street
Makeup: Seonna from Mascara Makeup Geelong
The Dress: Jasmine Bridal
Veil / head wear: Pearls and Roses Geelong
Jewellery/Accessories: Earrings that my mum gave me and my rings.
Shoes: Famous footwear
Bridesmaids dresses: Show me your mumu
Grooms suit: Eddy Elias Menswear
Grooms Shoes: Eddy Elias Menswear
Groomsmen suits: Eddy Elias Menswear
Bow ties / ties: Eddy Elias Menswear
Catering: Afternoon tea: Us, Reception: Terindah Estate
Favors: We made our own candles
Cake / Cake topper: Eloise Ford (sister)
Stationery / Signage: Peep Designs
Entertainment: Our friends, we have so many talented friends from church so they put a band together and practiced the night before. They were so good! Will Broome, Steph Ling, Josh Ham, Nicky Soew
Transport: Our cars and our brother’s drove
Honeymoon: Bali – Jimbaran Bay, Rimba Resort (AMAZING!)
