Cameron & Nicola, Wilson’s Promontory National Park VIC
Nicky and Cam’s wedding feels like the perfect Australian beach bash, and we are so here for it! Rolling hills sweeping down to a calm blue bay, retro plastic folding chairs in bold, bright shades, tinnies and beach swims. Our personal faves are the shots of Nicky stepping up to bat for a beach cricket game! This wedding is everything we love about summer.
Nicky and Cam chose colourful fun as the theme of the day, with bright bursts of orange, amber and rust to perfectly complement the stunning natural setting.
Planning a remote wedding in a National Park isn’t easy, so Nicky and Cam drew on their friends and family to help them pull it off. The result was not only a fabulous festival of their love but a strong sense of community and celebration you can see in the incredible images captured by Free the Bird photography.
The meeting.
We met on the first day of University in Wellington, in an ‘Introduction to Computer Design’ class. As the class was asked to be seated based on their current computer skills, Cam was seated first as he was already a ‘computer whizz’ and I was assigned to sit next to him – seeing as I had no idea where the on button was.
The ‘one’.
I knew I’d found the one when he didn’t overreact at the amount of condiments I added to my meal on an early date. He matched it instead.
The proposal.
What started as a casual walk along one of our favourite beaches (Addiscot beach) turned into a full-on surprise picnic and a proposal.
Planning process.
As Wilson’s Promontory is our favourite place in Australia, we thought it was the perfect place to get married. So we called it. We locked in a date, booked all the accommodation available within Tidal River camping ground and began planning our big day.
We had to take a very pragmatic approach to planning a remote beach wedding. With a National Park Permit secured and having found some knockout vendors who were keen to make the journey, including Free the Bird photographer and Fat Cats Food Van, we were well on our way.
Our biggest challenge we faced was; ‘where were people going to sit’. With 80 guests to seat on a beach with no vehicle access, we had to get creative. We needed a lightweight option. Uninspired by the white plastic chairs on offer, we started collecting 1960s webbed lawn chairs throughout Victoria. With their colourful webbing and lightweight, foldable frame, they were the ultimate answer to hosting guests throughout the day’s celebration.
Style inspiration.
Colourful, fun and functional.
The outfit.
I choose a simple and elegant slip dress by Charlie Brear, sourced from SoHo Bride in Geelong. I loved the minimalistic and effortless look and feel of the gown. It was the perfect solution for all the day’s activities, including hiking, cricket and dancing!
Favourite moments.
After the ceremony at Picnic Bay, seeing all our favourite people at our favourite place. All kicking back, swimming, laughing, having a beer and playing cricket. It was the best.
Meaning of marriage.
Being there and loving your best friend, unconditionally.
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: Zorba Dance by Mikis Theodorakis
Reception entry: Islands in the Stream by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton
Planning surprises.
Planning a remote beach wedding looks easy on paper, but much harder to pull off in practice. We were lucky to have many wonderful friends who helped us throughout the whole journey and lent a big hand on the day. We could not have done it without them.
Words of wisdom.
Have fun and make it your own. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Love the idea of a beach wedding? We have pulled together a collection of our favourites, from beach chic to dreamy destination celebrations. Find your coastal inspiration here.
CAM & NICKY’S VENDORS
Ceremony location: Picnic Bay, Wilsons Promontory
Reception venue: Baldwin Spencer Lodge, Tidal River Campground
Celebrant/Officiant: Christine Skicko (official) and Roger Black (Service)
Photography and videography: Free the Bird
Florist: Tammy Knox, Sweetleaf
Hair: Lydia Suisted
The dress: Charlie Brear from Soho Bride in Geelong
Groom’s suit: InStitchu
Shoes: James Smith the Label & Teva
Rings: Grae Jewellery
Tie: Otaa
Catering: Fat Cat Foods Van & Fancy Catering
Cake: All Are Welcome Bakery, Northcote
Hire: Event seating and umbrellas, Lawn Cheers. Boho picnic furniture hire, Saeb Event Hire. Lighting: Melbourne Festoon Hire.
