Real Wedding – Cheree & Tom, Sorrento VIC
For Tom and Cheree, the pandemic and subsequent restrictions helped them realise what they truly wished for their wedding day; a simple yet stunning celebration of the things that mean most to them; friends, family and love, set against an epic ocean backdrop.
An intimate elopement allows for incredible locations, and standing next to one another on a clifftop, drenched in sunlight, made for a truly unforgettable ceremony for these two stunning souls. Every image, captured with artful perfection by Jessica Abby Photography, echoes with elation and sweet simplicity.
Cheree made her way towards Tom wearing an elegant silk sheath, a picture of modern minimalism and style. Tom looked every inch the handsome hero in a taupe linen suit with powder blue shirt, complementing the hues of the landscape surrounding them. Effortlessly elevating the effect were florals in brushed pink, muted amber and tendrils of soft peach, accented with ivory orchids.
For a dip into a refreshingly uplifting celebration, take a scroll through Tom and Cheree’s dream day.
The meeting.
We met at our local bar on the night of my sisters 21st; a mutual friend introduced us.
The ‘one’.
There was no specific moment; it took years of commitment, getting to know each other and working through our differences.
The proposal.
Tom took me out on his boat fishing at Wilsons Promontory. It was a beautiful winters day, and we pulled up at my favourite spot, a secluded island off the prom that can only be accessed by boat. We had lunch, and then he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.
Planning process.
The planning process and lead up was difficult as we didn’t know what type of wedding we wanted – and then Covid hit.
Style inspiration.
My inspiration was the beach and nature. I wanted an elegant and simple beach wedding.
The ceremony.
We were married on a clifftop by the ocean with nine of our closest family and friends. The location and view were significant as we both love the beach and the ocean. The intimacy of having only nine people and the simplicity of the ceremony made it all the more special.
The outfit.
My dress was a plain, simple and elegant dress made of silk. I had seen the dress on a bride featured in a local wedding magazine (I do Gippsland), and I found the designer and store from there.
Favourite moments.
My favourite moment was marrying Tom on the clifftop overlooking the ocean, surrounded by our closest family and friends.
Meaning of marriage.
Marriage to me means making a lifetime commitment to someone, and promising to work hard at the relationship, to love, support and care for your significant other through the good and bad times throughout your lives.
Wedding soundtrack.
I’m With You by Vance Joy
Funny stories or near disasters.
Snap statewide lockdown from 12th of February to 16th of February!
Planning surprises.
The amount of admin there is involved.
Words of wisdom.
Make sure your wedding is what you want and not what you feel is expected. Having an intimate ceremony and cutting out many ‘traditions’ was the best thing we ever did.
Dreaming of making your forever promises with the ocean spray in your hair and sand beneath your feet? We have gathered some of the most beautiful beach bashes to inspire and excite! Check out all the ocean action, here.
CHEREE & TOM’S VENDORS:
Ceremony location: St Pauls Beach, Sorrento
Reception venue: Hogget Kitchen, Warragul
Celebrant: Jessica Edwards Celebrant
Photography: Jessica Abby Photography
Gown: Caleche
Florist: The Willow Branch (Drouin)
Hair: Bek Stephens
Make-up: Sophie Knox Make Up
Veil: Holy Veil – Made With Love
Rings: Caleche Bridal (Raffaele Ciuca Bridal)
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Shona Joy
Groomsmen’s suits: Peter Jackson
Entertainment: Mojo Jacket
