Real Wedding – Jessica & David, Sorrento VIC

November 20, 2023 In Beach, Black and White, Classic, Latest Posts, Real Weddings, Victoria, White By Ivory Tribe

Real Wedding – Jessica & David, Sorrento VIC

Can a dream day celebration encompass the unrestrained beauty and sparkle of a beach wedding whilst retaining the timeless elegance of a sophisticated soiree? Jess and Dave’s stunning Sorrento affair proves it absolutely can.

When Jess and Dave first met, they spent the hours following raving about each other to their friends. Jess said she immediately told her housemate she had met her future husband. And with vibes that good, their wedding day was bound to be one filled with incredible emotion and an intoxicating excitement, overflowing from every frame by epic photographer Blossom Daisy Creative.

We love that Jess and Dave followed their photographer’s advice to do a first-look reveal and enjoy the intimacy and beauty this creates. The look on Dave’s face when he first catches sight of his bride in her stunning gown by Kyha says it all.

Style-wise, the combination of natural timber decor juxtaposed with crisp white theming elements and masses of ivory florals brings both elegance and effortlessness. Bridesmaids in mismatched noir gowns elevate the look to perfection.

Scroll on to enjoy every dreamy detail of this coast meets chic celebration.

The meeting.

We both matched on Hinge back in September 2020 and organised a catch-up in the park near where we lived in Richmond. We both knew from day one that it was something special. Jess went straight home and told her housemate that she had met her future husband, and Dave went to meet his friends straight after and spent the whole evening talking about her. He knew pretty quickly that Jess was the one, as he had never felt this way about anyone before.

The proposal.

We travelled to England and Italy in July 2022 so that Dave could introduce me to his family and friends, and whilst we were travelling in Cinque Terre, Italy, Dave popped the question. He booked a romantic dinner and suggested we walk up to the viewpoint to watch the sunset afterwards. At the top, Dave told me he had a question to ask, and we both stood there crying with happiness before he had even asked! He then got down on one knee, and I said YES!

Planning process.

We never planned to marry so quickly after our engagement (seven months later), but we knew we wanted to get married in Sorrento. Luckily, our venue had availability in early March 2023, so the stars just aligned. Given we did not have much time, we asked friends for vendor recommendations and locked in as many as we could within a few weeks of securing the venue. I even found my dress during this period too!

I was determined to avoid being a bridezilla, so I organised as much as I could in as far as advance.

I was an MC at a friend’s wedding a few months prior, and the insight into the run sheet and planning for the day was extremely helpful as well.

Style inspiration.

We love a classic, vogue look, which is why we chose black tie as a dress code, and all the dresses and flowers were black and white.

Obviously, Ivory Tribe was my number one inspiration! I also loved looking at the photographers tagged to see more styles from the weddings I loved.

The ceremony.

If there is one thing that stands out most from the ceremony, it is our vows. Dave spoke first and delivered the most heartfelt and emotional speech. Then I followed and could hardly open my mouth without crying – and I am not a crier! My vow felt like a jigsaw puzzle to his, and the entire terrace was crying and laughing at the same time. Almost every single guest has commented on how beautiful our vows were since and even asked if our vows were pre-planned together, given they were so complementary!

I am so glad we filmed it to watch over and over again.

The look.

I knew I wanted a classic, plain dress and that Kyha Studios was renowned for this look. It was the first and only dress shop I went to, and I ended up loving exactly what I didn’t plan to wear! They always say this happens, and I didn’t believe it until now.

Dave has had his suit made by a tailor who was recommended and used by several of our friends, Angela Nicolades.

Favourite moments.

Hands down, the first look! Thank you to our photographer, Cass, who recommended doing this! We originally said a hard no because we didn’t want to take away any emotion from the ceremony. However, our friends who had done one before had reassured us it wouldn’t, and if anything, it made it even better. We highly, highly recommend doing one!

Meaning of marriage.

We are both really similar people and so we tend to have similar opinions and thought processes – almost as if we can read each other’s mind! We are both social and outgoing and love to be around our friends. It’s been really easy to integrate our lives together. As a couple, we understand how much we love each other and know it is forever. Adding in the marriage element means that we can express our love for each other to everyone else. It is a connection beyond just the two of us, including our families.

Wedding soundtrack.

Aisle: Can’t Help Falling in Love by Kina Grannis

Signing: We Are Family by Sister Sledge

Recessional: Here Comes the Sun, 2019 Mix by The Beatles, Abbey Road

Reception entry (wedding party): Let’s Get Loud by Jennifer Lopez

Reception entry (bride and groom): Crazy in Love by Beyonce

First dance: You’ve Got The Love by Florence and the Machine

Funny stories or near disasters.

We only had one big curve ball – our florist was sick, and we had to find another within a week of the wedding. Thank god for wedding Facebook groups, which is how I found a fill-in florist at the last minute!

Words of wisdom.

Don’t stress the small stuff! Don’t get me wrong, I love a beautiful invite and an abundance of flowers, but these make no difference to how someone feels and remembers the day. It is all about the people and feeling the love around you!

As Jess’s wedding party proves, bridesmaids in black is a timeless trend that brings a level of chic sophistication to any wedding. To show you how it can be done, we’ve captured some of the best combos of stunning noir gowns, here on the blog.

JESS & DAVE’S VENDORS

Ceremony venue: Sunset Terrace, The Continental Hotel, Sorrento

Reception venue: Halcyon Hall, The Continental Hotel, Sorrento

Celebrant: Sally Taylor

Photography: Cassandra Catic – Blossom Daisy Creative

Videography: We had someone livestream and record our ceremony – Cam, Love Magic Films

Florist: Kim, Flowers by Night

Hair: Amber White

Make-up: Casey, Peninsula Makeup Artistry

The dress: Kyha

Veil: White Jasmine Bridal

Shoes: Loeffler Randall