Real Wedding – Marissa & Jake, Cabarita NSW
Real Wedding – Marissa & Jake, Cabarita NSW
Real Wedding – Marissa & Jake, Cabarita NSW
Real Wedding – Marissa & Jake, Cabarita NSW

Real Wedding – Marissa & Jake, Cabarita NSW

 

Marissa and Jake’s intimate celebration is a vision of understated style and the sweetest, softest romance.

Their love story has been centred around the ocean, so celebrating at the coast was an easy choice for these two laid-back lovebirds. Choosing to celebrate with only their closest friends and family allowed them to create an atmosphere simply shimmering with warmth and aesthetic beauty.

Carefully chosen details like soft, natural linen and an abundance of pillar candles contrasted perfectly with the bold statement neon.

But for us, the most beautiful detail was the magnetism between these two, captured against the postcard-perfect beach backdrop by Bulb Creative.

For Marissa, walking towards Jake in her incredibly simple, incredibly chic slip gown was a moment she will never forget. And seeing the way he looked at her, we completely understand why.

 

The meeting.

We met in April 2018, at church. We were introduced by my husband’s brother and his fiancé.

 

The ‘one’.

To be honest, I knew almost right away. When we met, Jake lived on the Gold coast and would fly back and forth when he could; otherwise, we spent hours on the phone every day. We both knew pretty quickly that this was it.

 

The proposal.

We were on our way to my birthday dinner, and we went to watch the sunset on the Cabarita Headland, the same place we decided to hold the wedding ceremony. We walked to the top on the hill, and he nervously got down on one knee. It was perfect, just us.

 

Planning process.

I’m one of those people who has always known what I wanted my day to look like. I have planned weddings for others and in the process gathered lots of handy information for myself. We knew we always wanted a small wedding and our engagement was only four months.

I loved the process because it was a small wedding, so much less stress!

 

Style inspiration. 

I wanted simple elegance. We spend so much time at the beach; it just felt right to be married on it.

The reception was in a beautiful home in Byron Bay, a candlelit meal with our nearest and dearest.

 

The outfit. 

My dress was by Natalie Rolt – A Perth designer. I wanted a simple slip dress. I ordered it online and tried it for the first time when it came in the mail. It was perfect, light and exactly what I wanted it to be.

 

Favourite moments.

Walking down the aisle and seeing Jake standing there, a moment you will never forget.

 

Meaning of marriage.

Marriage is the forever bonding of two souls. It is the commitment in front of God and those you love to choose each other every day, no matter what. Marriage brings its own complications and forces growth, but it is the most incredible experience to grow alongside someone who knows you so vulnerably. It is the greatest gift.

 

Wedding soundtrack.

Aisle: Holocene by Bon Iver (acoustic version played by Marissa’s brother)

Reception entry: In My Feelings by Drake

First dance: Beyond by Leon Bridges

 

Funny stories or near disasters.

Our first dance was a train wreck! Jake just froze, dancing is neither of our biggest talents – luckily it was only in front of 18 guests – but nonetheless, it was not what we imagined!

But we wouldn’t change it for the world; it made for a really good laugh.

 

Planning surprises.

How difficult it was to find a venue willing to allow us to host our wedding without using their in-house catering or styling teams. I really had my heart set on using 100 Mile table catering in Byron Bay, and I really wanted to put the day together myself; my vision was very specific. Most venues wouldn’t allow these things, but then I found the incredible Byron Beach Abodes, who were more than happy to accommodate.

 

Words of wisdom.

Keep it small and simple and enjoy the time in the lead-up. It is so important to enjoy the process with your partner, after all you are planning the moment you get to join together for the rest of your lives.

Worry less about making everyone else happy and plan a day that makes you both happy, it’s YOUR wedding, not your parents’ and not your friend’s. Your big day! Enjoy it!!

 

 

Love the look of a New South Wales beach as a backdrop for your wedding? We’ve curated a collection of some of our favourite New South Wales celebrations, and (un)surprisingly, the stunning ocean is frequently a feature! Find your coastal inspiration here.

 

MARISSA & JAKE’S VENDORS

Ceremony  location: Cabarita Beach, NSW

Reception venue: Magnolia House, part of Byron Beach Abodes group. The most stunning houses with so much character. They have the most incredible home away from home feel and are the perfect backdrop for an intimate wedding.

Celebrant/Officiant: Pastor Grant Hoyle. Our Pastor from Glow Church Sydney, he made the experience so memorable, has been a huge part of our relationship, was a guest at our wedding and he and his wife are still a massive part of our lives.

Photography and videography: Bulb Creative. These guys are something else. They took my vision of what I wanted our wedding photos to be and made them even more of a beautiful reality than I could have imagined. They are professional but make the day so comfortable and are just all-round incredible humans. could not recommend them more highly.

Florist: The French Petal

Hair and Makeup: Joanna Luhrs. Jo, a friend for many years, has always been my go-to for makeup. She does natural so well. I didn’t want to look like I had a huge amount of makeup up on as I don’t typically wear much, but she got it just right! She also nailed my beachy waves.

The dress: Natalie Rolt, Virgo Gown in Dynasty silk.

Veil: Purchased second hand

Shoes: Tony Bianco

Rings: Wedding bands and engagement ring from Midas Jewellers Bondi Junction. Other rings from Daphine.

Bridesmaid’s dresses: Hansen and Gretel

Groomsmen’s suits: MJ Bale

Catering: 100 Mile Table, the most exquisite, quality food. Such professional service. Highly recommended for your next event!

Stationery / Signage: Acrylic name place cards for the table – Make and Keep.

Hire: Hampton Event Hire




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