Real Wedding – Sarah & Jake, Ocean Grove VIC
Sarah and Jake were all about sealing the deal in stunning style with a big party that would go well into the night. They pulled together their wedding day priorities to showcase a day that did exactly that – fun-filled and many magical moments of heart were scattered throughout this coastal celebration.
In a Mariana Hardwick gown with gorgeous split detailing and stunning structured bodice, Sarah looked a vision as she made her way down the aisle, before she and Jake soaked up the atmosphere of being surrounded by their loved ones as they said, ‘I do’.
Heading to Ocean Grove, their beach-side photography session allowed them a chance to be alone, relax and appreciate all that their day encompassed – love, laughter and a lifetime commitment to one another.
Ryal Sormaz has captured this day to pure perfection and you’re sure to get swept away in all its magic.
The meeting.
11 years ago I hosted a backyard party and had invited a few friends, one of them brought Jake along. I enjoyed a few too many drinks in an attempt to impress him and here we are.
The ‘one’.
I don’t think there was a specific moment, maybe a dinner date early on in the relationship where Jake had cooked me dinner, I was impressed with his culinary skills! And how seamlessly we fitted in with each other’s families.
The proposal.
Jake surprised me with a trip away for my birthday. I’m normally the one organising anything like this. He’d secretly planned a weekend at a secluded house in Walkerville overlooking the ocean. When we arrived with our dogs we went for a walk along the beach, apparently this was the initial location but rain, slippery paths and a storm coming meant we rushed back to the house. We’d cooked a dinner, had champagne in front of the fire and were listening to music. After a few more glasses (to calm the nerves, Jake says) we started dancing when John Legend’s “A Good Night” came on – the lyrics are “I think I just met my wife” he spun me and when I came back in, he was on one knee. It was perfect, such a special private moment just the two of us.
Planning process.
Our key purpose for the wedding was a big party with family and friends, and amazing photos/videos to capture the memories. We had booked our date before the pandemic and had secured Ryal as our photographer and The Dunes as our venue. We knew we were in good hands and our suppliers were so helpful in guiding us through the process. There were a few moments of “will Covid get in the way?” leading up to it but we were incredibly lucky that our original date went ahead as planned.
Style inspiration.
Everything was focused on a big party, we wanted it to be fun and full of love. Simple and elegant without too much colour and St Mary’s and The Dunes were the perfect backdrop.
The ceremony.
For me, having both my parents walk me down the aisle was so special and then the emotion and excitement of Jake and I seeing each other for the first time. Having a big bridal party, it was amazing to have our friends stand beside us as we said, “I do”, and then for us to sit back and see all our family and friends there for us.
The outfits.
I went to several dress shops in the lead up, but nothing felt right. I made a last-minute decision to visit Mariana Hardwick as I’d seen the Rose dress online and had been in love with it since. As soon as I tried it on, I knew it was the one and the team at MH were so amazing to work with.
Favourite moment.
All of it! Honestly so many moments. Entering the reception as “husband and wife” for the first time. The sunset photos allowed us to have time away from the wedding to just be us, reflect and appreciate the day. I also secretly had my Mum’s wedding dress altered as my second dress. Seeing the faces of Jake and my family when they realised was so good!
Wedding soundtrack.
Aisle: 1 + 1 – Beyonce
Signing: Simply the Best – Piano Arrangement
Reception Entry: A Good Night – John Legend
First Dance: So Into You – Childish Gambino
Funny stories (or near disasters).
When Jake and the boys were having photos at the front of our house one of the dogs jumped in the water fountain, this has never happened before! Jake’s father was quick enough to recognise what was about to happen and yelled at everyone to move as the dog started shaking all the water off. Luckily everyone remained clean.
Planning surprises.
How many decisions needed to be made – is decision fatigue a thing?
Words of wisdom.
I know everyone says this but, relax and enjoy all the moments throughout the day including in the morning getting ready. Stay true to yourselves as a couple and what you want for the day. It makes the decision making so much easier.
Having a team behind your wedding day that is experienced, passionated and talented is the key to making it amazing. See our directory of incredible suppliers who are not only incredible but also fully endorsed by us.
SARAH AND JAKE’S SUPPLIER
Ceremony location: St Mary’s Basilica, Geelong
Reception location: The Dunes, Ocean Grove. Maddy, Zoe and the entire team were phenomenal. We can’t thank them enough for making the reception what it was. They provided guidance and advice during the planning process and everything ran smoothly on the day. Our guests were so impressed by the level of service and how great the food was. It was the perfect venue.
Celebrant/Officiant: Father Jim
Photography: Ryal Sormaz – We were absolutely blown away with our photos. Ryal was so much fun to work with, it felt like having a good friend there on the day. We couldn’t recommend Ryal enough.
Videography: These Wild Eyes. Ben captured the emotion of the day so well, we’re so thankful we made the decision to have a videographer and could not be happier with the end result.
Styling: The Dunes, Ocean Grove
Florist: Beachside Blooms
Hair: Alex Fielding Hair
Make Up: Emily McGrath
The Dress(es): First Dress: Mariana Hardwick Second Dress; My mum’s wedding dress (altered slightly!)
Veil: Mariana Hardwick
Shoes: Tony Bianco & Aquila
Rings: Grew & Co
Catering: The Dunes, Ocean Grove
Stationery / Signage: Jess from OCo studio
Entertainment: DJ Tommy O
