Jess and Matt

The dreaminess of today’s wedding really had me hooked. I loved everything about it – from the bride’s gown (that I am so thrilled to see in a real wedding!) to the succulent bouquets and the beautiful soft sorbet colours.

Jess recalls the story of she and Matt met. “We met on a visit before our best friend’s wedding in Santa Cruz USA. We were both in the bridal party. I had been visiting my friends in Santa Cruz on my trips overseas for work and on the last few they had been trying to set me up with a lovely friend of theirs, but I just wasn’t feeling it. And then I met Matt right before the wedding, Doug’s best friend. I thought he was so handsome and I was smiling inside but felt bad for their other friend who I think had really fallen for me. We didn’t get much time to talk before the wedding and both of us were aware of possibly treading on our friend’s mate that liked me. So, we just left it.

On the night of our friend’s wedding, Matt asked me to go to the after party, but I felt so guilty about the other guy who had taken me for lunch etc, I said no and went back to our friend’s place. Matt, meanwhile was driving our friends to their hotel for the night and he and Doug (my friend’s new husband) were coming up with a grand plan to rock up at their place (where I was) and just knock on the door and give me a big kiss. I was sitting at their home, so annoyed with myself for passing up the opportunity to hang out with Matt that I thought, heck…I should just call Lauren and get Matt’s number to have him come over and hang out. Well, neither of us followed through with our grand plans. Except, the next day I got up the guts to tell Lauren and Doug that I really fancied their friend. Doug called Matt straight away and told him while he was in the middle of playing golf. Matt then came straight to their place and we spent a beautiful day on the beach, talking endlessly. Matt then took me for a late lunch and we could not stop smiling at each other. I fact we were like giggly little kids and we couldn’t even muster a word.

That was my last day in Santa Cruz, I was heading back to Australia to take Lauren and Doug with me, on their honeymoon. Matt and I agreed to be in contact. Since the day I returned to the day 2 ½ years later when Matt was approved his Australian visa…there wasn’t a day that went by without endless emails, phone calls and the odd letter or two. Corny, but it was really love at first sight.”

Photos today are by Krista Martin Photography who has captured such a graceful beauty with these photographs.

There was plenty of work put into the wedding, including the bouquets styled by Jess’ cousin. Jess explains “I loved designing all the decorations by myself and with family and friends. My husband, dad and friends set up the whole day by themselves, decorations and all. Most of my family came to our house while I was getting ready which I didn’t expect but it felt so special. My cousin Krista, who captured our special day so amazingly. Also, my other cousin Suze getting up a 3am on the Wednesday before and the day of the wedding to trek to the flower markets and make up my bouquet, the girls bouquet’s and the beautiful table arrangements! So lucky with everyone that blessed us with their help!”

Jess wore a stunning gown by Anna Campbell, shoes from  Jimmy Choo and earrings from Samantha Wills.

Jess remembers, “It couldn’t have been more of a family affair if I wanted it to. We were so lucky to have the help of everyone. My friends helped with everything, and people flew in from overseas, UK, USA. We were just so blessed to have everyone’s support, we couldn’t have done it without them!”

Jess and Matt were married by Narrabeen Lake. Jess recalls “The day of the wedding, I was filled with nerves, but remained really calm. I was just nervous because I wanted to see Matt so badly. I remember telling my mum that all the nerves would go away as soon as I saw him when I walked down the aisle. And, it was true. “These Arms of Mine” (Otis Redding) came on and Matt came into view. I don’t think I could have smiled harder even if I tried. I don’t remember seeing anyone as I walked down to aisle, except for Matt. My mum who walked me down with my dad was so nervous too, that she forgot to let down my beautiful long train, holding it all the way to the altar. It makes me laugh looking back on it. But, our moment together, just staring at one another was the most special moment to have, just the two of us!”

Matt made the ceremony structure himself from dead wood he found in the forest.

Of their photographer, Jess says “No matter how organised our wedding day was, it’s a day filled with lots of happy and excited nerves. Krista is one of those people that you want to have around you all the time. She is calm, nothing worries her and that calm spreads to everyone else. Most of the photos that Krista took, I had no idea that she was even there. Those photos were such a wonderful surprise. I love everything about our photographs, it’s the way that Krista sees things in such a creative light, that makes them so beautiful. We are so grateful to have had Krista capture our special day. Forever thankful!”

Jess and Matt held their reception at a friend’s beach house. Jess says “The venue was my long time friend’s house. It was a weathered beachy house, with an amazing backyard leading right onto Narrabeen Lakes.”

Dessert was homemade cake made by Jess and family and friends, but the couple also served icecream sandwiches from Pat & Sticks Ice-Cream Sandwiches.

The marquee was lit with paper lanterns bought from The Paper Lantern Store.

For their first dance, Jess recalls, “Our first dance was to Ray LaMontagne’s “You are the best thing”. Matt and I had been taking some bridal dance lessons, much to Matt’s disappointment who felt sick just at the thought of having to dance in front of all the people at our wedding. We started off a little shaky with the lessons, but in the end had such a laugh. Our teacher was more than amazing in helping Matt with confidence and worked with his strengths. Our dance was just perfect. We mixed in some moves, forgot most of them…but just had fun with it. I was thoroughly impressed by Matt, he did such a great job!”

Congratulations Jess and Matt! Thank you for sharing your wedding day with us! Thank you also to Krista Martin Photography for sharing today’s photographs!