Coogee Summer Wedding - Polka Dot Bride

Michelle & Daniel

With Summer days long and the weather warm and bright, Michelle and Daniel’s Coogee Summer wedding seemed like just the way to give a nod to one of the most loved seasons. Michelle and Daniel chose photographer Carla Atley to photograph their day.

Michelle tells the tale of how they met. “We were both out in the city one Friday night. I spotted Daniel with a group of guys, and decided to walk over (dutch courage in hand) and strike up a conversation. Our lives have never been the same since that night!”

Michelle wore a BHLDN gown, explaining, “My dress was purchased via a second hand website as a last minute change of plans due to being 14 weeks pregnant at our wedding. I can say it was the best experience. The lady who I purchased the dress off was an absolute pleasure and lifesaver. It was the perfect style to cover a little bump.”

Michelle and Daniel chose Coogee Beach Surf Life Saving Club for their wedding, the bride explaining, “We first spotted the surf club, as we always go to Coogee Beach in Summer. It was the first place we looked and we were sold on our first visit. It was the perfect back drop for our relaxed, beach styled wedding.

Having growing up in Geraldton a street back from the beach, I had always wanted to be around water on my wedding day & Daniel loved the idea as well. The venue had a huge balcony facing the ocean, with the function room right behind. We also liked the idea of one venue for the whole day!”

Michelle tells, “My bridesmaid, mum & I did the flowers. I wanted Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila). Growing up dancing, my mum used to put baby’s breath in my hair for dancing medals, so it was fitting to have them on my Wedding day. We bought the flowers wholesale, and made them up the day before. I also wanted something simple for our bouquets and in the end chose the Calla Lily with a simple hessian tie. Just perfect.”

Michelle chose Marry me by Train for her walk down the aisle, noting, “As soon as I heard the song I knew that was going to be the one. The acoustic version as well. I just had to hold back the tears as I walked down.”

Luke Firth officiated the ceremony, Michelle remembering, “Our ceremony was just amazing. Luke Firth was our celebrant, and we cannot recommend him enough. It was tailor made just for us. Very personal. It included an insight into how we met, how Daniel proposed, and our life together so far.

Our vows were from the soul, with a touch of humour added in. At the end of the ceremony we released white doves, as symbol of our new life together. Everyone at the wedding, commented on how awesome Luke and our ceremony was. It truly was the most memorable ceremony.”

“We also chose some outdoor lawn games, from the Turtle & the Pelican. This was a great idea. The guests entertained themselves whilst we popped down to the beach to have our photos.”

Of their photographer, Michelle remembers, “Our Photographer was Carla Atley. From the first moment we met with Carla we knew she would create something amazing for us, and that she did. Our engagement shoot was an absolute hoot. So much fun.

We pretty much just laughed our way around the streets of Fremantle! Best experience. Then the wedding day, again, so memorable. In most of the pictures we are all just laughing and having the best time. So candid, and truly captured us in the way we wanted our memories to last. She was a pleasure to deal with, and again would highly recommend her services to anyone!”

Guests enjoyed a cocktail style feast of antipasto platters, paella and beef and pork rolls thanks to Moriah Catering, Paitumaca Paella and Randalls Roasts (Beef & Pork Rolls.

Benj Bernal performed the music for the day, Michelle telling, “To really make it relaxed chilled out day, I wanted an acoustic singer. We chose Benji Bernal, and weren’t disappointed. He’s so talented and the perfect fit. Everyone loved him.”

For their first dance, Michelle and Daniel chose Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran, remembering “We had a song right from the early days of our relationship. We just both loved the lyrics. So it was fitting to use this as our first dance. We did a version of a square rumba, which I started teaching hubby a few weeks before the big day (it helped that I had dancing experience).”

Cinematographers Opixel Media captured the wedding on film, with every detail and moment creating a gorgeous wedding film.