Weddings are looking a little different these days. Guest lists are smaller, screens are connecting us to family and friends. And for Laura and Aidan, their original plan of marrying in the bride’s homeland of Ireland was thwarted thanks to COVID – so instead, they wed in Australia, and with all of their family and friends dialled in from the world over, champagne in hand-tied the knot in a way that might not have been exactly how they planned but was still pretty close to perfection.

K3 Photography captured the wedding which Laura describes as “The wedding was non-conventional, relaxed, intimate”. The bride wore blush, the couple walked hand in hand down the aisle together, and the speeches were held over Zoom mid-ceremony, if you are looking for an example of how to create a day that honours relaxed style, and includes plenty of support from a community of loved ones, this is most certainly it.

For two people who are both from the other side of the world, it was in Perth that they first met. Laura remembering “We met in Perth. Aidan is originally from Manchester and I am from Dublin. We met through a mutual friend Declan. We started as friends, then became housemates, and then a couple. Aidan would claim it was love at first sight for him.”

Aidan set the scene for marriage by popping the question on a lush weekend away. She tells “Aidan surprised me with a weekend away in Sydney; staying in the club suite at Sofitel Hotel Darling Harbour Sydney, on a Friday evening we climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge and then the following day after breakfast we sailed on a private boat around the harbour. There was our favourite music, cheese and champagne. It was as on the boat Aidan purposed! We later docked in Darling Harbour where friends were waiting to celebrate with us, it was a big surprise!”

Laura chose a romantic pink midi dress by designer Ella Zeitoune, she explains “This was chosen as the traditional style white wedding that was originally planned to take place in Ireland could not go ahead. The dress and style was an unexpected choice but  felt truly relaxed and comfortable with my choice.” Her look was completed with Danni Hair styling her long hair on soft waves. “Dani was a wonderful hairstylist with an effortless approach. She made me feel beautiful and relaxed on the day.”

On the advice of their photographer (who both Laura and Aidan highly recommend), the couple met before their ceremony for a first look. “Our photographer Kathy was brilliant – relaxed and blended seamlessly on the day.”

Of Aidan’s look, Laura remembers “The groom wore cream linen. This was light and comfortable on the day. It was one of the first suits he tried on!”

The couple invited just their closest friends to stand beside them. “The wedding party was small – one bridesmaid, Alex and one groomsman Declan. We had a larger wedding party however due to COVID they could not attend the wedding. The bridesmaid wore rust pink to complement the blush and groomsman matched Aidan’s suit without the jacket.”

The floral details on the day were styled by Camie Fleur says Laura  “The flowers were an amazing find – a friend found the business through Instagram and I made contact. The business is Camie Fleur and they are faux flowers.”

Laura and Aidan walked hand in hand down the aisle together, the bride explaining “As my father could not attend the wedding and was live only through Zoom – we choose to walk the aisle together as a couple! hand in hand. We walked to Xavier Rudd  “Follow the sun”. The was also the song that was playing when Aidan purposed.”

Says Aidan “I remember the feeling I felt during the ceremony. Seeing my family through a large TV screen interacting and joining us on our wedding day from thousands of miles away – technology rocks.”

Reminisces Laura “We were nervous about the ceremony as our immediate family could not attend. We did not know what to expect with live streaming the ceremony and having our family join in online. Due to the time difference, they woke at 4 am to get dressed up and join our ceremony from overseas.

My father made a speech and there was not a dry eye in the house. Our friends and family overseas made a video which was shared during the ceremony and we also managed to get served champagne during the ceremony so we could all raise a glass to cheers with family back home. It was very special. There was beautiful energy and even though we were a thousand miles from family they felt right there by our sides during that moment.”

The couple chose Sarita The Celebrant to officiate the legal part of the day. “Sarita was very easy to deal with and ensured everything ran smoothly during the ceremony” remembers Laura.

Laura and Aidan were married, and celebrated their nuptials at The Springs – Peats Ridge. “Truth be told this was the first and only venue we viewed for our wedding” explains the bride. “I had viewed a significant amount of venues in Ireland and changed the venue three times. When the wedding in Ireland could not go ahead I was very relaxed about finding an alternative here in Sydney. The Springs offered everything we needed and accommodated a small wedding perfectly, it was also close to a beautiful AirBnB called The Crows Nest where the majority of wedding guests also stayed.”

Laura and Aidan celebrated with their guests over a delicious meal – the couple creating their centrepieces to add a personal touch to the day. When we asked Laura her favourite details of the day, this is what she had to say. “Independent – doing it together as a couple without our family. Adapt – sometimes things are out of your control. Technology – helping to bring those who are far away close to you. Love – love conquers all and love cannot be cancelled.”

Laura and Aidan worked with JC Entertainment & Events to livestream their wedding to their family and friends. Says Laura “They went above and beyond to ensure our ceremony was live streamed and they did this with true professionalism. It was spectacular.”

A big congratulations to you both Laura and Aidan! We cannot wait for you to be able to celebrate overseas, in person with your favourite people. Thanks for sharing your story with us and thank you to K3 Photography for today’s beautiful story.