Could there be anything more relaxed than a barefoot beach ceremony with just your children (and a photographer and celebrant!) present? For Jodie and Chris, sunset by the beach in Cotton Tree on the sunshine coast was the most perfect place they could have imagined to finally say “I Do”. The newlyweds are blessed with a just as perfect peachy sunset to celebrate, all beautifully captured by Tawny Photography and Film.

Their meeting? It came out of the blue for Jodie, who remembers “I was at a point in my life where I was content and happy. As far as I was concerned, no relationship was on the horizon. In fact, I have been known to say and I quote “I’m never getting married again” Why in the world would I? I had all I needed, or so I thought.

Accepting an invitation to dinner with friends on 31st August 2019 was nothing extraordinarily special, or so I thought! Chris was a guest at the same dinner, and I have to say, there was definitely instant attraction during our first meeting. Chris recalled his need to see me again so he could get to know me.

So the first date was organized at Cotton Tree, sharing a few beers on a rug! We talked and laughed, and I was completely taken by this man … things that I thought only existed in Hollywood Movies. Chris was a divine inspiration, and the timing was perfect. For three months, we walked, talked and swam together getting to know each other and once knowing that our connection was equal in its love, trust and respect, we became a couple.”

The proposal is as relaxed and as natural as the rest of their story. “The realisation that we both wanted to make a lifetime commitment as husband and wife brought a proposal from Chris whilst sitting on a rock at Tee Tree in Noosa late afternoon on the 1st February 2020.”

Jodie walked down the aisle hand in hand with her son. The attire kept as relaxed as the day itself. Jodie opting for a champagne, beaded dress from UK brand Needle & Thread. The flowers? Arranged by Jodie herself with fresh, loose blooms she found at Cotton Tree Florist – “I made the bouquet myself.”

The couple was married by Heart 2 Soul Ceremonies. Says Jodie “Our celebrant Francesca designed a meaningful, heartfelt ceremony that was perfect for us.  A beautiful poem was chosen, called – “At Last”.

The couple stood at the end of an aisle made of shells, collected by the family over time.

Of their photographer, Jodie notes “We used Rachel Cutler from Tawny Photography and Film. She captured the moment perfectly and made us feel very relaxed.”

The intimacy made this day what it was for Jodie and Chris. “We loved the location, the time of day, having family there and just holding each other.”

Congratulations Jodie and Chris on your marriage! What a truly special story that we are so honoured to share, thank you both and thank you to Tawny Photography and Film for sharing today’s story with us.