Originally from the UK, Bec and Dan decided to invite their wedding guests to one of Sydney’s most iconic wedding venues, Poolside @ Andrew (Boy) Charlton.

“… we wanted to get married in Sydney as that’s where we lived and we wanted all of our family and friends to understand and experience our home”, said Bec, adding that they chose to ditch tradition in lieu of an informal style celebration where guests could relax and “drink in the beautiful harbour views”.

Waterside, outdoors, chilled and chic (with some excellent timber ceremony furniture courtesy of WedShed faves Timbermill Rentals). This wedding wrapped up the best of Sydney into one fine day.

Tell us a little bit about the proposal.

It was a complete surprise (and I’m not easy to surprise). Dan and I were flying home for Christmas (2015) and the day before our flight it was a gorgeous sunny Sydney day and Dan suggested we go kayaking in the harbour.

We hired some kayaks at Rose Bay and decided we’d paddle over to Shark Island. Dan totally bolted off out in front (which was unlike him to leave me behind). By the time I got there, Dan was standing on a deserted beach, out of his kayak and helping me into shore in a very gentlemanly fashion.

Then Dan started to talk about how much he loved our life together and went on to ask me if I’d marry him. I was completely surprised and blurted out several times my disbelief before saying yes of course!

What sort of vibe did you want for your wedding?

We decided if we were going to spend money on a wedding, it had to be fun. We didn’t want it to feel traditional or formal, we wanted it to feel effortless and relaxed.

So we ditched a lot of the traditional elements. No matching groomsman or specific colour theme, no fancy hats, black ties or formal after dinner speeches, we just did what we felt complimented the environment and made sure there was plenty of space for people relax, raise a glass or two and drink in the beautiful harbour views.

What was your favourite moment on your wedding day?

It’s so hard to pick! I loved every moment of our day. But I especially loved Dan’s speech on the boat. He revealed the moment when he’d decided to ask me to marry him and it was a story I’d never heard before.

What traditions did you involve during your big day?

You’ve probably realised by now that we tried to buck the word tradition as much as possible. But with a lot of our family back in the UK and 99% of the planning being done by myself and Dan, my family decided to organise some surprises of their own.

First up, our mum’s (both called Lynne) got together and created an album of photographs of Dan and I through the years. It was hilarious. Baby photos, first bike, first day at school.

One of my oldest friends Laura and her husband Chris couldn’t make the wedding but instead they organised a video of all of the friends and family that couldn’t be there. Everyone gathered on the balcony and watched it together. It was so funny and heartwarming and another brilliant surprise we weren’t expecting!

What does marriage mean to you?

From my side, getting married was about showing commitment and respect for each other. But also part of that is promising to have fun with each other in our lives together. Now we’re married, we definitely feel more of a team.

Any funny stories from the day?

My little flower girl Tess brought a plastic Huntsman spider with her in the day which she delighted at scaring people with. It was hilarious and very cute. I don’t think anyone escaped her game but everyone got on board and pretended to be terrified when it landed on their shoulder (even I had it shoved down the back of my wedding dress at one point).

What advice would you give to other couples leading up to their big day?

I guess everyone says this with hindsight but it’s really not worth getting worried and caught up in it all. It’s a day in your life (an amazing day) but the marriage is the bit that deserves the hard work.

CREDITS: Photos Damien Milan Photography // Flowers Sophie Rothwell // Stationery Dan Ingham //  Ceremony McKell Park // Reception and catering Poolside @ Andrew (Boy) Charlton //  Cake Brickfields Bakery // Prop hire Timbermill Rentals // Decorations Jilpi and Hello Print // Entertainment The Vintage Stylus // Celebrant Jessie Cachillo // Rings Cinnamon Lee and Marina Antoniou via Courtesy of the Artist // Makeup Gina Cartwright // Bridesmaid dresses Witchery // Grooms suit Suit Shop // Grooms shirt APC via Incu // Bow tie Topman // Shoes Russell & Bromley // Transport Uber and Rosman Ferries // Bridal gown Helen English // Shoes Zimmermann // Accessories Lucy Folk and By Charlotte // Hair Julia Homard // Veil One Day Bridal via Still White

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