This NSW wedding had it all (including a conga line, cocktails, limbo, and some late-night nudity) and thanks to their talented photographer and friend Alex Marks, Emma and Blaine will be able to reminisce about every detail of their memorable celebration for many years to come.
Held at Seacliff House - an iconic south coast wedding venue - it was "a fun and feel good wedding", said Emma who wanted the day to feel easy and not too serious. Check it out below.
How did you and Blaine meet? We first meet at Mona Vale Pub (now called The Mona) on the dance floor at 2am, the rest is history!
The proposal: The proposal happened at Boomerang Beach down the South Coast. We had planned to go away with some close friends. My brother Jimmy Raper had gone down to the beach one afternoon and set up champagne and flowers, it was perfect there happened to be not one person is sight. It had been raining all day and the sun finally came out. Blaine then took me for a "walk" to see the sunset and when they got to the spot he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was a picture perfect afternoon.
The venue: Seacliff House. We wanted a coastal wedding as well as a destination although we didn't want people to have to drive too far. It was the first venue I looked at with my mum, mother-in-law and best friend. As soon as I saw it I booked it straight away. I didn't look at any other venues and just fell in love with Seacliff. Blaine first saw Seacliff on the wedding day (haha).
The vibe: We wanted a fun and feel good wedding, nothing too serious! All our friends and family are very down to earth so Seacliff was the perfect venue for this. I loved that we didn't have to go from venue to venue and that the ceremony and reception was all in the one place!
Traditions (adapted, adopted or ditched): We just kinda did it our own way and what we thought our guests would love. The ceremony was beautiful with Pip Best as our celebrant, she was amazing and made it so heartfelt. After that we had canapés and cocktails at the lawn (at Seacliff) and then followed a sit down dinner although we had shared plates which gave everyone the opportunity to still mingle and move around. It was the perfect day and I we wouldn't have changed a thing.
The outfits: I tried on four dresses and it was the second dress I had tried on. I wanted to go classic and look back at photos and still love my dress. I absolutely loved my dress, felt amazing in it and it was the perfect weight. I knew Seacliff was a "hot" venue so I also kept that in mind.
Blaine's friend who got married before him had linen suits and he loved it so it was a very easy choice for Blaine.
Hit (or near) miss: No nothing. It honestly couldn't have gone better.
I'll always remember... Honestly ALL OF IT! It was amazing and it was the best day ever. I do recommend taking a moment with just you and your husband, Al took us to a beautiful spot in Gerringong on the beach which was perfect, we could then talk about the day and just be together we loved that!
Standout vendors: To be honest all our vendors were amazing we were so happy with every single one of them.
Alex Marks - The best wedding photographer and good friend. His photos were absolutely amazing and we were so lucky to have him there, he made us feel so relaxed the whole day. And his second shooter Kyle Ingram was very accommodating and lovely!
Joy Ride - did the most amazing video for Blaine and I and also made us feel so relaxed. It was great to have him there.
Henry Clive - What a fun vibe they were! The whole team was amazing and it felt like they were just part of our close friends on the day.
The White Tree - The band was awesome! I can't tell you how many people raved about them. We got Gerard and he was so entertaining. They made the night!
Soundtrack: Aisle song: "To Build A Home", by The Cinematic Orchestra. Signing papers: "Here Comes The Sun", by The Beatles. Recessional: "Signed, Sealed & Delivered", by Stevie Wonder. Wedding party reception entrance: "September", by Earth, Wind & Fire.
Bride and groom reception entrance: "Jump Around", by House of Pain. First dance: "You Sexy Thing", by Hot Chocolate (this suited Blaine and I, we are not a serious couple. We are fun and like to have a good time. This was the perfect song for us).
Words of wedding wisdom: Take it all in. It's such a big and emotional day and goes so fast. Enjoy every single moment and don't sweat the small stuff!
Budget: Our budget was 55-60K and we spent $70k (this does not include the dress & suits) this was just for the venue and suppliers etc.
The future: To grow our little family and just enjoy married life.
CREDITS: Photos Alex Marks // Video Joy Ride // Celebrant Pip Best // Venue Seacliff House // Bridesmaid dresses Bec & Bridge and Shona Joy // Suits M.J. Bale // Planning, styling, stationery and signage Sophie Sliepenbeek // Flowers The Faux Fernery and Home Grown Flower Co // Catering Garnish Creative Catering // Cake Livvy Kate Bakes // Bridal gown Jane Hill // Bride's shoes Steve Madden // Rings Crooked Howlet Design and Leie Design // Hair and makeup Jen Kilpatrick and Frankie Murray // Music The White Tree // Furniture hire South Coast Party Hire // Caravan bar Henry Clive.
