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Wedspiration > Real Weddings > REAL WEDDING: Emma + Mitch – Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
Real Weddings
REAL WEDDING: Emma + Mitch – Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
In just five short months, Mitch earned himself a lifetime of brownie points – attending wedding fairs (alone) and secretly organising a 1959 cadillac convertible to collect Emma and take her to the ceremony. The payoff? His dream girl (forever) and the ultimate waterfront wedding.
Watsons Bay
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Words by Amy Parfett
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27 September 2017
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Getting married at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel was a no brainer for Emma and Mitch, who felt it ‘blended’ Mitch’s relaxed nature and Emma’s penchant for ‘things to be classy’ perfectly.

“… we were stoked to be able to have our reception there”, says Mitch who knew a thing or two about throwing the ultimate waterfont wedding after attending One Fine Day Wedding Fairs. Alone, mind you.

Now that’s the kind of guy you marry.

Scroll on down to hear more from Mitch and check out all the pics by the amazing Samantha Heather Photography.

Tell us about how you met and the proposal.

We met leading together on a camp and so we began dating a little while after that. With the proposal, I had asked her dad while paddle boarding a few weeks prior, and was hoping she had no idea – although she had guessed it could be happening.

On the day, we’d been to a matinee performance of Matilda, which is close to Emma’s heart. From there I took her out to a favourite place of ours, the headland at Watsons Bay. We went out there and had a bit of a picnic. I got down on one knee and asked the question, to my relief she said yes.

Sydney waterfront wedding venue
Sydney waterfront wedding venue
Sydney waterfront wedding venue
Sydney waterfront wedding venue

What sort of vibe were you hoping to create for the day?

I’m heaps relaxed, a surfer and didn’t really want anything too formal. Emma is far more organised and likes things to be classy. Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel blended those so well. So we were stoked to be able to have our reception there.

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

We had a short engagement (five months) but we both think it was actually the best thing ever. Sure, some things are hard to get done – but if you work at it and get it all done quickly it’s totally achievable. 

Sydney waterfront wedding venue
Sydney waterfront wedding venue
Sydney waterfront wedding venue
Sydney waterfront wedding venue
Sydney waterfront wedding venue
Sydney waterfront wedding venue
Sydney waterfront wedding venue
Sydney waterfront wedding venue
Sydney waterfront wedding venue
Sydney waterfront wedding venue
Sydney waterfront wedding venue
Sydney waterfront wedding venue
Sydney waterfront wedding venue
Sydney waterfront wedding venue
Sydney waterfront wedding venue
Sydney waterfront wedding venue

What was your favourite moment on your wedding day?

Mitch: I have a good group of Christian mates who I get to share lots of life with. For me, the opportunity to catch up for a coffee the morning of my wedding was a great memory. To then go and marry the girl I love with the support of my family and friends was the best thing ever.

Finally, Emma didn’t know that we had organised a 1959 cadillac convertible for her and her dad to get to the church in and for us to travel to our reception in. So I think that was a cool surprise she really enjoyed.

Emma: I kept the dress a secret from my dad, he had no idea what to expect. When he finally turned around and saw me for the first time, the whole room was in tears.

Watsons Bay
Watsons Bay
Watsons Bay
Watsons Bay
Watsons Bay
Watsons Bay
Watsons Bay
Watsons Bay
Watsons Bay
Watsons Bay
Watsons Bay
Waterfront wedding venue
Waterfront wedding venue
Waterfront wedding venue

Any funny stories that surrounded your wedding?

In the lead up, I (Mitch) had been told ALL ABOUT a particular wedding expo, One Fine Day. The thing was that as it got closer and closer Emma found out she wasn’t able to go. So, the day came around and I ended up having a free day – so I went along to the wedding fair ALONE.

Going to that was definitely an eye opener. But funnily enough, it was because of my trip there that I was able to meet Moira Hughes who ended up making Emma’s dress.

Ceremony song?

Sara Bareilles, I Choose You.

First dance song?

Ryan Adams, Wonderwall.

Waterfront wedding venue
Waterfront wedding venue
Waterfront wedding venue
Waterfront wedding venue
Waterfront wedding venue
Waterfront wedding venue
Waterfront wedding venue
Waterfront wedding venue
Waterfront wedding venue
Waterfront wedding venue
Waterfront wedding venue
Waterfront wedding venue
Waterfront wedding venue

CREDITS: Photos Samantha Heather Photography // Ceremony Summer Hill Church, St. Andrew’s Anglican Church // Reception Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel // Flowers Botanical Art // Catering Tea & Roses // Bridal gown and veil Moira Hughes Couture // Bridesmaid dresses Review // Groom and groomsmen suits Oxford // Rings Grew & Co and Michael Hill // Grooms shoes Squire // Ties YD // Brides shoes Wittner // Cake Mrs Browne’s Bakery // Hair Mavii Hair // Makeup Kristy Micallef // Celebrant Nicholas Moll // Transport Ace American Convertibles // Music Angela Salerman and Jack Fenwick

Keen to check out more venues like this one? Head to our venue directory here

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