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Wedspiration > Real Weddings > REAL WEDDING: Keeley + Joshua – Shoal Bay Country Club
Real Weddings
REAL WEDDING: Keeley + Joshua – Shoal Bay Country Club
Keeley and Joshua couldn’t have wished for a better day. Shoal Bay Country Club provided a perfect backdrop for their NSW coastal wedding and indoor fireworks and a DJ delivered plenty of party vibes.
NSW coastal wedding
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Words by Karina Lowndes
date
18 May 2023
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As the only girl of four, it was important to Keeley to include a traditional Father/Daughter dance on her special day. Outside of that, her and Josh’s NSW coastal wedding at Shoal Bay Country Club was less about tradition and more about good, party-till-late vibes.

“It was very important for us to have a a lot of fun and mingle with out guests, in a party atmosphere so we had indoor fireworks and a DJ to top it off”, says Keeley.

Captured by Kendell Tyne Photography, check out the full celebration below.

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How did you and Josh meet? We met at a house party five and a half years ago! The rest is history!

The proposal: I was totally caught off guard with the proposal. It was the coldest, rainiest day in August and we were going to pick up a lawn mower at Bunnings. I was dressed in comfy clothes and my hair was still wet, no makeup! He said he wanted to check the surf on the way there. He then pulled into a car park spot and said “Do you see that picnic over there?” and I said “Yes” to which he replied, “That’s for us”. I burst into tears!

I had a feeling he was going to propose but continued along with his plans. We walked over and Phat Platter Picnics had set up the most gorgeous platter, with wine and pillows and blankets. I couldn’t even eat I was so excited and Josh couldn’t eat as he was nervous and waiting for the perfect moment. It started raining and he finally got up and walked around in front of me, got down on one knee and asked me to marry him with the biggest smile on his face. I actually couldn’t move I was so happy and shocked and emotional. I stood up and of course said YES.

Wedding venue: We chose Whitesands at Shoal Bay Country Club. It was the first and only place that we looked at. We loved how the venue was mostly white and the beach was across the road. It was the perfect backdrop for a modern, coastal, elegant wedding that I had been dreaming of!

Wedding vibe: I was looking to create a modern coastal but traditional elegant style wedding. I wanted all white flowers, rose petals and candles to set the tone for a very romantic ceremony and reception. It was very important for us to have a a lot of fun and mingle with out guests, in a party atmosphere so we had indoor fireworks and a DJ to top it off.

Traditions: adopted, adapted or ditched? My dad and I went together in a white vintage princess limousine to the ceremony. He walked me down the aisle to Josh, where they shook hands and Josh lifted my veil. I am the only girl of four so my relationship with my dad is very special. We had the bride and groom first dance and father and daughter dance.

Hit or (near) miss: There are small things that happened on the day but you honestly don’t care about the small details as you are just floating in a happy love bubble. We realised at the ceremony that our signing table wasn’t there, we ended up singing on our drinks table. I thought I would care but I didn’t even notice in the moment we were just having the best time.

The outfit/s: I honestly felt like princess Diana. I wore a long fitted lace dress that hugged to my knees then out into a train to the ceremony, with an over the face white veil. I opted for a second look which was a silk dress that I could dance the night away in. I feel my most confident when I am comfortable.

Josh chose a black suite, white shirt and black tie. Josh was so handsome! I absolutely loved it – it was classy and traditional with a white rose to match my bouquet.

Standout vendors: Everyone of the vendors we had were outstanding! Shoal Bay Country Club were incredible vendors, everything leading up to and on the day ran so smoothly and professionally. Nicole from SBCC was so friendly and easy to talk to. She went above and beyond to bring our dream wedding to life.

Soundtrack: Aisle song: “Malibu Acoustic”, by Janet Hill. Just married: “Marry You”, by Bruno Mars. First dance: “The Wedding Song”, by Angus and Julia Stone. Party starter: “Gloria”, by Laura Branigan.

I’ll always remember… My favourite moment was walking down the aisle and seeing Josh for the first time that day… it all hit me, this was really happening and I was crying happy tears. Josh was too.

Words of wedding wisdom: I would say to enjoy every single minute it goes so quickly!

The future: We are looking forward to married life together, we recently bought our dream home and got a puppy. We can’t wait to have a family of our own down the track but for now enjoying this beautiful life we have created together.

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