It was a natural choice for Liz and Dan to host their Perth waterfront wedding at The Raft, given Dan had spent the last four years bringing the open air, floating barge event space to life.
But an incredibly unique venue wasn’t the only thing this couple had to brag about. They also played tetris with tradition by organising a first look alongside their wedding party (which for Dan included his two sisters), a pre-ceremony wine tasting and later, a classy arrival to The Raft by boat. The outcome? A wedding that looked like one helluva good time.
Captured by Jarrad Seng of I Know A Place, you can see their entire celebration below.
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How did you and Liz meet? (Dan) Liz and I met through mutual friends in Melbourne close to eight years ago now! I remember seeing Liz from across the bar and thinking I had just seen the most beautiful women ever – I repeated this in my speech at the wedding. I was instantly attracted to Liz’s beauty and when Liz (as I didn’t have the courage to begin conversations) started speaking to me her thoughtfulness, empathy and love for others was clearly evident.
The proposal: (Dan) I was quite nervous and although had the best intentions of proposing at the beach, I fumbled my words and got the ring out about 100 metres shy of the beach on the road. Not the most romantic but a good story nonetheless. I think Liz’s exact words were: “Haha – I mean yes, of course. But why not wait until we’re actually ON the beach!”
Wedding venue: (Liz) Dan had just opened a venue called The Raft in Perth. We wanted to get married on the venue as Dan had spent the past four years working on the business. It’s a stunning open air floating barge event space. Katie (Dan’s sister) completed the interior design to reflect WA’s coastal landscape. In the way of styling, very little was required as the beauty of the Swan River and venue is on display. We did have some flower arrangements which I organised…
Wedding vibe: Our theme was “Sicilian Coastal Cocktail” inspired by our love for Italy. It was very pretty with linen suits and floral dresses that perfected suited the venue. We were so lucky with the weather – even though it was January in Perth where it can be windy we had still, perfectly calm waters and a warm balmy night.
Traditions: adopted, adapted or ditched? (Dan) The ceremony had an aisle that the bridal party and Liz and her Dad walked down and we had a few readings – albeit verses from songs we love. Other than that, we did our own thing. I had my two sisters in my bridal party, which I loved.
Hit or (near) miss: We were very fortunate with our speeches. They all went down really well and had a few good chuckles and ohhhh moments. Dad did a Love Actually style speech where he wrote and read a poem while someone else told a separate story he wrote on big cards. It was pretty special that he took so much time to do his speech.
I’ll always remember… (Dan) Sitting with Liz and looking back at the wedding party from about 100 metres away while getting Bridal Party photos and thinking how pretty it was. A hundred or so of our most loved people in a park surrounded by trees and flowers all wearing such pretty clothes. It was a pretty special sight and memory.
Words of wedding wisdom: I think I got this advice and it’s critical so will pass it on: take it slow and enjoy the day! Before you know it, it’s all over and life resumes – with a life partner though. I had so much fun at our wedding and wish (but not really) that we could do it all over again!
The future: Being able to honeymoon in Italy… whenever we are allowed haha. And of course, buying a house and having children.
CREDITS: Photos Jarrad Seng of I Know A Place // Venue The Raft Perth // Celebrant Peter Saracini // Flowers and styling Elizabeth Stokes // Catering Heyder and Shears // Cake Perth Cake Collective // Bridal gown and veil Maevana // Accessories Fairley and Tiffany & Co. // Bridesmaid dresses Sir The Label // Groom and groomsmen suits Joe Black // Rings Linneys and Kailis // Hair Amy Baines Hair // Makeup Manda Anderson Makeup // Music Mark Turner (Saxophonist), Groom (Harmonica), Nick Davidson and Tim Buhagiar (Guitar), DJ Zelman (DJ), Guests (Tamborine for Flash Mob) // Transport E-Type Jaguar (private vehicle) and Sirroco (private boat) // Furniture hire Hire Society and The Raft Perth.
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