Nicole + James' Pearl Beach Community Hall Wedding
These lovebirds got married at Nicole's family beach house and had their reception at Pearl Beach Memorial Community Hall. The location was beautiful and the styling is on point. We're still full of envy whenever we see photos of Nicole's elegant beautiful wedding gown!
Read on to know more about them.
There's a full list of vendors at the bottom of the page.
How did you guys meet?
James: We sat next to each other at Tedx 6 years ago.
Nicole: I was at the event alone and keen to make a friend for the day and he looked about my age and I was practising having more courage talking to boys.
James: Apparently I came across a bit arrogant and made Nicole feel uncomfortable as I was too cool for her.
Nicole: But I was practising my confidence and stayed in there.
James: I actually felt pretty happy that a smart, confident and beautiful woman was speaking to me.
Nicole: But nothing happened after the first meeting and it was not until we re-met at a mutual friend's performance that we saw something special in each other again years later.
Tell us a little about the proposal and the lead up to the wedding.
James: I had designed a ring and had planned to propose on our three week holiday to Japan in April this year. I was going to wait until the end where we had planned to stay at a beautiful ryokan, but I got too nervous carrying around the ring and did it within the first few days.
Nicole: We were staying in Kyoto and went to Uchi for the day to do a pottery class and see the village. James proposed over yakatori and I was completely in shock. I thought we may get engaged on the trip but in the moment I felt so unprepared.
James: We spend the next few weeks travelling around the island of Kyushu and had a very special holiday.
What does marriage mean to you?
James: The commitment to love each other unconditionally, without reason. To work together as a team.
Nicole: To promise to always be there for each other no matter what happens, to grow in love for each other everyday.
Did you undertake any DIY projects, if so what?
James: We made our own arbor with our friend Clare who is a designer, made from eucalyptus branches from the arboretum close to the hall at Pearl Beach. I'm writing a song which we will dance our first dance to.
Nicole: Making the arbor was fun. Justine Rose is a wonderful florist and stylist and we are going to be helping make the gum leaf garlands and we are collecting greenery for the stage backdrop. We will have a fun Friday working session bringing together the best native assets of Pearl Beach.
Any family or religious traditions incorporated into your day?
Nicole: We are being married by Kevin Ware, the minister of St James, Wyong. We have been to a pre-marriage course with Ken Gilmour from Lane Cove Mowbray Church and he is delivering the message. We are excited to have Ken be there to speak wise words and encouragement and to pray for us on our wedding day.
Talk to us about your dress, where is it from?
Nicole: The dress is from Jennifer Reagan in Newtown. She fits the dress herself and has been making her own dresses for over 17 years. I only went to three dress shops and my dress was one of the first that I tried on in her store and I felt confident about it straight away. She actually let me combine the top and bottom half of two dresses at no additional cost and also made it to my size as part of the service. I lot of other pre-made dresses will charge you over $600 for these kinds of alterations. It also feels like I am wearing a very comfortable nightgown which is a bonus. I could sleep in it!
Advice for other couples planning a wedding?
Look at only two or three options for each thing, choose something quickly and then go do something else you love.
It doesn't need to be expensive to be a good wedding.
