Surfers Jamie and Mike absolutely adore each other and knew they would spend their forever by each other’s side. They decided to marry on the beach at sunrise on their anniversary as a couple. They pictured an intimate, relaxed, and authentic ceremony with just their immediate families present, and asked the team at Elope Stradbroke to help make it happen.
In the lead up to their wedding day, I met the couple to complete their legal Notice and chat about their vision. We spent time corresponding back and forth to create a tailored ceremony, with the couple even penning a poem to include. Coordinator, Romana, booked the beach ceremony site with Council (who had to check twice that 4am, not 4pm was the correct time), booked our barge and accommodation, organised hair and makeup, and offered a selection of styling elements for the couple to choose from.
Mike and Jamie found a beautiful holiday home with an outlook of the beach, booked their barges, invited their parents and siblings, purchased wedding rings, and found their perfect outfits.
On their wedding eve, the Elope Stradbroke team travelled to North Stradbroke Island by barge, checked into our accommodation, then checked in on the couple to sign some declarations and ensure that everything was all set for their early morning wedding.
We then had time to duck into the Gelato shop for a passionfruit Gelato, before cooling off in the surf at beautiful Cylinder Beach at Point Lookout. We had a simple dinner at the Amity Tavern before setting alarms and bunking in for an early night.
At 2:20 am, Suzie was on the road to meet our bride Jamie and curl her long locks. Not far behind her, Romana, Steve, and I set out for the ceremony site to set up. The wildlife on Straddie is abundant, and care was taken to avoid Tawny Frog Mouths, Kangaroos, and Curlews.
We arrived at secluded South Gorge while the full moon was still high in the sky, and the first streaks of pink were starting to appear in the east. Steve carried the bamboo arbour and chairs down to the sand and had racked up his daily 10,000 steps before sunrise. Romana hung the macrame backdrop to create a boho look in a neutral colour scheme, as selected by the couple. I set up my PA and laid out the ceremony documents on the lace table cloth.
Mike arrived at the beach with his parents and brother just as light broke across the horizon. He wore a sand coloured suit with an open neck white shirt, and if it wasn’t for his boisterous grin, you’d think he had just stepped out of an Armani catalogue.
As the song, “Never seen anything quite like you,” by The Script played softy, and the first rays of sunlight kissed the ocean, Jamie walked onto the sand, with her parents either side, wearing a slinky white fitted dress with spaghetti straps that showed off her petite figure. Her dark hair was curled and pinned up with white flowers. Jamie’s shy smile highlighted her stunning natural beauty.
Hand in hand, against a backdrop of hues pink, orange and gold glinting on the ocean, Jamie and Mike made their forever promises to each other. Their words were filled with love and sincerity, echoing the beauty of the morning around them. Each family member then added a shell, along with a wish for the couple, to a glass jar.
After a kiss, and the signing of certificates, the couple were congratulated by their doting and supportive family members, celebrating the promise of the newlywed’s beginnings.
The dawn sunlight on the beach was just perfect, and with the gentle ocean breeze fluttering lightly, memories were captured with photos which will be shown proudly by the parents of the bride and the groom to friends and family all around the world.
After a celebration breakfast, the couple planned to grab their surfboards to commemorate their wedding day enjoying their favourite pastime.
And the Elope Stradbroke team grabbed coffees and chocolate croissants before heading back to the barge homeward bound. I’m keen for a nap, but my heart is still buzzing with all those good vibrations – Beach Boys style.
Coordination and Styling: Elope Stradbroke
Photographs: Romana Saeheng Photography and Graphic Design
Ceremony: Cheryl Landsberry - Marriage Celebrant
Hair and Makeup: An Eye for Style Wedding Makeup & Hair Stylists
Transport: SeaLink Stradbroke Island
