Whimsical Wedding: Sarah and Alan

When this Wedding hit my inbox, I was in love! Sarah and Alan's wedding was a beautiful example of how your special day doesn't have to cost the earth to be memorable. You just infuse some originality into it - and top with a smattering of personality and a sprinkle of fun - and you have this laid back, imaginative and whimsical event.

Sarah and Alan
Byron Bay Surf Club
 7 March, 2010

Sarah and Alan tried to make the wedding as personal as they could - as well as relaxed, informal and memorable for their guests who had travelled to be there. They kept things simple by marrying at the Surf Club with a budget-friendly but spectacular backdrop.

Place settings (which also served as favours) were love hearts made from seeded paper that could be planted afterwards as a memento of the day. They also handed out "Lucky in Love" envelopes with a $2 scratchie, making for a low-budget but effective talking point. The wedding "car" was a 1646VW Kombi and Sarah's flowers were simple white daisies that she styled herself.

Sarah is from Melbourne and Alan hails from Griffith, NSW. They met online and he proposed over a burger at The Rails pub in Byron Bay while she was four months pregnant! Their 50-guest wedding was about their new family, including Alan's 6 year old daughter and Archie who was born in August, 2009.  "We wanted relaxed, informal and very personal" Sarah says. "It had to reflect us."

Sarah and her mum planned everything to the letter, however a day-of co-ordinator was hired to ensure the smooth running of the event so the newlyweds could enjoy their day.

"We were overwhelmed by the feedback in our guestbook" Sarah mentions, some of which included:


"So much love in the room!"
"A beautiful family."
"A stunning backdrop and beautiful vows"
"Lots of Sarah's personal touches throughout the day".

It's the personal touches that made this wedding - and indeed any wedding - so amazing.

Sarah's dress was made especially for the day by The House of Hinton. "As I gave birth 7 months prior I needed something that was flattering for post-baby tummy and also not too difficult for emergency breastfeeding!" she says. The dressmaker took one look at her and knew she'd be perfect for a Spanish designer gown she had always wanted to emulate, and it was perfect for the style of wedding that Sarah had in mind.

Sarah's step-daughter was the only flower girl, and wore a simple dress of white and gold.

 

Sarah found it hard to choose a favourite memory from the day, but says if she had to choose one, it would be "walking down the aisle to the Blue Hulas singing 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' island-style and seeing my husband's face."

A gourmet BBQ was served on the deck, with a dessert/lolly buffet providing all things sweet for their guests. Sarah and Alan opted for a wedding "cheese" in place of a cake, which was then serviced with biscuits and figs and the night was topped off with milk and cookie shots and home made limonello.

Congratulations Sarah and Alan - and thank you for sharing your special day with us!

Vendors: 
Venue: Byron Bay Surf Club
Dress: The House of Hinton
Photography: Jeremy Heffernan of Conception Design


Sarah loved styling her wedding so much that she has started her own business!
Visit her at www.itsasweetlife.com.au