Menu

Featured Wedding: Jessica & Harrison

When planning a wedding, you must decide which aspects are most important to you. 

It’s different for everyone. For example, for one couple their venue might be the most important thing. While for others, it’s the food. Or, maybe even, the entertainment. 

But since you’re reading this, I’m guessing beautiful photos to remember your day is one of the things most important to you. And I absolutely agree.

After all, photos are the only tangible thing, besides your partner, you’ll have at the end of your wedding. 

It was certainly the same for Jess and Harry. From day one, they told me the most important things to them were:

  1. Their venue in Coffs Harbour overlooking the ocean
  2. Getting to celebrate with their nearest and dearest (especially in the middle of a pandemic)
  3. And, beautiful images to remember their wedding day by

So, when the time came for Jess and Harry to find a photographer, they turned to Instagram. And as I recall, they soon found me and fell in love with my bright and airy style. It pulled at their heartstrings.

But what they didn’t know when we first connected was that they would fall in love with more than the end result of our work together. According to Jess and Harry, it was also the experience I was able to help create for them that they were grateful for. In Jess’s words, “The day ran perfectly – I cannot fault anything!”

Let me explain…

Deciding on the Details

I’ll admit… I like to be in creative control. It’s what, in part, makes me a good photographer!

So, when Jess needed help deciding on the colours and tones of their wedding, in addition to finding certain vendors, I was more than happy to help!
Jess and Harry wanted a natural and effortless look for their wedding and their photos. So, we started by finding the right florist. Then, we chose a neutral, timeless colour palette to match Jess’s vision. We threaded the colour scheme through the bridesmaids flowing white dresses and the pink bouquets which matched the bride’s. All of which would be highlighted beautifully by their surroundings.

ArtHOUSE Beachfront Accommodations house in Coffs Harbour
Bridesmaids enjoying Champagne on the patio at the ArtHOUSE getting ready house
Bride and Bridesmaids cheering with Champagne before the wedding
Brides gown from Made with Love Bridal hanging in the window
White and pink bridal bouquet with white ribbon by Boheme Botanical
Bride’s personal items | Tony Bianco shoes, engagement ring, and jewellery from The White Collection
Bride getting dressed in her gown from Made with Love with help from her bridesmaids
Bride getting her hair and makeup done by Edwards & Co. and Kellsie Bain Makeup
Bride clasping bracelet gift for her Bridesmaid
Ceremony site at Emerald Beach at Coffs Harbour
Bridesmaid white and pink bouquets by Boheme Botanical
Bride and bridesmaids in white dresses from Esther & Co. and pink bouquets from Boheme Botanical before the ceremony at Coffs Harbour
Groom and Groomsmen arriving to the ceremony at Coffs Harbour
Guests watching the Bridal procession on the cliffs of Coffs Harbour
Bride and her dad procession at a ceremony at Coffs Harbour
Bridesmaids in white dresses and pink bouquets at beachside wedding in Coffs Harbour
Bride and groom during beachside ceremony saying “I do”
Bride and groom tie the knot and recess down the aisle at beachside ceremony at Coffs Harbour

Timeline Preparation

During the planning process of their wedding, I stayed in contact with Jess and Harry as much as possible – Checking in to see how plans were going and answering their questions.

I not only wanted to connect with them and help them to feel reassured, but I also wanted to understand the moments and people on their wedding day that would be most important to them. (As I do with all of my couples!)

From there, I helped create a timeline that matched their needs.

On the day of the event, like with most weddings, things started running behind. That’s life and weddings! But because I know to expect this, I had already built-in extra time into their timeline.

And although things didn’t go perfectly according to plan, Jess and Harry remained super calm. They were just happy to be together and enjoying their wedding day. And I did my part to make sure their portraits were taken quickly, yet efficiently, so they would get back to celebrating with family and friends.

Wedding party posing for formal portraits at Emerald Beach in Coffs Harbour
Bride posing with her pink and white bridal bouquet from Boheme Botanical
Groom in front of the cliffs at Coffs Harbour dressed in Harry’s Menswear and wearing a boutonniere from Boheme Botanical
Veil and back of bridal gown from Made with Love Bridal
Bride and Groom posing with family and Surf Street Cafe in Coffs Harbour
Bride and groom kissing on the cliffs of Coffs Harbour
Bride and groom taking a stroll at Emerald Beach in Coffs Harbour
Bride and groom formal wedding portrait at Emerald Beach at Coffs Harbour

Planning a Wedding During COVID-19

For any couple who’s planned a wedding during the time of COVID-19, it’s been rough (to say the least.) 

Jess and Harry, like most weddings this year, not only had to change dates but downsize their wedding to a more intimate one with just family and a few friends. 

So, when the unexpected pandemic changed their plans, the only thing left to do was embrace the changes and be as flexible as possible.

If you’re one of those couples whose wedding is affected by the pandemic, it’s important to remember that at the end of the day you get the chance to marry the love of your life. Hopefully, surrounded by your closest friends and family. And while you (and I) love pretty things and beautiful decor as much as the next person, these things are just the cherry on top. 

So, from one bride to the next… “Have fun with it! When the day arrives, let go of all your expectations, take everything in and enjoy every moment. The day is amazing but over in a flash!”

Beautifully said, Jess!

Bride celebrating with guests during reception at Surf Street Cafe
Bridesmaids laughing and celebrating with guests
Bride and guest hugging at reception
Guests toast to the father of the bride’s speech at reception at Surf Street Cafe
Bride tossing her bouquet for the bouquet toss
Bride and groom cutting their wedding cake by Sugar Plum Cakes & Desserts
Bride and groom laughing and celebrating during their reception at Surf Street Cafe in Coffs Harbour

Vendors

Ceremony: Bonville Headland | Officiant: Married by Simon | Reception | Caterer: Surf Street Cafe | Florist: Boheme Botanical | Hair: Edwards and Co, Jesse Furlan | Makeup: Kellsie Bain Makeup | Suits: Harry’s Menswear | Bridal Gown: Made with Love Bridal | Bridesmaid Dresses: Esther & Co. | Jewellery: The White Collection |Shoes: Tony Bianco | Stationery: Labelle Creative | Bakery: Sugar Plum Cakes & Desserts |Lodging: ArtHOUSE Beachfront Accommodations

Share This Post

Read the comments     |

Leave a comment

Leave a Reply

Whether your love story is one blossomed from elegant romance or one of epic proportions, I am so excited to be a part of this journey with you and can’t wait to get to know you more. I am a fine art photographer providing my services all throughout NSW, Australia and destinations worldwide. Passionately devoted to capturing the beauty of your special day. 

Get to know Sheri →

Meet the Author

Sheri Mcmahon

- Close -