Coastal Vibes Meet Country Charm in This Glorious Byron Bay Wedding
Date: 17 September 2022 Location: Fig Tree Restaurant Photos: Ivy Road Photography
It was love when Jessica and Joel spied their future wedding venue, an intimate restored farmhouse backed by rolling hills, olive trees, and hinterland-to-ocean views that extend to the Byron Bay Lighthouse. “It also had a gorgeous swimming pool to gather around for cocktail hour and a beautiful outdoor ceremony space under the 150-year-old fig tree,” says Jessica. “Joel and I couldn’t stop smiling … we knew this was our venue without saying a word.”
Already sold on Byron Bay’s “coastal relaxed vibe” they reached out to Byron Bay Weddings to move forward with their forever plans. Jessica says liaising closely with their vendors via Zoom kept everyone in the loop. “Byron Bay Weddings were so organised,” she says. “They have a tight family community, and it was so exciting to finally meet them all in person after talking with them regularly for over a year.”
The couple also took on board many of planner Maddie’s ideas, including keeping their venue a surprise for guests. “We love this, and guests were getting curious and excited,” says Jessica, who arranged transfers for everyone to arrive together. A casual welcome dinner also set the holiday mood. “This hyped us up, seeing all the people we love all checked-in and excited for our day,” says Jessica.
The day-of felt lifted from the pages of a fashion editorial: the bride a vision in a stunning Tal Kedem gown with Joel dapper in a classic black tux. Fig Tree’s elegant, country estate feel was overlaid with love, laughter, and happy tears.
Most precious memory? “Hearing our aisle song (Oceans, Kenna Childs),” says Jessica. “Walking down on my own was empowering. I see Joel’s welled-up eyes ahead and, as I nearly reach him, everyone’s supportive claps start to carry me the rest of the way. I remember us smiling (trying not to look like sobbing messes) and holding hands as he said: “you look so beautiful”.
The loved-up ceremony was followed by cocktails and canapés poolside and a reception feast inside the restaurant, where “our friends took full advantage of the microphone and had us all in stitches,” says the bride. An exquisite culinary creation by Marina Machado was the cherry on top.
Although the wedding itself felt like a vacation, “we set off two days later to southern Europe,” says Jessica. “It was so nice to get away so quickly and enjoy time together whilst still overwhelmed with love and excitement.”
Our bride also has some golden nuggets for other couples. “Trust your vendors and let them work their talent. Get your invites out early. Choose a venue/planner that you’re comfortable with and you can connect with. Check seasons, school holidays, time differences and book as vendors can sometimes book out years in advance.” Couldn’t agree more.
Dream team: Reception: Fig Tree Restaurant Planner: Maddie Ellis, Byron Bay Weddings. Gown: Tal Kedem Bridal. Florals: Bloodwood Botanica. Cake: Marina Machado Photography: Ivy Road Photography
