KELLIE + TYRONE:: OCEANIC ROMANCE AT ANCORA

When it comes to choosing those special girls and guys to stand beside you when you say I do, it can be a daunting task. Friends vs siblings vs family members vs future in laws – it’s a big and sometimes, political, decision. So it’s no surprise when some couples opt out of having a bridal party altogether, keeping things a bit more low key and rolling as just a happy duo at the ceremony. For Kellie + Tyrone, they decided to go the other way and just include them all!

Kellie tells us all about her epic bridal party of 18, beach ceremony and waterfront reception.

ABOUT THE DAY //

It was more incredible and perfect than we had ever anticipated. We just wanted a party with our most loved humans. So we decided on a cocktail wedding and it suited us to a tee.

Being a destination wedding for all of our family and friends we wanted to make the most of having all of our most loved people in one place. So the day before the wedding we had a golf day organised for the guys. Tyrone’s a mad golfer. 56 people played in the Peaches and Cream Golf Tournament (Peaches and Cream was our wedding hashtag) and they had a blast, while the girls had a long lunch. Tyrone stayed at Mantra on Salt, Kingscliff the night before the wedding and I stayed at Peppers on Salt just next door.

I woke up buzzing and couldn’t believe the day was finally here! Most people’s advice was to take everything in, I did. I believe I was a chilled bride from the start, I never wanted to get overwhelmed or disappointed if things didnt go according to plan.

I had 5 bridesmaids who wore silver Camilla & Marc dresses which I was just obsessed with. The dresses cut just looked divine on them all! I had 6 flower girls including our daughter. They wore hand made tulle shirts and a cropped top made by the ever so clever Julia Cripwell.

Tyrone had eleven (yes eleven!!!) groomsmen. Everyone that heard he was having that many were shocked and most people said that they couldn’t believe I allowed him to, although I didn’t understand the issue. He has the closest bunch of friends. They are all the absolute best guys and he couldn’t cut any out to match my 5 Bridesmaids so why not?

When our florists Nikki and Nicole from Nikau Flower Bar walked into my room with our flowers I was in utter shock. They were the most incredible flowers I had ever seen and the choices they made from colour pallet was out of this world. I just knew the arbour was going to be just as incredible and it did not disappoint. We actually moved our arbour from the ceremony to the reception and used it as the backdrop for our photo booth (Rach’s brilliant idea) and added a neon light from What She Said Co.

Our ceremony location was ideal. The wooden walkway to the beach acted like an aisle and what an entrance it was. To have Tyrone waiting at the end and all of our most favourite humans waiting at the bottom was unforgettable and something I’ll never forget. Our dearest friend and Tyrone’s Uncle married us which was extra special. My mum is a celebrant and was the official celebrant and when we arrived at the reception we had a secret ceremony with just our bridal party where we actually legally were married. It was extra special to get to do it twice.

The bridal party – in particular the boys, were super nervous about their entrance to the reception. but they nailed it at was such a fun way to start the party. Our reception was picturesque, the venue is in such a stunning spot on the tweed river and as the sun sets is just incredible. The staff at Ancora were so professional, accomodating and beyond lovely. From the first email to the goodbyes the night at the wedding, every staff member involved was great. Whoever is in charge of the menu is amazing and is a true talent. All of our guests were so impressed with the standard of food and Tyrone and myself were so impressed with the variety we had to choose from. I wish our reception never finished it was just a blast. A benefit of having a cocktail wedding was the dance floor started early in the night and did not stop. It was a truly unforgettable day with all of most loved.

ABOUT THE INSPO + STYLE //

I decided to hire a wedding planner as we didn’t want to have the stress of setting and packing up. Best decision we made for the day. We went with The Events Lounge and Rachael and her team are absolute visionaries, out of this world brilliant at their job. I sent Rachel a handful of pictures for the vibe we were after and she just got it right away and delivered above and beyond our expectations. The entire team at The Events Lounge were extremely lovely and I could not recommend them enough.

The style was Oceanic Romance – completely put together by Rach. I just continually sent her pictures of wedding inspiration and she magically put it all together and it was beyond what we initially thought it would be.

CEDREMONY SONG //

“Wedding Song” by Angus and Julia Stone – Ever since hearing this song years ago, it hit me in the heart. I loved the calmness in what they were singing and seemed completely fitting.

FIRST DANCE SONG //

“If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys – Tyrone chose our first dance song. He thought it was special and brought up happy memories of our relationship.

FAVOURITE MOMENT //

It would definitely have to be walking down the aisle. The moment was beyond perfect. To have all of our most loved family and friends in one of our favourite places and witnessing our most special moment – apart from our daughter of course. My heart was so full and I felt incredible walking down to see Tyrone’s face. Simply unforgettable.

TOP TIP //

Slow down and take every small moment in. Don’t have too many expectations. If things don’t go as to plan just go with the flow and don’t let it ruin your day. The bigger picture is way more important.