Real Wedding // Emily & Jason’s Byron Bay Surf Club Wedding

In Emily & Jason’s words, “we’re a New York City love story but we’re also two Sydneysiders who went all the way to the other side of the world to find each other”. This lovely couple had their dream Hawaiian wedding cancelled so their plan B was Byron Bay. They didn’t let that circumstance rain on their parade; it was everything and more they could have dreamt of. A beautiful barefoot beach ceremony followed by a long dinner overlooking the ocean. Read on to hear more of their love story.

Tell us your story, how did you meet and where did the proposal happen?
We met at a New York Giants game, fell for each other while watching the New York Knicks lose and had our first kiss outside a West Village bodega. Years later, on a rainy Saturday morning, we popped a bottle of champagne on our Williamsburg rooftop and decided to get married.

We’re a New York City love story but we’re also two Sydneysiders who went all the way to the other side of the world to find each other.

What style were you striving for with your table settings, florals and reception? Was there a certain look or vibe that you wanted to create?
Relaxed and understated, classic and romantic and all about good food, good wine and great company.

Were there any vendors that you particularly loved working with and why?
Byron Bay Weddings, of course, for pulling off the dream day with the best food. Our celebrant, Ben Carlyle, was an absolute hit. Van Middleton and Gold Bear Weddings were the perfect photo/video combo. Alex Ouston Beauty made my ladies and I look flawless. Sarah Archer nailed the music throughout the whole day. Wilderness Flowers were stunning. Sun Bistro recommended the best beer and wine and everyone raved about Millie’s of Newrybar’s tiramisu wedding cake, as well as the reception venue, Byron Bay Surf Club.

Tell us what the most important aspects of your wedding day were and what moments really stood out to you. 
The relaxed vibe of it all! A barefoot beach ceremony into cocktail hour and the best dinner party of 2020 with a side of dancing.

You got married during a global pandemic, how did you find the experience?
The day was the best ever. The lead up was a rollercoaster of emotions but it gave us a great perspective.

Fleeing our home in New York City and cancelling our dream Hawaiian wedding wasn’t easy but we still consider ourselves the lucky ones. At the end of the day, we just wanted to get married.

We announced a new date and destination, and four months later, 100 of our closest Australian friends and family turned up ready to party! We missed our Americans, of course, but we’ll be back to celebrate with them as soon as we can.

Our Byron Bay wedding was the best plan B we could have dreamed of. None of it would have been possible without Sihanie, who gently guided us through every detail of planning. Che, who got us so pumped to talk everything food-related and Jimmy our Day Coordinator and the amazing Byron Bay Weddings staff who adapted to everything on the day. We look back and think, “what restrictions…?”.

What reassurance would you give to other couples in the same situation that are hesitant or have concerns about their upcoming wedding? 
This is cheesy so bear with me. Remember what’s important, remind yourself why you’re getting married, focus on what you can control and when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

It’s your day to celebrate your love and the people you love will be there for it. No matter what the latest restriction is!

Emily & Jason xo

Suppliers
Venue: Byron Bay Surf Club // Hair & Makeup: Alex Outson Beauty // Celebrant: Ben Carlyle // Photographer: Van Middleton // Videographer: Goldbear Wedding Films // Florist: Wilderness Flowers // Musician: Sarah Archer // Cake: Millie’s of Newrybar // Guest Transport: Steve’s Transport // Catering: Fig Tree Catering // Lighting:  Byron Audio // Furniture & Styling: The Wedding Shed // Planning & Coordination: Byron Bay Weddings