Real Wedding // Sam & Ciaram Barefoot at Broken Head Wedding

It was love at first sight for Sam & Ciaram and we couldn’t adore these two lovebirds more! In Sam’s words, “We both vividly remember those 5 minutes like it was yesterday; there was ‘something’ in the air.” Inspired by the sun-drenched coastal cliff faces of Broken Head Beach and their home in South Australia, Sam & Ciaram tied the knot with their nearest and dearest by the ocean, followed by a magical afternoon of cocktails and delicious food tucked away in the lush, tropical oasis that is Barefoot at Broken Head.  Read below to relive this beautiful day.

Tell us your story, how did you both meet?
Ten years ago I was working behind the bar at a local pub where Ciaram was playing a gig, I poured him a scotch & coke on his set break and we introduced ourselves. We both vividly remember those 5 minutes like it was yesterday; there was ‘something’ in the air. We built up a friendship over the first 5 years across the Internet whilst I was on dance contracts overseas. We thought it was just that, a great friendship. Turns out it was much, much more. Whilst I was dancing in Paris at the Moulin Rouge Ciaram was set to tour his music around Germany and planning to visit me in Paris, however, this happened to line up with my one trip home to Australia! We only had a couple of days to soak up each other’s company! We took this timing as a sign it wasn’t meant to be. 6 months later he shared a song he wrote for me called Long Ride Home in which he sings, ‘I left my heart in Paris’. Fast forward 6 months and I was due to be finishing up my contract and moving home for a short while. Finally, the stars aligned and everything fell into place! I ended up staying put by his side, travelling around the world on a music tour for a few years, building a home by the sea and making babies! We couldn’t be happier!

How did the proposal happen?
We were on a trip to Vietnam; he initially thought the surprise was going to be ruined going through airport security!

It was getting towards the end of our trip and I hadn’t caught him hiding anything in the resort safe so I figured it wasn’t happening haha! We had been out chasing waterfalls all day and had a private romantic dinner set up by the sea in the evening.

We walked back along the beach and settled in on the front porch of our villa under the moonlight when he pulled me in for a kiss and said he’d been waiting for the right moment that felt the most ‘us’. He asked me to grow old with him, got down on one knee, put the most beautiful ring on my finger and asked me to be his wife forever!

What were the reasons for choosing Barefoot at Broken Head as the venue for your special day?
We were looking for something incredibly relaxed and by the ocean, a daytime wedding with immediate family and a handful of close mates. We could be on the sand, by the water for our ceremony and walk back through the rainforest for the celebration at the house where everyone felt at home. We had our 12-month-old with us and all of our friends had young children/babies with them so we really had the ultimate relaxed set up with plenty of quiet spaces for naps!

Our immediate family was able to stay in the house for the wedding week and enjoy a special family holiday! With the villa-style rooms, everyone had their own space while having the ultimate indoor/outdoor home to hang out together and create beautiful memories. The boys could surf and we were close to town.

We also happened to say our first ‘I love yous’ in Byron on our first road trip together, so knew it was the right place to be. It was intimate, secluded, peaceful and so special. We would choose Barefoot over and over again!

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?
We went with neutral/bronze, peachy/golden tones with Aussie/beachy vibes. Inspiration came from the sun-drenched coastal cliff rocks at Broken Head and also our home in South Australia.

We certainly didn’t want to detract from the natural beauty surrounding us, keeping it very minimal. Caroline from Pikt Flowers was totally amazing. After a couple of hiccups with our arbour, I asked Caroline to get creative and make something magical for us. It turned out better than we could have ever planned and now, the dried arrangements in our home take me back to our special day every day!  

Were there any vendors that you particularly loved working with and why?
Umm BBW! Couldn’t have done it without you guys! Planning an interstate wedding can be tricky, especially when you’re as indecisive as I am! I had total trust in the Byron Bay Weddings team in every aspect. Everyone raved about the catering from FEAST Events & the service was above and beyond. Our families were floored. We wanted a simple and easy wedding and that’s what we got.

All of our vendors were all so relaxed and easy! We wouldn’t change a thing! Grace Loves Lace also deserves a shout out for completely saving me with a totally new dress 2 days before the wedding!! They were incredible! It’s a long story but I ended up in the original dress I loved; I guess some things really are meant to be!

Overall, what was your most favourite part of your wedding day and why?
Honestly, the whole day. All the little things – waking up with my best friend, him saving me from a spider whilst getting my make-up done, pretty much running down the sand aisle with my dad. Looking into Ciaram’s eyes on that beach is a mental picture I’ve saved forever.

Our Vows, our songs. The way the arbour ended up framing the lighthouse. Dodging jellyfish whilst running down the beach for some photos. Our first dance on the deck. Our friend being our musical soundtrack for the day. All the babies playing in the garden. Our loved ones enjoying good food; our favourite foods.

Our parent’s speeches, including an original song! Ciaram picking up the guitar and singing to us. Everyone being barefoot. Espresso martinis. Putting our baby to bed and being in the pool with a glass of wine by 8 pm. The cake; the delicious cake. Partying on in Byron town to an epic band. And finally, going to sleep with my best friend.

Top to toe, it was a GREAT day.

Sam & Ciaram xo

Suppliers
Venue: Barefoot at Broken Head // Hair & Makeup: Luciana Rose // Celebrant: Laura Brook // Photographer: Florin Lane // Florist: Pikt Flowers // Guest Transport: Steve’s Transport // Catering: Fig Tree Catering // Lighting:  Byron Audio // Furniture & Styling: The Wedding Shed // Planning & Coordination: Byron Bay Weddings