Zoe and Simon

Today’s wedding is pure elegance- a Jewish celebration in the countryside followed by a beautiful waterside event. From the stunning sunsets, to the bride’s elegant and beautiful gown to the vintage chuppah- this one had me at hello.

Photographs today are by Marcus Bell of Studio Impressions. Again, Marcus blows me away with his stunning captures – not only of the candid moments, but the amazing backdrops and surroundings that are as much a part of the day as anything.

Zoe wore a stunning lace gown by Mira Mandic. The gown featured a French lace bodice and scalloped sleeves.

Zoe and Simon were married Zoe’s parent’s property in Doonan, Queensland, where Simon had proposed.

Blooms Of Noosa created the stunning floral arrangements.

Zoe and Simon chose to marry in a civil ceremony that incorporated Jewish traditions- including a Chuppah and breaking of the glass.

Because their wedding was held on the family estate, guests could stay over and enjoy the ambience the day before. “We decided to organise Welcome Packs and personally drop them off to each hotel and house before  our guests arrived”, says Zoe. “Each guest received a black paper bag containing an extra large black beach towel with white stitch detail. We included a personal welcome letter from Simon and I and a recently published article about Noosa, sourced specially from Country Style Magazine. The bags were embellished with beautiful flourished stickers bought in Paris on a recent holiday together”. Guests were able to enjoy a boat tour, organised by the couple before the official proceedings of the day began.

The couple stood beneath a beautiful chuppah made from antique fabric found on a trip to Berrima with both their mothers. Zoe describes the Jewish tradition. “We stood beneath a chuppah, symbolising the home we will build together. Simon broke a glass held in his great grandmother’s embroidered pouch, to mark the end of  our wedding ceremony and as a symbol of the recognition of the fragility and thus importance of marriage. We danced wildly to traditional Jewish songs, Hava Nagila and Simon Tov.”

For their photographs, they had a bit of a mix- up. The couple decided to go with the flow and were rewarded with beautiful pictures. “We had chartered a boat to the reception for Simon, the photographer and me. When we arrived at the dock, an apologetic skipper explained that due to reasons outside of his control, there would be no boat ride. Marcus stepped in and suggested a few places nearby where we could quietly share a special bottle of Dom Perignon together (we choose a different bottle of champagne to drink for every important milestone). We ended up ankle deep in mud, in the mangroves before a spectacular sunset. This is where some of our most dramatic photographs were captured,” says Zoe of their lucky misadventure.

At the reception (held at Ricky’s Bar & Restaurant) , it didn’t take long for the celebration to kick into high gear.

Zoe used a vintage typewriter for guests to hand type their well wishes. The wishes were pieced together to become Zoe and Simon’s wedding guestbook.

The stationery for the day was created by Ceci New York.

Zoe and Simon love music and at the reception, it was important they got the mix right. The couple hired a live jazz band to entertain guests during the reception and play as Zoe and Simon entered the reception. Dinner music was selected by Zoe’s father who chose jazz songs.

Congratulations Zoe and Simon! Thank you for sharing your wedding day with us! Thank you also to Marcus Bell of Studio Impressions for sharing your photographs today on Polka Dot Bride!