Em and Jarel

Celebrating a Bonnells Bay Summer wedding, Em and Jarel chose to marry in Jarel’s grandparents backyard- making the most of the Summer warmth and the family presence before celebrating with guests by the water. Captured by Jac and Heath Bennett Photography, it’s the most beautiful Summer wedding, embracing the weather and celebrating it’s beauty.

On how they met, they tell, “We met in 2008 when we both joined a band and became close friends traveling around Australia.”

Em remarks, “We used Jarel’s grandparents backyard because it is such a beautiful setting with a nice outlook. We wanted to have a really relaxed ceremony in an outdoor setting.”

Em chose a strapless mermaid gown with sweetheart neckline by Jane McNeill.

“Emily’s favourite flower, frangipanis, were used down the aisle which were collected and dropped off late by her aunty. The father of the groom ended up putting them out at the last minute to the cheers of various family and friends.”

 

The couple tell, “Jarel wrote and recorded a song that Emily walked down the isle to, it was the first time Emily had heard the song walking down.”

“The mother of the groom and Emily made the material flowers that were used as decorations at the ceremony hanging between trees.”

Of their photographers, Em and Jarel tell, “The photographers that we used are wonderful friends of ours. They are both creative and easy-going people that managed to capture so many wonderful moments throughout the course of the day. We felt like we could trust them completely to capture the day.”

Emily said to Jarel in her vows, “I will block the sun from your very easily burnt skin.” While taking photos between the ceremony and the reception Jarel got sunburnt!

The bride and bridesmaids carried bouquets made of fabric. They tell, “Emily made the material flowers for the bridesmaids as a surprise. The mother of the groom made Emily’s bouquet.”

Em and Jarel celebrated with guests (and a costume change!) at Rafferty’s Resort. They tell “We wanted to continue the relaxed outdoor atmosphere of the ceremony and Rafferty’s has a lovely undercover area that was converted from an outdoor setting that we loved.”

The decor was kept simple and beautiful, Emily and Jarel explaining, “Emily and her bridesmaids decorated the reception venue with hanging lanterns, fairylights and tealight candles that were scattered around the venue. Emily also bought crystals and square holders for the candle placements on the tables. Emily worked with Prestige Hire on where to place all of the bar tables and ottomans. Emily’s family provided a lounge set for the reception. Emily worked with The Event House as to what the table candle decorations would be.”

There was no first dance, the couple explaining, “Jarel cannot dance. Emily surprised Jarel with a traditional Niuen dance which he had never seen her do before.”

Congratulations on your marriage Em and Jarel. Thank you to Jac and Heath Bennett Photography for the lovely images.