Real Wedding; Laura and Shelton @Seacliff House
About You Two;
Now, How did you two meet?
Shelton and I met in Egypt. We were deployed to the North Sinai, (Laura with the Royal Australian Air Force and Shelton with the US Army) We deployed in support of the Multinational Force and observers whose job it is to enforce the treaty of peace between Egypt and Israel.
Who popped the Question and how did it happen?
Shelton asked me to marry him at boat harbour in Gerringong. We were taking our dog hank for a walk.
Why did you choose your venue and how was the venue choosing process?
It was not a hard process for us. We knew we wanted to get married on the south coast and to be able to see the ocean. We had driven past Seacliff house so many times so we were aware it was there and we actually booked it without physically visiting it. We had seen MANY MANY pictures so I was not one bit worried about booking it without a site visit.
Quick Fire Questions;
How many wedding guests did you have?
We had 55 people. We originally had around 90 invited but obviously with COVID things changed.
Sit down of Cocktail Style?
Sit down
What month?
November
Planning The Wedding;
Was planning the wedding stressful or did you enjoy the journey?
We had the Wed and event creators so I didn’t find the process stressful at all. I enjoyed doing the research into the style of wedding we wanted but Shelton and I are both quite relaxed. All we wanted was a party with plenty of food, drinks, laughter and good times with our nearest and dearest. After such a long time in lockdown and separated from loved ones we wanted everyone to be able to take a deep breath and let their hair down. We wanted a party with a little bit of lovey dovey stuff thrown in.
How involved were you both in the wedding planning, did one of you take more of the lead on certain aspects than others or were you both equally involved?
I did most of the decision making/planning hahaha. Shelton mentioned a few things that he wanted included in the day so I just made sure that happened.
What was the top couple of non-negotiables or important must-have’s at the wedding for you both?
Enough delicious food, cold beer, great entertainment. As there were many people who couldn’t be there on the day, it became quite important to us to have an amazing photographer and videographer and we could not be happier with Chris from Red Berry photography and Tim from Above Below Visuals. They were absolute legends; they totally got our vibe and made the whole process fun and relaxed.
Tell us about your dress and that dress-finding process?
I wore an Anna Campbell dress (Sydney). I found the process of dress shopping really simple. My best friend (who was also engaged) was making appointments for herself and asked if I would go along with her, so she made some appointments for me also. Our first stop was the bridal atelier. I had seen the dress online but it was not what I went to the shop to try on. It wasn’t what I thought I wanted but once we got there it just kept catching my eye. After putting it on, I was in love.
What sort of theme, vibe or style did you go for?
We settled on “modern coastal” as the vide we were going for.
On the Day;
How did you both feel wedding morning?
I was feeling quite relaxed. My bridesmaids had organised a local yoga instructor to come in and take a class for us. That got me in a great mindset for the day and helped release any nervous energy. Shelton was at home with his groomsmen and our 3 young kids so they kept him busy (and may have been a strategic move by me so to many beers were not consumed).
What was the best part or moment of your day?
I loved walking down the aisle with my dad and see Shelton waiting for me. I also love seeing our little girls and the excitement on their face when they got their hair done and we all put on our dresses. Shelton enjoyed the ceremony and sharing the experience with our loved ones.
Anything you would change about your wedding or anything that didn’t go to plan?
The only thing that didn’t go to plan was of course the weather (the one thing you can’t control). We wanted to get married outside but as it was wet, we found a marquee last minute.
Are there any rituals, sentiments or traditions you incorporated into the day?
We are not a traditional couple so we kind of just did our own thing. Shelton’s family were back in the U.S and were unable to make it so we asked them to write down a few words to be read out during the ceremony and we had everyone who couldn’t be there in person jump on Zoom call so they could join in virtually.
After the Wedding;
Describe newlywed life in a couple of words?
Life went back to normal pretty quick for us. Kids make sure of that haha.
Best investment or money well spent on the wedding that you made?
Hands down… Photos, Video, Garnish catering and Wed and event creators and include the clean up package!!!!
Budget-over, under or what you estimated?
Budget was around what we expected. weddings are not cheap that’s for sure.
Credits:
Coordination/Styling/Set up; The Wedding and Event Creators
Celebrant; Alex Moorhouse
Venue; Seacliff House
Florist; Flowers on the Mill
Photographer; Red Berry Photography
Videographer; Above Below Visuals
Catering and Bar Staff; Garnish Catering
Cake; TNT Creations
Entertainment; We Are Paper Hearts
Makeup; Sophie Dean
Hair; Lauren Taylor
