This Byron Bay Wedding is a Must-See

It won’t come to you as a surprise that when you pair a power team of vendors such as Lara Hotz and The Events Lounge, you’re bound to see magic, but Emma and Tom’s wedding is for the books. This ultra elegant wedding had the perfect venue to set the tone at Deux Belettes in Byron Bay, and we’re loving the warm shades of red contrasting with pale blues.

From the bride, Emma:
We met at work and, as cliché as it sounds, it was love at first sight. Tom, however, still thinks it took him a little longer to come around… It was so natural for the two of us to come together and have fun! We complement each other perfectly and balance each other out. It was quite a traditional courtship in the beginning but I love that. It was so nice to meet a true gentleman– he still opens doors for me or steps aside to let me walk first.

Our first holiday was in Byron Bay and we have been going back ever since Rae’s on Wategos is our special place. Tom proposed at our favorite restaurant in the Byron Bay Hinterland – Harvest. The restaurant is in a historic cottage with country charm & sophistication (kind of like the Groom). I had a feeling Tom was going to propose as he was so nervous he didn’t talk to me all day!
Tom walked me through the garden out the back, where they grow all their own produce, is truly beautiful. Surrounded by candles, we carved our names in the tree and followed the dinner with a cocktail in a private 107-year- old bakery.

We wanted to share our special place with all of our family and friends. Tom’s Family are from Country NSW and the Byron Hinterland was the perfect mix of country charm with amazing suppliers. Byron is a magic place with breathtaking natural surrounds and fresh produce. We wanted our wedding to be relaxed and luxe: great music, amazing food, and good wine. We met on site at Deux Belettes which could have been in France! We brainstormed ideas with our wedding planner Rachel from The Events Lounge and she did the rest with her amazing team. The venue didn’t need much as it is simply stunning.

We wanted the day to be effortless for our guests, calm but still a structured black tie event with all the traditional elements of a wedding.

We wanted all the guests to have fun & kick up their heels! It has been said it was the best wedding people has ever been too! Our theme was all about family, friendship, and love.
Both families desired a traditional sit-down dinner so we had a combination of long tables and roundtables which worked perfectly. The food was TOO DIE FOR – from the Oyster Bar, Antipasto Bar and a modern twist on an Italian menu. Leela from Your Gourmet nailed each element. Hands down my favorite supplier from the day – no words could describe her professionalism.

I didn’t feel the need to try on any dresses prior. I have always loved Steven’s designs. I don’t know how you can only pick one dress! I wasn’t sure initially – we took inspiration from the venue to create something romantic and timeless with a modern twist. Up close the gown had amazing detailing with individual leather flowers.
My makeup artists canceled on me two weeks out from the wedding! Alana Mevissen did my make up for the day – we focused on natural dewy skin and very minimal makeup. I invested in regular facials so I didn’t have to wear much makeup on the day.

Steven is the best in the business at understanding a women body shape, he also nails elegance. The dress had the most amazing detachable cathedral style train for the ceremony. Steven’s designs are elegant and beautiful. It was the perfect mix of classical with a contemporary edge.

Who did you have in your bridal party and what did it mean to you to have those people involved? My sister, Julia and my sister-in-law Rebecca. My husband had my brother and his brother. Having the only family was perfect and because there were only two bridesmaids I was able to spoil them a little bit more.

Did you use other ways to involve friends and family in special moments during the day? We asked all of our cousins and close family to read in the ceremony. Tom’s best friend was the MC who was an absolute hoot, he should seriously consider quitting his day job!

Where did you source most of your ideas, including flowers and food?
Instagram was a great help to locate amazing suppliers when you’re not a local. I pretty much chose each supplier within a week and let them do what they were best at – I am very quick to make a decision when I know what I want. I didn’t over think any element, that way if it’s not exactly perfect on the day it doesn’t really matter.

Most memorable moment from your wedding day?
Only one!? My mother-in-law passed down some treasured family heirlooms to me, including a white embroidered handkerchief plus a sapphire & diamond antique ring which has been in the family for four generations. I felt so special and loved, to be welcomed into someone else family like it is your own is the best feelings. We also had great music!

We had a string quartet when guests arrived & for the ceremony, My dad walked me down the aisle to Canon in D by Pachabel. The string quartet played a mix of modern covers followed by a live acoustic duo for canapés & cocktails and to top it off a five-piece band after formalities. The live band under the stars on the outside dance floor was incredible. Our last song was The Horses – Daryl Braithwaite, everyone was singing and our guests lifted us up on their shoulders. It was a moment we will never forget. The speeches were also standout – full of laughter and love! We are so lucky to have two families effortlessly coming together as one.

Any advice for couples planning their own weddings now? Have a regular facial once a month. Wear sunscreen! I got sun-burnt two days before the wedding – I had the most ridiculous t-shirt tan. Don’t get caught up on details and styling, leave it to the specialists and have fun! x

Song after the ceremony: String Quartet – Marry you, Bruno Mars
Farther daughter dance: Isn’t she lovely – Stevie wonder (my dad picked this all on his
own)

Wedding Vendors
Photographers: Lara Hotz Photography
Event Styling: The Events Lounge
Venue: Deux Belettes
Cake: Rebellyous Cake Co
Flowers: Bower Botanicals
Dress: Steven Khalil
Groom’s Suit: P Johnson
Hair: Clare Moriarty
Makeup: Alana Mevissen
Brides Shoes: Sophia Webster
Bridesmaid’s Outfits: Carla Zampatti; Valentino
Invitations: Kathryn Green
Catering: Your Gourmet Catering
Fragrance: Byredo – Gypsy Water