CTCW Wedding Suppliers:
Ceremony Location: Shelley Cove, Bunker Bay
Wedding Reception Venue: Bunker Bay Cafe
Photographer: John Kuppens Photography
Flowers: Stemtation
Makeup: Lynette Nickell trading as Lauren Wood Makeup and Tanning
Celebrant: Maureen Nicholson
Guest Transport: Gannaways Charters & Tours
What was the theme/style for your wedding?
Beach and simplistic.
What was the hardest part to plan for your wedding?
I think I was most worried about the timing of everything although all our suppliers were really helpful with this and it ran perfectly on the day.
Did you have a budget and did you stick to it?
Sort of! We had an idea of what we wanted to spend but nothing set in stone. We didn't go too much over what we thought.
What was the one thing you weren't going to comprise on for your wedding?
Food/venue, photographer and entertainment.
How many guests did you have at your wedding?
80.
You had guests with children at your wedding was this for the ceremony only or ceremony and reception?
Ceremony only. We didn't have any bridesmaids or groomsmen but wanted a flower girl and page boy (my cousins children 7 & 9). I think it was nice for the kids to be involved and be at the ceremony. Having children at the ceremony wasn't something we discussed too much, I think it was something we just agreed on. As it was a night reception we didn't have children there, I think it would have been too much of a big day for them, plus it is nice for parents to go out and enjoy themselves without worrying about the kids. We didn't mention it on the invitations...I think people just assumed or asked if they were unsure....we also only put parents names on the invites so hopefully this gave them an idea.
What was the dress attire for your wedding guests?
Smart Casual I guess. We didn't stipulate this on the invitations. Being a beach wedding I think everyone assumed it was nothing too formal, most guests wore suits for the men and semi-formal/cocktail style dresses for the girls.
Details about your beautiful wedding dress and accessories:
My dress was a v-neck soft chiffon dress with a sheer back and beading at the back with a sweep train. I loved the simplicity of it and the fact it was so soft and flowing. I also had a thick beaded bracelet which had a similar antique style look to the beading on the back of the dress. My necklace was heart charms on a simple silver chain.
I couldn't see any adults in your bridal party did you have any?
No, just the flower children. We wanted the day to be about our love for each other. We also didn't want to have to choose between friends and we wanted all our friends and family to be in a lot of our photos, not just a chosen few.
When did you start looking for your wedding dress?
About 7 months before the wedding. A few shops were quite amazed that I had left it so close to the wedding date and said it could sometimes take up to 12 months to get some dresses in. Most dresses weren't a problem though.
How did it feel wearing your dress for the whole day was it comfortable?
Great, it was very comfortable....this was something I looked for when choosing the dress.
Did you carry a bouquet?
Yes, I had a sheaf of white orchids.
Pre-wedding dinner did you have one and who attended?
Only an informal BBQ with family, most of whom had travelled quite a distance to be at the wedding.
How did you sleep the night before your wedding day?
I slept quite well but woke up at about 4.30am.
Tell me about the running of the day what time did you start preparing etc?
The hairdresser and makeup artist arrived about 10.00/10.30am. They did my makeup and hair and also my mum's, sisters and the flower girl. This all ran really smoothly. The photographer arrived about 1.30pm and I had some photos of me getting ready (just final touches) and some photos with my parents which was nice. I didn't have too much to organise on the day which was nice, but my now husband had to help set up the beach and I know that he was fairly rushed in the end to get to the 3.00pm ceremony on time. The ceremony ran to schedule but it did take a little longer than planned to get everyone organised for the group photos (but this was well worth it in the end as the group photos are fantastic and such a nice way to remember everyone there on the day) Our parents did most of the set up for reception after the ceremony (the downsize of organising yourselves!)....I know they felt a bit rushed during this time as they didn't get started as early as they anticipated but they did a fantastic job...it looked amazing, also the staff at Bunkers Beach Cafe were so helpful, it wasn't a problem in the end. We left the ceremony beach and had some photos at a nearby winery then arrived at the reception about 15-20 minutes later than the guests (which is what we had planned). The reception started at 6.00pm and started to wind up about 11.00pm...we had a bus booked to take guests back into town at 11.30pm.
You were presented to Lance by both parents, why?
I come from a close family and I just liked the idea of both Mum and Dad being involved.
Describe what happened at your ceremony and what time was your ceremony?
Our ceremony was at 3pm. It was quite a simple ceremony, we are not greatly religious so there wasn't any religious readings or anything. My cousin read a poem but this was the only reading. We wanted to keep the ceremony short, sweet and light hearted and just basically express our love for one another.
Did you have any music playing as you walked down the aisle and what was the song?
Yes I had Magic by Coby Calet. I chose this song as it is a happy love song and I think it has quite a beachy feel.
Who were the witnesses for your marriage?
Both our sisters.
What did your guests do after your ceremony while you and your Lance went off and had wedding photos?
The guests with children were able to take the kids back to their accommodation and get them organised, others went and had a drink at Bunker Bay resort and others went home for a bit. We had a bus collect guests from town or their accommodation and bring them to the reception and most took up this option.
Where did you go for wedding photos?
We had some at Shelley Beach some at a Winery and some at Bunker Bay Beach in front of the cafe. All 3 locations had a different feel and different colours which is great when you look back at the photos.
Top three reasons why you chose Bunkers Beach Cafe as your wedding venue?
1. The best food.
2. The best location....we are both ocean people so it was only natural for us to have it somewhere so close to the beach.
3. Great Service....we had a cocktail style reception and the staff were all so friendly and happy it was easy for people to enjoy themselves.
How was your wedding venue decorated and did you do this yourself or hire a business?
We did this by ourselves. We wanted it to be fairly simple but stylish so we had a few simple flower arrangements (large fish bowl of white orchids and spear grass looped in the bowl done by Stemtation, and a large bouquet of white orientals arranged by mum with the great help of one of the staff at Bunkers Bay Cafe) and my Dad made a white tree branch with glass turquoise love hearts hanging from it. We also had white round Chinese lanterns hung in the trees surrounding the cafe with battery operated candles in them (These looked so gorgeous both at night and before it got dark) and fairy lights in the trees. We also had white Balinese umbrella's at the entrance of the cafe and on the pathway to the beach (these were used in the ceremony also). It was good to do this ourselves although putting up the lanterns and umbrellas was a bit of work.
What happened at your reception?
There was a lot of dancing throughout the night with some very memorable speeches...both funny and heartfelt! Everyone has commented on what a fun and relaxed night it was with amazing food and music.
Your bridal waltz song?
Stand by Me, played by the band.
What food was served at the reception?
An assortment of amazing cocktail food.
Best moment of your wedding day?
I know it sounds a bit cliche but it would have to be walking down the aisle with my parents looking at my husband to be with all our friends and family there. It was such a perfect day with the ocean in the background....I felt really relaxed and so happy.
Describe the look and flavor of your cake?
We had a Crockenbush cake with toffee drizzled down it with a few white orchid heads over it also the profiteroles were filled with custard with a very slight hint of cointreau they were absolutely amazing! This was served as desert.
Did you make anything for your wedding?
The invites.
What were the bombonieres for your guests?
As our last name is Hart, mum got some door chime love hearts with a little bell on them made in Bali. These were handed out as the guests left.
Did you have a gift registry?
No, we had a wishing well.
John Kuppens Photography was your wedding photographer what was it about John initially that made you chose him as your wedding photographer?
Lance had worked with him before (through real estate) so we new he was a great photographer, who is very professional but also very friendly, down to earth and enjoyable to work with. On the day he was amazing. They made us feel so relaxed and nothing was a problem and the photos are fantastic. We would highly recommend John and his team to anyone.
Where did you spend your wedding night?
Bunker Bay Resort.
How do you feel now that your wedding is over?
Happy, the day went so well and we have beautiful memories forever. I love being married to my husband, I feel very blessed and love the life we share.
Where did you honeymoon?
We had a pre-wedding honeymoon in Europe a few months before the wedding.
Advice for other planning brides:
Remember to stay relaxed and enjoy it all, and stay true to what you and your partner want the day to be.
When you look back what would you have done differently on your wedding day?
Nothing, it really was the perfect day and I wouldn't change a thing. | 
Amelia & Lance's Bunker Beach Cafe Wedding 
