These two stylish peeps have been together for “about four years now, counting from our first date,” explains the bride. “As Joel says, that’s when he knew I was the one!” A chuffed Joel confirms, adding, “I wanted to marry Laura because from our very first car ride together, where I witnessed a broadway show from the driver’s seat, I knew she was different, in a good way!” Cute, eh? Fast forward to their nuptials (held at the picturesque, Audley Dance Hall, no less) and photographer, Robert Meredith, along with cinematographer/ friend of Hello May, C2Films, were there to document the day. Scroll down for all…
THE VENUE “We found Audley Dance Hall through Hello May magazine actually! I was flicking through an issue and I saw an advertisement for the venue and thought it looked so special and exactly what we were looking for. I wanted the wedding out of Sydney and Joel wanted it in Sydney. So after finding it in the Cronulla area, it was the perfect compromise! After seeing the ad I contacted the venue and set up an appointment to meet their events coordinator and get a tour of the Dance Hall and surrounding areas in the park. As soon as we saw the park we knew it was special, there were a number of gorgeous spots for an outdoor ceremony and the dance hall had a sophisticated but humble charm to it.”
FAVE DETAILS “I loved our wedding cake which was a bit of a struggle to get as we had our hearts set on a carrot cake and no vendors were willing to make it until the pastry chef at Audley Dance Hall told us that carrot cake was their specialty and they’d be happy to make it! We also loved the flowers and the arrangements that our florist, Francis Floristry, came up with. We really only gave her the colour palette and they let her have fun with it. She did an amazing job decorating our Chuppah and the bridal bouquet was stunning!”
THE DRESS “My dress was an Inbal Dror design from Helen Rodrigues. It took me three goes to get the right dress, [but] as soon as I saw it on, I knew this dress was for me. It was ethereal but not over the top, it had a wow factor that would suit an outdoor wedding and the most beautiful low back I had ever seen. Originally the dress had long fitted sleeves but I had always dreamed of having flowy sleeves so we were able to alter the sleeves. When we did this I fell absolutely head over heels in love with my dress.”
MEMORABLE MOMENT “My (Laura) favourite and most treasured moment of the day was our first dance. My brother is a musician and he sang with the band having our first dance as husband and wife to my baby brother singing one of my favourite songs. It was one of the most special moments of my life that I will never forget.”
CUTE CUSTOM “Joel is Jewish so we had a part Jewish and part non-Jewish wedding. This meant that we got to pick and choose what traditions we incorporated into our wedding. Joel really wanted a Chuppah and I wasn’t fussed so we had the most stunning Chuppah covered in beautiful flowers. We also chose to have the smashing of the glass and a Hora. Our celebrant was Jewish and she encouraged Joel to smash the glass with a slow clap lead up by the audience.”
A WORD OF ADVICE “Ask for recommendations. Word of mouth is the best way to find vendors. If you liked something at a wedding ask the couple who the supplier was! Our other advice is to make sure you make time for yourself!”
WE’RE GLAD WE… “We are glad we splashed out on the band, Glass Band! Music is one of the keys to an amazing wedding! If you want people up and dancing, make a good band or DJ a priority within your budget. Our band was one of the first things we booked and we knew they were a bit pricey but they really put on a show and set a fun and energetic atmosphere from the start of the ceremony all the way through. The singer of the band even had a broken leg and scooter and you wouldn’t have even noticed he was still filled with so much energy! We were really happy we booked buses to and from our wedding for guests. We had a lot of guests staying near the park in Bundeena and in the Eastern Suburbs. We offered transport to and from so that people could have a fun time at the wedding and not worry about driving home. Although we weren’t on the buses we heard they turned quite the party buses and sounded like a lot of fun!
STANDOUT VENDORS “Events To a T were fantastic. Our celebrant, Tami Sussman and the venue, Audley Dance Hall! Jasmine Abdallaoui gave me the best makeup trial I had ever experienced. Jasmine recommended Katrina and both of these ladies were so relaxed, so friendly and warm. The other vendors who were so important and did such a good job were our photographer, Robert Meredith and videographer, Michael from C2Films. These two guys were so friendly, relaxed and funny that it really helped when all eyes (and cameras) were on us! The photos from our day are everything I imagined and more. Michael was so warm and kind and had unique ways to make our video really special. When we got our highlight reel back from C2 Films I was in tears and must have watched it at least 20 times. They created the perfect highlight reel of our day and I can’t thank them enough! Also a special mention to Annie from Francis Floristry, recommended by our wedding planners, who knocked it out of the park on the floral arrangements!”
Laura and Joel’s wedding was originally published in Hello May’s Real Wedding Special 2020. We are all sold out, but you can snag a copy of the latest Real Wedding Special 2021 on our online store. And if you want to see more from the incredible venue, Audley Dance Hall, head to their Directory listing with us here and scroll down to see many more weddings they have hosted along with some very happy couples. Also, be sure to check out awesome cinematographer, C2Films. But first…
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Robert Meredith Cinematographer C2Films Event Planner, Stylist & Stationery Events To a T Florist Francis Floristry Ceremony Royal National Park Reception Audley Dance Hall Lighting Hire Uplight Solutions Sound Hire Prismatic Entertainment Glass Party Music Celebrant Tami Sussman Rings Protea Diamonds Transport Murrays & Keys Limousines THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Inbal Dror Bridal Boutique Helen Rodrigues Robes Homebodii Shoes Piazza Grande via Zomp Accessories Enesea Jewellery (Earrings) Hair Katrina Gallo Makeup Jasmine Abdallaoui Bridesmaid Dresses Shona Joy, ASOS & Forever New Bridesmaid Shoes Zara, ASOS & Mollini Bridesmaid Gifts GoTo Skincare (Face Masks) & Clover Accessories (Earrings) THE GROOM Suit & Shirt P. Johnson Shoes Aquila Watch Uniform Wares Grooming Badlambs Groomsmen Suits Trenery Groomsmen Gifts Booktopia