Amie and Andrew chose Santai Retreat in Kingscliff for their preparation location and my gosh it is stunning! I want to go back for a weekend away with my hubby. The resort has crystal blue pools set in sandstone and is surrounded by palm trees. It was a warm day in August and the pool was super tempting!

I met with Yulia the videographer and we headed to the boy’s prep, which as usual, was very calm and everyone had a beer in hand. We did our thing, shot all the getting ready images and then it was time for Andrew to read his letter from Amie. What a sweet moment, he had tears welling up and his voice shook as he read her beautiful words. I love that type of stuff on wedding days it adds such a lovely real moment of raw emotion for me to capture. I think its something more and more couples do these days.

It was time for the girl’s prep and Amie had bought each of her bridesmaids a personalised gift and card, as they opened them, they were overcome with emotion. Everyone should have friends as close as these girls it was just wonderful to watch and document. Amie was so calm and organised, the entire morning was relaxing and easy. When it came time for Amie to get into her gown you could hear the girls gasping from the other room at just how stunning she was. We did a few photographs around Santai before we headed down to the beach.

Amie walked down the aisle to meet her soon to be husband as he shed a tear. The ocean was blue and the sun was shining it was pretty much perfection. Now, the thing about beach weddings that you can’t really avoid is, when its hot and the sand is soft you make this “squeak squeak” noise as you walk on the sand. I was doing my best to be stealthy and ninja-like as I crept around to stop the noise (hahaha ). It worked and they sealed the deal with a kiss and we finished off on the beach with some lovely warm sun for their bridal portraits.

We headed back to Babalou, this awesome loft space in the middle of Kingscliff directly across from the beach, for the reception. After a few speeches, which were hilarious, the newly wed’s cut their cake and had their first dance. It was time for those tissues again as Sarah Archer played their wedding song. They danced and swayed seeing only each other, looking on, it seemed as though it was only them in the whole room.

On the way home I stopped in to visit my Grandad briefly who lives just down the road at Hastings Point, he was happy to see me and we enjoyed a cuppa before I made my way home. I thought about the day on the drive home and how I had grown up on these beaches swimming with Grandad and Grandma and now I was shooting weddings here, It’s funny how life comes full circle.

Claire xx

Flowers- Bridal Bouquets by Vanessa

Hair and Makeup –Tina Kristen Weddings

Prep Location – Santai Retreat

Love Letters & Styling – The One Day House

Celebrant – Byron Bay Wedding Celebrant Michelle Shannon

Videographer – Endless Summer Films

Music – Sarah Archer Music

Reception – Babalou

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