Logging on to love leads to rainforest wedding for Wollongong couple

By:
Content Team
/
Updated on: March 16, 2022

Jessica Eernisse, 29, and Luke Woodland, 33, fell in love the modern way.

“Luke [an Army medic] and I met through an online dating site,” explains Jessica. “He had been injured on an overseas deployment and returned to Australia to start a painful recovery.”

Jessica quickly feel for Luke’s cheeky sense of humour and handsome looks. Just three years later they were engaged. The pair chose to hold a rainforest wedding at Mount Keira, Wollongong.

The day got off to a great start, with Jessica arriving in a 1940s Buik and her bridesmaids in tow in a 1950s model. But there were a few bumps in the road. “Whilst walking through the rainforest I discovered a leech on my dress, followed by Luke managing to split his pants entering the bridal car,” laughs Jessica.

She says the ceremony led by Luke’s military chaplain was “poignant” and tailored to the pair. “He gave a very personal sermon that articulated the challenges Luke personally faced as a being part of the military and us as a couple.”

After a sparkler exit, the couple honeymooned in Hawaii.

Photos courtesy of Samantha Ohlsen Photography.

Jessica_Luke_Rainforest-Wedding_SBS_005Jessica_Luke_Rainforest-Wedding_SBS_004
Jessica_Luke_Rainforest-Wedding_SBS_002Jessica_Luke_Rainforest-Wedding_SBS_001

Jessica_Luke_Rainforest-Wedding_003

Jessica_Luke_Rainforest-Wedding_009

Jessica_Luke_Rainforest-Wedding_012

Jessica_Luke_Rainforest-Wedding_013

Jessica’s San Patrick gown with lace was found at Cheboom Bridal.

Jessica_Luke_Rainforest-Wedding_016

Jessica_Luke_Rainforest-Wedding_015

Jessica_Luke_Rainforest-Wedding_SBS_010Jessica_Luke_Rainforest-Wedding_SBS_013
Jessica_Luke_Rainforest-Wedding_SBS_014Jessica_Luke_Rainforest-Wedding_SBS_016

Jessica_Luke_Rainforest-Wedding_027

Clear Strings Music played Lana Del Ray’s “Young and Beautiful” as Jessica walked down the aisle.

Jessica_Luke_Rainforest-Wedding_SBS_019Jessica_Luke_Rainforest-Wedding_SBS_020
Jessica_Luke_Rainforest-Wedding_SBS_022Jessica_Luke_Rainforest-Wedding_SBS_023

Jessica_Luke_Rainforest-Wedding_039

Jessica_Luke_Rainforest-Wedding_040

Jessica_Luke_Rainforest-Wedding_042

Jessica_Luke_Rainforest-Wedding_056

Although Luke’s pants ripped early in the day, one of the groomsmen worked some sewing magic to patch them up!

Jessica_Luke_Rainforest-Wedding_045

Jessica_Luke_Rainforest-Wedding_044

Jessica_Luke_Rainforest-Wedding_SBS_035Jessica_Luke_Rainforest-Wedding_SBS_037
Jessica_Luke_Rainforest-Wedding_SBS_036Jessica_Luke_Rainforest-Wedding_SBS_041

Jessica_Luke_Rainforest-Wedding_053

Jessica says, “I am proud and honoured to call myself an Australian military wife, especially in this significant year of the hundredth anniversary of our ANZACs. Lest We Forget.”

Featured Suppliers:

Bomboniere Bomboniere: Fardoulis Chocolates

Brides Accessories Brides Accessories: Samantha Wills , Peter Lang

Brides Gown Brides Gown: Cheboom Bridal , San Patrick

Brides Shoes Brides Shoes: Wanted

Bridesmaid Shoes Bridesmaid Shoes: Wanted

Bridesmaids Accessories Bridesmaids Accessories: Lovisa

Bridesmaids Dresses Bridesmaids Dresses: Just Bridesmaids & Formal

Celebrant Celebrant: MauMau Monu

Ceremony Music Ceremony Music: Clear Strings

Ceremony Venue Ceremony Venue: Mt. Keira Scout Camp

Entertainment Entertainment: Black Diamond DJs

Flowers Flowers: Hello Petal

Grooms Attire Grooms Attire: Ferrari Formalwear & Bridal

Groomsmen Attire Groomsmen Attire: Ferrari Formalwear & Bridal

Hair Hair: Zoe Blackburn

Honeymoon Honeymoon: Flight Centre

Invitations Invitations: Willowlane Studios

Makeup Makeup: Jacinta Hansen Makeup

Photographer Photographer: Samantha Ohlsen Photography

Reception Venue Reception Venue: The Lagoon

Rings Rings: Crown Diamond Jewellers

Transport Transport: Cool Classic Cars

Wedding Night Venue Wedding Night Venue: Novotel Wollongong Northbeach