Claire & Paul’s rustic beach wedding in Burleigh Heads

On trend: the LBD (little black dress). We’re seeing lots of bridesmaids in this statement shade and the rustic beach wedding of Claire Jackson and Paul Lewis puts a unique spin on the timeless classic.

In this instance there was no trudging between boutiques in search of that magical fit for every shape, the laid-back bride’s simple instruction to her maids was “wear your own favourite little black dress.”

And so they did for the winter celebration of the music loving pair at Burleigh Heads National Park.

The muso groom (member of well-known local band New Jack Rubies) – donning a very cool gum-nut boutonniere and rock ‘n’ roll beard – stood in delighted anticipation at the top of the driftwood aisle whilst musician friends serenaded his bride-to-be with ‘You and Me’ by Penny and the Quarters.

The highly personal ceremony, conducted by friend and celebrant Kate Veling emitted “an outpouring of love and support,” smiles Claire, including “heart-felt readings of poetry and prose” by the bridal party.

Afterward, all 100 guests walked along the coastal path through the rainforest to Burleigh Point for photographs, before heading to Point Break Bar & Restaurant for a “superb” sit-down reception including canapés, a two-course gourmet meal and homemade wedding buffet that was “devoured in minutes.”

“What made our wedding day so special was that all our friends and family happily pitched in to make it truly reflective of Paul and I,” says Claire.

“It was so down-to-earth and downright fun – not a single staged or awkward moment!”

“The groomsmen’s gum-nut buttonholes were masculine and quirky,” comments Claire.

“The brooch was handed down to me by my father’s sisters the day before my wedding,” says Claire. “It is a cameo brooch which first belonged to my great-great-grandmother.”

The bridesmaids harmonised in their own version of the little black dress, unified by mint angora shrugs from Monsoon UK.

The bride wore Karen Willis Holmes, vintage in style and practical too – the lace bodice can be worn separately.

This laid back bride spent her wedding eve baking up a storm, including a rich (and unconventional) chilli chocolate cake. “The cakes were devoured in a matter of minutes and the groom and I missed out!” recalls Claire.

Photos courtesy of KCL Photography.