A good old fashioned Facebook stalk brought former classmates Joanna Brodie and John Sullivan together again.
The Sydney-based couple first met and became friends at TAFE, before John, 28, moved overseas. After reminiscing over their higher education days, Joanna, 31, and a friend decided to “track down” some of their fellow former students – including John.
“After six months of chatting online John invited me over to travel with him and a group of friends around Europe and this is where our love blossomed,” Joanna says.
A few years later John proposed while the couple were on a weekend getaway, which sparked the beginnings of a rustic-themed waterside wedding in Sydney.
“We really wanted our wedding to be one big party and something which was just us,” says Joanna. “We picked Hunters Hill Sailing Club, which was a blank canvas situated on the water and allowed us to organise, decorate and plan exactly what we wanted.”
The couple wed at St Peter Chanel church on October 9, 2015 in front of 107 family and friends before the celebrations moved to the sailing club. Lawn games were played on the grass overlooking Cockatoo Island and live music provided the perfect soundtrack to the laid-back waterside wedding.
Inside the clubhouse, food was on shared platters down the middle of the table to create a family feel, surrounded by candles and flowers.
“Our wedding was special and unique to us, we designed and made everything ourselves,” Joanna says.
Photos courtesy of Wonderlust Studios.
Joanna’s pretty engagement ring was sourced from Michael Hill Jeweller.
Bow ties were the order of the day when it came to John and his groomsmen’s stylish suits.
Joanna chose navy blue with lace detail for her bridesmaids’ dresses.
Vintage cars provided a classic touch to the couple’s waterside wedding.
“We are best friends. It’s just doing the little things together every day which see’s our love grow stronger,” Joanna says.
Joanna has simple advice for other couples planning their big day: “Don’t stress,” she says.
Lawn games were a fun touch to the waterside celebrations, and even the bride and groom got involved!
“We left the sailing club via a sparkler exit onto a water taxi which took us through to the city for a night at QT hotel,” Joanna recalls.
Video by Box & Dime.
Bomboniere: Homemade / Brides Accessories: Swarovski / Brides Gown: Marry Me Bridal / Brides Shoes: The Iconic, Siren / Bridesmaid Shoes: Own shoes / Bridesmaids Accessories: Piyama Co / Bridesmaids Dresses: Review / Caterer: Piquant Catering / Celebrant: Father Lex Keys / Ceremony Music: Playlist / Ceremony Venue: St Peter Chanel / Entertainment: Green Jam, Luis Isaac, DJ Steve Frank, Yard Party / Flowers: Mandy Costin / Gift Registry: Wishing well / Grooms Attire: M.J. Bale / Grooms Shoes: Florshiem / Groomsmen Attire: M.J. Bale / Groomsmen Shoes: Florshiem / Hair: Clara Bow Hair / Honeymoon: Europe / Invitations: DIY / Makeup: Felicia Matteo Black / Photographer: Wonderlust Studios / Reception Venue: Hunters Hill Sailing Club / Rings: Michael Hill Jeweller / Transport: 1930 Packards / Venue Decor: AVA Hire, The Vintage Way, Bunnings, DIY / Videographer: Box & Dime / Wedding Night Accommodation: QT Hotel Sydney
