Romance in a foreign land leads to Australian coastal wedding

A South African and an Australian fell in love in London.

Thirty-year-old Janelle Scrimgeour and Dane Strickland, 32, were enjoying a Sunday session in London when he offered his bottle opener to her group of friends. The chemistry was instant and the two travellers became a couple.

“We got serious quite quickly, and the following year he travelled with me to South Africa to meet my family, and I travelled with him to Australia to meet his,” says Janelle. After spending some time exploring 17 European countries in a campervan, they decided to move to the land of Oz. Since, they have settled in Brisbane and Dane proposed after they became home owners.

They celebrated their coastal wedding on May 2, 2015, a date close to Janelle’s family’s heart. “It is the birthday of my grandmother who passed away a few years ago,” the bride explains. “With our family and friends spread all over the world, we had a long engagement, planning a wedding very personal to us.”

That included South Africa’s national flower – Proteas; a postcard guest book highlighting their travels; and Zulu love notes for the guests – beaded love messages sourced from the Zulu women in Janelle’s hometown. “They bead these love notes and sell them to raise money for their communities,” says Janelle.  “We asked our guests to wear them throughout the reception, or to pass them onto their loved ones.”

The beachside ceremony took place at Hastings Point Headland in NSW, followed by a travel-themed reception at Osteria.

Photos courtesy of Heart and Colour.

Janelle’s beaded strapless gown was found at Sposabella Bridal and her bridesmaids were draped in lilac by For Her and For Him.

Matt Fasso Entertainment played live at the ceremony where Joshua Withers married the couple.

The couple carefully selected their ring designs from Michael Hill Jeweller.

Somerton Limousines supplied their most classic vehicle for the pair’s coastal wedding.