A sentimental seaside celebration for Tamika and Jack at Sandringham Yacht Club
Tamika and Jack first crossed paths over eight years ago at a nursing ball. Tamika is a nurse by profession, and while Jack was only attending as a guest of a friend, he spent the evening jokingly pretending he was part of the medical field to catch her attention. This playful sense of humour set the tone for a relationship that has been defined by laughter ever since, eventually leading them to host their modern, elegant wedding at Sandringham Yacht Club.
When it came time for Jack to propose, he chose a location that held deep personal meaning for the couple. During a sunset stroll at their local beach, with their beloved pug by their side, Jack surprised Tamika by asking her to marry him. The shock of the moment and the presence of their dog made the proposal an unforgettable milestone in their story.
Living by the coast and having such a pivotal memory tied to the shoreline, the couple knew their wedding had to reflect their shared love for the water. They searched for a venue that captured a modern, elegant aesthetic while offering a direct connection to the sand and surf. Sandringham Yacht Club became the obvious choice for their 100 guests, as it provided an elevated vantage point over the beach where they spend much of their time. For Tamika and Jack, the venue was more than just a beautiful space; it was a way to honour their engagement and their daily lifestyle. “We chose Sandringham Yacht Club because it looks over the beautiful beach and has an amazing sunset,” Tamika says. “As soon as we visited Sandringham Yacht Club we knew it was the one, the staff were easy going and friendly and the view was unforgettable”.
The wedding day, held on 28 February 2025, embraced a timeless black and white colour palette that complemented the natural blues of the Port Phillip Bay backdrop. Tamika wore a striking gown from Bluebell Bridal, designed by Ella Moda. The dress featured a corset bodice with intricate cut-out lace and off the shoulder straps that she later removed to transition into an evening of dancing. Her bridesmaids wore black silk midi dresses from Sndys the label, keeping the look classic and sophisticated. Jack and his groomsmen were equally sharp in hired suits from Ferrari Formal, accessorised with matching black cufflinks that Jack gifted his party on the morning of the wedding.
The ceremony took place on the venue’s outdoor balcony, overlooking the water as the waves rolled in. The couple stood before a lush ground floral display of white roses and greenery, designed by Littlestag Floral Couture, which allowed the horizon to remain the focal point. “The ceremony was outside on a balcony looking over the water, we have guests sitting and facing towards the water with a ground floral display where Jack and I stood with the beautiful display of the sea behind us,” Tamika recalls. Their celebrant, Megan Thompson, tailored the ceremony to reflect the couple’s specific journey, ensuring the bridal party felt included by acknowledging their unique connections to the pair. “Megan brought the romance and humour of our relationship story and did an amazing job at conveying it,” the couple shared.
A sentimental highlight of the day was the inclusion of their pug, who had played such a significant role in their engagement. Thanks to the team at The Wedding Sitter, their dog was brought to the club specifically for the post-ceremony photos, ensuring their furry family member was part of the professional gallery. While the couple had initially planned for cocktail hour to remain on the balcony, a shift in the wind meant the celebration moved indoors slightly earlier than anticipated. The staff at Sandringham Yacht Club handled the transition seamlessly, moving the ceremony florals inside to decorate the signage table and ensuring the event flow remained uninterrupted.
The reception was an exercise in modern luxury. The room featured round tables and a black reflective dancefloor that the couple hired to sit in front of the bridal table. Large floor to ceiling windows ensured that even from the dinner table, guests never lost sight of the water. Tamika took a hands-on approach to the styling, DIYing the invitations, menus, table numbers, and place cards to ensure every detail felt personal. The floral arrangements were moved from the balcony to the signage table, continuing the theme of crisp white roses and candlelight throughout the room.
Dining was a priority for the couple, and the in-house kitchen at Sandringham Yacht Club delivered a menu that guests are still talking about. After an entree of arancini and mushroom gnocchi, guests enjoyed beef cheeks and chimichurri chicken. Instead of a traditional seated dessert, the couple opted for roaming treats including profiteroles, strawberry cake, and chocolate caramel slice, allowing everyone to stay on their feet and mingle. This was topped off by a two tier white chocolate raspberry and passionfruit curd cake from Miss Trixie Drinks Tea. “The food was 10/10, great portions and had many complimentary from guests,” Tamika says.
As the sun set, the atmosphere shifted into high gear thanks to Mercury DJs. Michael, acting as both DJ and MC, kept the energy high and the schedule on track. “Michael from Mercury DJs definitely brought the vibes and got everyone on the dancefloor, Michael helped make sure our reception ran according to schedule and kept it fun and exciting!” Tamika notes. Capturing every moment was their videographer, Ebony from Weddings Captured by Ebony, who the couple credits as one of their most valued vendors. “She made us feel so comfortable with such great direction,” they said. “The 1.5 hour wedding video we received afterwards was the most special thing that allows us to relive the day over and over again”.
Reflecting on the experience, Tamika and Jack wouldn’t change a single detail. By choosing a venue that aligned so closely with their personal history and lifestyle, they created a day that felt authentically them. From the sentimental inclusion of their pet to the black and white styling that echoed the elegance of the yacht club, it was a celebration of a decade of laughs and a future by the sea. For other couples planning a beachside wedding, Tamika emphasises the importance of the venue’s support team. “The location, friendliness of staff/wedding coordinator, communication with the wedding coordinator and flexibility” were the most important things to the couple, and at Sandringham Yacht Club, they found all of it.
The beautiful images from this day were captured by DUUET.
"As soon as we visited Sandringham Yacht Club we knew it was the one, the staff were easy going and friendly and the view was unforgettable".
Tamika
