S+D love story wedding
The most wet but love in one space we could have asked for.
It started something like this at Palmyra…
The morning of her wedding had finally arrived, and there was nowhere else she would rather be than at the venue, surrounded by her closest friends. Waking up in the same place where she would soon say “I do” made everything feel even more magical. The soft morning light filtered through the windows as she took a deep breath, knowing that today was going to be unforgettable.
At precisely 7 AM, the bridal suite upstairs came to life. The hum of excitement filled the air as the hair and makeup team arrived, ready to work their magic. One by one, each bridesmaid settled into the chair for their transformation, with every detail carefully considered. The bride, savoring the moment, watched as her vision for the day slowly took shape.
Between beauty appointments, the room was filled with laughter, clinking champagne glasses, and the delicious aroma of freshly prepared finger foods. Platters of fresh fruit, pastries, and delicate canapés were passed around as the bridal party reminisced about old memories and created new ones. It was a morning of celebration, connection, and pure joy.
As Sharni’s turn arrived, she felt the gentle touch of the stylist’s hands as they worked on her hair and makeup. With each brushstroke and curl, she could see the reflection of the woman she had always imagined on her wedding day—radiant, confident, and deeply happy.
The hours slipped by in a blur of laughter, toasts, and shared excitement. This wasn’t just a morning of preparation; it was the perfect prelude to the most beautiful day of her life.
Sneak Peak of the ceremony of S+D at palmyra B&B
lets chat the wedding ceremony journey…
Planning a wedding is a journey filled with choices, and few are as meaningful as selecting the right celebrant and crafting vows that truly reflect the love shared between two people. The ceremony really set the tone for our entire day, making it essential to ensure that every element—from legal paperwork to the moment vows are exchanged—feeling deeply personal and intentional.
Finding the Right Celebrant
Choosing the right celebrant is about more than just ticking a box—it’s about finding someone who understands the couple’s love story, aligns with their values, and can create a ceremony that feels uniquely theirs.
From the first meeting, it became clear that our celebrant’s role extended beyond officiating. They guide couples through the legal process, offer insights on crafting vows, and, most importantly, create an atmosphere that allows the couple to be fully present in the moment. For this wedding, it was essential to find someone who was warm, engaging, and could weave a narrative that felt true to the journey shared.
Writing the Vows: Crafting Words from the Heart
Writing wedding vows can feel like an overwhelming task—how do you put a lifetime of love and commitment into just a few words? But with the right approach, the process becomes a deeply personal and rewarding experience.
Starting early was key for us. Reflecting on the relationship, the promises that truly mattered, and the moments that defined the love story helped shape vows that felt authentic and meaningful. Some guiding questions we loved included:
What was the moment I knew I had found my person?
What qualities do I admire most in my partner?
What promises do I want to make for our future together?
By keeping the vows heartfelt, personal, and true to their journey, the couple ensured that the ceremony would be a moment to remember—not just for them but for everyone present.
The Legal Process: Notice of Intent to Marry
In Australia, couples must submit a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) at least one month before the wedding. This step is crucial and requires details such as birth certificates or passports, along with any previous marriage documents if applicable. An experienced celebrant will ensure this happens.
Working closely with our celebrant made this process smooth and stress-free. Once the NOIM was submitted, the focus shifted entirely to making the ceremony as beautiful and meaningful as possible.
some insights from the couple
“Surrounded by only the people who truly mattered, the wedding day was a heartfelt celebration of love, connection, and pure joy. The guest list was carefully chosen—family, lifelong friends, and those who had been part of the journey—creating an atmosphere filled with warmth and authenticity.
Despite the unexpected wet weather, nothing could dampen the happiness of the day. Instead, the soft rain added a romantic touch, making every moment feel even more intimate and special. Laughter echoed, glasses clinked, and love filled the air, proving that the right people make all the difference in turning a wedding into an unforgettable, soul-deep celebration.”
See more of the bridal party shoot post ceremony
some advice from the Happy Couple…
“We didn’t host our wedding at the same venue for both the ceremony and reception, and looking back, it was the biggest mistake we made. The extra logistics added unnecessary stress—not just for us, but for our guests as well. We had to factor transport into our budget, arrange parking at two different locations, and account for the time lost moving between venues. Instead of seamlessly transitioning from saying “I do” to celebrating, our guests had to drive, find parking again, and settle into a whole new space, breaking up the natural flow of the day. Those precious moments that could have been spent drinking, eating, and celebrating were instead spent in transit, and for those who enjoyed the cocktail hour, the issue of drinking and driving became a real concern.
From a photography perspective, we felt rushed trying to capture the magic of our ceremony venue before we had to pack up and move on. The time pressure meant we couldn’t fully soak in the just-married feeling or take all the photos we had envisioned. Instead of a smooth, relaxed experience, we were constantly checking the clock, making sure we stayed on schedule. If we could do it all over again, we’d choose one beautiful venue that could host everything—allowing us and our guests to truly be present, enjoy every moment, and make the most of the celebration without unnecessary interruptions.”
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