Sierra and Harrison met in the water, got engaged in the ocean, and were married in the rock pools at Point Cartwright. This surfer couple’s wedding was all about being wild and free, and natural simplicity.
Bride, Sierra, has shared her dream wedding day with us, which the unpretentious couple pulled off for just $6000…
Unforgettable Moment
I should probably say something like our vows but in all honesty it is probably the cheeky bum squeeze I gave Harrison right after we signed our marriage certificate during the ceremony. We were behind a table and I managed to pull it off without anyone seeing.
The Wedding Morning
I actually surfed with Harrison the morning of. We love surfing and it’s how we met. Forget the tradition of not seeing the bride before the wedding! We got sunrise pictures in the water the morning of and some fun little waves.
Images by Mallory Sparkles Photography
Why a Sunshine Coast Wedding?
We live here! And I had connections for my reception venue so I got it very affordable, it only cost $80 for a permit to get married on the rocks at Point Cartwright. It’s absolutely breathtaking there. We met in the ocean, got engaged in the ocean, and had to get married in the tide pools there to finish it off!
Standout Vendors
Sally Townsend came to my location to do my make up. She was quick, efficient, and listened to what I wanted. Mallory (Mallory Sparkles Photography) went above and beyond even helping direct people around that morning so I wouldn’t have to because I didn’t have a point person to take charge.
The Proposal
We were squeezing in yet another ocean adventure between my night class training and my daytime teaching schedule so it was very spontaneous. We were paddling to Old Woman island (a special place for us) off of Mudjimba beach. We were about halfway when there was a fish/bird/ splashing full blown feeding frenzy so there’s a good chance there’s also sharks feeding on the fish. We stopped and Harrison wasn’t sure we should continue but I was all for it. I said this is the kind of adrenaline I needed in my life so Harrison did it right there in the water on our surfboards. We then went to the island and had a surf and adventure around the island.
Why I Married This Man
Harrison is my best friend. We love having fun adventures together and hanging out. We are opposites that balance each other out and are able to get along with our very different personalities. Harrison is very patient and kind. He’s a peacemaker and his humility before God and dedication to do what is right is what first attracted me to him.
One Thing I’d Change
Get a point person to boss everyone around for me and make everything happen. I wrote an itinerary with instructions for everyone but no one really followed it and some transitions were not so smooth. But I didn’t mind, I was dead set on having fun.
The Music
I walked down to “Best Friend” by Queen because it was fresh and funky just like our whole relationship. Also just so accurate. Harrison had to surprise me with our first dance. He chose “Dancing in the Moonlight” by King Harvest since we spent a lot of time running around beaches at night and it was one we loved.
Check out our Walk Down the Aisle Playlist with suggestions from real couples, and some of my own suggestions…
Wedding Secrets
Biggest Splurge: My amazing photographer Mallory (Mallory Sparkles Photographer). Harrison and I are very bare essentials and DIY sort of people. So having a photographer that was not one of Harrison’s friends was a slight debate. However, we decided in the end that it was worth it to get a professional in the mix. Mallory captured our day in it’s raw and beautiful form so we can continue to relive it! While we were looking through our wedding photos Harrison said, “You we’re right, Mallory was totally worth it. She made it really fun and easy to have genuine photos.”
Best bargain: I custom-ordered my dress online only 1.5 months before our wedding. It was only $250. Luckily I got it early enough to have the underlay of the dress altered because it wasn’t quite right. I got referred by a friend to an amazing seamstress who did it for $80.
Bride’s dress: Ali Express, the supplier was named Nancy Li. I was afraid I’d end up with one of those online orders that comes nothing like the picture but I messaged her extensively before ordering asking about the fabric and everything. She was very responsive and I had buyer protection so I could send it back for a full refund.
Groom’s attire: Country Road on sale for $300
Shoes: No shoes. Wild and free just like us!
Bridesmaids’ dresses: Baby Lemonade
Groomsmens’ attire: Whatever white shirts they had and Country Road pants
DIY: Table centrepieces, cakes, wedding favours (shells we found on the beach during our engagement), bride’s hair, and bridesmaids’ hair and makeup.
Honeymoon: Road trip down the East Coast of Australia. It was amazing we scored some pumping surf at Lennox Heads, Angourie, Cabarita Beach, Coffs Harbour.
Number of guests: 80
Wedding budget: As little as possible!
Actual cost of wedding: $6,000
The One Thing I Wouldn’t Change
Enjoying every minute, even the messy moments. Being spontaneous and going off script with dancing and my vows.
Our Next Adventure
Probably just change the world for Jesus, following the passions he’s given us and watching how he unfolds his plan to use us.
The Crew
Photographer: Mallory Sparkles Photography | Reception Venue: School of Biblical Studies Campus | Florist: iBlossom | Makeup: Sally Townsend Makeup Artistry | Catering: Kunara Organic Catering | Stationery: Amazon.com.au | Celebrant: Daniel Gettis from Goodlife Church
