Alison + Josh

real life wedding inspo

venue City Beach Function Centre phone (02) 4228 3188 email sales@citybeach.events web www.citybeach.events

Alison and Josh met when they were just 16 and 17 years of age, and still at school. It was through social media that they actually got to know each other properly, as they didn’t talk to each other at school. Once they started talking though, it didn’t take long before they became a couple. That was 8 years ago and since then their relationship has gone from strength to strength.

“It was our 6th year together” says Alison, “when Josh planned a romantic picnic on the beach.” The beach he chose was in Forster, NSW, where they had many memories together from their annual family holidays. At first yearning for a destination wedding, they soon changed their mind after attending a wedding at City Beach Function Centre. Alison says it was “beyond amazing”, and they decided they wanted their reception to be there too! “We got in touch with the ladies at City Beach, who were so amazing with everything” she recalls, “nothing was ever a problem. It was such smooth sailing because of how organised they were.” Their wedding date was set for October 2021, but then with COVID lockdowns and restrictions, they decided to move it to February 2022. This gave them ample time to plan their wedding, especially since they had secured their venue in March 2020 – effectively giving them almost two years of wedding planning!

When their wedding day arrived, it was overcast in the morning but by the afternoon it had cleared up to reveal a beautiful sunny day. Fortunately, it stayed perfect for their outdoor ceremony. The most memorable part of the day for Alison was walking down the aisle to Josh. “All the emotions and loads of anxiety just go away once you see your best friend down the end of that aisle” she remembers. As their reception got underway, it rained and kept raining for the rest of the night! Inside the venue however, they had created a coastal beach vibe which “felt warm and beautiful” says Alison. “We created this using loads of dried florals, and simple rose colours, whites, and light pinks to break up the neutrals.” She says they didn’t go overboard with the styling but had enough to make the venue look perfect. At the end of the night, they stayed in a room overlooking the water at Headlands Hotel in Austinmer.

felt warm and beautiful

Their favourite honeymoon destination would have been Fiji, but due to COVID, they settled for Cairns in Queensland, which was their next best choice. “We stayed at the stunning Riley Crystal Brook which has an amazing pool and was within walking distance of everything” Alison recalls.

Alison’s wedding advice: “Be organised. I felt that I was less stressed because I was so organised. I had people saying why are you doing this and that so early and I am so glad I did what I did because the wedding comes around so fast, and before you know, it is over.”

Wedding Date: 18th February 2022 • Number of Guests: 110 • Photographer: Zee & Cee Photography • Videographer: Zee & Cee Photography • Gown: Accapella Bridal • Bridesmaid Dresses: Nice and Trendy • Rings: Diamond World Narellan • Hair: Xquisite Hair by Naomi • Makeup: Maria T Make-up • Groom’s Suit: MJ Bale • Wedding Stylist: Owl & Pussycat Events • Wedding Coordinator: City Beach Function Centre (Michele Tobin) • Celebrant: FAB Celebrants • Ceremony Location: Little Austi Beach • Reception: City Beach Function Centre • Theme: Coastal • Florist: Taylor Made Bouquet • Cake: Lee Lees Cakery • Bomboniere: Made by bride • Menu: Hot Canapes | Vegetable Filo Parcel with Coriander Yoghurt | Cheeseburger Spring Rolls | Chicken And Leek Baby Pies • Entrees | Crispy pork belly with papaya salad & Asian sauce (GF & DF) | Pumpkin And Ricotta Ravioli With Pomodoro Sauce • Mains | Pan Roasted Chicken Supreme On Thyme & Pumpkin Mash With Broccolini & Mushroom Jus (DF & GF) | Beef Tenderloin Peppered Potatoes With Dutch Carrots And Tempura Asparagus With Thyme Pan Juice (Served Medium) • Sides | Cherry tomato, olive, feta & mixed leaf salad (V & GF) | Roasted beetroot, honeyed pumpkin, pine nut & rocket salad (V, GF & DF)