The Sun was setting as Hayley and Travis took a romantic gondola ride down the Noosa River. Noosa was the couple’s special place, where each year they lapped up the sun, sand and surf on holidays from Melbourne. 

“We had just packed up from another perfect day on Noosa’s main beach when Travis announced he had a surprise for me,” Hayley reminisced. Once Travis proposed, the French champagne flowed and the couple excitedly rang all their family and friends.

Almost exactly twelve months later, the couple joked and laughed with their bridal party during a pre ceremony photo shoot at Sorrento Pier and Portsea beach on the Mornington Peninsula where their romance had first blossomed eight years ago. 

“We felt like we were well and truly into the swing of the celebrations before we even got to the ceremony,” Hayley explained. Then, before gathered family and friends, the couple exchanged vows on the lawn of the Portsea hotel overlooking the sea. 

Hayley wore a stunning Shane Mcconnell strapless silk georgette gown with hand draped black tulle.

Smart black table runners and seat covers teamed with soft candles and square vases filled with white roses and Singapore orchids complimented the stunning beach backdrop. 

Each of the guest tables were named after places where the couple had shared special times together including the great ocean road, Vietnam, New Zealand and of course Noosa, complete with photos of the newlyweds at each destination.

Well into the night some particularly enthusiastic guests started a Congo line, and soon enough everyone, young and old, were snaking around the room kicking up their heels to the music. As the procession arrived back at the dance floor, the newlyweds were lifted onto the shoulders of some of the stronger male guests. 

“It was so rewarding to know that all our hard work and planning had paid off and our dream had come true – everyone was swept up in the party mood and had a fabulous time”.

For more inspirational wedding stories visit Real Weddings, the most trusted online for best wedding venues in Victoria!

Gown: Shane McConnell Couture | Photographer: Warren Photography | Videography: C2 Video | Ceremony location, reception venue and caterer: Portsea Hotel | Reception, flowers & floral decorations: Naughty Flowers | Bridal & bridesmaids’ accessories: Jeanette Maree Jewellery | Groom’s & groomsmen’s attire: Formal Red | Bridesmaids’ outfits: Baccini & Hill | Stationery: Mooch’n Around | Transport: The Bus | Hair & Make-up: Petasimone | Cake: The French Lettuce | Gift registry: Melbourne Wedding Registry | Honeymoon: Hamilton Island