Jessica had trouble finding a wedding dress that was “just me” so she didn’t end up trying on a single gown. Instead, she took a range of images of styles she liked to Miss Carla, a dressmaker in Manly. Alexander McQueen was a source of inspiration for the gown that was created specifically for Jessica. It had a corset structure to the waist and was detailed with black piping and button fastening. 

It had a strapless neckline with a sheer back and the A-line skirt was layered with silk and tulle. “The finishing touches were a rose gold metallic belt, cuff and shoes. The look was romantic yet modern and suited my style perfectly,” Jessica said.

Jessica and Aaron’s ceremony took place just before sunset so they chose to have their photographs taken prior to the ceremony, before the light began to fade. “It was so special to have a private moment together before the wedding. Aaron was standing at the end of the long driveway near the waters edge at Gunners’ Barracks and I walked down the ‘aisle’ towards him. It was very touching and personal.”

“Gunners’ Barracks is an intimate venue that required little decoration. We really wanted the beauty of the place to shine through,” Jessica explained. Jessica and Aaron were able to mix traditional and modern styling through their floral arrangements, Jessica’s gown and the existing décor of the venue.

The floral arrangements consisted of lush greenery with predominantly white flowers. King proteas, peonies, tulips, succulents, jonquils, lisianthuses, corkia, berry and asparagus fern were used. Aaron’s buttonhole was a combination of cymbidium orchids and succulents and was tied with burlap.

Gown: Miss Carla | Photographer: My Lens of Love | Wedding venue & caterer: Gunners’ Barracks | Flowers & floral decorations: Claire Sandford | Groom’s attire: Calibre | Bridesmaid’s outfit: Cue | Bridal accessories: Ted Baker London & Nicholas available from Green With Envy | Shoes: Wittner | Flowergirl: Bardot