After Mandy and Jonathan became engaged they were enjoying a romantic Valentine’s day lunch at bells at Killcare – a boutique European country house and restaurant set against the coastline of central New South Wales. 

The couple quickly decided that this was the place for their wedding celebrations – falling instantly in love with the food, the location and the stylish beachside venue. 

Their wedding day arrived one stormy spring morning. But by midday the skies had cleared and the gardens sparkled from the early morning showers. Mandy, wearing a stunning gown with intricate crystal embellishments, walked down the aisle with both her parents to meet Jonathan, who wore a grey suit with an open necked shirt. 

The couple exchanged vows under a beautiful Jewish chuppah that Mandy’s father and aunt made themselves, incorporating a beautiful beaded belt that Mandy’s grandmother had worn on her wedding day into the design. 

Mandy’s five bridesmaids all wore dresses in royal blue that they had chosen themselves, while the couple’s gorgeous flower girl, Sophia, scattered rose petals down the grass aisle.

The couple wanted to create a casual, relaxed atmosphere for the occasion, and so had as few formalities as possible. Straight after the garden ceremony, a funky jazz band played and guests were served Bellinis and beers in the afternoon sunshine. 

Mandy and Jonathan chose a crisp white and royal blue colour scheme with a touch of pink to match the venue’s smart royal blue and white décor. Chic market umbrellas, tables dressed in white cloths and wicker chairs decorated the relaxed setting, whilst unstructured arrangements of pink ranunculus, 

David Austin roses, hydrangeas and freesias looked like they had just been freshly picked from the garden. As the sun set, fairy lights lit up the scene and candles in glass jars twinkled in the trees. “I looked around the garden at all our family and friends and it looked truly magical,” Mandy said. 

After speeches that made everyone laugh and cry, the couple and all of their guests took to the dance floor to the upbeat and lively tunes of a Columbian band. “We really had the best of both worlds – with a few hours of sunlight for the afternoon ceremony and reception; then the sun went down and the party began,” Mandy said. “Our wedding day really was perfect in every way”.

Gown: Maggie Sottero | Photographer: Sugarlove Weddings | Ceremony Location, Reception Venue & Caterer: Bells at Killcare | Shoes: Peeptoe | Flowers & Floral Decorations: Beach Blossom Flowers | Stationery: Kanna | Hair: Zapps Hair Studio | Makeup: Natalie Urban | Gift Registry: Peters of Kensington | Honeymoon: Maldives