Weddings
James & Fiona’s Coastal Clifftop Wedding
Fiona Vail has been to her fair share of weddings – truth be told, she’s usually the one behind the lens but this wealth of experience put her in good stead when it came to tying the knot with her other half, James. Perched on a clifftop overlooking Tassie’s east coast, Avalon Coastal Retreat was chosen for its panoramic views, and the couple entrusted the talented James Simmons with the ultimate challenge, capturing their coastal affair.
This groom succeeded keeping his proposal plans under-wraps. Whilst on a weekend away James had intended to pop the question at the beach, however after a sleepless first night thanks to nerves, he made the spontaneous decision to do it at 6am – a surprise Fiona never saw coming! “I woke up and turned around to see James standing by the side of our bed looking half terrified/half excited and he told me to look under my pillow.” She tells us. “I am not the best morning person – I sleepily lifted the pillow to find the most beautiful ring. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him – it was the best moment of my life.”
Being in the industry, this bride has seen in at all, so when it came to her own wedding she knew exactly what she wanted, “A big party, nothing too formal and a place to show off the stunning natural beauty of our beloved Tassie.” Avalon Coastal Retreat had just the free-spirited vibe they were after – romantic, wild, natural and raw. The presence of the pair’s playful pup Bowie was a non-negotiable and his antics – including a walk down the aisle – kept everyone entertained!
When asked to impart some words of wedding wisdom, these newlyweds are quite happy to condone a little selfishness, “My best advice is do it your own way,” shares Fiona “stay true to yourself as a couple. Invest in the things that are important to you. Don’t feel that you need to include traditions that don’t resonate with you. Don’t feel the need to please everyone – remember what’s it’s all about.”
Credits
Images James Simmons | Bride's Dress Bo & Luca | Bridesmaid's Dresses Shona Joy | Groom's Suit Jack London | Celebrant Abbie Pedersen | Flowers Botanical Hobart | Catering Smolt Catering | Stationery/Invitations Lines & Squares | Venue Avalon Coastal Retreat | Videography Zaneta van Zyl | Styling Verity Kingston | Bar Moo Broo | Bride's MUA Erin Maie | Bridesmaid's MUA Sophia Pafitis | Bride's Getting Ready Robe Spell Designs |
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