Hamish & Carissa’s Modern Balmoral Wedding

Words by Hannah Pronesti / Images by Matt Godkin
December 2, 2016

Harbour views and a three course feast overlooking Balmoral Beach was the perfect way for Hamish and Carissa to show off their hometown, and their outdoor wedding and Public Dining Room reception was a demonstration of Sydney’s best! Matt Godkin captured the day and we are loving the simplicity of this elegant affair.

The pair first crossed paths as members of the North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club, at Rose Bay specifically and before long they were much more than fellow members. Sydney itself was the inspiration for their day, and they chose their venues (Darling Point’s McKell Park and Balmoral’s Public Dining Room) based on what would give their visiting guests the most ‘Sydney’ experience.

Hamish cut a stylish figure in Hugo Boss, while Carissa and her bridesmaids gave the ‘white wedding’ a modern spin. The bride wore a custom made 1920s style silk gown by LUOM.O, while the girls also donned white dresses, by various designers and labels – Zimmermann, Shakuhachi and Forever New. Together, Oh Flora and stylists Ashdown & Bee created some serious garden party vibes with gorgeous blooms, classic white chairs and white parasols, and post-ceremony guests were whisked across the harbour by boat for the elegant after-party.

Weddings are a costly business and it seems this couple learnt the hard way – in his speech Hamish joked My love for you is like our wedding budget, it just keeps growing.” Though they went a little over, according to Carissa, they have no regrets, “It was well worth it to have such amazing vendors which made the day run smoothly and meant we didnt have to stress on the day.”

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With its long train and low cut v-back, Carissa’s custom made 1920’s style number by Luom Ousby of LUOM.O was a real beauty. “I’d highly recommend Luom,” she shares, “she makes the mostly beautiful gowns and was such a kind and lovely person to deal with.”
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Celebrant Scott Duncombe impressed with his organisation skills, “He’s a lovely guy and the most organised person you’ll ever meet in your life (not kidding). He doesn’t miss a beat.”
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With Matt Godkin behind the camera, this couple were guaranteed some gorge snaps and he certainly delivered. Carissa tells us, “Matt was great, he has a relaxed style which put us both at ease on the day.”
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When it came to their venues (McKell Park and Balmoral’s Public Dining Room) the pair did their research and in the end it came down to a few factors, “We chose the ceremony and reception location because of the stunning views and the quality of the food. Also, both were the perfect size for our wedding.” Shares Carissa.
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Credits

Images Matt Godkin | Bride's Dress LUOM.O | Groom's Suit Hugo Boss | Rings Oroginale Jewellers | Ceremony Venue McKell Park | Celebrant Scott Duncombe | Reception Venue Public Dining Room | Flowers Oh Flora | Catering Chilterns Catering | Stationery/Invitations Alexa Nelson Prints | Stylist Ashdown & Bee | Bridesmaid dresses Zimmermann | Shakuhachi | Forever New | Hair/MUA Eternal Elegance | Ceremony music Cairyn Jay | Reception Band Baker Boys Band | Boat Captain Cook Cruise |


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