An Australian printmaker and a Dutch electrician, Kate and Joost met on a skiing trip in Austria. The two of them share a love of colour, travel and the sea; themes they wove into their relaxed handmade wedding at the Manly Wine Suites.

The ceremony took place down the road at Little Manly Point Reserve, a beautiful spot that naturally slopes down to the water and overlooks the harbour. After a few post-ceremony drinks, the party escaped the ominous-looking sky and kicked on to Manly Wine Suites, a venue chosen for its wonderful staff and view of the ocean. With far-flung friends and family having travelled to join them, Kate and Joost opted for a relaxed cocktail-style celebration, to give everyone the chance to mingle and catch up. A good dance was high on the agenda, and Simon from XYDJ (together with some mad dress-ups) ensured no one was disappointed!

As a printmaker, Kate wasn’t shy about taking on her fair share of wedding DIY. In addition to the invites, decorations and venue flowers, Kate made a lino print for each guest as a thank you for sharing their big day.

Nina Claire captured the colourful day, and says of the couple “Katie and Joost are full of love and life… They are fresh, happy, joyful, colourful and a delight and their wedding reflected that. “You, Me and The Sea” was their theme and they rocked it with style.”

Some words of wisdom from the bride

“My biggest piece of advice is to just enjoy the process. It’s so fantastic to have all the people you know in one space at one time so savour it because it goes fast. And lastly even if it rains like on our day or something goes don’t worry about it; you are probably the only one who will notice. Remember things don’t have to be perfect to be wonderful.”

Photography: Nina Claire | Bride’s dress: Karen Willis Holmes | Bride’s shoes: Nine West | Bridesmaids dress: Zimmermann | Groom’s suit: Studio Italia | Groom’s shoes: Suitsupply | Hair & Makeup: Jessica Tiller | Ceremony venue: Little Manly Point Reserve | Celebrant: Elizabeth Trevan | Reception venue and catering: Manly Wine Suites | Bouquets & Boutonnière : The Sisters | Venue flowers: The bride and friend | Cakes: Lorraine’s Patisserie | Entertainment: XYDJ | Stationery/invitations: The bride and Little Paper Lane | Transport: Kombi Day Out