Yamba Real Wedding – A Wet Wedding Well Planned

Some of you may recognize the beautiful Jessica Mitchell, she may have greeted you during your travels to Angourie, or she may have planned your wedding! She’s one of Yamba’s most efficient wedding and event planners, and Angourie Resort’s very own Coordinator.

Jess and Mat’s love story lead them across Australia and back again, and has lasted over eleven years before making it official. Mat proposed during a family trip to Park City, Utah, USA. On a private dog-sled tour he dropped to one knee and managed to have the tour guide film the whole thing, knowing how much this moment meant to the two of them. Jess was quick to accept the yellow gold, oval-cut engagement ring which was personally designed by Mat, as they embraced lovingly at high altitude.

On a rainy Friday in May, Jess’ plan B was to have her wedding in the Bangalow Room at Angourie Resort. The original ceremony was due to be held at Pilot Hill, overlooking Yamba’s Main Beach, but to Jess’ amusement, the weather lead her back to work, for what was ultimately a dream ceremony destination. A fairy-lit, macramé style back drop framed the two resort sweethearts. As tears wept, they declared their devotion, dedication and love to each other and exchanged vows. Guests then mingled and dined on canapes as the wedding party left to commence their rain-drenched wedding photos, which as you can see did not dampen the day in the slightest.

How did the two of you meet? Please tell us your story
Mat and I met when we were both 16. Even though we had both lived in the Clarence Valley all our lives we attended different high schools and didn’t meet until I changed schools in year 11. We both liked each other instantly and it didn’t take long for us to be officially together.

How did he/she propose? 
Mat planned the most beautiful proposal! We were on a snow boarding holidays in Park City, USA and Mat arranged a private dog sledding tour through the mountains. Halfway through the tour the guide had stopped us to take some photos and mat got onto one knee and asked me to marry him. The guide had my phone and captured the entire moment for us. It was so special!

Why did you chose Angourie Resort?
I am the Wedding Coordinator here at Angourie Resort so it really wasn’t a hard decision for me. We wanted to get married locally and there really is no other venue in Yamba that compares! The staff here are amazing and I knew that my wedding would be run perfectly. I chose the marquee option for our reception venue and it was just perfect!

Did you have a theme?
We didn’t really have a theme, we just wanted everything to be simple but romantic. We had beautiful timber tables, candles and lots of fairy lights! My bridesmaid Emilia created the most beautiful macramé piece with stunning florals that matched my bridal bouquet for the ceremony. She kept it a complete surprise and I was just blown away when I saw how beautiful it looked as I walked down the aisle.

Describe your day and how you both felt
The morning of our wedding I had to make the decision to change my ceremony location due to the weather (I remember the rain starting at 3am, the sound woke me like an alarm clock!). We have many ‘wet weather’ backup options at the resort but I had to choose somewhere big enough to hold my 140 guests, hence the decision to hold the ceremony in the Bangalow Room. We hadn’t held a ceremony in that venue before so I had no idea what it would look like, but it was just so beautiful! I couldn’t have made a better decision. After that little hurdle in the morning I enjoyed every minute of the rest of the day. We had arranged to exchange gifts and a love letter on the day which was very beautiful, and we both just couldn’t wait to be married!

What was the stand out moment for you?
The ceremony was definitely a highlight for me, nothing will ever compare to the feeling you get when you begin to walk down the aisle to marry the one you love. I had my two younger brothers walk me half of the aisle then my dad and step dad walk me the last half, this was just so special to me.
My youngest brother and niece walked down together before me and just decided that they would stand next to the bridesmaids for the entire ceremony rather than sit back down – this wasn’t supposed to happen but was just so cute, and I loved seeing the photos of them holding hands watching us while we got married.

Ceremony Location: Bangalow Room, Angourie Resort / Reception Venue: Marquee / Photo Location: Angourie Resort & Pilot Hill, Yamba / Celebrant: Christine Preston / Photographer: Lee Calleja Thomas / Hair & Makeup: Elly Palmer (Hair) Rebecca Brien (Makeup)  / Grooms’ Suit Designer: Edge Suits / Brides’ Gown Designer: Grace Loves Lace / Flowers: Wildflower Wanderings, Yamba / Macrame Artist: Emilia Lorena