Jess + James @ Cabarita, Tweed Coast

ABOUT THE DAY 

Set up in the back yard of Grounds of Cabarita was where the ceremony was to take place; we love a relaxed house elopement. Sun filtered through the bamboo, the pool was right next to us. It was the perfect place to elope on a gorgeous beachy afternoon.

Their two daughters wore matching flower dresses and threw petals down for mum as she walked the isle. They told us they loved the slick modern look –
Jess wore a banging short wedding dress that showed off her amazing legs, paired with a beautiful long veil. She looked outstanding and totally rocked it!

They chose a colour palette of Peach and cream; it was very peachy mixed with dried flower trend! The flowers were so bright and beautiful and POPPED off the backdrop of the bamboo. Simply stunning.

They pulled on our heartstrings with their heartfelt vows and had our team in tears, we laughed with them as they rocked back and fourth on the egg chair and got BOMBARDED by their little girls!

Some of our favourite moments were distracting the girls with Piggybacks so that mum + dad could get some private and intimate moments photographed. Assistant Emily took both girls around the yard smelling flowers and looking at the chickens to give them some alone time to connect as Sarah-Jane captured.

ABOUT THE LOCATION / VENUE

Grounds of Cabarita: The modern beach cottage. A 1960’s style house that provides the ultimate beach house stay! It’s located in the heart of Cabarita, a 5-minute walk to main Cabarita and to all restaurants/cafes.

The vibe of this place is incredible; it remains calm and quiet despite being around the corner from the main street. There is a spacious backyard for play, and a pool for those who prefer sand-less swims.

It was an idea location for a backyard elopement. Modest yet aesthetically pleasing, homely yet modern, beachy but not pretentious.

ABOUT THE COUPLE

Jess and James met a long time ago back when they were both teenagers; Jess was James’s sister’s best friend. It was love back then, but 15yrs later at Katie’s wedding is where things really kicked off. Maturity had graced them both and there was an immediate attraction.

Attraction and connection is a fiery combination! They spent 4 days together laughing and reliving old high school days. After that a long distant relationship begun!

12 years together and two very adorable girls later they are still smiling and laughing with each other! James proposed in 2017 on NYE.

This family is full of pure joy and humour; we spent the ENTIRE time laughing alongside them! Engraved on the inner side of their wedding rings was “Together in mutual weirdness” – we absolutely LOVED that!

J: “I love everything about Jess; although she must be a nut case to put up with me for so many years.  Our relationship is easy and I feel so loved by Jess.  She is a wonderful mother to our daughters and I’m happiest when we are together.”

Jess: “James has a drive, determination and passion that sets him apart from any man I’ve known. I adore everything about James.”

HOW DID THEY TELL THEIR LOVED ONES?

This was ALMOST a couple’s only elopement!! The only people present were their two daughters and Jess’s mum. For this couple, they believe marriage and love is something between the two who share it. They kept it between them, and told those necessary after the big day.