JESSICA X JAMES

chapel ridge nsw wedding images by karina lee studio

wedding date: 26th February 2022

114 wedding guests

How did the two of you meet?

I was working as a locum pharmacist at a pharmacy in Campbelltown for the day and in comes a man named James who strolled right on through into the dispensary like he owned the place! I quickly learnt he was a drug sales rep and quickly wrote him off as a smooth-talking salesman (haha). He tried to make conversation when I was so busy and soon he was trying to convince me to take the position that opened for the head pharmacist role in the store. I eventually took the role and James’ already regular visits to the store, thanks to his job anyway, became a little bit more frequent! I soon learnt he was an amazing, sweet guy and not the salesman image I had pinned him for.

How long were you together before your engagement?

We were together for a year and a half before our engagement. Covid lockdown definitely accelerated our relationship and we moved in together after 6 months of being together. We joked that 6 months of lockdown together felt like an equivalent of 2 years in a relationship!

The proposal:

James wanted to take me to the Royal Easter Show on Good Friday as I had never been before. We had such a fun day just enjoying the busy atmosphere post lockdown. He suggested us going on the ferris wheel at night when the fireworks were on and went to prebuy the tickets as I was at the bar holding our seats. It was just before 8pm and we got to the ferris wheel just in time and as we circled around to the top the ferris wheel stopped. The fireworks started and James turned to me and his legs were shaking and also his voice, which never happens by the way as he is such a confident speaker, and he dropped down on one knee with the ring and of course I said ‘Yes!’

Your Wedding venue.

James and l loved the idea of getting married at a beautiful venue in the country. We came across a new venue in our research called Chapel Ridge just outside of Gosford and as soon as we got there we fell in love immediately. It was a magical and felt like we were in another country.

Wedding Theme.

The theme I wanted to create for the wedding was ethereal, soft and romantic with whimsical blooms and blush/neutral candles everywhere.

Most favourite moment/s of the day.

Our favourite moment of the day was the champagne tower after our entrance into the reception together as that was when James and I were able to really loosen up and have more fun with our friends and family around. It really set the tone that we wanted our guests to just have fun at our wedding!

How was your dress/suit shopping experience overall?

James had a great suit experience overall, he was able to find his perfect tuxedo suit from Joe Black on the first day of shopping. He did however extensively research online which bowtie would match his suit and after a few returns he decided on the right one.

I however did not have the perfect dress shopping experience, I had none at all! Sydney had just gone into lockdown with my dress appointments all lined up in the next few weels and in the end I emailed Amy from Love Marie Bridal my measurements for an Alena Leena dress I thought would suit me and ordered it without ever trying it on! It was even more special it was made in Ukraine and manufacturing stopped soon after they delivered my dress. The dress arrived and when I finally tried it on, it was perfect with its beautiful Italian chantilly lace bodice and train.

What does marriage mean to you?

Marriage means you have the one designated person you can have fun/annoy/be silly with forever! It also means ‘compromise’ - James will get the golden retriever puppy he always wanted and I get to online shop whenever I want! Haha.

Any classic stories you want to share from the day?

We had so much fun dancing into the night and much alcohol was consumed, the bartenders gave James whatever he wanted to drink - so much so he grabbed the microphone when everyone was on the dance floor and proceeded to karaoke ‘Empire State of Mind’ by Alicia Keys and Jay-Z. James also heard there was a kick-on happening at a nearby airbnb and was so keen to go and nearly forgot that his main duty being newly married was to spend the night with his new bride!

Advice.

James and I would absolutely recommend a wedding planner/coordinator to help even if it’s just for the day of the wedding! Having Jen from Madden & Co Events as our wedding coordinator/stylist was invaluable, she made sure everything was on time and coordinated all the other external vendors as on the day you really lose track of time with so many emotions and things happening around you!

Also really enjoy every moment of the day, I regret being so stressed in the morning of and losing sight you have all your loved ones literally surrounding you in the one place!

Wedding songs.

Aisle: Can’t help falling in love – Kina Grannis

Recessional: Sure thing – Miguel

First dance: Dive – Ed Sheeran

Any stand out vendors for the day? Someone that went above and beyond?

Jen from Madden and Co Events literally went above and beyond! The wedding would not have been as smooth and perfect if it wasn’t for her work!

Also the florals created by Petal Bang was just everything I ever dreamed of.