It was the best Christmas present a loved-up girl could ask for. A marriage proposal.
“Grant and I had been together for eight-and-a-half years when he popped the question on Christmas Day, 2011” says Catherine Murphy, 29. Engaged to her fiancé Grant Raywood, also 29, wedding plans were put on hold when they found out they were expecting their daughter, Harmony.
But a couple of years later they chose Wamberal on the NSW central coast for their beach wedding on March 29, 2014. “Our plan was a relaxed, casual wedding. Grant isn’t one to wear suits so having the beach wedding was perfect for his chosen attire,” smiles Catherine.
A DIY approach was taken to the big day with Catherine hand-making almost all of the decorations. “Our photos were taken at the Skillion at Terrigal with beautiful rocks featuring in the background,” says Catherine.
Their first dance as husband and wife was also their first dance ever! “I had endless feedback from guests saying that is was the best and most relaxed wedding they had ever been to. We couldn’t have asked for any better.”
The pair custom-designed their wedding bands.
The groom was in his element in shorts and Havianas.
Catherine’s bouquet was a fresh mix of ivory and green, arranged by A Floral Indulgence.
The pair were joined by 120 guests at the Wamberal Surf Life Saving Club where Impression DJs added to the fun and relaxed atmosphere.
Catherine’s tip for other brides: Allow plenty of time for photos.
Photos courtesy of Sol Images