A Timeless Byron Bay Wedding for Rhiannon & Lewis
Wedding date: May 31, 2025
Photographer: @joeywillis_dearvincent
Rhiannon wore a custom Fit Mariska gown, tailored perfectly to her silhouette with extended, voluminous tails for added drama. She completed the look with our sheer organza veil - elegance in motion.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR PARTICULAR GOWN/LOOK?
I was never distracted by what styles were ‘trending’ at the time of my process, and felt confident that what we created was the perfect dress. I always knew I wanted to wear a dress that felt authentic to my personal style and was something I would look back on in twenty years and confidently still love. The Mariska Dress stood out to me from the beginning. I was drawn to the clean and structured column style; it felt like a natural extension of my wardrobe (but far more elevated, of course!). I was incredibly lucky to have Prea create a custom gown that naturally fit perfectly.
I wanted to have an unpredictable element, which was why we incorporated the Eloise Tails into the final look. They made for a dramatic moment that definitely caught my husband and guests by surprise. The practicality of being able to remove them when formalities had wrapped and I was ready to move around and dance was a nice to have as well.
This experience is incredibly intimate, and it was important to me to work with a designer whom I could build a meaningful connection with and that is exactly what eventuated with Prea. Her kindness and reassurance throughout the fittings made me feel confident in my decisions and ultimately made the entire experience stress-free.
WHERE DID YOU PURCHASE YOUR PREA JAMES LOOK?
Prea James boutique in Sydney, custom-made by Prea.
Tell us about your special day
Lewis and I chose to marry in Byron Bay as one of our favourite getaway destinations. Formal festivities began on Friday, where we hosted our bridal party and immediate family at Raes for a lovely, long lunch, followed by our wedding day on Saturday at the incredible Deux Beulettes, tucked away in the Byron hinterland and our relaxed recovery at The Loft to round out the weekend.
Lewis and I both felt we were incredibly present and really soaked up every moment throughout the day. The highlight of course was the ceremony, we had so much fun sharing our vows and laughed a lot, which made for a relaxed and loving environment. You couldn’t wipe the smile off my face, which made for some very candid (perhaps too candid) photos! But the love and support from our guests was palpable and it brought me so much joy to see Lewis waiting for me and for us to start this next chapter.
The reason why we loved Deux Belettes is that there are so many beautiful spaces throughout the venue for you to host your guests. The secret garden, European-inspired architecture with autumn vines draping every corner, made it incredibly romantic and whimsical. We were also blessed that the rain had cleared shortly before our guests arrived and held off until everyone was tucked away in the warmth of the marquee to eat, drink and dance the night away! I am quite spiritual, so I took that as a good omen!
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR BRIDES TO BE?
It can be hard to switch off the noise when you’re trying to discover or create your perfect dress. Especially with wedding culture on social media, it is overwhelming and all-consuming. My advice would be to start the process with a strong idea of what styles you love and feel are authentic to you. That way, if you start to change your mind or you want to go in a different direction (which is completely fine and common), you have a strong reference point to anchor your decision and ensure you’re not just moving with the wind (À la trends).
WEDDING VENDORS
Photographer: @joeywillis_dearvincent
Planner/Stylist @hausofhera__
Venue @deuxbelettes
Florist @fontanafloral
Hair & Makeup: @ weisshair @ katiamakeupartist
Celebrant @smittenceremonies
Catering @terracatering_byronbay
Groom Suit: PJohsnon
Accessories:
Earrings: Tiffany and Co
Engagement and wedding bands: private jeweller
Bride's shoes Magda Butrym
Groom shoes Morjas