A DIY Beach Wedding: Jaq & Patto

April 23, 2012

Beautiful weddings like Jaq & Patto’s constantly remind me why I got into this wedding blogging game in the first place – to inspire others to create a wedding perfect for them. Sure it’s just a day and it’s just a party, but honestly, there’s just something about seeing events like these that makes my heart sing! Call me soppy, call me overly romantic but awww ain’t love grand?!

The beach wedding was held at a friend’s private residence on Roches Beach, Tasmania. They had only 45 guests and kept the whole affair really personal and intimate. The lucky couple were able to set up a marquee in a paddock on the property and really put their own stamp on the day. Everything was handmade by Jaq & Patto. Every line of bunting and every paper heart. Each table had origami paper and instructions to keep people entertained and the wine was donated from the Winery where Jaq works.

“We found inspiration in so many places,” Jaq wrote, “in Frankie magazine, on Pinterest, and searches for eco weddings on the net. We always wanted it to be a relaxed affair, with just really close friends and family. We both love vintage, retro and eco/ natural ideas so we chose this theme because it is just ‘us’. I also love to be creative and really enjoyed making the decorations and searching for ideas.”

“We wanted to do as much as possible ourselves to personalise it. We chose the marquee and had it at friends property because we wanted to feel relaxed and we wanted everyone else to relax too. We wanted people to have the option of camping, to be able to take our time to set up, and pack down, to hold a ‘hangover cure’ cook-up the next day, to be able to party into the early hours without time restraints. Also having a marquee meant that we could create our own little world inside…it was like a blank canvas so we could make it just how we wanted it to be. We were trying to create a romantic, natural, playful and relaxed vibe when making up the decorations.”

Jaq wore a dress purchased from Claire Louise Bridal in Brisbane with a vintage lace necklace that she found at a local gallery. “I chose the dress because it was simple and elegant but I didn’t want a meringue” Jaq continued. “I couldn’t afford the lace/vintage style that I would have loved and this one was within budget. I hate shopping do didn’t want to shop around too much so when I saw it and tried it on it looked good so I bought it then and there! I think the designer was a bit shocked at my quick decision and it was only about the fourth dress I had tried on.”


Love it! Thank you so much to Jaq & Patto and their wedding photographers fred + hannah for sharing with us today.

Supporting Cast:

Photography Credit: fred + hannah
Venue: Private residence on Roches Beach, Tasmania
Bride’s Dress: Claire Louise Bridal
Bride’s Shoes: Quick Brown Fox
Lace Necklace: Ginny and Jude bought at Spacebar Gallery
Groom’s Outfit: Les Lees
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: From a local boutique
Flowergirl Dress: DIY (bride)
Cake: DIY (groom)
Flowers: DIY
Hair: Fusion hairdressing
Make Up: Euro Modelling
Band: The Baker Boys
Stationery: DIY
Caterers: DIY