ONDINE + JOSH

Goolawah Retreat.

When Ondine and Josh came across Goolawah Retreat, it instantly felt right as their wedding venue.

“Tucked between forest and sea, it offered the perfect blend of natural beauty and laid-back charm. We loved the freedom of the space – how we could shape the day to suit our people, our pace, our energy. Having on-site accommodation and full use of the property for the weekend allowed us to settle in, explore the area, and truly relax before the big day. All of our amazing vendors worked together so seamlessly – they just got the vibe. Completely. We didn’t want anything too stark or polished. We were drawn to colour, warmth, and texture – wood and native flowers, blue skies, campfires, music, and laughter. We wanted the day to feel like a long exhale. Something real. Something us.”

CEREMONY
“Even though we’re both pretty silly and unserious most of the time, our vows were incredibly sincere. We spoke about the rarity of true, eternal love and the depth of the commitment we were making to each other. It was real, emotional, and full of heart.”

RECEPTION
“Our reception was so much fun. Lawn games were set up for kids and adults alike – badminton, a table tennis tournament, corn hole, skittles; we wanted fun, and we got it. There was craft beer on tap, flowing margaritas, cosmos, and this deceptively sweet lychee cocktail that was so strong it nearly knocked people over (in a fun way). And dancing… lots of dancing! For our bonbonniere, we printed and framed a portrait of each guest’s pet – they had to find their furry (or feathered!) friend and take them home. Char Bar Catering were incredible – professional, calm, completely on it. We had all our favourites: tacos, burgers, amazing grazing boards stacked with cheeses and meats. It was relaxed, delicious, and exactly what we’d dreamed of.”

DETAILS
“One of our favourite parts of the day was when Nic, our amazing photographer, whisked us away to the beach for sunset portraits. It wasn’t posed or awkward – it felt like taking a quiet walk with a friend. She made it so easy to relax and connect. We usually hate being photographed, but with Nic, it felt effortless. She’s a true artist. In terms of styling, we leaned into a bush-beach aesthetic that felt earthy, relaxed, and deeply us. The colour palette was warm and grounded – terracotta, rust, soft peachy tones, sandy neutrals, and natural textures like timber and linen. Our florals were native and perfectly complemented the surroundings without overpowering them. Our outfits echoed that same effortless feel – Josh wore a warm-toned suit that felt like it belonged among the gum trees, and my dress was light, floaty, and full of shimmer and movement, like moonlight in the bush. The vibe was barefoot elegance, with a sprinkle of chaos and a whole lot of heart.”