Wedding: Hayley + Sarm

Let’s be honest: uni lectures can be boring at times, but you just never know who you might meet there. And so it was for Hayley who, during a first-year law class, became a little distracted by a guy sitting a few seats in front of her. She made it her mission to get to know him…the modern way of course. “I looked up his name on the class list and added him on Facebook, then I waited for him to speak to me first,” she smiles. “We eventually exchanged numbers then he asked me out for dinner.” Good sleuthing Hayley.

Four-and-a-half years of dating later, the two were walking through New York’s Central Park when Sarm seized the moment and popped the question. “He suggested we go check out the Bow Bridge because it had been featured in some famous movies,” explains Hayley. “Under the guise of ‘taking a photo’, he gave his phone to a passerby to capture the moment, then got down on one knee and asked me to marry him!” Romantic location? Tick. Element of surprise? Tick. We just hope Sarm got his phone back.

Not long after, Hayley and Sarm were busy researching wedding venues when, totally by chance, they found their dream location.

“Some good friends of ours surprised us with a weekend away at Halcyon House for Valentine’s Day in 2016,” explains Hayley. “It was love at first sight when we arrived at the beautiful blue-and-white hued venue on Cabarita beach in Northern New South Wales. We instantly knew that this was where our wedding would take place.”

From this fateful moment, everything seemed to take shape easily. Inspired by the venue, Hayley and Sarm planned a weekend-long celebration with breezy vibes – a feat that was achieved with a little expert help. “The people at Halcyon House did not overlook one aspect of the whole wedding – from the arrival, to the personalised greeting cards, gifts and wedding programmes for each guests,” says Hayley. “The catering was also all done by the venue’s restaurant, Paper Daisy, and the head chef carefully curated a cocktail-style reception for use.”

Just over a year later, everything was organised and ready to go when Hayley and her bridesmaids arrived at the venue to kick off the festivities. Enjoying cocktails by the pool together and dinner at a local restaurant with a few early guests, the girls caught up on some much needed relaxation. For the groom and his groomsmen however, things were a little more ‘cheeky’ when they rocked up on the Saturday. “They took advantage of the beautiful Cabarita Beach location and had an early morning swim before drinking cocktails in ‘chick magnet’ Peter Alexander boxer shorts!” says Hayley.

Bringing with it plenty of perfect sunshine, the wedding day (29 April, 2017) saw the couple’s closest loved ones gather in the venue’s gardens for drinks and the ceremony. Looking breathtaking in a custom MXM Couture dress with sparkling embellishments, Hayley joined Sarm under a canopy of blooms to tie the knot. That was, until a slight hiccup. “In the middle of ceremony, Sarm asked our little ring-bearer nephew for the wedding rings – and he had no idea where they were! Turns out they’d been left in one of the bridesmaid’s rooms. Luckily, our events manage Anna was straight onto it and ran off to collect them just in time for the exchange of vows.” Nice save.

Saying “I do”, Hayley and Sarm became husband and wife before their 94 guests – and one VIP guests: “Our fluffy son, Winston, was standing by our side at the ceremony as Sarm’s best man,” says Hayley. “He looked so sweet in his custom tuxedo with his initials embroidered on it.” Very dapper indeed.

While Hayley, Sarm and their bridal party explored the nearby beach for photo spots, guests were treated to rice-crusted jumbo green prawns, freshly shucked oysters and prawn, avocado and horseradish in brioche buns. As if that wasn’t enough, a poolside sashimi station kept things laid-back as the sun set. It’s no wonder the couple’s photographer, Frankie Owen, said the day made her feel as if she was in the Hamptons. “Guests were relaxing by the pool, taking in the sunshine, sipping cocktails and enjoying the sound of the ocean in the distance,” says. Frankie. Perfection.

Bringing together their closest friends and family, the wedding of Hayley and Sarm was both blissfully chilled and full of party vibes. From the gorgeous orchids featured throughout the celebration to the newlyweds’ infectious smiles, everything was simply beautiful. “Our wedding was like one big party, with everyone dancing, laughing and enjoying themselves,” says hayley. “It really was the best day of our lives.”