COVER STORY
This couple hosted a five-day wedding celebration in Byron Bay, which included a taco welcome party, a ‘hucks’ tournament, and a candlelit Italian dinner.
WITH THE BRIDAL JOURNEY
When your love language is hosting, your wedding naturally becomes an experience, not just for you, but for every guest lucky enough to be invited. For LAURA & DOM, celebrating their marriage was about creating a once-in-a-lifetime moment for all 30 guests who travelled across Australia and overseas to join them.
Photography House of Lucie
LAURA & DOM (4)
THE SWELL HOTEL
Anchored by their love for gathering friends and family over good food and good wine, the couple curated a five-day celebration in their hometown of Byron Bay, blending relaxed coastal energy with timeless European influence. The setting: Byron Bay magic and Italian dreams: The festivities centred around a private takeover of The Swell Hotel, which served as the home base for the multi-day event. Guests arrived to a welcome dinner of tacos and margaritas served from an on-site vintage caravan, setting the relaxed yet elevated tone for the days ahead. To kick-start the camaraderie, guests drew custom ‘Club Churchill’ caps from a sack to determine teams for the next day’s activities, including a lively tennis tournament and pub-style quiz. On day three, the main event unfolded at Lo Scoglio, a venue whose European architecture and sweeping Byron Hinterland views perfectly echoed Laura and Dom’s original dream of marrying in Italy.
“We always knew we wanted something timeless and minimalist, but with a contemporary edge, we wanted the venue and the people to be the day’s hero.” Laura Says
The style: Timeless icons with a modern twist
Dom committed early to a classic tuxedo, elevated with a velvet jacket that added rich texture to the silhouette. Laura’s fashion journey led her to a piece of bridal history, the Vivienne Westwood Comet Gown, discovered during a spontaneous solo appointment.
“I had always adored Vivienne Westwood’s corsetry, as soon as I put it on, I knew it was the one.”
Paired with her mother’s reworked veil from the 1980s and a symbolic Vivienne Westwood orb necklace, Laura’s look blended rebellion and tradition, perfectly echoing the spirit of their wedding. In keeping with their minimalist vision, the ceremony décor featured a floor floral arbour, allowing the breathtaking Byron backdrop to frame the vows naturally. Florals by Nikau Flora Studio were kept subtle and sculptural, celebrating texture and form.
LAURA IN VIVIENNE WESTWOOD (4)
Photography House of Lucie
The ceremony: A deeply personal family affair
In a touching departure from tradition, Laura’s parents, both celebrants, officiated the ceremony, weaving their connection into a heartfelt script. Dom’s parents served as the ring bearers, and both mothers signed the marriage certificates as witnesses.
“Having my parents marry us was incredibly emotional,” Laura reflects. “It made the entire ceremony feel even more intimate.”
Following the ceremony, a silk-draped, deconstructed champagne tower marked the start of cocktail hour. Laura and Dom consciously chose to remain with their guests instead of leaving for portraits, a reflection of their love for hosting and sharing the moment with everyone present.
The reception: A candlelit Italian dinner party
The reception vision was clear from the outset: an intimate, family-style Italian dinner, surrounded by candlelight and laughter. Eschewing traditional florals, the couple scattered fresh fruits along the centre of the table, creating a natural, abundant tablescape.
Instead of place cards, personalised ribbons were tied around each guest’s glass, a playful detail that guests later wore in their hair or around their necks, adding to the relaxed, festive atmosphere.
After dinner, the celebration continued at the Swell Hotel, where a tipi in the car park hosted the second reception. Guests were encouraged to change outfits, and a live DJ set welcomed everyone back onto the dance floor for an effortless, private afterparty. “Our first dance turned into a spontaneous dance circle, which felt so natural and true to us,” Laura shares.
“Our first dance turned into a spontaneous dance circle, which felt so natural and true to us,” Laura shares
LAURA & DOM (5)
Photography House of Lucie
The finale: Recovery party magic
By day four, spirits were still high for a recovery party under the tipi, complete with a vinyl DJ set and a grazing table of sliders and bagels. Some guests relaxed with card games while others danced well into the afternoon, margaritas in hand.
The celebrations officially concluded on day five, as guests departed, leaving five unforgettable days of laughter, love, and connection. Reflecting on it all, Laura and Dom would not change a thing.
“The entire five days were the best of our lives, it was everything we ever hoped for, and more,” they share.
The Vendors
Planner & Stylist: Elope, Byron Bay Weddings
Venue: Lo Scoglio
Florals: Nikau Flora Studio
Photographer: House of Lucie
Videography: Morelife Films
Celebrants: It Must Be Love Celebrant
Dress: Vivienne Westwood via Bloom Australia
Veil: Kait Grace
Jewellery: Vivienne Westwood, By Baby
Suit: Menzclub
Makeup: Ava Belle
Hair: Mia Howden
Catering: Fig Tree Catering
Cake: Éclair at the Bay
Music: Matthew Armitage Music, Zac & Joe (@zac_and_joe_dj)
Accommodation: The Swell Hotel
Transport: Byron Luxury Tours
