Cat & Justin Linney { 16 NOVEMBER }

Sails Restaurant, Noosa, QLD
photos captured by: Brooke Adams

Cat and Justin met through mutual friends while attending a party and talking for most of the night. “After a year of crossing paths at various events, the timing was right, and Justin asked me on a date to Cottesloe Beach.

PROPOSAL UNDER STARS | Almost seven years later, he proposed on a secluded beach at Eco Beach Resort on a road trip to Broome. Justin had organised a private dinner on the cliff overlooking the beach at sunset so that we could celebrate just the two of us. We had an Eco tent with the walls that can be unzipped and you are sleeping under the stars with the breeze from the ocean. The next day we packed up and drove the final leg of the trip to Broome where we met up with family and friends, with the ultimate surprise being a visit from my Mum that Justin had organised, so the whole family was together.”

BRIDAL HEIRLOOM | “I knew I wanted a headpiece rather than a veil. I shared some initial ideas with Justin, and he started sketching designs.” While Cat and Justin were in Noosa planning the wedding earlier, they discussed the design with Alan (Justin’s Dad, founder of Linneys Jewellery and goldsmith). Alan went on to handcraft the crown in 18-carat yellow gold and Australian South Sea pearls. He added a sprinkling of yellow and white diamonds to complement the engagement ring which features yellow and white diamonds also. “The result exceeded my every expectation and created a centrepiece for the wedding that will become a family heirloom. I also wore my Grandmother’s yellow gold, diamond and blue sapphire engagement ring that my sister also wore on her wedding day. It was my old, borrowed and blue.”

“Seeing the unveiling of the crown as a finished piece was such an emotional and special moment. Justin and Alan created something so outstanding from my initial idea and seeing it finished was incredible. I couldn’t quite believe the level of talent that went in to create something custom – just for me.”

— Cat

DESTINATION LOVE | We wanted to do something a little different and loved the idea of a destination wedding that was still accessible. We had holidayed in Noosa with both our families many times before, so it holds a special significance. We flew over a few months before the wedding to meet our vendors and finalise plans – it was a lovely excuse to get away and visit Maleny (where our florist was), try all the fantastic food at Sails and shows our family where we had chosen to get married.

We did feel some pressure hosting a destination wedding. We knew that people were making an effort to travel from Perth to Noosa and we felt like we needed to host them to ensure they enjoyed their time in Noosa and discovered all the great spots and things to do. In the end, many guests flew over a week prior, so people had time to find things themselves while we were busy organising the wedding and everyone got to see what we loved about Noosa in their own time.

MINIMAL FLORAL | We wanted clean, minimalist bouquets in all white tones with lush greenery and Phalaenopsis orchids. The table centrepieces were a mix of gold and copper vases, filled with large green leaves – which balanced against the white tables and chairs nicely.

GIFTED ART | “Given we had a destination wedding we didn’t want guests to have to carry gifts. We have always wanted West Australian artist and friend Stormie Mills artworks. So the wishing well is going towards a custom made piece of art that symbolises the wedding, and we can display in our home and keep forever.

THE BRIDE | Cat wore a fitted neoprene and bonded georgette gown from One Day Bridal. "It was a modern cut with sheer panelling at the bodice, a dramatic silhouette and train. I wanted something contemporary and fresh and not too traditional, but I still wanted to feel like a bride. I had envisioned the headpiece before I found the dress, so both pieces worked beautifully together."

GROOM | Justin was looked after by Calibre, wearing a fresh linen jacket and matching pant in stone colours, with the finishing touches of a crisp white shirt, navy bowtie and blue suede loafers.

BRIDAL PARTY LOOKS | Bridesmaids wore floor-length Shona Joy silk gowns in nude tones accessorised with stunning Linneys 18ct yellow gold drop pearl earrings. "We also gifted a Linneys custom made floating pearl bracelet to wear on the day and have as a beautiful piece of their own from our day."

Justin wanted his groomsmen to compliment but not be the same; he chose similar tones and wore shirts open neck instead of a bowtie. They also wore dark blue chino pants, tan coloured jackets and a structured brown leather loafer from Politix.

"It was a perfect, sunny day in Noosa. Justin was staying at the Penthouse at Seahaven Resort and met up with his groomsmen in the morning to go surfing, while I got ready in the Peppers penthouse with my Mum and bridesmaids. The whole morning was so relaxed and fun ."

After the ceremony, we went to a lookout point along the coast and had about 45 minutes of photos, just the two of us. We wanted our bridal party to enjoy the cocktails and canapes with our guests, while we had a moment alone to reflect on the day so far.

COASTAL CHARM | The theme was lush, coastal and elegant. We had lots of rich green foliage (a nod to tropical North Queensland) with white orchids and peonies. Everything was deep green and white with added pops of gold and copper in the place cards, candles and signage. I still wanted it to feel like a wedding, but nothing too traditional and also something that complemented the natural landscape.

We had a pure white arbour adorned with green foliage and white orchids to match the bridal bouquets. Over the bridal table, we had a floating floral installation with hanging Edison globes.

RAISE YOUR GLASSES | Instead of placecards, we had personalised gold acrylic discs attached to everyone’s champagne flutes.

SYMBOLS OF THE DAY | Justin was going to have a rose corsage but being a jewellery designer, he had an idea to make a rose inspired lapel pin. He made one for himself in 18ct rose gold and one in Sterling Silver for each of the four groomsmen as gifts. The lapel pins can be worn forever and are symbolic of the day.