A ‘Straddie’ Love Story – Daryl & Sam’s Wedding Journey
Written by Ketrina Coffey Celebrant / Photography by Romana Saeheng
Sam & Daryl love ‘Straddie’. So much so that it was to stage their wedding…twice, and Elope Stradbroke were invited along for the journey.
The first time around, they wanted to ‘make it official’ in an intimate elopement ceremony. With Romana, their photographer, and Ellen our make-up artist as witnesses, and of course myself ‘sealing the deal’ with the legalities. Then the following year their wedding celebration shared with Family & Friends, most of which were from overseas. They were unable to travel initially due to Covid.
So, on 15th March 2022, Daryl & Sam were hitched. The weather wasn’t terribly favorable, but we found a break in the clouds and persisted with a wonderful ceremony overlooking Deadman’s Beach. These loved-up beings exchanged their heartfelt vows, maybe cried a little, but laughed a lot, as they became husband and wife. So much joy. So much love.
“It wasn’t quite what you had planned for your wedding, but you were absolutely determined to get hitched, and nothing was going to get in your way”
Fast forward to March 15th, 2023, exactly a year later, Sam and Daryl relived their vows during a fairytale ‘wedding ceremony’ with their nearest and dearest. This time the skies were a beautiful blue and the Autumn sun was shining as they gathered at the Surf Life Savers Club at Point Lookout. It was breath-taking and truly magical. Daryl’s American family were certainly WOW’d. This time Daryl walked down the aisle with her oh-so-proud Dad and her brother presented the rings (and a couple of tears).
The Elopement ceremony and the Wedding ceremony were so different in their own way, but was equally as special.
“Sam & Daryl thank everyone who has made the journey, especially those from overseas. And wasn’t it just worth the trip?”
Over a decade I’ve been a celebrant and there have been many ‘stand-out’ moments along the way. But following Daryl & Sam’s ceremony, the father of the bride approached me, overwhelmed with emotion at how beautiful and relevant the words were, and how he had never been to a ceremony like this in his 73 years, including his own. His tears brought tears to my eyes, and in that moment I felt so grateful to have played a small part in making their day so special.
It was certainly a celebration of their love, their commitment, their friendship and their family. And what a party it was…with Matt, AKA, Mr Entertainment, giving it his all as the wedding singer, MC and DJ. Guests drank champagne as the sun set and danced the night away… what a day to remember!
Sam & Daryl’s wedding journey shows that love is stronger than any obstacle… ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way’. And with the help from the ‘Elope Stradbroke’ team, they made it happen…twice!! May they always cherish the memories created on the beautiful island of Stradbroke and that it will continue to hold a special place in their hearts. Just like it does for us.
