SOUTH COAST / SARAH & JOSH'S THE LODGE JAMBEROO WEDDING

Sarah & Josh's three-day celebration of love, legacy and high-energy joy

Set against the lush rainforest backdrop of The Lodge Jamberoo, Sarah and Josh’s immersive, intentional and completely unforgettable celebration unfolded across an entire weekend, transforming a wedding day into a three-day experience shared with their closest family and friends.

From personalised room gifts and spa surprises to spontaneous karaoke poolside and a CO₂-blasting reception entrance, every detail was a reflection of who they are: bubbly, thoughtful and unapologetically full of life. Guests stayed on-site at The Lodge, making it easy to enjoy the entire weekend together.

But beyond the high-energy dance floors and surprise Manly Seabirds performance, this wedding was grounded in something deeper — partnership. A love built on balance, unwavering support and the quiet confidence of knowing they’re always on the same team. 

Where heartfelt details met unforgettable moments.

On Friday night, they were welcomed with personalised gifts and “Whole LOTTO Love” spa vouchers to enjoy a relaxing treat before the big day. Saturday was filled with the wedding celebrations, and the weekend wrapped up with a recovery day by the pool, complete with a boombox and spontaneous karaoke sessions.

With sentimental tributes woven into a timeless bouquet, engraved family goblets honouring shared anniversaries, and a guest list that felt more like family than friends, this wasn’t just a wedding. It was a legacy moment. A love story celebrated loudly, joyfully and with intention.

And as the night ended with guests jumping into the pool, laughter echoing through the rainforest, one thing was certain — this wasn’t just iconic. It was entirely, beautifully them.

Coordination @eventsbysarahandbrooke / Venue @thelodgejamberoo / Florist @theflowerpursuit / Photo & Video @endoftimeweddings / Content Creator @bylucy.weddings Music & MC @evoke_entertainment_australia / Hair @klmhairandbeauty @taylanahhairdesign / Makeup @makeupbysamjane / Draping @thefabricalchemist_ / Live Illustrator @frankie.wallace_artist / Menus @stateofelliott / Cake @parfait.patisserie / c02 Guns, fireworks @party_central_official / Bridal Gown @rainbridalwear / Suits @institchu

The Proposal

A romantic plan, a little suspicion… and one very perfect corner turn.

On 30.03.24, on a golden autumn afternoon at Little Manly Point Park overlooking the water, Josh asked Sarah to marry him.

It was romantic. It was picturesque.
And, apparently, just slightly nerve-wracking for Josh.

He had secretly enlisted his best man, Matt (Nads), and his wife Yianna to organise what was pitched as a “casual weekend away” in Manly. A clever move — because if the invite came from them, Sarah would never suspect a thing.

The plan? Stay overnight and finally dine at Manly Pavilion — a restaurant she’d been wanting to try forever.

Simple.

Or so she thought.

On the way, Josh suggested stopping at a “new spot” near Manly Point for a quick drink while waiting for their friends.

Immediately suspicious.

“I love Manly,” she thought. “There is absolutely no way a new venue has opened without me knowing about it.”

She was quietly analysing everything.

And then… they turned the corner.

Red roses scattered across the grass.
Candles glowing in the afternoon light.
A “Will you marry me?” sign.
Champagne on ice — her favourite.
A beautifully styled charcuterie board nestled inside a gold basket.

It was breathtaking. Completely picture-perfect.

In true main-character fashion, Sarah had almost cancelled the entire weekend after a mini meltdown when AusPost delayed her dress delivery. Convinced she had nothing to wear, she nearly pulled the pin. Meanwhile, Josh remained calm, cool and completely collected.

Thankfully.

The dress arrived just before they were due to leave. Everything fell into place.

That afternoon was pure magic.

Josh had thought of every detail — even arranging for their dear friends Nat, Josh and Indi from End of Time Weddings to be discreetly nearby capturing the moment.

And just when it felt like it couldn’t get better, they arrived at dinner to find the entire Seabird squad waiting to celebrate.

Thoughtful. Joyful. Overflowing with love.

The most perfect day.
And the most beautiful beginning to their next chapter.

How They Met

From a simple message to something meant to be.

What began as a single message from Josh turned into a first date at Emu Hall — a casual night out that quietly marked the start of something far more meaningful than either of them expected.

And from there… it just flowed.

They cooked for each other.
They created handwritten scorecards to rate their meals (because presentation absolutely mattered).
They laughed. A lot.

Then came the dancing.

Somewhere between the music and the movement, they realised this wasn’t just chemistry — it was alignment. Shared passions. Shared joy. Shared energy. Before long, Josh wasn’t just watching from the sidelines — he was fully committed on the dance floor, dancing the night away beside her.

With every date, they settled more naturally into one another.

Josh’s calm steadied Sarah’s spark.
Her energy brought light to his thoughtful nature.

They balanced each other in all the right ways.

What started as one effortless evening slowly unfolded into a love neither of them saw coming — but both instinctively knew was meant to be.

What was the winning factor of The Lodge Jamberoo?

The moment we walked into The Lodge Jamberoo, Josh didn’t hesitate — he turned to me and said, “This is the one.” And he was right. It wasn’t just a venue, it was an experience. With on-site accommodation for all our closest family and friends, we were able to turn our wedding into a three-day celebration.

That was the real magic for us — not just one big day, but a whole weekend to slow down, connect properly and be fully present with the people we love most. From the second guests arrived (at what we jokingly called “The Sims: Wedding Edition”), the details began unfolding.

Was there an important detail you wanted to have at your wedding?

Each room held personalised gifts, and on Friday night we surprised everyone with “Whole LOTTO Love” spa vouchers so guests could enjoy a treatment on Saturday morning before the ceremony. We had a live illustrator capturing moments throughout the celebrations and heartfelt thank-you touches for guests to take home.

We wanted everyone to feel completely spoiled. Set on the edge of the rainforest, the secluded location felt intimate, peaceful and perfectly aligned with our love of nature. Every element reflected who we are — bubbly, playful and deeply thoughtful. Pearls and rhinestones were tucked into fruit displays, love hearts were woven throughout the styling, and then there was our CO₂-blasting reception entrance, followed by a surprise Manly Seabirds dance with the squad. It was high-energy, emotional and unapologetically us. The details truly meant everything.

My bouquet by The Flower Pursuit was timeless and romantic, with the most sentimental touch — tributes to my three guardian angels delicately woven within it. I had asked Sarah to create something I could carry all night, something unique, luxe and enduring from ceremony to dance floor, and she exceeded every expectation. I loved it so much it never left my hands. It wasn’t just a wedding — it was an immersive celebration of our love and the people who mean the world to us. Hearing guests call it “iconic” still makes us smile.

The Style Story:

The Suits

Suit shopping at Institchu wasn’t just an appointment — it was an experience.

Josh had his long-term boys by his side, and what could’ve been a simple fitting turned into one of the most memorable days of the lead-up to the wedding.

Measurements were taken. Fabrics were chosen. Details were tailored to match their vision.

But more importantly?
There were laughs. Beers. A little whiskey.

It felt relaxed, celebratory and completely “us.” Not overly formal. Not stiff. Just a group of mates marking the start of something big.

The Dress

Dress shopping was a journey Mum and I will never forget.

After visiting three bridal boutiques, we were almost ready to give up hope. Nothing quite felt right. Nothing made my heart race.

And then we walked into Rain Bridal in Lane Cove.

From the moment we arrived, Rob and Jon were incredible — patient, kind and genuinely invested in helping me find the dress. No pressure. Just guidance and care.

There was one gown I kept coming back to.

Even after deciding to “sleep on it,” I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I brought my closest girls back for a second look — and the moment I saw Mum’s face light up alongside their smiles, I knew.

That was it.

The Second Dress

Because dancing has always been such a huge part of my life — from years as a dancer to over a decade as a cheerleader — I knew I needed a second dress I could truly move in.

When I shared my vision with Rob and Jon, they didn’t just understand it — they embraced it.

They surprised me with the perfect fun, effortless, dance-floor-ready second dress. And as if that wasn’t enough, they even created custom pom poms for my surprise performance.

It made the entire bridal journey feel deeply personal, thoughtful and unforgettable.

Mum and I truly couldn’t thank them enough.

What was the most important detail you wanted to have at your wedding?

Above all, we wanted every guest to feel the love Josh and I share. We wanted to give to our people the same way we give to each other — thoughtfully, intentionally and from the heart. Creating a full weekend away allowed everyone to relax, celebrate and truly enjoy being together.

Family was especially important to us. We share our wedding anniversary with Sarah’s parents, so we honoured that beautiful connection by incorporating their engraved goblets into our celebration — a small but deeply meaningful tribute.

And because we love a good celebration, our favourite cocktails — Lychee Martinis and Margaritas — were, of course, on the menu. Every detail, big or small, was designed to make our guests feel seen, appreciated and part of something unforgettable.

What does marriage mean to you?

To us, marriage is true partnership. It’s having each other’s backs no matter what and knowing we’re always on the same team. It’s choosing not to sweat the small stuff, but instead facing challenges side by side — solving problems together rather than sitting in them.

It’s about prioritising one another, growing and adapting as life changes, and building a foundation of trust that only gets stronger with time. Most of all, it’s the comfort of knowing that whatever life brings, we’re in it together — supporting, loving and celebrating each other through every high, every lesson and every quiet in-between moment.

Classic moments…

This is one I’ll never get tired of telling. For recovery day, we brought a boombox to play music by the pool — complete with a microphone that I had absolutely no intention of using… or so I thought. The second we arrived, all bets were off.

Before I knew it, I was singing and dancing with my bridal party and guests, and that microphone quickly became the unexpected main character of the entire day. We carried it everywhere, turning every casual moment into a spontaneous karaoke session that rolled from afternoon straight into the evening. By the time I stood up to say my vows, I may have already sung half my voice away — and on the drive home, my now-husband was treated to yet another encore.

But the real peak? A surprise Manly Seabirds performance I had secretly planned just for Josh. Surrounded by my closest cheer friends, we danced, laughed and created a moment he — and everyone there — will never forget.

The song choices were deeply meaningful to us both, finishing with Eagle Rock — a legacy dance synonymous with Manly Sea Eagles games and rich in Seabirds history. Performing it alongside the people closest to me, for the person who has supported me through everything (and never misses an NRL game), felt incredibly special.

And as all iconic celebrations should, the night ended with guests jumping into the pool — carefree, fully dressed, laughing and completely present. Unfiltered joy. The perfect finale.

Wedding songs

Wedding dance Perfect For Me – Bradley Marshall  / Processional - Bride: Can't Help falling in love – Elvis Presley / Processional - Bridesmaids: Adore u – Sydney / Signing of Paperwork #1: Latch – Sam Smith / Signing of Paperwork #2: You're my Best Friend – Queen Father / Daughter Dance: My Girl - The Temptations

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