Logging on to love leads to rainforest wedding for Wollongong couple

Jessica Eernisse, 29, and Luke Woodland, 33, fell in love the modern way.

“Luke [an Army medic] and I met through an online dating site,” explains Jessica. “He had been injured on an overseas deployment and returned to Australia to start a painful recovery.”

Jessica quickly feel for Luke’s cheeky sense of humour and handsome looks. Just three years later they were engaged. The pair chose to hold a rainforest wedding at Mount Keira, Wollongong.

The day got off to a great start, with Jessica arriving in a 1940s Buik and her bridesmaids in tow in a 1950s model. But there were a few bumps in the road. “Whilst walking through the rainforest I discovered a leech on my dress, followed by Luke managing to split his pants entering the bridal car,” laughs Jessica.

She says the ceremony led by Luke’s military chaplain was “poignant” and tailored to the pair. “He gave a very personal sermon that articulated the challenges Luke personally faced as a being part of the military and us as a couple.”

After a sparkler exit, the couple honeymooned in Hawaii.

Photos courtesy of Samantha Ohlsen Photography.

Jessica’s San Patrick gown with lace was found at Cheboom Bridal.

Clear Strings Music played Lana Del Ray’s “Young and Beautiful” as Jessica walked down the aisle.

Although Luke’s pants ripped early in the day, one of the groomsmen worked some sewing magic to patch them up!

Jessica says, “I am proud and honoured to call myself an Australian military wife, especially in this significant year of the hundredth anniversary of our ANZACs. Lest We Forget.”