Sun and sand: Rhian heads home for beach wedding to Phil

By:
Content Team
/
Updated on: March 16, 2022

English boy meets Australian girl in an Aussie bar — it’s a familiar story. But the encounter between Phil Aslett and Rhian James was more than just a fling!

The couple, both aged 32, met after Rhian had just arrived home to Brisbane from Whistler for a friend’s wedding. She was meant to return to Canada shortly after, but a romantic first date and long weekend with Phil meant Rhian never went back!

Twelve months on the couple celebrated Phil’s birthday on a camping trip. “I surprised Phil with a birthday cake but was trumped by his hugely romantic and very unexpected beach proposal in front of our closest friends – with a handmade sign lit on fire saying ‘Marry Me?’”

The couple, who now reside in the UK, celebrated their special day back in Australia on May 31, 2014 with a beach wedding on the Sunshine Coast.

The ceremony at Sunshine Beach Surf Club was followed by a reception at the same location for a chilled vibe. “It was a relaxed and laid-back beach holiday combined with a wedding, connecting friends and family from all round the globe,” describes Rhian. “Our guests had time to get to know each other in the lead up – high tea, fishing, beach time, beauty parlour, group meals – maximising party time on the big day!”

The bride’s advice for a smooth running wedding is to not forget the tiny details. “Groomsmen socks, homemade favours, dress modifications, new dress for our first dance, music playlists etc … they all add up!”

Photos courtesy of Charlotte Lisa Wedding Photographer.

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Rhian’s gorgeous Maggie Sottero gown had a crystal and beaded bodice with tulle skirt.

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Phil and his crew were dressed in charcoal lounge suits from Roger David, with a classic ivory rose buttonholes.

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Phil’s family and friends flew to Australia to see the couple wed beachside.

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“We were blessed with beautiful weather,” says the bride.

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Guests were treated personalised honey jars as well as wedding cake made by Phil’s mum!

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Featured Suppliers:

Bomboniere Bomboniere: DIY

Brides Gown Brides Gown: Maggie Sottero

Brides Shoes Brides Shoes: Myer

Bridesmaid Shoes Bridesmaid Shoes: Tony Bianco

Bridesmaids Accessories Bridesmaids Accessories: Myer

Bridesmaids Dresses Bridesmaids Dresses: Dessy

Celebrant Celebrant: Kristy Ellis

Ceremony Music Ceremony Music: Playlist

Entertainment Entertainment: Stereo Blonde , Brisbane Cover Bands , Giant Games

Flowergirl Dress Flowergirl Dress: Myer

Flowers Flowers: DIY

Gift Registry Gift Registry: Wishing well

Grooms Attire Grooms Attire: Roger David

Grooms Shoes Grooms Shoes: David Jones

Groomsmen Attire Groomsmen Attire: Roger David

Hair Hair: Hair by Nicola

Honeymoon Honeymoon: Bali

Invitations Invitations: DIY

Makeup Makeup: KJ Artistry

Photographer Photographer: Charlotte Lisa Wedding Photographer

Rings Rings: Ringleaders

Venue Venue: Sunshine Beach Surf Club

Wedding Night Venue Wedding Night Venue: La Mer Beachfront Apartments