Sarah & Josh’s bare-foot beach wedding in Port Macquarie, NSW

On the only sunny day in months and, with a real risk that half the 95 guests would not be able to attend due to flooding in the area, Sarah Vinson and Josh Cooper’s bare-foot beach wedding turned out to be just right.

The 3pm nuptials were held on the gorgeous Shelly Beach in Port Macquarie, NSW – where the ocean greets the rainforest. Leading the bridal party down the sandy aisle was the couple’s two-year-old son, Noah (who refused to wear anything but his beloved Crocs!) followed by Sarah, 25, and her emotional dad who proudly shook hands with his future son-in-law at the rustic altar.

Sarah describes the ceremony as “magical;” for not only did Josh, 29, surprise her with vows he had written himself, as soon as they’d said ‘I do’, a pod of dolphins swam by in the ocean behind, playfully jumping in and out of the water as if right on cue.

Later at the Mercure Centro, the reception kicked off with canapés on the lovely rooftop with fabulous views of the town, beach and river, followed by “meals, speeches, tears, laughs and – some interesting dance moves!” says Sarah.

“Not one guest didn’t enjoy themselves,” she reminisces. “It was by far the best day of our lives.”