Amanda Madruga and Jacob Comelli met competing in the sport they both love.
“Jacob and I first met after both being selected for the Australian Shinkyokushin Karate team,” explains Amanda, 29, of Jacob, 32. “In the lead up to the Karate World Cup in 2013, we would see each other during training sessions… but our feelings for each other at that time were unspoken. It wasn’t until our next national tournament that we first got together.”
Although they lived in different states, a long-distance relationship was worth pursuing for the high-achieving athletic pair. “The long-distance relationship was tough, as we took turns to visit each other every few weeks in our respective states, but we made it work and were always very excited to see each other,” explains Amanda.
They married at their Sublime Point wedding on March 13, 2015 in the presence of 150 guests. Both the ceremony and reception were held at Sublime Point in Bulli Tops, NSW. “Our wedding day was a true reflection of our personalities, our families and our love story,” smiles Amanda. She says the venue represented their love of nature and the outdoors.
It was a family affair with both having siblings in the bridal party, and a special honour for their grandmothers. “We surprised our grandmothers by asking them on the day to witness our marriage,” says Amanda. “Jacob and I are both very much family people and we wanted to involve our loved ones as much as we could.”
Photos courtesy of Perfect Moment Photo and Video.
Jacob’s romantic proposal included a balloon-lined path to Sheoak Falls in Victoria, a picnic, and a guitarist to serenade Amanda with some Ed Sheeran!
“My Stella York gown was altered and customised by my beautiful and very talented auntie,” smiles the bride.
Celebrant Brian Loomes conducted the couple’s outdoor nuptials on the gorgeous autumn day.
The couple’s miniature attendants were decked out in adorable outfits by Blue Sky Kids Land.
Perfect Moment Photography was able to use the sweeping South Coast views as a breathtaking backdrop to the couple’s photographs.
Guests received wildflower seed bomboniere from Little Mellow.
“Our guests were entertained between the ceremony and reception by drinks and canapes, giant vintage games and an acoustic guitarist,” says the couple, who stayed at Sage Hotel Wollongong on their wedding night.
Video by Perfect Moment Photo and Video.