Emily & Dylan’s rustic winter wedding in Newcastle

You’ll never see a PDA out of Newcastle couple Emily Thomas and Dylan Sharpe – except, maybe, on their wedding day.

The shy couple from the NSW coastal town say being the centre of attention isn’t their thing, and certainly neither are public displays of affection.

“It was the first time anyone had seen us kiss,” says Emily, of their rustic winter wedding in Newcastle, NSW, on June 21, 2014.

“We’d rather shower others with gifts and generosity than receive it,” she explains.

The café manager and lab technician first met studying at university in Lismore. In a crowded nightclub, Dylan spotted Emily and declared, “One day, I’m going to kiss that girl.” It only took a week. Emily was his first girlfriend, and now, five years later, she’s his wife.

Their laid back celebration began at St John’s Anglican Church and continued beachside at Merewether Surfhouse. Rustic was the style that encapsulated their earthy, back to nature personalities.

DJ Luke Sonter, aka Luke La Beat arrived with his arsenal of alternative tracks, just as the newlyweds requested, but he had one more trick up his sleeve.

“He also played electronic drums,” says Emily, who loved the surprise live element he brought to the entertainment. “You couldn’t get people off the dance floor.”

Emily knew she’d found the right flower girl dress when her niece refused to take it off.

Recalling Dylan’s proposal, Emily says, “He asked me if I would stay myself the rest of my life but spend every moment with him.”

“Both Emily and Dylan told us how camera shy they were but they were an absolute dream to photograph,” tells Chalk and Cheese Photography.

Photos courtesy of Chalk and Cheese Photography.