Emily & Sheldon's Harry Potter Wedding at Inn at Laurel Point

Emily and Sheldon got married in August 2026 at Inn at Laurel Point on Victoria's Inner Harbour. The theme was Harry Potter, in burgundy and blue, kept subtle enough that the groom signed off on it. Here's the day in Emily's words, with every vendor she'd book again.

The venue: Inn at Laurel Point

Our DJ, Chris Poynter, was the one who suggested Laurel Point, and I'm so glad he did. We toured with Seana, one of their event coordinators, and the moment we saw the view over the Inner Harbour we fell in love and booked on the spot. Sarah took over our planning after that, and her communication and attention to detail were just as good. We felt looked after the whole way through.

One highlight was our private tasting for two. We sampled the full menu, tried different cakes, and tasted wine in a private room off the dining area. It was romantic and made us even more excited for the day. We also stayed two nights in a terrace suite overlooking the harbour, which made the whole weekend feel special.

On the wedding weekend, the Laurel Point team took care of us and our guests from start to finish. Every detail was handled, so we could relax and take it all in. The food and desserts were spectacular, the service was impeccable, and the harbour view was magical. If you're looking for a venue, I can't recommend Laurel Point enough.

here comes the bride

officially married

garden portraits

Day-of coordination: Beauty Bride

I had booked almost everything when my moms, my sister-in-law, and I went to a wedding show for last-minute ideas. I wasn't sure I needed anyone else. Then I met Eva from Beauty Bride and booked her team right there.

Eva met us at the venue and showed us how to make the day even better. She helped turn my Harry Potter wedding from a fantasy into something real. She's one of the kindest, most organized, hardest-working people you could hire, and she did far more than day-of coordination. On the day, Eva and Alice ran everything flawlessly and kept us on track so we could relax. By the end, they felt like family.

tip: Emily booked her coordinator after almost everything else was already set. A day-of coordinator is still worth it late in planning. They take the running of the day off your family's hands.

Photography: Salt & Light Photography

I was drawn to Amber's style from the start. I kept looking for someone closer to home and kept coming back to her, because she captures real moments: the emotion, the laughter, the little details. Nothing feels staged. I hired Salt & Light to come over from the mainland.

She shot our engagement session at Harrison Hot Springs, and that's when I knew I'd chosen right. My husband and I aren't the most photogenic people, but she guided us through every moment and made it feel natural. On the wedding day she was professional, organized, and caught all the small moments while letting us be present. We've only seen our sneak peeks so far, and we're already blown away.

Makeup and spray tan: Pretty Day Beauty Co.

I never wear makeup day to day, so I wanted Hollie's soft glam: the most beautiful version of me, but still natural and recognizable. From my first message she was quick, kind, patient, and genuine.

Hollie and her assistant did makeup for my whole group: me, my mom, five bridesmaids, and my mother-in-law. My mother-in-law had been left off the invoice by mistake, and Hollie did her makeup anyway. At my trial I told her to make me feel like a princess and match my colours, and what she created was beyond what I'd imagined. She even turned me into a spray-tan girl. I did a practice tan first, then booked another a few days before the wedding, and I walked in feeling like a rockstar. Brides, trust Pretty Day.

Hair: Alana Lyla Dawn Martin

Hollie recommended Alana without hesitating, and it was the best decision. I was living on the mainland and Alana lives up-Island, so she called me to make sure we were a good fit. From that first conversation it felt like I'd known her for years. Our trial had to be rescheduled, but she kept in touch the whole time and I never doubted my choice.

With nine of us to get ready, Alana brought her daughter to help. The morning ran smoothly and we even had time to spare. She's patient, kind, and genuinely invested in making your day perfect.

getting ready

hair by Alana, makeup by Hollie

DJ: Chris Poynter

Chris came recommended by lots of brides, and a friend in my bridal party knows him. She said he was expensive but worth it, and she was right. His booth and equipment were incredible, and he kept the dance floor full all night. People say guests remember the food and the music, and we're still talking about how good he was.

He also helped with venue and vendor suggestions whenever I asked. Since we didn't book a videographer, he sent me a recording of the audio from our dances with my parents. I'll treasure that forever.

first dance

the twirl

Florals: Poppies Floral Art

I'm not really a flower girl, and my groom had limited how much Harry Potter I could include, so I wanted the florals to bring in the magic quietly. My mother-in-law had used Poppies for her daughter's wedding. Andrea, the owner, understood my vision right away and added ideas that pulled everything together. When Annise took over the business, she picked up where Andrea left off, and we clicked because we're so alike.

On the day, the flowers were flawless. A corsage for my grandmother and a boutonniere for my MC were missed on the invoice, but Poppies apologized straight away and hand-delivered a bouquet to my grandmother. That kind of care meant a lot.

The dress: Shades of White and Lily Kennedy

The team at Shades of White was patient and kind and made me feel like a queen. They had six inches taken off my dress for me, and when I saw it finished I cried happy tears.

I left alterations later than I should have, knowing Lily Kennedy books up fast, but she fit me in. She knew exactly what the dress needed. The day before pickup, she told me she needed a little more time to get it perfect. I appreciated that honesty more than a rushed dress.

Skin and nails: Remy Esthetics and Kayleigh McColl

I'd never had a facial before, so Kayleigh recommended Remy. She was kind and patient, and my skin improved beyond belief before the wedding.

Kayleigh, at Local Beauty Lounge, did Gel-X on my nails. I'd never had my nails done before either. She was detailed and patient, and now I love having them done.

Tips from Emily's wedding

• Tour the venue in person. Emily booked Laurel Point the day she saw the harbour view.
• Ask your vendors who they love working with. Her DJ found her venue, and her makeup artist found her hairstylist.
• Book a hair and makeup trial, and a practice spray tan if you're trying one for the first time.
• Big wedding party? Ask your stylists whether they bring an assistant. Emily's team got nine people ready with time to spare.
• Double-check your florist invoice for corsages and boutonnieres for grandparents and your MC.