Good Wine, Harbour Views & Laid-Back Vibes at This Balmain Sailing Club Wedding

Nathan & Issy tied the knot at Balmain Sailing Club, with Sydney Harbour putting on an absolute show. I actually used to work with Nathan back in my hospitality days—he’s been a big supporter of my photography journey from the start, so it felt pretty special to be there capturing this wedding.

They wanted a celebration that felt true to them: fun, laid-back, and full of great wine and good vibes. Balmain Sailing Club was the perfect fit, with its waterfront views and spacious outdoor terrace—ideal for an extended cocktail hour. As lovers of natural wine, they sourced some seriously good drops from the legends at P&V Merchants, and kept the party going well into the night thanks to DJ Levins, who absolutely nailed the brief for a dance floor that didn’t quit.

A wedding that felt like a big, joyful hangout by the water—with all the best people, tunes, and wines in the mix.

 

Tell me about your The Beginning!

“They initially matched on Tinder in May 2018, a month after Issy had moved to Sydney. They exchanged a few messages, but like most Tinder matches – it fizzled out. Nath’s profile caught Issy’s eye from the bio of “Food, wine and bad financial decisions – often all at once. Looking for someone to work through my list of restaurants with”. While Nath distinctly remembers Issy’s saying “More Than A Woman by the Bee Gees is the soundtrack to my inner monologue”.

7 months later, at a natural wine festival at The Dolphin Hotel, Nath spotted Issy from across the room. Somewhere between last night’s hangover and tomorrow’s, Nath decided that first impressions wouldn’t have been too fetching so left her be. The next morning (with said hangover), Nath dug out Issy’s old messages and said “Hey, were you at Wet Dreams yesterday??) – editor’s note: Wet Dreams was the name of the wine festival.

After a few false starts, they finally arranged a time to share a wine together. Returning to The Dolphin, what was originally scoped as a quick drink one day in early January, escalated into many hours of conversation and multiple bottles of wine. The rest was history.”

When and where did you get engaged?

“On an Greek Island called Milos, where we were staying at a winery. After a long day of beach hopping, we returned to our hotel. Had a few drinks and went for a walk through the vines to watch the sunset.”

What style/theme have you chosen for your Wedding Day?

“The menu is relaxed Mediterranean shared dishes and the booze all comes from PnV Merchants. We want this day to be a reflection of how we like to entertain at home; but with all our closest friends and family.”

What are you most looking forward to on the day?

“Seeing a room filled with all the most important people in our life. When we get to see each other for the first time. First glass of champagne as a married couple.”

 

Balmain Sailing Club Wedding – The Vendors

Venue: Balmain Sailing Club

Celebrant: Tamara Louis

Wine: P&V Merchants

Catering: Aplenty

DJ: DJ Levins

Hair & Makeup: Airlie and Co