Coffee leads to Chinaman’s Island wedding | photos

Jodie Stapleton met Claye Butler on April 23, 2015 when he was working with Jodie’s cousin. After doing their coffee runs a few times, Jodie realised she’d met her future husband. 

Claye proposed on February 23 this year while the pair holidayed on Rottnest Island. 

Two years to the day after they met, Claye and Jodie tied the knot on April 23, 2017. They were married on Chinaman’s Island, Lake Conjola where Claye used to live. 

Claye’s mother, Margy Butler, a marriage celebrant, married the couple before 36 of their closest family and friends. 

Jodie was escorted to the ceremony by her father Richard, but it wasn’t the traditional walk down the aisle. 

“I came up the lake by boat – and I’m six months pregnant and in heels so it was quite funny,” Jodie laughed. 

Bridesmaids were Alicia Millard, Amy Lowe and Louise Currey and best men were Ben Wilford, Craig Lowe and Tom Cole.

The couple’s five-year-old daughter Makynli and her young friend, Tajah Walker were flowergirls. All guests were ferried to the island to celebrate the special day. 

“Just being married on the lake and the epicness of it was incredible,” Jodie said. 

“The weather was perfect and even though they’d predicted thunderstorms,we had sunshine all day.”

While she said the entire day was wonderful, Jodie’s favourite part came during the vows. 

“My highlight would have to be listening to Claye’s vows and hearing the emotion in them,” she said. 

“Being a typical chippy, he doesn’t show that side often.” 

With the vows exchanged, the couple partied the night away in style. The delicious food was provided by family friends from Sydney, The Local Pantry and the stunning cake was made by Janelle Collins. 

Claye and Jodie thanked everyone who helped and participated in the wedding.

The couple plan to enjoy a honeymoon after their baby arrives in August.