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St Pauls Hahndorf wedding – Belinda & Jono

The wonderful wedding of Belinda and Jono took place at the St Pauls Hahndorf church for their ceremony, then for their glamour photography ventured into Stirling and Port Noarlunga beach before heading to the Middlebrook Estate Winery in Mclaren Vale for their reception. Belinda and Jono had me as their wedding photographer for the entire day, taking advantage of my generous full day wedding package, and what a beautiful day it was!. Just before the ceremony we were getting a little worried that the day was going to ba an absolute stinker of a day, pushing 40 degrees for most of the week, the morning of Belinda and Jono’s wedding was no different. Fortunately, just as Belinda was walking up to the Church, it spat for about 20 seconds, cooling the whole day just that little bit.

Preparation photos

Jono was being prepared in Klemzig, and had the most awesome grooms men gifts I’ve ever seen at a wedding. Far from the usual things groomsmen have trouble with when getting prepared, for this wedding they’d be learning how to wield a katana. Jono bought them all an engraved katana sword as a groomsmen gift. How awesome is that?

Groomsmen preparation
Wedding ring and swords
Groomsmen
Groomsmen preparation
Whiskey
Groomsmen fight
Groomsmen preparation

Belinda was being prepared in the couple’s apartment in the Adelaide CBD. It was clear that Belinda and Jono thought along the same wave lengths as as soon as I walked into the door and she saw me eyeing the Lord of the Rings sword they had on their wall, she immediately started swinging it around! Belinda was prepared in next to no time and we were on our way to Hahndorf.

Bride
Engagement ring
Wedding shoes
Bride being prepared
Bride being prepared
Bride being prepared
Bridal paparazzi
Wedding dress

St Pauls Hahndorf wedding ceremony

The St Pauls Hahndorf church is part of the Lutheran Church of Australia  and dedicated in 1858 by German settlers who left the German provinces of Posen, Silesia and Brandenburg to escape religious persecution in 1838-39. However, the original church that stood became worn and dilapidated by the late 1880’s and it was decided a newer church was to be built. And that is the building we see today. It’s still over 126 years old, as this new church was built as the new St Pauls Hahndorf in 1890.

St Pauls Hahndorf wedding
St Pauls Hahndorf wedding
St Pauls Hahndorf
Hands on wedding certificate
Church wedding
St Pauls Hahndorf wedding
Church wedding
Church wedding
Church wedding

Glamour photos

After walking around the grounds of the St Pauls Hahndorf church a bit, the original plan was to head to Kuitpo forest for some Australian themed wedding photography, however, due to the extreme heat during the week the forest was closed, so we had to find an alternative. I suggested a little known oasis that is the Woorabina Reserve, complete with a lake harbouring native turtles and koalas. Of which we saw two while walking about. After, on the way to the reception venue in Mclaren Vale, we headed to the Port Noalunga beach for a few beach shots.

Hahndorf wedding
Bridal party defending themselves
Stiling wedding
Port Noarlunga wedding
Woodstock winery wedding
Groomsmen flowers
Stirling wedding
Groom going postal on groomsmen
Port Noarlunga wedding
Bridal party
Hahndorf wedding
Stiling wedding

Middlebrook Estate Winery reception

Belinda and Jono’s wedding reception was held at the Middlebrook Estate Winery in Mclaren Vale. A bit of a trek out from Hahndorf, but I certainly know what they chose this venue for their reception. The staff are fabulous and the setting is stunning, particularly at twilight as the sun just crests the horizon. The vineyards and gazebo,surrounded by sprawling grass is beautiful.

Middlebrook Estate winery reception
Middlebrook Estate winery reception
Middlebrook Estate winery reception
Middlebrook Estate winery reception
Wedding cake
Middlebrook Estate winery reception
Middlebrook Estate winery reception
Middlebrook Estate winery reception

The entire day was an absolute blast and I’d like to thank Belinda and Jono for having me be their wedding photographer!

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How to save on your Wedding Dress

Bride and groom at sunset, nature backdrop, wedding day love.

How to save on your Wedding Dress

Are you an Adelaide bride-to-be dreaming of a stunning wedding dress without breaking the bank? You’re not alone! I recently documented a wedding where the bride astoundingly snagged her dress for just $50. It was far from a fashion disaster – instead, it was a gorgeous, well-crafted gown. What’s more, she bought three dresses at this price by taking advantage of a closing-down sale at a local bridal shop.

As a seasoned wedding photographer in Adelaide, I’ve witnessed numerous weddings and have gathered invaluable tips on how to save on your wedding dress without overspending.

Wedding dress hanging at Al-Ru Wedding

Tips on how to save on your Wedding Dress

 

1. Prioritize Local Shops Over Online Stores

While online shopping offers affordability and variety, the risks can be high. Imagine the disappointment of receiving a dress that’s completely different from what you ordered. By choosing local bridal shops, you support our community and avoid last-minute dress disasters and exorbitant shipping costs.

Expectations vs reality
Expectations vs reality

2. Know your price range before you shop

Buying a wedding dress is often a highly emotional affair, which vendors can pick up on and cause you to start spending over and above what you expected, or budgeted to pay. If you’re familiar with the TV show Family Guy (s10e21), there is a scene about this exact scenario. The dress was out of their budget, but the salesman talked them into buying it all the same because he picked up on the bride’s emotions. Try to only try on dressed that you know you can afford, do not get tempted by that more expensive dress as you know once you put it on you’ll have to cut back on more important things, like a few extra nights on your honeymoon.

Family Guy Wedding Dress

3. Check out ‘Trunk Shows’

Trunk shows are fantastic for viewing new bridal designs and snagging previous collections at a discount, sometimes up to 50% off. Adelaide frequently hosts bridal fairs at venues like the Adelaide Showground and the Convention Centre, offering prime opportunities for deals.

4. Get lucky with sales and changing stock

Many brides have found their dream dresses at a fraction of the cost by purchasing floor samples or taking advantage of sales. Adelaide bridal stores often reduce prices on these items, making it a perfect opportunity to find a high-quality gown at a lower price.

sale

5. Plan way ahead of your wedding

Planning months in advance of your wedding will save you money in a number of ways, first you know what you want, you have a reasonable budget and you can take your time choosing and hoping for that amazing bargain. Second if you leave it too late you may have to spring for huge express shipping fees just to make sure your gown is with you on time.

6. Use your credit card

When buying your dress, consider using a credit card that offers rewards, like frequent flyer points. This strategy can help extend your honeymoon or provide additional benefits for your wedding expenses.

Credit Cards

Understanding how to save on your wedding dress is key to achieving your dream wedding in Adelaide without overspending. By focusing on local shopping experiences, setting a realistic budget, taking advantage of trunk shows, scouting for sales and floor samples, planning ahead, and making smart use of credit card rewards, you can find a beautiful gown that meets both your style and budgetary needs.

Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to looking stunning on your big day while keeping your finances in check. Remember, a savvy approach to wedding dress shopping doesn’t just save money—it also paves the way for a more enjoyable and stress-free wedding planning experience.

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Wedding nerves and overcoming them

Templewood house wedding ceremony setup

Wedding nerves and how to deal with them

Your wedding ceremony is a moment you’ve envisioned countless times. Picture this: you’re about to gracefully walk down the aisle towards the love of your life, or you’re standing at the altar, heart fluttering, as you await the arrival of your partner. It’s a day brimming with emotions, a culmination of meticulous planning, energy, and heartfelt anticipation.

View from behind bride

Embracing the Moment: The Beauty of Anticipation

A lot of planning has gone in to today. A lot of work. A lot of energy and emotion. You’ve had a great morning getting ready and you know this will be the best day of your life… then why are you about to choomp your nails off from the knuckle? You stomach feels as though it’s down by the beach and you’d love to join it.

If the world ran on logic, you know this day will run well, you’ll be partying about at your reception in about 3 hours time after having had your wedding photography taken by the best wedding photographer in Adelaide, so what is there to worry about?

The morning of your wedding is a whirlwind of excitement. You’re surrounded by close friends and family, each moment bringing you closer to the pivotal point where two lives unite. It’s normal to feel a mix of nerves and excitement – your hands may tremble, your heart races, and your stomach feels like it’s doing somersaults. But remember, this is Adelaide, where the sun shines brightly and the sea breeze brings a sense of calm and serenity.

Overcoming wedding nerves

All of this is a good thing and is completely natural. Being nervous keeps us alive and wedding nerves just show us that your senses are on overdrive! you notice that little bird singing that annoying song, your heartbeat, the tick of the giant grandfather clock in the entrance way to the church. You notice things you wouldn’t normally.

Your nerves are what have enabled you to get everything the way it is, the way you’ve dreamt it should be and the way it’s going down today. You’re not nervous you are EXCITED. Tell yourself that. Your body has no way of telling the difference between “I am nervous!” and “I am excited!” So instead of getting anxious, try to train yourself to tell yourself how excited you are instead, as it’s all the same thing neurologically speaking.

You have nothing to be nervous about, your wedding nerves are just you being excited about all your hard work coming into fruition. Get out there and marry your life partner!

Bride and Groom

The Power of Positive Thinking

Instead of succumbing to anxiety, remind yourself of the joy and excitement surrounding you. Transform those nerves into positive anticipation. Remember, your body can’t tell the difference between nervousness and excitement – both elicit similar physical responses. By framing your feelings as excitement, you shift your mindset and embrace the day with positivity.

Laughing bride and grom on bannister

Embracing the Adelaide Charm

In Adelaide, your wedding is set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes, from the picturesque beaches to the lush Adelaide Hills. This setting adds an extra layer of magic to your day. As you prepare to step out and meet your partner, take a moment to breathe in the beauty of Adelaide, letting it infuse your day with its unique charm.

City of Adelaide

Celebrating Your Love

As you stand ready to exchange vows, remember that this moment is the fruition of all your planning and dreams. It’s not just about the perfect wedding photography or the seamless flow of events; it’s about the love you share and the life you’re about to embark on together. Let the excitement of this realization wash over you, replacing any lingering nerves.

A Day to Remember

Your wedding is more than a ceremony; it’s a celebration of love, a testament to your journey, and a step into a shared future. Embrace every moment, from the nervous anticipation to the joyous celebrations, and let the unique spirit of Adelaide enhance your special day. This is the beginning of your greatest adventure together.

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Middleton Beach Huts Wedding – Kristy & Toby

  • Kristy & Toby

    Middleton Beach Huts Wedding

    Middleton beach wedding

I was down at the Middleton Beach Huts in Middleton for the beautiful wedding of Kristy and Toby mid December to follow up from their engagement shoot I did for them earlier in the year. Kristy and Toby took advantage of my affordable engagement shoot option and my flexible hourly rate in my wedding photography packages, while also utilising my photo booth during their reception. The weather was beautiful, seeing as though the temperatures in Adelaide was in the low 40s, but it certainly wasn’t that in Middleton. The entire day went wonderfully, with

Preparation Photos

Both Kristy and Toby were getting prepared in their own separate Beach Huts, and often having to hide from one another so they don’t see one another while simultaneously getting ready and setting up the ceremony location on the grassy area at the centre of the complex. Toby and his groomsmen were a very laid back bunch, eager for a laugh, which made the whole process of taking memorable wedding photos all that much easier.

Groomsmen preparation
Wedding shoes
Groom Preparation
Groom Preparation
Groomsmen preparation
Groom Preparation

Kristy and her bridal party were being prepared with the two little flower girls, which made for some fun times, including twirling of dresses and silly giggles. Kristy really made Toby wait though as she ended up being quite a bit later to the wedding ceremony than both had anticipated 🙂

Bridal Party Preparation
Bridal Party Preparation
Bridal Party Preparation
Bridal Party Preparation
Bridal Party Preparation
Bridal Party Preparation

Middleton Beach Huts Wedding Ceremony

As I said before, their wedding ceremony took place within the Middleton Beach Huts complex on a large grassy area nearby the BBQ hut and tennis courts. As of writing this, their website is unfortunately broken, but I’m sure it would tell you that the complex is a collection of a variety of small wooden beach bungalows surrounding the grassy area. The complex also includes a bar and event hall perfect for an intimate wedding such as this one.

Groom looking nervous
Bride and Groom holding hands
Wedding
Middleton Beach Huts Wedding
Wedding
Bride
Middleton Beach Huts Wedding
Bridal Procession
Bridal Procession
Bride and Groom

 Glamour Shots

For the glamour shots we started out wandering around the Middleton Beach Huts ground utilising the pretty gardens on show, and of course the rustic beach huts themselves before heading down to Middleton beach as the sun was getting low to take some wonderful silhouette shots and beach photos.

Middleton beach wedding
Walking on the bridge
Middleton Beach Huts Wedding
Brickwall
At the laundromat
Middleton beach wedding
Middleton beach wedding
Middleton beach wedding

Middleton Beach Huts Wedding Reception

As mentioned before, Kristy and Toby made use of my photo booth during the reception having no need for my usual photographic services in lieu of what the photobooth produced. However I did still take a few shots of the reception just because it was all so wonderfully handcrafted by Kristy and her family.

Wedding Cake
Wedding Cake
Wedding Cake

Thank you Kristy and Toby for having me as your wedding photographer, I hope you enjoy your wedding photos as much as your engagement photos I took for you earlier in the year!