Viola and Chad’s Thorn Clarke Wines wedding was nothing short of magical, filled with fun, excitement, and a strong sense of love from every corner of the globe. Their long-distance love story made this day even more special, with Viola hailing from Germany and Chad’s romance blossoming while he was abroad. The stunning Barossa Valley backdrop set the perfect stage for this celebration of love, with friends and family gathering from all over the world to witness this beautiful union.
The vibe of the day was electric—everyone was ready to party and share in Viola and Chad’s joy. From the moment the morning preparations started, it was clear this wedding was going to be one filled with laughter and heartwarming moments. With a mix of elegance, humor, and a hint of adventure, their wedding was truly a dream to capture as a Barossa Valley wedding photographer.
Preparation
Chad kicked off the morning with his groomsmen in high spirits. The energy was infectious, and it was all about the boys having a good time. Chad’s father-in-law even jumped in to help with cufflinks, adding a nice personal touch to the preparations. Photos captured this camaraderie—lots of laughter, jokes flying around, and Chad proudly showing off his motorcycle in some playful shots. It was a morning filled with excitement, yet there was a sense of calm too, as Chad seemed ready to marry the love of his life.
Meanwhile, Viola’s preparations were just as stunning but with a completely different vibe. Set in the beautiful Gawler Park Estate, the scene was elegant and filled with anticipation. Viola and her family soaked in the luxurious surroundings of this opulent estate, and it was such a joy to photograph these moments. The bridal gown, the laughter between Viola and her family, and the soft light that poured through the estate’s windows created a serene atmosphere. Chad arrived for a private first look in the grand ballroom, where emotions ran high. The love in their eyes as they saw each other was palpable and a moment neither will forget.
Gawler Park Estate Pre-Ceremony Photos
One of the absolute highlights of the day had to be the photos taken at Gawler Park Estate before heading for their Thorn Clarke Wines wedding ceremony. With the rolling hills, cherry blossoms, and even some grand ruins as a backdrop, we had the perfect setting to capture some truly timeless shots. Despite the wind, Viola’s veil fluttered beautifully as we took glamour photos with the Clydesdales that Chad had arranged for her arrival by horse and cart. It was such a thoughtful touch, and Viola’s delight was clear.
Chad, not one to shy away from some playful antics, accidentally knocked over his best man in a hilarious attempt to leap into the group for a photo. It was one of those spontaneous moments that will be remembered and laughed about for years to come. The day was filled with these little bursts of humor that made everything so genuine and enjoyable. It was clear that both Viola and Chad, while excited for their wedding day, were there to have fun and celebrate their love with their closest people.
Thorn Clarke Wines Wedding Ceremony
The ceremony at Thorn Clarke Wines was simply breathtaking. Nestled in the heart of the Barossa Valley, the winery offered sweeping views of the rolling hills and vineyards, creating the perfect setting for this beautiful moment. The weather was perfect, and there was a sense of anticipation as the guests gathered on the lawns, surrounded by nature’s beauty. Viola arrived in style, with Chad’s thoughtful gesture of the horse and cart bringing her down the aisle in true fairytale fashion.
Their ceremony was a beautiful reflection of their long-distance love story. From heartfelt vows to emotional moments between the couple, it was an intimate affair that had everyone in awe. One special detail that Viola and Chad requested was for their ceremony to be filmed in virtual reality. It’s something I offer at every wedding – for free, and I love that couples like Viola and Chad appreciate the chance to relive their day in such an immersive way. The ceremony ended with a shower of bubbles floating around as Viola and Chad took their first steps as a married couple. The combination of bubbles, sunlight, and the joy on everyone’s faces made for some incredible photos.
Glamour Photos
After the ceremony, we made the most of the stunning Thorn Clarke Wines and Gawler Park Estate for some post-ceremony glamour shots. The horse and cart made another appearance, providing the perfect addition to the photos as the couple shared some quiet moments together. There’s something so romantic about those moments right after the ceremony, when the couple can take a breath and enjoy each other’s company amidst all the excitement.
As the sun began to set, we headed back to the ruins at Gawler Park Estate for some absolutely magical photos. The ruins, combined with the soft glow of the sunset and the rolling hills, created an unforgettable scene. It was here that we were joined by a little black cat, who decided to follow us around as we took photos. Viola and Chad were absolutely charmed by the cat, and it brought a playful and unexpected touch to these intimate shots. It was a moment of pure serendipity that added an extra dash of personality to their day.
Thorn Clarke Wines Wedding Reception
The reception at Thorn Clarke Wines was a lively and fun-filled event. It was clear that Viola and Chad wanted their wedding to be a celebration in every sense of the word, and the reception certainly delivered. With a basketball hoop set up, a golf putting area, and a cocktail bar, there was no shortage of activities for guests to enjoy. Chad’s love of basketball was clear, and it was such a fun way to incorporate his personality into the day. Guests mingled, laughed, and embraced the festive atmosphere, making it a reception that felt more like a big party with friends than a formal event.
Viola and Chad’s first dance was elegant and romantic, with their love for each other shining through every step. The speeches that followed were heartfelt, with both families sharing stories and memories that had everyone smiling and, at times, tearing up. It was clear that Viola and Chad’s love had touched many lives, and the joy felt in that room was undeniable. To top off the night, the couple sported matching his-and-hers sneakers, adding a fun and casual twist to the traditional wedding attire. It was the perfect way to end a day that had been full of love, laughter, and personal touches that made it uniquely theirs.
We also had our Selfbooth service running, allowing guests to upload their own photos directly to the couple through a convenient QR code, enhancing their photo collection.
Viola and Chad’s Thorn Clarke Wines wedding was a perfect blend of romance, fun, and heartfelt moments. From the picturesque landscapes of the Barossa Valley to the intimate details that reflected their personalities, every aspect of the day was filled with joy and love. As a wedding photographer, it was an absolute pleasure to capture their story, from the laughter-filled morning preparations to the magical sunset photos and everything in between. Their day was truly unforgettable, and it’s clear that Viola and Chad have a lifetime of happiness ahead, filled with the same love and energy that made their wedding day so special.