Ellie and Tom’s Alru wedding was an unforgettable celebration filled with love, laughter, and the beauty of a perfectly planned day. Set in the idyllic South Australian countryside, the venue offered a picturesque setting that felt like it was made for moments like these. From the stunning gardens to the charming pavilion, Alru Farm was the ideal backdrop for every chapter of Ellie and Tom’s story.

The weather played along beautifully, creating soft, golden light that highlighted the vibrant gardens and natural beauty of the farm. Surrounded by the people they love most, Ellie and Tom embraced every moment with joy, making this day one to remember for everyone who attended.

Preparation

Ellie and Tom began their wedding day in the delightful Garden Pavilion at Alru Farm. Deciding to get ready together was a meaningful choice, creating a calm and heartfelt start to the day. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as they shared smiles and enjoyed the peaceful morning surrounded by the lush greenery outside.

While Tom and his father used the pavillion, we also head over to the Australia Suite, Ellie and her bridal party stayed in the pavilion. As Ellie stepped into her elegant wedding dress, the energy shifted into a quiet sense of anticipation. Her helpers buzzed around, making sure every detail was perfect. The setting provided wonderful opportunities to capture these moments, from the light streaming through the windows to the charming décor of the space.

Elegant wedding invitation with bridal shoes, engagement ring, and floral accents.

Elegant wedding invitation surrounded by bridal shoes, engagement ring, and floral accents, highlighting the romance of Ellisa Ong and Tom Lokans upcoming nuptials.

Elegant white high heels and engagement ring in romantic, grassy field setting.

Elegant white high heels and a sparkling engagement ring set in a lush, flower-dotted grassy field symbolize romance and new beginnings.

Elegant diamond necklace with gem-adorned pendants against a blurred floral and natural background.

Elegant necklace with gem-studded pendants set against a dreamy, floral backdrop.

Elegant white wedding dress in serene garden cottage surrounded by lush greenery and flowers.

A white wedding dress sways gently outside a rustic cottage, framed by lush greenery and vibrant blooms.

Man adjusting black bow tie in ornate mirror, preparing for formal event with a smile.

Man smiles as he adjusts his black bow tie in an ornate mirror, preparing for a special occasion in a warmly lit, elegant setting.

Two men in elegant room adjusting bow ties, reflecting warmth and sophistication.

Two men, one older and one younger, share a moment of preparation and guidance in an elegant room, adjusting their bow ties for a formal occasion.

Bridal preparation scene with hairstylist, groom adjusting tie, natural light, and floral curtains.

Bride and groom prepare for their wedding day, the bride enjoys hairstyling while sipping a drink, and the groom adjusts his tie in a naturally lit room.

Man in tuxedo walking through lush garden, seen through gridded window.

A man in a tuxedo walks confidently through a lush, vibrant garden, framed by a gridded window, embodying elegance within nature.

Two men in tuxedos stand on a lawn near a flower-adorned house, suggesting elegance.

Two men in tuxedos stand on a lush lawn near an ivy-covered house, exuding elegance amid a vibrant garden setting.

Two men in suits share a moment in a lush, sunlit garden.

Two men in formal suits share a moment of camaraderie in a serene garden setting, bathed in soft sunlight and surrounded by lush greenery.

Two men in tuxedos walking through lush garden path at formal event.

Two men in tuxedos walk through a lush garden, suggesting a wedding or formal event, with sunlight filtering through trees adding to the serene atmosphere.

Father and son bonding over a tie adjustment in a formal setting with a scenic window view.

A father tenderly adjusts his sons tie in a heartfelt moment before a scenic window, capturing love and preparation for a significant occasion.

Bride getting makeup done in an elegant bridal suite before the wedding.

Bride elegantly prepares with makeup artist in a beautifully decorated suite before her wedding, capturing a moment of serenity and anticipation.

Bride and bridesmaids in matching robes share joyful moment before wedding.

The bride and her bridesmaids share a joyful, sunlit moment in matching satin robes, embodying togetherness and anticipation before the wedding.

Bride radiating joy in serene, elegant room, adjusting ring on wedding day.

Bride joyfully admires her ring in an elegant, sunlit room on her wedding day.

Elegant white bridal dress with sapphire ring, close-up elegance, capturing timeless beauty.

A woman in a white bridal dress showcases a sapphire engagement ring, exuding elegance and timeless beauty.

Bride and friend preparing in elegant room with window view and serene atmosphere.

Bride and friend share a tender moment near a window as they prepare in an elegant room, with soft light enhancing the serene backdrop.

Bride and friend share tender moment in sunlit room with elegant decor.

Bride and friend share a tender moment in a sunlit room, adjusting the bridal veil amid elegant decor and natures backdrop.

Bridal preparation scene: bride and bridesmaid in elegant room with natural light.

Bride and bridesmaid share a serene moment in an elegantly decorated room during bridal preparation, highlighting anticipation and joy.

Joyful bride in off-shoulder gown with veil, holding babys breath, by window.

Radiant bride in an off-shoulder gown holds a babys breath bouquet by a sunlit window, exuding elegance and joy.

Bride in elegant wedding dress and veil by large French windows, holding a delicate bouquet.

Elegant bride stands in a luminous room, in a flowing lace gown, holding a delicate bouquet, by grand French windows with garden views.

Bride and friend smiling in elegant dresses at a garden wedding.

Bride and friend share a joyful moment in elegant dresses at a picturesque garden wedding.

First Look

Their first look took place in one of Alru Farm’s most enchanting spots—a grassy area framed by a tunnel of wisteria (at least I think it’s wisteria, I’m not a botanist). The walk leading up to Tom was as romantic as it was emotional, with Ellie moving gracefully under the cascading blooms.

Tom’s reaction said it all. His smile lit up the space as he turned to see Ellie for the first time in her dress. The moment was filled with pure emotion, creating a memory that will forever be etched in their hearts. After a few minutes to soak it all in, we captured some intimate portraits surrounded by the vivid flowers blooming nearby.

Bride and groom in lush garden, romantic wedding setting, elegant attire.

A bride and groom share a private, romantic moment in a lush garden, framed by a leafy archway and vibrant flowers, embodying wedding day elegance.

Bride in elegant gown on flower-lined garden pathway, archway background, blurred groom foreground.

Bride stands gracefully on a flower-lined garden path, holding a bouquet, with the blurred groom adding depth in the romantic setting.

Bride and groom in elegant attire share joyous moment in beautiful garden wedding scene.

Elegant couple shares a joyful moment in a picturesque garden wedding, embodying love and commitment with classic attire and natural beauty.

Romantic garden wedding kiss between bride in gown and groom in black tuxedo.

Bride and groom share a tender kiss in a lush garden, with the bride in a flowing gown and the groom in a sharp tuxedo, framed by vibrant greenery.

Bride and groom in elegant attire sharing a moment in a lush garden wedding scene.

A tender moment between a bride and groom in elegant attire, set against a lush garden backdrop, captures the essence of their garden wedding.

Bride and groom walking in garden, smiling joyfully on their wedding day.

Bride and groom joyfully stroll through a sunlit garden, capturing a candid moment of love and celebration on their wedding day.

Romantic couple smiling amidst vibrant flowers at an outdoor wedding.

Couple shares a joyful moment surrounded by pink flowers at their outdoor wedding.

Wedding couple under pink bougainvillea, sharing a tender moment on a scenic patio.

Bride and groom share a tender moment under vibrant bougainvillea, surrounded by natural beauty and timeless elegance on their wedding day.

Bride and groom wedding portrait under vibrant pink bougainvillea arch.

Joyful newlyweds share a tender moment under a vibrant pink bougainvillea arch.

Bride and groom embrace joyfully on a sunny lawn with vibrant pink bougainvillea.

Joyful couple walks hand in hand on a sunlit lawn, framed by vibrant bougainvillea blooms, celebrating their wedding day with love and happiness.

Bride twirling in elegant gown amidst lush garden scenery.

A bride joyfully twirls in her elegant off-the-shoulder gown, holding a bouquet amidst a lush garden backdrop.

Couple celebrating love in a lush garden, dressed for a formal occasion.

A joyful couple shares a warm embrace in a sunlit garden, dressed elegantly for a special occasion.

Happy couple laughing in a vibrant garden, man in suit, woman in yellow dress.

Joyful duo sharing laughter in a sunny garden; man in suit, woman in yellow dress, exuding happiness.

Couple embracing in a lush, romantic garden with vines, pink dress, suit, and pond.

A couple in formal attire shares an intimate embrace beneath a vine-draped pergola in a serene garden setting.

Bride and groom celebrating in lush garden wedding setting with guests.

Elegant garden wedding: bride and groom celebrate joyfully with guests among lush greenery and charming decor.

Joyful wedding celebration in a lush garden with smiling guests and bride and groom.

A joyful wedding moment with guests sharing laughter over a phone in a lush garden setting.

Young girls in white dresses with floral crowns, holding baskets, against pink bougainvillea backdrop.

Two girls in white dresses and floral crowns stand with wicker baskets on a lush lawn, framed by vibrant pink bougainvillea blooms.

Garden celebration with elegant guests, vibrant flowers, classical architecture, and a joyful ambiance.

Elegant garden gathering with guests in formal wear, vibrant flowers, classical backdrop, and a joyful celebratory atmosphere.

Man in formal suit walking on stone path in lush garden setting, joyful and elegant.

Man in a formal suit joyfully walks a stone path in a vibrant garden, celebrating a special occasion.

Alru Wedding Ceremony

Ellie and Tom’s Alru wedding ceremony was held near the tranquil pond, a location that feels like a scene from a fairytale. With Roman-style pillars adding a timeless elegance, this spot is a favorite for couples looking for something unique. The sunlight filtered perfectly through the trees, backlighting the couple while guests enjoyed the ceremony in the shaded garden.

The ceremony was heartfelt and deeply personal, with vows that reflected Ellie and Tom’s journey together. Surrounded by nature and their loved ones, the moment was as beautiful as the setting itself. Following the ceremony, guests mingled on the farmhouse lawns, enjoying drinks and laughter as the couple soaked in the warm congratulations from everyone.

Bride in white gown, garden wedding scene, bridesmaid assisting, flower girls watching.

Bride and flower girls in a serene garden setting, as a bridesmaid and others prepare for an emotional and intimate wedding ceremony.

Bride and family in lush garden, stone path, pergola, sunlight, white flowers, joyous celebration.

Elegant garden wedding moment with a joyful bride in a white gown, accompanied by family, strolling under a vine-covered pergola.

Bride walking with parents in garden wedding, surrounded by greenery and elegant guests.

Bride walks with parents down a stone path in an elegant garden wedding, groom awaits amid lush greenery, capturing a moment of joy and anticipation.

Elegant outdoor wedding: bride and groom in lush garden setting, capturing love and romance.

Bride and groom exchange loving looks in a serene garden wedding ceremony.

Outdoor wedding ceremony in lush garden with couple, officiant, and floral stone pathway.

A couple exchanges vows in a picturesque garden ceremony under a canopy of trees, surrounded by vibrant flowers and rustic stone pathways.

Idyllic garden wedding ceremony with bride and groom exchanging vows in nature.

A bride and groom exchange vows in a picturesque garden setting, surrounded by lush greenery and natural elegance.

Romantic outdoor wedding ceremony in a lush garden setting with bride and groom exchanging vows.

Bride and groom exchange vows in a picturesque garden wedding, surrounded by lush greenery and romantic dappled sunlight.

Bride and groom kissing in romantic garden setting with lush greenery and vibrant flowers.

Bride and groom share a romantic kiss on stone steps amidst lush garden greenery and vibrant flowers.

Serene garden wedding with bride, groom, proud family, lush greenery, and vintage decor.

A joyful couple celebrates their wedding in a lush garden, surrounded by family and elegance, amidst natures embrace.

Bride and groom celebrate with guests in vibrant outdoor garden wedding.

A joyful bride and groom celebrate under a shower of petals in a vibrant garden wedding surrounded by cheering guests.

A joyful wedding kiss in a garden celebration surrounded by family and friends.

Bride and groom share a romantic dip kiss amidst cheering family and friends at a vibrant garden wedding celebration.

Joyful women celebrating friendship in a lush garden with vibrant dresses and smiling faces.

A group of six women joyfully celebrates friendship in a vibrant garden, showcasing diverse styles against a lush, serene background.

Men in suits celebrating joyfully in a lush garden setting.

Dapper men in suits celebrate joyfully in a lush garden, highlighting friendship and style.

Glamour Photos

Alru Farm’s expansive grounds were a photographer’s paradise, offering an array of stunning locations to capture Ellie and Tom’s special day. The manicured gardens, bursting with vibrant flowers, provided a romantic and colorful backdrop for their portraits. The winding driveway, framed by towering trees, added a dramatic and timeless element to the photos. Every corner of Alru Farm seemed to tell its own story, lending unique character to each shot.

Ellie and Tom were a dream to photograph. Their natural chemistry and genuine love for each other radiated in every frame, making my job an absolute joy. Whether they were stealing a quiet moment together under the canopy of trees or sharing a laugh surrounded by blooming flowers, their connection was unmistakable.

As the sun began its descent, the golden hour draped the property in a warm, ethereal glow. This soft light illuminated the gardens, casting long, gentle shadows that added depth and richness to the images. We basically ran to the long grass out the front of the property as I knew the sun was fading fast, but we managed to get some great shots. The soft pastel hues of the setting sun created a magical atmosphere, turning an already beautiful scene into something truly extraordinary.

Bride and groom embrace in enchanting garden wedding setting.

Bride and groom share a tender embrace amidst a vibrant garden on their wedding day.

Couple embracing in elegant attire amid vibrant garden during golden hour, evoking romance and serenity.

A couple embraces in elegant attire amidst a lush, blooming garden during golden hour, capturing a serene and romantic moment.

Bride and groom in lush garden, intimate wedding embrace.

Bride and groom embrace in a lush garden setting, highlighting their joyful union amidst vibrant greenery and soft sunlight.

Romantic couple kissing under pergola in lush garden setting during elegant outdoor wedding.

A couple shares a tender kiss under a vine-covered pergola in a lush garden, surrounded by sunlight and serene water features, evoking romance and elegance.

Elegant wedding couple in a lush garden under a sunlit pergola.

A couple shares a tender moment under a sunlit pergola in a lush garden, where romance meets nature.

Bride and groom walking under ivy-covered pergola in lush garden.

A couple strolls hand in hand under a romantic ivy-covered pergola, basking in love amidst a tranquil garden setting.

Newlyweds dancing by a picturesque pond in a lush, flower-filled garden.

A couple shares a joyful dance by a serene pond in a blooming, romantic garden.

Romantic couple kiss on a tree-lined path during outdoor wedding ceremony.

Bride and groom share a kiss on a tree-lined path, enveloped by natures beauty during their intimate outdoor wedding.

Wedding couple walking on tree-lined path with golden light and lush greenery.

A bride and groom stroll hand in hand along a sun-dappled, tree-lined path, surrounded by lush greenery and bathed in warm, golden light.

Newlywed couple celebrating outdoors, bride in white gown, groom leaping joyfully on rustic road.

Newlyweds celebrate on a rustic path, bride in flowing gown, groom joyfully leaping, surrounded by lush trees and golden grasses.

Bride and groom embrace on tree-lined path, romantic outdoor wedding scene.

Bride and groom share a joyful embrace on a sunlit, tree-lined dirt road, capturing an elegant and romantic moment in nature.

Engagement couple, black and white photo, intimate love moment, elegant ring focus.

A tender black and white moment captures a couples love and commitment with a focus on an elegant engagement ring.

Romantic couple in elegant wedding attire embracing in lush, sunlit garden.

A couple embraces in elegant wedding attire amid a lush, sunlit garden, enveloped by vibrant greenery and tranquility.

Newlywed couple in garden with guinea fowl, celebrating joy and nature.

Newlyweds share a joyful moment in a lush garden, with a whimsical guinea fowl adding charm and spontaneity to their celebration.

Bride and groom in elegant attire surrounded by vibrant bougainvillea and rustic charm.

Elegant bride and groom embrace amidst vibrant bougainvillea and rustic charm.

Aerial view of a symmetrical formal garden with pathways, flowers, and a central human figure.

Aerial view of a symmetrical garden with intersecting paths, blooming flowers, and a central figure in white, surrounded by lush trees and greenery.

A couple shares a romantic moment in a sunlit field, embraced by the golden glow of sunset.

Elegant couple in a golden field, forest backdrop, warm sunset lighting.

A couple in formal attire shares a tender moment in a golden field with a lush forest backdrop under warm, romantic sunset lighting.

Romantic couple embracing in serene field during sunset, surrounded by golden grasses and trees.

A couple shares a joyous embrace in a golden field at sunset, surrounded by swaying grasses and softly silhouetted trees.

Romantic couple walking through sunlit meadow in wedding attire, exuding love and elegance.

A couple in wedding attire strolls hand in hand through a sunlit meadow, basking in the golden glow of early morning or late afternoon.

Bride and groom embrace in scenic, rustic landscape with trees and stone remnants.

A couple shares a romantic embrace in a scenic rural landscape, surrounded by trees and golden light.

Romantic couple embraces in illuminated glass conservatory under starlit night sky with lush garden.

A couple embraces in a glowing glass conservatory, surrounded by a lush garden and starlit sky, embodying romance and serenity.

Elegant couple in formal attire embracing in front of large glass doors amidst greenery.

A couple in elegant wedding attire embraces in front of glass doors, surrounded by lush greenery and warm, ethereal lighting.

Alru Wedding Reception

The reception was held in Alru Farm’s beautifully designed event space, where every detail reflected Ellie and Tom’s style. The atmosphere was lively and warm, with fairy lights twinkling above and an ice cream cart providing a fun treat for guests.

Between speeches, dancing, and a joyful photo rush to include everyone, the evening was filled with laughter and celebration. As the festivities continued, we stepped out for one last photo opportunity—a stunning Milky Way shot with the iconic Alru Farm lighthouse in the foreground. It was the perfect way to end a day filled with unforgettable moments.

Wedding table setting featuring elegant floral heart card and personalized name tag.

Elegant wedding table setting with floral heart card, custom menu, and personalized place cards.

Elegant wedding reception with luxury decor, chandeliers, gold Chiavari chairs, and lush greenery.

Elegant event space with chic decor featuring white tablecloths, gold Chiavari chairs, lush greenery centerpieces, and stunning chandeliers.

Elegant group photo at a formal event with smiles, evening gowns, suits, and a leafy backdrop.

Elegant gathering at a formal event with attendees smiling in evening gowns and suits against a lush, leafy backdrop.

Bride and grooms joyful entrance at elegant, rustic wedding reception celebration.

Bride and grooms joyful entrance at a rustic, elegant wedding reception, capturing the celebration and guests excitement in a warm and intimate setting.

Bride and groom deliver heartfelt wedding speeches at elegant, formal reception.

Bride and groom share joyful speeches amid elegant arches at their formal wedding reception.

Bride enjoys dessert at rustic outdoor wedding under festive umbrella.

Bride enjoys ice cream served by dapper attendant under festive umbrella at rustic outdoor wedding.

Bride and groom share joyful moment with ice cream under string lights at wedding reception.

Bride and groom enjoy a playful moment with ice cream under romantic string lights at their wedding reception.

A joyful rustic wedding with happy couple, bride in elegant gown, and vibrant red ice cream cart.

Rustic wedding charm: joyful couple in elegant attire by vibrant red ice cream cart.

Formal event dance with woman in blue dress and man in black suit.

A joyful dance at a formal event captures an intimate moment between a woman in a blue dress and a man in a black suit surrounded by a warm ambiance.

Couple dancing joyfully at wedding, surrounded by happy guests capturing the celebration.

Bride and groom dance joyfully at their wedding, surrounded by cheerful guests capturing the moment.

Two women share an emotional embrace at a heartfelt wedding celebration.

Joyful embrace between a bride and loved one at a wedding, capturing love and emotion in a heartfelt moment.

Bride and groom joyfully celebrate their wedding reception surrounded by happy guests.

Bride and groom share a joyous lift amid cheering guests at an elegant wedding reception.

Elegant couple in bridal attire by mural at a wedding venue.

A joyful couple in elegant bridal attire walks hand-in-hand against a stunning mural backdrop, celebrating their special day with love and elegance.

Couple joyously celebrating at a festive social event, surrounded by elegantly dressed guests.

A cheerful couple shares a playful moment at a festive social gathering, surrounded by elegantly dressed guests under warm, intimate lighting.

Bride and groom celebrating at rustic barn wedding with elegant attire.

Bride and groom toast at a rustic barn wedding, blending elegance and joy in a moment of celebration.

Bride and groom kiss under lights with guests holding sparklers at outdoor wedding celebration.

Bride and groom kiss under twinkling lights, surrounded by joyous guests with sparklers at an enchanting outdoor wedding.

Newlywed couple walking through sparkler tunnel, guests celebrating at rustic outdoor wedding.

Newlyweds walk through a sparkler tunnel, embraced by cheering guests in a rustic outdoor wedding celebration.

Ellie and Tom’s wedding at Alru Farm was a celebration of love and connection, set against one of the most beautiful backdrops South Australia has to offer. The joy, the laughter, and the tender moments made it a day to cherish for a lifetime.