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3. Sturt Valley Linear Park Lunchtime Reception

Simone and Marty’s Coromandel Valley wedding was an absolute delight, filled with love, laughter, and the kind of relaxed charm that perfectly suited this lovely coouple. The sun graced the day with its warm glow, illuminating every moment shared between these two wonderful people. Their venue, the serene Sturt Valley Linear Park, was the ideal backdrop for a celebration that felt more like an intimate gathering among close friends and family than a traditional wedding.

I’ve known Simone since I was very young. She was my families go-to masseuse for years and one of the first supporters of my photography journey. I still remember her purchasing one of my prints from Japan. Seeing her on her wedding day, glowing with happiness, was a special full-circle moment. My Mum still keeps in touch with Simone, making this wedding feel like a reunion of sorts.

Preparation

Marty started his big day in a truly unique setting—his boxing club. It’s not every day you see a groom slipping on cufflinks next to punching bags, but this setting felt so authentically him. The space was brimming with energy, and we had a great time snapping some playful shots inside the ring. Marty and his groomsmen embraced the fun with matching hats that added a touch of flair to their outfits.

The boxing club’s gritty charm added contrast to the elegance of the day. Candid moments of laughter mixed with a few serious portraits made for a memorable session. It was clear that Marty’s friends shared his sense of humor and camaraderie, and those emotions came through in every frame.

: Polished black formal shoes juxtaposed against the rugged backdrop of a red boxing ring corner.

: Luxurious rings in a wooden box with a peach rose boutonniere, set against a vintage fabric backdrop for an elegant celebration.

: Middle-aged man in dress attire practices boxing intensely in a rustic gym with an Australian flag in the background.

: Two men in white shirts share a playful moment in a boxing gym, adjusting a tie amidst punching bags and nostalgic boxing memorabilia.

: Tattooed hands tie laces on polished black shoes, blending formal attire with personal style, in preparation for an important event.

: A contemplative man in formal attire sits in a gym surrounded by boxing equipment and memorabilia, contrasting business with the sport.

: A person in formal attire stands confidently in a boxing gym, surrounded by sports memorabilia and a punching bag, blending professionalism with fitness.

: Superman cufflink being adjusted on a white dress shirt, complemented by a marbled bracelet and tattoo, blending elegance with personal style.

: Distinguished gentleman in sharp suit and fedora, warmly engaged in a formal setting.

: Two men in suits share a bonding moment over boutonniere adjustments in an industrial gym setting, highlighting friendship and preparation for a special occasion.

: Two men in suits discuss inside a gritty boxing gym, blending elegance with rugged surroundings.

: A younger man helps an older gentleman adjust his boutonniere, highlighting a moment of preparation and connection for a significant formal event.

: Men in black suits and fedoras converse in a gym, blending elegance with sports memorabilia in a unique setting.

: Dapper man in a suit with a yellow rose boutonnière, smiling warmly against an industrial backdrop.

: Dapper man in black and white wearing a suit and fedora, exuding classic elegance and sophistication.

: Four men in suits and fedoras pose with authority in a vintage boxing gym, blending elegance and camaraderie against a backdrop of rich athletic history.

: Four men in formal attire stand in a gym adorned with sports memorabilia, contrasting elegance with a rugged setting, exuding authority and camaraderie.

: Four men in matching suits and fedoras pose confidently in a gym setting, blending formality with a dynamic industrial backdrop.

Simone’s preparation was lovely and laid back. She and her bridesmaids got ready on the back deck of a friend’s house, bathed in the sun. Her dress, a masterpiece of delicate details, hung among the trees across the road for some dreamy pre-wedding photos.

The bridal party ventured to a nearby canopy of trees for group photos, where the dappled sunlight added an ethereal glow to the images. Simone’s joyful spirit was contagious, and her bridesmaids matched her energy with laughter and excitement. The arrival of the limo, slightly too big for the quaint side street we were heading to for the cermeony, only added to the fun.

: Elegant engagement ring nestled in a vibrant bouquet of roses, protea, and eucalyptus, symbolizing love and commitment.

: Elegant wedding invitation card with green leaf wreath, matching shoes, and floral accents on wood, captures the natural theme of Simone and Martins celebration.

: Teal dresses set the scene for a serene moment of preparation amid natural light and focused anticipation.

: A delicate ivory wedding dress hangs gracefully from a tree branch in a tranquil woodland setting, melding elegance with natures rustic charm.

: Green velvet shoe and lace garter with emerald gemstone, set against rustic wood, merging elegance and romance for special occasions.

: Bride gleefully displays her wedding dress, barefoot and relaxed, in a sunny garden, capturing the excitement of pre-wedding preparations.

: A joyful moment as one woman styles anothers hair, surrounded by flowers and greenery in a cozy indoor setting.

: Joyful bride surrounded by bridesmaids in orange and blue dresses, celebrating together in a bright, elegant sunroom.

: Bride surrounded by bridesmaids in red, joyfully preparing for the wedding day with natural light illuminating the elegant indoor setting.

: Bride and bridesmaids share a joyful pre-wedding moment in a bright conservatory, capturing love and support.

: A bride in a lace gown stands gracefully in a plant-filled, sunlit entryway, poised for her new journey.

: Bride glows in lace gown and vibrant bouquet, bathed in soft natural light indoors.

: Bride and bridesmaids pose gracefully under a leafy arch, showcasing white and rust gowns with bouquets, in a sunlit forest setting.

: Bride and bridesmaids share a joyful moment amid lush greenery, with vibrant floral bouquets and burnt orange gowns adding festive flair.

: Bridal party radiates joy under a lush archway, celebrating the bride in her lace gown with vibrant bouquets and burnt orange bridesmaid dresses.

: Joyful bride and bridesmaids share laughter in stunning outdoor setting with vibrant dresses and floral accents.

: Bride and bridesmaids celebrate joyfully under a leafy canopy in vibrant dresses during an outdoor wedding.

: Bridal party revels in joy inside a sleek limousine, wearing red dresses and holding vibrant bouquets, capturing a moment of celebration and friendship.

Coromandel Valley Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony took place in a charming public BBQ area of Sturt Valley Linear Park. A circular floral arbor stood proudly by a bubbling creek, creating a picturesque and intimate setting for Simone and Marty to exchange their heartfelt vows. Guests gathered under the shade of tall trees, enjoying the tranquil sounds of nature.

The simplicity of the ceremony was its strength. With genuine emotions and heartfelt promises, Simone and Marty held everyone’s attention. Following the ceremony, a nearby marquee offered a smorgasbord of delicious food, with guests mingling, laughing, and soaking up the laid-back picnic-like atmosphere.

: Rustic wedding sign on a tree trunk directs guests to Marty & Simones outdoor ceremony on November 19, 2024.

: Elegant silver limousine decorated for a special occasion, travels down a tree-lined street, flanked by other cars amidst lush greenery.

: A poised woman officiates an elegant outdoor wedding, surrounded by lush greenery and distinguished participants in formal attire.

: Bride walks down a sunlit, tree-lined path with family, adorned in a lace gown and vibrant bouquet, capturing a joyful wedding moment.

: Elegant outdoor wedding ceremony with a delighted couple under a floral arch, surrounded by friends and family celebrating in a sunlit natural setting.

: Elegant outdoor garden wedding with couple under floral arch, surrounded by vibrant bridal party and guests in serene natural setting.

: A joyful outdoor wedding ceremony with a radiant bride, bridesmaids in burnt orange dresses, colorful bouquets, and a lush green backdrop.

: A bride and groom exchange vows in a romantic forest setting, surrounded by lush greenery, floral decor, and loved ones.

: A joyful outdoor wedding ceremony with a woman in a sage gown holding a child, flanked by smiling men in suits, exuding love and happiness.

: A couple exchanges vows under a floral arch in a serene outdoor wedding ceremony, with sunlight filtering through trees.

: A couple shares a romantic kiss under a floral arch in a picturesque, wooded garden setting.

: Bride and groom sign their marriage certificate outdoors, surrounded by lush greenery and elegant decor, capturing a heartfelt wedding moment.

: Bride walks down the aisle with her father under a sunny, floral arch, surrounded by joyful bridesmaids in orange and guests at a picturesque outdoor wedding.

Sturt Valley Linear Park Lunchtime Reception

The reception was a reflection of Simone and Marty’s easygoing personalities. Guests spread out on the grass, children played lawn games, and the aroma of awesome food wafted through the air. It felt like a community picnic—a celebration of love where everyone was part of the story.

One standout moment was a surprise performance by a dance troupe Simone is part of. They captivated everyone with an energetic routine that brought even more joy to the festivities. It was clear how much Simone’s community means to her, and this moment added a personal, unforgettable touch to the day.

: A young girl concentrates on blowing bubbles at a festive outdoor family gathering, surrounded by nature and adults socializing in formal attire.

: Outdoor wedding scene with men in suits, surrounded by floral arch and lush greenery, enjoying a moment of camaraderie and joy.

: A heartfelt speech by the best man highlights a picturesque garden wedding, surrounded by lush greenery and blooming pastel flowers.

: Ombré cake with gold accents, white roses, and laurel wreath topper celebrates Marty and Simones special occasion.

: Joyful family celebrates at an outdoor event with formal attire and festive decorations.

: Four women perform an expressive dance in coordinated black and gold outfits, with hand fans, in a lush setting near a floral arch.

: Personalized wooden box for wedding certificate with engraved names and romantic decorations.

: A lively park celebration with families enjoying nature, elegant decor, and guests mingling under tall trees and a white tent.

: A bride and groom share a tender embrace in a sunlit, lush woodland setting on their wedding day.

: A couple shares a romantic kiss by a tranquil creek, surrounded by lush woods and vibrant flowers, capturing the essence of an intimate outdoor wedding.

: Couple shares a romantic embrace in wedding attire amidst a lush, sunlit forest by a reflective stream.

: A young boy kicks a soccer ball with enthusiasm at a sunny outdoor gathering near a white event tent.

: Elegant man shares a joyful laugh with a young girl in a garden setting, capturing a heartwarming moment of connection and celebration.

: Bride and groom joyfully cut their wedding cake in a beautifully decorated tent, surrounded by happy guests and warm sunlight.

: Elegant couple joyfully celebrating their special day under sunlit trees.

: A joyful bride and groom in formal attire share a playful moment in a sunlit park, surrounded by natures beauty.

: Bride and groom share a joyful moment in a serene, sun-dappled grove, symbolizing love and celebration on their special day.

: A couple intimately embraces in a sunlit forest, surrounded by golden light and elegant natural beauty.

Thorngrove Manor Glamour Shoot

As the afternoon faded, the newlyweds and I headed to the enchanting Thorngrove Manor. This hidden gem is a photographer’s dream, with its whimsical architecture, manicured gardens, and regal charm. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Simone and Marty glowed in the golden light, their love as radiant as the scenery.

Thorngrove Manor offered a perfect contrast to the relaxed vibe of the earlier celebrations. Its opulent ambiance provided a fairy-tale ending to the day. The photos we captured there are some of my favorites, filled with elegance, intimacy, and the magic of a new beginning.

: A couple shares a tender kiss on a castle terrace, dressed in wedding attire, framed by enchanting architecture and bathed in golden afternoon sunlight.

: A bride and groom share a romantic moment under a rustic stone archway in a lush garden setting.

: Newlyweds share a tender embrace under a gothic arch, blending romance with timeless architecture.

: A couple celebrates their wedding on a stone staircase, surrounded by a lush garden and rustic castle, basking in warm golden sunlight.

: A blissful couple shares a tender moment under a pearl-adorned veil, embodying love and unity at their wedding.

: Bride and groom share a joyful embrace under an ornate stone archway, surrounded by vintage charm and glowing in warm, romantic light.

: Newlywed couple shares a romantic moment in a fairy tale setting, with a medieval-style house and lush gardens illuminated by golden sunlight.

: Newlyweds embrace on a sunlit castle balcony, surrounded by lush greenery and the warm glow of sunset, creating a timeless romantic moment.

Simone and Marty’s Coromandel Valley wedding was a day to remember, not because of grand gestures or elaborate details but because of its authenticity. It was a celebration of love in its purest form, surrounded by the people and places that matter most. From the lively energy of Marty’s boxing club to the serene beauty of Thorngrove Manor, every moment told their unique story.

As a local wedding photographer, being part of days like this is a gift. Capturing memories for a couple like Simone and Marty, who wear their hearts on their sleeves and cherish the little things, reminds me why I love what I do.