Rachel and Ivan chose Ayers House in the heart of Adelaide for their wedding, and it couldn’t have been a more perfect choice. Sitting proudly on North Terrace, this historic mansion is steeped in elegance, and it delivered an unforgettable backdrop for their celebration. From the moment the day began, everything seemed to align beautifully – the weather, the mood, and the setting all working together in harmony.
As a wedding photographer, Ayers House is one of those venues that never disappoints. Every corner offers a new creative opportunity, from the ornate architecture to the moody interiors. For Rachel and Ivan, it was the grandeur of the Old Ballroom and the stately charm of the house that set the tone for their day. Surrounded by family, friends, and a touch of history, their wedding was the perfect blend of romance and sophistication.
Pre-Ceremony
The day began with quiet anticipation as we arrived early to capture a few portraits before the ceremony. The character of Ayers House makes it a dream for portraits – the dramatic lighting and heritage features bring a sense of timeless beauty that really shines in photographs. Rachel looked radiant as she posed in the soft glow of the mansion’s interiors, and Ivan’s relaxed smile reflected just how ready he was to begin this new chapter.
There’s something magical about those moments before the ceremony. The stillness inside the mansion contrasted beautifully with the excitement buzzing outside as guests began to arrive. The house’s old-world charm gave us an incredible canvas to create portraits that felt intimate, moody, and grand all at once. These pre-ceremony photos are some of the most striking because they capture that balance between anticipation and joy.
Ayers House Wedding Ceremony
Rachel and Ivan’s ceremony took place in the Old Ballroom, one of Ayers House’s most iconic spaces. High ceilings, intricate detailing, and a magnificent chandelier created a setting that felt regal yet inviting. The couple had chosen a duet of singers to provide live music, and the soaring harmonies filled the ballroom with an atmosphere of romance and celebration.
The ceremony itself was heartfelt and simple, with only a small gathering of close family and friends in attendance. For loved ones unable to join in person, the event was live-streamed so no one missed out on this special occasion. The intimacy of the ceremony gave every word and every glance between Rachel and Ivan added meaning, and the Old Ballroom provided a stage worthy of their love story.
Glamour Photos
Following the ceremony, we gathered everyone on the front lawn for a joyful group photo in front of Ayers House. The historic facade made for a stately backdrop, and the laughter and smiles of the guests radiated in the late afternoon light. It was the perfect way to capture the energy of the day before heading off to another favourite Adelaide location.
From there, we ventured to the Adelaide Botanic Gardens. In the fading sunlight, the gardens were practically empty, giving us space to create some truly breathtaking images. The golden hour light streamed through the trees, catching Rachel’s veil and illuminating Ivan’s smile as they strolled hand in hand. Sunset in the Botanic Gardens is always a gift, and this day was no exception. The combination of natural beauty and the couple’s connection produced images that felt both romantic and timeless.
Ayers House Wedding Reception
Returning to Ayers House, Rachel and Ivan began their reception with a first dance back in the grandeur of the Old Ballroom. There’s something spectacular about seeing a couple move beneath the sparkling chandelier, surrounded by their loved ones cheering them on. The ballroom’s scale gave the dance an almost cinematic quality, and the photographs captured that magic effortlessly.
Afterward, the celebration shifted to the more intimate Henry’s Table and Bar within the mansion. Guests settled in for heartfelt speeches that ranged from tear-jerking to hilarious, all reflecting the love and warmth felt throughout the day. The setting offered a cosy, inviting space to wrap up an evening filled with joy. As the night came to a close, Rachel and Ivan’s smiles said it all – their Ayers House wedding had been everything they dreamed of and more, and I was honoured to capture every unforgettable moment.
Rachel and Ivan’s Ayers House wedding was the kind of day that makes Adelaide such a dream location for love stories. From the grandeur of the Old Ballroom to the golden light in the Botanic Gardens, every moment flowed seamlessly and reflected their personalities perfectly. Photographing their celebration was a privilege, and it’s days like these that remind me why I adore being a wedding photographer. Ayers House truly delivered an unforgettable experience, and Rachel and Ivan filled it with laughter, music, and heartfelt connection that will be remembered forever.