Sunshine, laughter, and just a touch of wind – Mel and Ryan’s Longview Winery Wedding was the perfect blend of elegance and cheeky fun. This venue, tucked into the scenic Adelaide Hills, Longview Winery served as a dreamy backdrop for a day full of heartfelt moments, silly antics, and plenty of champagne-fuelled joy.
From the very beginning, Mel and Ryan’s focus was clear – they just wanted to enjoy the day with the people they loved. And with family and friends arriving in black and white hummers, and a reception that featured a live serenade and a bit of surprise silly string, they absolutely nailed it. This wasn’t about the traditions – no first dance, no bouquet toss – it was about connection, celebration, and creating a day that was unmistakably them.
Mel’s Preparation
Mel’s morning unfolded in a picture-perfect bed and breakfast with views that could have been pulled straight from a postcard. Rolling hills, a glimmering pond, and a parade of ducks wandering past the windows – it had a peaceful, countryside charm that balanced the excitement of the day ahead. The star of the home, though, had to be the oversized bay window. With soft natural light pouring in, it created a magical setting for Mel’s getting-ready photos.
As her hair was curled and the finishing touches were added to her makeup, Mel was calm and glowing – surrounded by her bridesmaids, giggling over coffee and helping her into her gown with gentle hands and beaming smiles. The entire scene had a warmth to it, like the first page of a story you know is going to be beautiful.
Ryan’s Preparation
While the girls sipped bubbly and posed in the bay window, Ryan and his crew were kicking back at another nearby bed and breakfast – a bit less glam, a bit more “let’s get these photos done so we can get to the good part.” And honestly? That vibe was perfection.
With cufflinks being fumbled, ties hastily straightened, and a steady stream of jokes keeping the mood light, it was clear this was a tight-knit bunch. Ryan’s energy was all excitement and nerves wrapped in one. You could tell he was ready. Ready to see Mel. Ready to get married. And ready to maybe dodge some silly string later in the evening (though he didn’t know it yet).
Longview Winery Wedding Ceremony
Longview Winery knows how to turn it on when it comes to wedding ceremonies. The view from their ceremony space is stunning – endless rows of vineyards stretch out under the hills, kissed by sunlight and framed by the occasional drifting cloud. On Mel and Ryan’s day, the sun was out in full force, making everything glow. But the wind? It had other ideas.
Mel’s veil absolutely had a life of its own. It danced, it flipped, and at one point, it almost took off entirely. But honestly, it made for the best candid moments – laughter, little helping hands from her bridesmaids, and that extra touch of realness that makes wedding days so memorable. The ceremony itself was full of emotion, personal vows and happy tears, with the couple framed by the natural beauty of the hills. A truly radiant celebration.
Glamour Photos
After the ceremony, we took a wander around Longview’s beautiful grounds with the bridal party. From the iconic tree-lined driveway that sweeps into the estate to the golden grass-covered hills and neat rows of vines, it was a photographer’s dream. The lighting was divine, and the wind added a little extra drama to every dress swish and jacket flick.
The bridal party brought the energy. There was dancing in the vineyard rows, playful cuddless on the gravel paths, and plenty of cheeky banter between shots. Mel and Ryan were effortlessly affectionate – their comfort with each other was a dream to document. From quiet kisses under the trees to wide smiles as they strolled hand in hand, every frame had that just-married joy beaming through.
Longview Winery Wedding Reception
Back at the reception space, Longview transformed into a cosy gathering spot with fairy lights, rustic charm, and laughter echoing through the halls. The couple kept the styling simple – letting the natural beauty of the venue shine through – and focused more on the vibe than the frills. And wow, did the vibe deliver.
Our photobooth was up and running all night, packed with guests donning ridiculous props and pulling faces. The audio guestbook added a sentimental twist – heartfelt messages and hilarious advice recorded for Mel and Ryan to replay in years to come. But the real showstopper? One of Mel’s bridesmaids surprised everyone by singing a tear-inducing tribute to the newlyweds. The room went from wild to silent in an instant, every guest holding their breath as her voice filled the space with love.
Then came a surprise no one was ready for – a cheeky South African tradition courtesy of Ryan’s side. Mid-speech, just as he was getting all sentimental, he was ambushed with a barrage of silly string. Cue uproarious laughter and a very sticky groom. He took it like a champ, of course – and probably still found bits of it in his hair days later.
Vintage Super8 Wedding Video
Alongside the digital captures of the day, we had the vintage Super8 camera rolling – bringing that nostalgic, home-movie touch to Mel and Ryan’s story. There’s just something about that warm, grainy footage that makes moments feel timeless. The way the film flickers over the wind in Mel’s veil, or the sunlight hitting the vines during golden hour, adds a unique charm no modern tech can replicate.
Watching snippets from their Super8 reel feels like looking through a memory instead of just a video. It’s soft, it’s romantic, and it perfectly matches the relaxed, heartfelt vibe Mel and Ryan curated. This format isn’t just a trend – it’s an heirloom in the making.
As the sun dipped behind the vines and the laughter carried on into the night, Mel and Ryan’s Longview Winery wedding wrapped up exactly how it began – full of joy, connection, and genuine moments. No fuss, no frills, just a day that was unapologetically them. From the sweet serenade to the unexpected silly string, every part of the celebration felt heartfelt and real. It was an absolute pleasure to capture their love story in such a stunning setting, and I’m certain the memories from this day will keep bringing smiles for years to come.