While I’m sure Chami and Bryce planned their Ekhidna Winery wedding to be memorable and something that their friends and family would talk about for a long time afterwards – whatever they planned to do paled in comparison to what mother nature had in store for their big day!
Despite the unfortunate weather that had Bryce and his groomsmen running all over Mclaren Vale looking for umbrellas in the morning, Chami and Bryce refused to let it hampen their day, and they were certainly rewarded for their optimism with a stunning afternoon and evening after the freak mini cyclone had hit!
Chami’s Preparation
Chami was being prepared with her family and bridesmaids in a bed and breakfast I had visited before for another Ekhidna Wines wedding – but this time unfortunately I could not make much use of it’s pretty gardens due to the weather, so we made dow ith the interior as best we could after having moved some furniture around! 🙂
Bryce’s Preparation
Bryce and his groomsmen were being prepared in an older bed and breakfast nearby with easy access to vineyards, some trees and some nice scenery we tried to make use of inbetween rain spells.
Bryce was nervous, but kept his spirits up thanks to the antics of his groomsmen complaining about the workmanship of some odd design details about the house.
First Look Photoshoot
Chami and Bryce’s plan was that before their cermeony they were to have a first look on the beach at Pt Willunga. Of course with the weather how it was, that would have been quite silly, so instead we made use of the verandah at the ebd and breakfast that Bryce and his groomsmen had been prepared at.
Wasn;t quite as scenic as the beach, but the moment was no less sweet between these two lovely people, which by the way the horrid weather still had not wiped either of their smiles off their faces or excitement in their eyes.
We even had a bit of fun running about in the rain amongst the olive grove on Mclaren vale’s main street before heading back to Ekhidna Winery before guests started arriving.
Ekhidna Winery Wedding Ceremony
Just before Chami arrived to the ceremony – that had been set up inside the Ekhidna Wines retaurant area the brunt of the incredible weather system hit, causing sidewards rain – trees falling which waya dn that, and thousands of houses across Adelaide to lose power for multiple days!
Not to mention the reception area of Ekhidna winery flooded significantly – to the point that the head table needed to be re-positioned on the opposite end of the room. Credit goes to the staff though, as once the storm had passed, and the ceremony was over they were out there with brooms and a water pump to dry out the courtyard and towards the end of the night you wouldnt have known it was wet at all.
Chami and Bryce’s ceremony took place with the wide panoramic windows overlooking the vineyards as their background – not that we could see much through the rain, but it made for a nice airy backdrop for their photos none-the-less.
Glamour Shoot
Pretty much directly after the ceremony was over, the rain waned and we were able to venture outside to make use of the stunning surrounds that make up the reason why I love heading to Ekhidna Winery – not only for their stellar ginger beer!
We first made use of the road out front for some group shots with the bridal party, then walked down the road a little for the amazing grove of gum trees a short walk away. We then used the vineyard a bit while we were sure we could as we diddnt know what to expect later in the evening in regards to more rain.
Thanksfully that rain never came, and the weather actually cleared up completely, allowing for an amazing sunset and we even had Chami and Bryce’s guests outside to enjoy the nice weather!
I was so happy for them as one of the reasons whey they had chosen me as their wedding photographer was the nice sunset shots I usually take over the vineyards during sunset – so I was happy to capture that for them! I even tried some new shot too which I hope they enjoy 🙂
Ekhidna Winery Wedding Reception
Chami and Bryce’s wedding reception was just like any other – with the unique location of their head table which I had never seen set up that way before at Ekhidna wines due to the earlier weather – but it was pretty enat as there they were able to make use of their arbour as a backdrop to their table!
My photobooth was running all night, and everyone had an absolute blast with their live band playing all night long! Was a fun night!
Thanks so much Chami and Bryce for having me!
