Burbrook Forest Wedding – Brooke & Lachlan

Brooke & Lachlan
Burbrook Forest Wedding

Since Brooke and Lachlan got in contact with me to cover their wedding at Burbrook Forest, I had been looking forward to it as it’s in my opinion one of the best wedding venues in all of South Australia! I may also be biased as it was the venue for my own wedding, but anyway…

The weather was perfect, the trees were beautiful, and the day just turned out to be so awesome that I included a record number of photos on their USB, more than I have ever included on a USB 😛

Preparation

The day started for me at Brooke and Lachlan’s house in which they were in the middle of selling, so the whole place was set up like some sort of display home – perfectly clean and prepared to look awesome. This made my job that much easier! All of Lachlan’s groomsmen were being prepared along side his parents which made for a wonderfully heartfelt time!

Groomsmen gifts

Wedding ring box

Groom getting ready by window

Groom and groomsmen on road

Mum adjusting ties

Groom walking out door

Groom by window

Dad putting on grooms tie

groom enjoying himself

Wedding rings on shoes

Groom smiling in mirror

0 days to go

Mum looking on

Similarly Brooke was being prepared alongside all of her bridesmaids, her parents and even a gaggle of kids who made for some cute distraction to any wedding nerves that people may have been feeling. Brooke had found a delightful bed and breakfast just up the road from Kuitpo hall, and Burbrook forest which was super convenient, and also stunningly beautiful as a backdrop for their preparation photos!

Bride looking in mirror

wedding dress hanging in tree

engagement ring in flowers of bouquet

wedding shoes in tree

The bridal party together

Bridal affects

Little flower girl

Helping Dad get ready

Kids sitting together

Bridal book

Bride getting ready

Bridal party helping out

Dad’s first look of bride

Smiles all round

Bride standing alone looking pretty

bridal party ready to go

Burbrook Forest Wedding Ceremony

Brooke and Lachlan’s wedding day took place on a very hot and sunny day in which the nearby Kuitpo forest had been closed due to fire danger. Luckily, the privately owned Burbrook forest had no such restrictions so their wedding ceremony could take place with no interruptions. The tall trees surrounding the lovely gnarly ‘wedding tree’ (as it’s affectionately known) supplied some nice shade for the entire wedding congregation, and actually made the area quite comfortable.

The Burbrook forest wedding tree would not look out of place in any Harry Potter film, and it mades for an imposing setting for a wedding ceremony where the bride and groom would stand under it, with guests looking up at them with the tree overlooking the whole clearing. It’s quite a sight.

Wedding sign at burbrook forest

Guests waiting

groom waiting patiently

bridal arrival

Bride walking with Dad

Groom’s first look at Burbrook forest

Holding one another under the wedding tree

Wedding party standing under the tree

Together under the wedding tree

Burbrook forest wedding ceremony

Wedding ceremony

Groom smiling during ceremony

Bride smiling during ceremony

Burbrook forest wedding tree

Wedding under the wedding tree in Kuitpo

Guest speech

Kuitpo forest wedding

Holding hands

First kiss under the wedding tree

Burbrook Forest Glamour Photos

The main appeal for holding a wedding at Burbrook forest is using the awesome rows of pine trees with the sunlight shining through to create a stunning effect in photos. it’s a big reason why my wife and I also chose to be married here! After the family photos, we made sure to make use of these trees and sweeping views around the forest. We also made some time later in the day, during the reception to head back for the sun setting through the trees.

Unfortunately some clouds had appeared, hiding the sunset proper, but I’m pretty good with photoshop so… 🙂 It’s also a bit of a fun story to know that behind Brooke and Lachlan in some of the photos is Brooke’s mother crouching down spraying some ‘atmosphere in a can’ to frame them in a bit of a neat haze for the photos.

Kisses for the bride

Bride and groom against a tree

Bridal party walking otgether in Burbrook forest

Dark shot in Burbrook forest

Sun shining on bride and groom

Loving embrace in the forest

Veil floating about Burbrook forest

Sun peeking through Burbrook forest

bridal party standing in Burbrook forest

Sunset

Bride and groom in burbrook forest

under the veil together

Bridal party standing in Kuitpo forest

Bride and groom in front of bridal party

Bride and groom in amongst the trees

Bride and groom sitting in front of wedding tree

Bride and groom walking about Burbrook forest

Burbrook forest bridal hug

Together amongst the trees at Kuitpo forest

Kisses in the forest

Kuitpo Hall Wedding Reception

Kuitpo Hall, which is conveniently just down the road from Burbrook forest is a beautifully rustic spot to hold a wedding reception at. This is particularly true on a warm night, like what Brooke and Lachlan enjoyed, where guests can enjoy the large grassy field outside the hall itself. Brooke and Lachlan had the entire area lit with outside lighting and well stocked with barrels, and outside furniture so everyone was comfortable.

Wedding cake at Kuitpo Hall

Bridal party entrance

cutting the wedding cake

photos with guests

wedding favour

Wedding sign hanging at Kuitpo Hall

Bride and groom in Kuitpo hall

Guests having fun

Guests enjoying themselves

MC

Dad speech

Bridal party speech

best man giving a speech

First dance at Kuitpo Hall

First dance at Kuitpo Hall at night

Daddy daughter dance at Kuitpo Hall

Kuitpo Hall wedding reception

I’d like to thank Brooke and Lachlan for having my wife and I as a part of their wedding day! I had a blast as their wedding photographer at their Burbrook forest wedding and I hope they enjoy their photos as much as I enjoyed taking them!

February 6, 2020

Wedding preview, Wedding

Woodstock Winery Wedding – Michelle & Ryan

Michelle & Ryan
Woodstock Winery Wedding

It was a stunningly sunny day for Michelle and Ryan’s Woodstock winery wedding, just out of Mclaren Vale. I was asked to be their wedding photographer from their ceremony through to their first dance at their reception, whith photos in between down at Maslin Beach and of course using the vineyards about Woodstock winery.

Woodstock Winery Wedding Ceremony

The main appeal of having a Woodstock winery wedding in my book would have to be the beautiful picturesque, but still private surrounds of the winery. There is a large, open grassy area out the back of the main restaurant, lined by gum trees, bushes and of course the Woodstock winery’s vineyards nearby. Michelle and Ryan chose to set up their wedding ceremony so that the vineyards were the backdrop to their arbour.

The sun was out in full force throughout their ceremony, causing some rather harsh light shining on poor Michelle’s face, but thankfully the ceremony wasnt overly long and it also wasn’t so hot that it got uncomfortable – but the guests quickly found some shade before and after the ceremony.

The highlight of the ceremony would have to have been the moment when the exchanging of the rings was held up by Ryan and his best man’s antics where they faked forgetting the rings, only to reveal that their little dog was waiting in the wings with the rings tied around it’s collar.

wedding sign

Groom waiting patiently

Bride hiding behind the wall

Waiting out the front

Bride walking towards ceremony

Grooms first look of bride

Dad giving away bride

Together under the arbour

Wedding ceremony at Woodstock winery

Woodstock winery wedding ceremony

smiling bride during ceremony

Groom reading vows

Dog ring bearer

Woodstock winery wedding ceremony under the gum trees

exchanging the wedding rings

first kiss under the arbour

Woodstock winery wedding ceremony exit

Glamour Photos

What was a little different to most other weddings, was that directly after the Woodstock winery wedding ceremony, we immediately jumped into a bus waiting to take us down to the beach for the glamour photos – forgoing the usual family group photos that usually follow a ceremony. Michelle and Ryan had purposefully planned it this way so as to have a more relaxed, leasurely time down at the beach and to make sure they got all the photos they wanted.

I was quite excited by the copious number of flying seagulls in the air during Michelle and Ryan’s photoshoot on the beach, that it made it that much easier to have them smiling in their photos as they were laughing at my own antics being excited about the birds. Thankfully they held their distance away from us, along with another nearby wedding ceremony that was taking place a top the cliffs – nothing worse than gate crashing another wedding, but the birds made for an awesome backdrop in many of their photos!

After having photos on the beach, and posing for a Starwars themed photo, we then head back to Woodstock winery and used some lovely trees they have in their car park before being announced at the reception. During the reception, we head out for the family photos and used the dying sun for some photos amongst the nearby vineyards.

Bridal party walking to beach

Bride and groom walking down to the beach

Being all lovey

Bridal party walking the dog along the beach

Bridal party on the beach

Wedding couple walking along the beach

Wedding couple walking along the beach with their dog

Bridal couple kissing on the beach

Flowing veil on the beach

Bride and Groom on Maslin beach

Star Wars Wedding Photo

Minimal wedding photo of bride and groom on beach

Bride and groom on Maslins Beach

Beach shot

Bride and groom amongst the sanddunes

Bride and bridesmaids

Groomsmen

Kisses on the Beach boardwalk

Bride and groom amongst the Woodstock winery trees

Bride and groom amongst gum trees

Sitting together in the vineyards

Holding hands

Walking around the Woodstock winery

Walking through the woodstock winery vineyards

woodstock winery vineyards

Woodstock winery wedding at night

Woodstock Winery Wedding Reception

The wedding reception took place in the Woodstock winery’s beautiful two-tiered restaurant, with the head table in the center of the arc, and family tables lined up either side. There was no indoor dancefloor, so the first dance took place outside, and there was no shortage of people out there enjoying the wonderful, warm weather. Emotions were running high during the daddy daughter and monther, son dances with family members all joining in, and was lovely to see 🙂

Michelle and Ryan opted to have a cool, modern take on a wedding cake, having doughnuts piled up with a starwars themed topper, adding a little bit of quirkyness to the whole day.

Guestbook sign

Woodstock winery wine bottles

bridal entrace at Woodstock winery wedding reception

Helping with the veil

bride sharing a drink

Woodstock winery at dusk

Doughnut wedding cake

Inspecting rings

Engagement ring amongst bouquet

first dance

hugs on the dance floor

Daddy daughter dance

Singing

I’d like to thank Michelle and Ryan for having me photograph their special day, and I hope they enjoy their photos!

January 25, 2020

Wedding preview, Wedding

Heartfelt Asatru wedding on a farm – Astrid & Corey

bride and groom amongst foliage

It was a long time coming for Astrid and Corey’s Asatru wedding on a private farm near Mt Compass. Astrid had booked me a few years prior, but due to some unfortunate events had to postpone their big day until mid November, 2019. Their day was blessed with some amazing weather, beautiful scenery, some fluffy animals and plenty of emotion!

Preparation

Astrid and Corey were being prepared on the same farm, a short walk apart from one another in separate units that were constructed on opposite ends of the property. While Astrid and her bridal party were having their makeup done, Corey and his groomsmen were busy putting finishing touches on the outdoor reception setting, and I was able to take photos of the dress and any details already set up.

The walk between the main house where Astrid was being prepared and the hut that Corey was to get ready in was a great opportunity to plan out where we would take the glamour photos after the ceremony. The whole farm was a beautiful setting, and we were very much looking forward to seeing the sunset!

bridesmaid helping out

Wedding rings on box

Bridal bouquet in tree

Bridesmaids getting ready

Bride with Mum

bride putting on makeup

Bride standing in doorway

bridal prep

Groomsmen setting up asatru wedding altar

Bride playing with flowers

Wedding dress hanging in tree

Asatru wedding circle

Corey putting on tie

Decor

Groom about to get ready

smiling bride while getting ready

Groom getting ready near door

Bride standing in doorway playing with flowers

Looking at bear

Asatru wedding ceremony

In case anyone reading this is wondering, the Asatru faith is a religion which believes in the ancient Germanic spirits and Gods. It was officially recreated in the 1970s in Iceland, but its roots go back many thousands of years. The name comes from two words in a language called Old Norse. It means “faith in the Æsir.” The Æsir are the Germanic gods.

Astrid and Corey’s Asatru wedding involved having the ceremony inside a sacred circle, where each member of the bridal party were to light a flame surrounding an altar while stating pleasantries regarding the bridal couple. Corey had planned on having a Thor’s hammer sigil placed on the altar, but unfortunately it would not stick to the concrete before the ceremony, despite the best efforts of his groomsmen. Their Asatru wedding was presided over by a local Asatru priest, and included the drinking of mead from a communal chalice, the exchanging of swords and a hand fasting ceremony over a hammer.

I’m not overly knowledgeable about the proper names to call each of the aspects of an Asatru wedding ceremony I’ve just described, so I apologise if I have messed anything up. But what I learnt is that the ceremony is very much a family oriented affair, that celebrates the bonds each person involved has with the bridal couple as was wonderful to be a part of!

wedding sign

Groomsmen putting finishing touches on

Groom waiting patiently

Bridesmaids approach

bride and Mum appraoch

Grooms first look of bride

Asatru wedding priest

smiling groom

Lighting the flame during the Asatru wedding ceremony

Groom Lighting the flame during the Asatru wedding ceremony

Bride holding bouquet

Asatru wedding ceremony

laughing bride during wedding ceremony

laughing bride during

bride and groom at altar together

groom looing at bride

hand fasting ceremony

Asatru hand fasting

Holding the wedding swords

Bride holding a wedding sword

Drinking of mead

together getting married

together getting married on the farm

Bride and groom exit

Glamour Photos

Directly after the ceremony and family photos, Astrid had arranged for a native animal display from a local company to have a chat and bring in some cuddly animals. These ranged from an adorable sugar glider through to a large python and a baby croc – much to the delight of Corey who is employed as a snake catcher.

After the animal display, we went for a walk along the farm land to make use of the dying sun filtering through the lovely trees and wide, open cow pastures for some glamour photos. The jovial nature of Astrid and Corey meant that the whole photo shoot was full of smiles, and fun times between the two of them.

owl

wombat

Bride holding wombat

Flying glider

snake

kissing the bride

bride and groom in front of bridal party

all the bridal party

close up of sugar glider

Sugar glider with bride and groom

bride and groom with snake

Tiny danger lizard

Hugs with the wombat

Wedding swords

bride and groom under the sun

Bride and groom amongst the tall grass

laughing bride and groom

hugs on a walk

bright bride and groom

walking together in the farm

Laughing together in the trees

standing together amongst the trees

amongst the trees together

bride and groom amongst foliage

holding hands

kiss behind the bouquet

Farm reception

Out the back of the farm house, on the lawn was where Astrid and Corey held their wedding reception. There were 4 different kinds of mead available on tap, along with a rather speccy ice sculpture where you were to pour your mead inside it to cool it, before recaptureing it pouring out the end. Their wedding cake was also embalzoned by Thor’s hammer. the reception was a fairly casual affair where heartfelt, and emotional speeches were heard, while the house’s decking was used as the dancefloor.

Asatru wedding decor

first dance on patio

dancing with Mum

dancing bridal party

groom talking

Enjoying refreshments

wedding cake

laughing together during speeches

Dancing lessons

dancing guest

Cutting the cake with a sword

Fun song to end the night

groom’s speech

Dancing together on their wedding day

Farm wedding reception setup

dancing little one

Dancing pile on

Dancing bub

first dance closeup

guests

first dance at their Asatru wedding

Mead ice sculpture

Thanks so much for Astrid and Corey for having me as your wedding photographer. It was a lovely day and I hope you enjoy your photos!

January 13, 2020

Wedding preview, Wedding

Al-Ru Farm Wedding – Hailey & Brad

Hailey & Brad
Al-Ru Farm Wedding

Hailey and Brad’s Al-Ru Farm Wedding took place on a stunning day in mid November and made for some stunning photos and awesome memories for all those involved! Hailey and Brad had put huge amount of effort into making their day as stunning as possible, and they certainly did a great job! I was so pleased to be Hailey and Brad’s wedding photographer and I feel as though I took some neat shots!

Preparation

The day started as it usually does with Brad and his groomsmen where they were being prepared in room at the Mawson Lakes hotel. It was a nice sized room which allowed everyone to move about and create some nice wide sweeping shots. The atmosphere was jovial, with the boys all ripping on one another and drawing attention to their matching underwear they had bought specially for the occasion! They made an appearance again later in the night during Eagle rock.

looking on helping

groomsman helping

Leaning on the balcony

Tieing tie in front of window

Dad and Groom

Wedding rings on shoe

Boys getting ready

Standing in front of window

Groom getting ready

Wedding ring box

Looking out of window pensively

Hailey and her bridal party were being prepared on site at Al-Ru farm in the awesome little cottage bed and breakfast they have. The cottage features some wonderfully rustic features like a wall of arched windows and beautiful wooden floors. It’s a great set up – perfect for wedding photos like this! The girls were all enjoying their morning when I arrived and were enjoying sharing a bottle of their favourite wine. The highlight of the morning I feel was when Dad walked in for the reveal of Hailey’s dress – which is always an awesome moment to capture!

Engagement ring in bouquet

Wedding dress hung in window

Bridal party on bed

Pinning flower on Dad

Mum

Girls helping out bride

Smiling bride

Bridal party getting ready at Al-Ru farm

Bride getting ready at Al-Ru Farm

Al-Ru Farm bridal preparation

Dad’s first look

Bride looking pensive at Al-Ru farm

Dad looking on

Bride looking pretty at Al-Ru farm

Bride standing in window at Al-Ru farm

Bride in cottage door at Al-Ru Farm

Bridal party chatting

Al-Ru Farm Wedding ceremony

Hailey and Brad’s Al-Ru farm wedding ceremony took place in the purpose built little grassy area on site with the sun located behind the bride and groom. As it was a fairly sunny day, this is always appreciated by a wedding photographer as it makes it that much easier to expose correctly.

There was a humerous moment as the ceremony began where Hailey seemed to purposely take her time to make an appearance, the guests all made funny faces towards Brad, heckling him as if she wasn’t arriving – but of course she did 🙂 The whole ceremony was a light hearted affair, complete with several readings from family and friends. The whole thing was quite beautiful.

bride walking toward ceremony

Groom waiting

Bridal approach under flowers

Groom’s first look

smiling bride

Wedding at Al-Ru Farm

Al-Ru Farm wedding ceremony

smiling groom

Laughing bride

Guest speech during ceremony

Exchanging wedding rings

first kiss

just married

Exit from wedding ceremony at Al-Ru Farm

Al-Ru Farm wedding ceremony

Glamour Photos

Al-Ru farm is an incredible little gem hidden amongst the Adelaide hills, it almost seems purpose built to take stunning wedding photos wherever you venture – I could easily spend all day just wandering about the gardens with a couple and take awesome photos! After the usual family photos, Hailey, Brad and their bridal party went for a bit of a walk through the gardens making use of the incredible foliage available. From the trees, to the yellowed grass and the sunset setting over the pond – they were all amazing scenes. During the night we also head out to the lovely little greenhouse Al-Ru Farm has on site and I opened a smoke bomb, filling it with white smoke to create an awesome effect, worked really well!

Flying veil

hugs

bridal party on Al-Ru farm’s driveway

bridal party

Leaning against a tree

against a tree in Al-Ru farm

Amongst the foliage

Amongst the grass at Al-Ru farm

hugs in the grass

fun in the veil

kisses for the bride

Skipping groomsmen

Sunshine at Al-Ru farm

The famous Al-Ru farm pillars

Bright

Together along the pond

Al-Ru Farm pond

hugging bridal couple

bride pushing groom

Walking along the pond

Standing together on the pond

Al-Ru Farm pond photo

Sun set through the trees

Passionate kiss in the sun glow

Smokey greenhouse

Al-Ru Farm greenhouse wedding photo

Al-Ru Farm Wedding reception

Speaking about smoke – Hailey and Brad has a bit of smoke going all night on their dance floor – making it tricky to get shots of their first dance – but the ones that did turn out, turned out awesomely! Really adds to the atmosphere. Everyone involved at the reception all seemed like they had an awesome time, complete with copious amounts of drinking and fun times. 🙂

Al-Ru farm wedding reception hall

wedding sign

wedding cake setup

wedding cake topper

Wishing well

Bride and groom entrance

Cutting the wedding cake

Guests

Al-Ru farm wedding reception

bridal party

teary bride

best man speech

Daddy daughter dance

first dance in blue smoke

first dance

kisses on the dance floor

Bouquet toss

bouquet toss winner

fun on the dance floor

wee

groom on the dance floor

Girls having fun

I’d like to thank Hailey and Brad for having me as their wedding phtoographer – I had an awesome time at their wedding and I hope they enjoy their photos!

January 7, 2020

Wedding preview, Wedding

Cruising Yacht Club of SA Wedding – Emily & Angel

Emily & Angel
Cruising Yacht Club of SA Wedding

Emily and Angel held their lovely intimate wedding ceremony at the the Cruising Yacht Club of SA. The prestige of this venue is apparent as soon as you arrive as you’re surrounded by multi million dollar yachts in a stunning location! I was asked to be their wedding photographer for a few hours, seeing me with them for their preparation, through to the first parts of their early reception dinner.

Preparation

Emily and Angel chose to be prepared on the same location, together at a property not far from the Cruising Yacht Club. The atmosphere was reasonably laid back with family and freinds also on site fussing about, preparing lunch, or getting ready while watching a Chinese action movie on the TV in the background. I was treated to some scrumptous home made food while there, and it was very much appreciated!

As Emily and Angel were being prepared at the same lcoation they could share makeup artists and hairdressers, without having them travel to multiple locations in the morning – this made everything run much smoother than what I have experienced in the past, and everyone was ready to leave, and head to the ceremony quite early.

Playing with veil

Putting on earrings

Close up of wedding shoes

Wedding ring box

Emily and Angel before their ceremony

Looking pretty

Looking out window

Both brides sitting in makeup chairs

Smiling brides

Smiling

Holding hands

Girls looking on

bride looking out windows

Putting on necklace

putting on makeup

Standing next to painting

Cruising Yacht Club of SA Wedding Ceremony

The Cruising Yacht club of SA is a well kept secret of Adelaide wedding venues, nestled along the shores of the north-western Adelaide beaches, the marina and club rooms are hard to spot unless you are looking out for the venue as you drive past. The main draw of the venue for weddings would be the views of the marina and exclusivity of the space provided – including gated car parking and a hidden wedding ceremony spot.

The wedding ceremony location set up at the Cruising Yacht Club of SA is a small, dedicated area set off to the side of the marina, shaded by cloth sails and headlined by an impressive concrete circular station where the bridal couple stands during the ceremony. Emily and Angel’s wedding ceremony was held bilingually in both English and Chinese for the benefit of all those in attendance and made everyone smile with it’s innate sweetness and beauty.

Wedding sign

Brides arriving

Brides approaching altar

Under the Cruising yacht club of SA’s wedding circle

Cruising Tacht Club of SA wedding

Standing together in front of family and friends

Wedding ceremony at Cruising Yacht Club of SA

Smiling brides

Ring bearer

Exchanging wedding bands

First kiss at Cruising Yacht CLub of SA

Wedding ceremony ending

Bridal exit

Glamour Photos

After the ceremony and family photos which we held just behind where the wedding ceremony took place, we first used the Cruising Yacht Club of SA’s lovely marina lined with huge yachts to take some glamour photos. Emily and Angel had even arranged to use the bow of one of the yachts to have photos done, which was wonderfully unique. We then went on a short drive to Grange beach where we used the lovely sand dunes and jetty for more shots, while also making use of the large kites that were being flown that day as a backdrop.

Heading towards the yachts

In the Cruising Yacht club of SA’s marinia

Hugging brides

brides on yacht

Cruising yacht club of SA marina

Bouquet in sand

brides on the beach together

Brides standing together in sand dunes

Together under Grange Jetty

Walking together under Grange jetty

Celebrating under Grange Jetty

Married couple

Cruising Yacht Club of SA Wedding Reception

The Cruising Yacht club of SA has a number of different function rooms to choose from when holding a wedding ceremony. As Emily and Angel’s wedding party wasn’t on the large side, they opted to make use of the smaller of the available areas for their wedding reception. It was a nice space that boasted sweeping views of the marina and all the boats. The highlight of their party I feel was their duel bouquet toss, where they both threw their bouquet at the same time. it’s always fun when everyone joins in for that! WHile I wasn’t there for their entire reception, the atmosphere was friendly, laid back and felt very family friendly, with evertyone enjoying themselves and listening to speeches.