An Adelaide Hills wedding at The Manor Basket Range is always a stunning experience, and Shae and Dion’s celebration perfectly captured the venue’s charm, history, and rustic elegance. Surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, their wedding felt like a fairytale come to life. The soft cloud cover added a magical glow, making each moment of their Adelaide Hills wedding at The Manor feel even more romantic and unforgettable.

I’ve been fortunate enough to capture countless weddings at The Manor Basket Range, but Shae and Dion’s celebration was a unique experience for me. Their ceremony took place in the venue’s lower event area, a more intimate space filled with character and warmth. It felt cozy and inviting, perfect for the personal, heartfelt ceremony they had planned. The atmosphere was full of excitement, love, and just the right amount of nerves, creating an energy that carried throughout the day.

Preparation

Dion and his groomsmen had a lively start to their day. Located at one end of The Manor’s grand castle complex, the boys took full advantage of the relaxed vibes in the air. Laughter echoed through the stone walls as they dressed and shared jokes, keeping the mood light. The star of the show, however, was the couple’s page boy, who stole everyone’s heart with his adorable antics. The groomsmen were utterly charmed, making sure he was entertained with phone snippets and plenty of attention while they finished preparing.

Ready to meet the love of his life at the aisle, Dion’s excitement was palpable. Even with all the playful banter, there was an undercurrent of emotion, adding depth to an already incredible start.

Father-son elegance: matching formal jackets hanging from a tree amidst a serene natural backdrop.

Polished black leather shoes of an adult and child side by side on wood, symbolizing a bond.

Grooms elegant vow book, gift, bow tie, and ring symbolize commitment and preparation for a heartfelt wedding ceremony.

Man in formal attire smiles under a charming brick arch with greenery and vintage lantern, suggesting a serene outdoor gathering space.

Man playfully wears tie on head, smiling brightly indoors near a window.

Groomsmen assist the groom with his tuxedo in a sunny garden setting, embodying friendship and unity before an outdoor wedding celebration.

Two men in formal suits, one pinning a boutonniere on the other, preparing for a significant event in a classic indoor setting.

Two men in tuxedos enjoy a playful whisky moment outdoors, highlighting the blend of elegance and spontaneity.

A baby in suspenders is lovingly prepared by adults for a special occasion, evoking warmth and a sense of familial care.

Men in suits joyfully lift a baby at a festive outdoor wedding, capturing a moment of playful celebration and camaraderie.

A joyful wedding moment with groomsmen in suits surrounding a child, highlighting celebration and camaraderie against a lush outdoor backdrop.

Meanwhile, Shae’s preparation had its share of excitement and little hiccups. In the main keep, the bridal suite buzzed with activity. The stunning room provided the perfect backdrop for Shae and her bridal party to get ready, but not without a few twists. At one point, there was a slight panic when the rings couldn’t be located. Thankfully, they were found in time, but it added a bit of drama to the morning. And let’s not forget the flower girl, who had her own opinion on getting dressed! A tiny bit of stress crept in, but Shae’s bridal party was incredible, rallying around her to keep her spirits high.

As the morning unfolded, everything came together beautifully. Shae looked absolutely radiant in her gown, and with a little liquid courage and the thought of walking down the aisle to Dion, any worries melted away. The energy shifted to excitement, with smiles and laughter filling the room. With her hair perfectly styled and makeup set, Shae was more than ready for the day. The warmth and love from her bridal party helped set the tone for the beautiful ceremony ahead.

A graceful white wedding dress hangs in a cozy alcove, complemented by rustic wooden ceilings and soft natural light, creating a serene bridal scene.

Elegant white satin heels adorned with pearls and ribbons, resting on a vintage windowsill with a dreamy garden backdrop.

Intimate wedding preparation as friends share a quiet moment, captured in soft natural light.

Heart-shaped sunglasses with pearl frames and BRIDE TO BE beads, perfect for adding glam to bridal festivities.

Bride laughing with her bridesmaids in pink robes during a joyful outdoor celebration.

Three women share a warm, intimate moment as they prepare a brides gown, capturing the elegance and joy of a pre-wedding ritual.

Bride savors a serene moment with bridesmaids, enveloped in warmth and love as they prepare for her joyous wedding day.

Three women share joyful moments in a sunlit room, dressed elegantly for a special occasion, possibly a wedding celebration.

Bridal party shares a heartfelt, joyful moment in elegant gowns under soft natural light.

Bride and bridesmaids joyfully prepare for the wedding in an elegant, light-filled room with vintage stained glass windows and a pop of color.

Bride and bridesmaids share a joyful moment in a softly lit room, surrounded by elegance and preparation for the wedding day.

Bride in stunning gown stands poised by a sunlit window, embodying elegance and serenity with a bouquet of white flowers.

A sparkling engagement ring nestles in the soft petals of a white rose, capturing the essence of romance and elegance.

A polished silver ring on a weathered window ledge evokes stories of love and time.

A woman in an elegant gown stands poised in an arched doorway, gazing thoughtfully at the sunlit garden beyond.

First Touch and Look

One of the sweetest moments of the day was the first touch between Shae and Dion. Standing abreast of the main keep’s grand door, the two held hands while sharing a shot of tequila. It was a playful, fun twist on the classic ‘first look‘ without actually seeing one another. Dion whispered sweet words, careful not to mess up Shae’s makeup as emotions brimmed just beneath the surface. That simple gesture set the tone for the ceremony that was to follow—one filled with love, connection, and shared memories.

Shae’s first look with her dad was equally touching. As she stepped out of the front door, her dad’s eyes welled with emotion. It was a moment of pure love, and the hug they shared spoke volumes about the bond between them. You could feel the depth of their relationship, the pride in his eyes as he saw his daughter in her stunning bridal gown. These personal moments are the ones that truly make a wedding day unforgettable.

Bride and groom share an intimate moment, holding hands in a rustic setting, as they anticipate their wedding union with joy and love.

A joyful couple shares a tender moment by a rustic stone archway, capturing love and anticipation before their wedding ceremony.

A bride and groom share a heartfelt moment in a rustic, intimate wedding setting.

Father and bride share a joyful embrace amidst lush greenery in an intimate outdoor wedding moment.

Bride shares tender moment with her father against a historic backdrop during a rustic wedding ceremony.

Adelaide Hills Wedding at the Manor Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony itself was held indoors, a decision made due to the slight threat of rain. The rustic charm of the space only enhanced the atmosphere, with the stone walls and wooden accents creating a cozy, intimate environment. Their celebrant had everyone smiling, keeping the mood light while Shae and Dion shared their deeply personal vows. The emotions were raw and real, with not a dry eye in sight. The beauty of The Manor in Basket Range shone through, adding a historic, almost fairytale-like quality to the day.

Shae and Dion’s connection was undeniable. As they exchanged rings, there was an overwhelming sense of joy and love that filled the room. The lower event space, with its rustic elegance, provided the perfect setting for their heartfelt ceremony. The beauty of an Adelaide Hills wedding at The Manor is how effortlessly it blends sophistication with natural beauty, and this ceremony captured that essence perfectly.

Bride enters rustic venue flanked by groomsmen in gray suits, holding white bouquet, as woman adjusts her train.

Rustic wedding ceremony with bride and groom exchanging vows surrounded by bridesmaids, groomsmen, floral decor, and joyful guests in a stone-walled venue.

Groom joyfully holding child during wedding ceremony under a stone arch, surrounded by guests and natural greenery.

Bride and groom exchange vows at a rustic venue, surrounded by bridesmaids and an officiant, under soft lighting with a stone wall backdrop.

A joyous couple shares a lighthearted moment beneath a sunlit arched window at their elegant, rustic wedding ceremony.

A romantic kiss seals the vows as the couple weds in a rustic venue, surrounded by stone archways, lush flowers, and intimate candlelit ambiance.

Joyful bride and groom share a laugh during their rustic indoor wedding ceremony, with soft lighting highlighting their elegant attire.

Bride shares heartfelt vows in elegant ceremony amidst heartfelt surroundings.

Bride and groom share a kiss under a rustic stone arch in a romantic, nature-inspired setting.

Generational bond shines through a handshake, while heartfelt embraces and warm lighting celebrate love at a rustic wedding.

Bride and groom joyfully walk down the aisle amid warm celebrations at a rustic wedding venue adorned with twinkling lights.

Glamour Photos

After the ceremony, the couple took a short break to visit their reception space upstairs. It gave them a moment to breathe, to take in the day so far, and to soak in the fact that they were now officially married. The reception area was elegantly set up, with a mix of rustic touches and modern sophistication, ready to welcome their guests.

After the group phtos, and as the day’s light began to fade, we whisked Shae, Dion, and their bridal party outside for some glamour photos. The stunning grounds of The Manor provided the perfect backdrop. From the castle-like architecture to the rolling hills surrounding the property, every shot captured the timeless beauty of the Adelaide Hills. The sun setting behind the grand estate added a golden glow, highlighting the joy and love radiating from the newlyweds. It was the perfect setting for capturing the elegance and fun of their day.

A wedding party poses in elegant attire before a romantic, ivy-clad medieval castle.

A wedding party strolls before a castle backdrop, blending historic charm with modern elegance as timeless architecture meets joyous celebration.

A joyful wedding party celebrates in elegant attire in front of a castle-like stone building, capturing the romance and excitement of the day.

Elegant wedding captured by a medieval castle, featuring a joyous bride and groom with their bridal party in a romantic, timeless setting.

A bride and groom walk hand in hand past a majestic castle and fountain, surrounded by lush greenery and soft evening light, celebrating their wedding day.

Joyful bride and groom celebrate in a historic courtyard, surrounded by bridesmaids, groomsmen, and lush greenery.

Newlyweds share a tender moment at a historic castle gate, surrounded by lush greenery and bathed in the warm glow of love and nature.

Romantic wedding moment: couple sharing a tender embrace under a delicate veil.

A couple shares an intimate moment at a woodland wedding beside an enchanting, vine-covered chapel amidst lush greenery and dappled sunlight.

A newlywed couple shares a romantic moment in a sunlit forest, surrounded by lush greenery and timeless beauty.

Bride and groom embrace in a romantic, fairy-tale setting against a rustic stone castle at dusk.

Bride and groom share a romantic embrace under a rustic stone archway, bathed in soft, atmospheric light.

Bride and groom share an intimate moment amid ancient stone ruins, bathed in soft, ethereal light.

A couple embraces romantically in a castle courtyard at night with glowing stained glass windows, creating a fairytale-like wedding scene.

Bride and groom share a tender moment under the night sky, surrounded by the warm glow of a historic buildings illuminated stained glass windows.

Reception

The reception was held upstairs, where the celebration truly kicked off. The space was warm and inviting, with soft lighting and elegant table settings. Shae and Dion entered to the sound of cheers and applause, ready to dance the night away. Their first dance was a true showstopper, with a dry ice machine creating a cloud-like effect on the dancefloor. It was pure magic, with the couple spinning and swaying in what seemed like a dream.

The speeches that followed were heartfelt and filled with laughter, as friends and family shared stories and well-wishes for the happy couple. The dancefloor was rarely empty, with everyone getting in on the fun. One of the most touching moments came during Shae and Dion’s last dance. Joined by their parents, they shared a beautiful moment together on the dancefloor, surrounded by love. As their guests waited outside for the sparkler send-off, the couple soaked in the final moments of their special day.

Romantic, candlelit dining room with white flower centerpieces, rustic stone walls, and meticulously arranged table settings for a formal event.

Elegant white wedding cake adorned with cascading roses, accompanied by champagne flutes and set against a rustic stone backdrop.

Man in blue suit delivers wedding speech; rustic backdrop with stone wall, cake, and champagne enhances the celebratory atmosphere.

A well-dressed man speaks passionately at a formal event, captivating an attentive audience amid elegant surroundings.

Bride and groom share laughter and joy as speeches are made, surrounded by floral decor and attentive guests at their wedding reception.

Bride and groom share a tender moment while cutting their elegant wedding cake in front of a rustic stone wall.

Newlyweds share a romantic dance surrounded by warm lights and fog at a rustic venue, captured in an enchanting and intimate moment.

A couple shares a romantic dance at their wedding, surrounded by a rustic stone and brick backdrop.

A young man and an elderly woman share a joyful dance at a wedding, surrounded by a cozy atmosphere of warm lights and happy guests.

Friends celebrate joyfully at a festive gathering, posing playfully with peace signs against a warm, string-lit backdrop.

Celebrating friendship in style: Two men in suits enjoy a joyous wedding event surrounded by laughing friends and twinkling lights.

Bride and groom share an intimate embrace amidst a candlelit reception with soft romantic lighting.

A couple shares an intimate slow dance at a romantic evening celebration, surrounded by warm lighting and a cozy setting.

A heartwarming wedding dance captures a woman in a white dress sharing a tender moment with an older man in a dark suit.

Newlyweds joyfully walk hand in hand through a tunnel of sparklers, surrounded by celebrating friends and family in an enchanting nighttime setting.

A couple shares a kiss surrounded by loved ones holding sparklers, capturing a magical and joyful wedding celebration at night.

In the end, the day was nothing short of perfect. Shae and Dion’s Adelaide Hills wedding at The Manor was a beautiful celebration of love, family, and friendship. The venue provided the perfect backdrop for their love story, and every moment was filled with joy and laughter. It was an honor to capture such a special day, and I can’t wait to return to The Manor for future weddings in this stunning location.