Maddy and Jake’s Burbrook wedding was everything a photographer could dream of – a joyful, love-filled day set against one of South Australia’s most picturesque backdrops, Burbrook Forest. As a photographer, I’ve always been excited to shoot at this venue, not just because it’s one of the most beautiful natural settings in Adelaide, but also because it holds a special place in my heart – it’s where my wife and I got married! Every time I return to Burbrook, I’m reminded of why it’s such a magical place for a wedding.

This charming couple brought their own unique flavour to the day, blending laid-back charm with heartfelt moments. With half a dozen kids running around, their infectious energy only added to the fun, making the day as lively as it was romantic. Nothing could phase Maddy and Jake, their smiles as wide as the Australian sky. Their relaxed, joyful vibe echoed through every part of the day, from the intimate preparation moments to the first look, and all the way to the chilly evening at Kuitpo Hall. It was a day where love and laughter ruled, and I feel so lucky to have captured it all!

Preparation

Maddy and Jake began their big day at a nearby bed and breakfast, a cozy hideaway that felt like the perfect start to what was to come. The boys, including Jake, got ready in a charming little granny flat. It was a space brimming with laughter, as the guys – and gal – enjoyed each other’s company and some good-natured teasing while getting dressed. They even had a laser-cut mechanical ring box, adding a quirky touch to the morning – something that reflected Jake’s fun and light-hearted personality. The anticipation of the day ahead was palpable, but everything was calm and easygoing, with plenty of smiles all around.

Elegant wooden box with intricate patterns displaying two rings, one simple and one gem-adorned, set in a serene natural backdrop.

A vibrant red protea bloom with a sparkling ring at its center stands out against a lush backdrop of greenery and muted flowers.

A child in a red shark-patterned shirt and grey animal pants stands barefoot on a wooden floor, embodying playfulness and curiosity indoors.

Child joyfully plays with cowboy action figure on a cozy rug in a warm family setting, with an engaged adult nearby.

Family enjoys a playful moment with a curious toddler in a cozy sunlit room.

A couple shares a tender moment of affection while preparing for a formal event in a bright, modern room.

Two men share a joyful moment as one adjusts the others floral tie in a serene outdoor setting.

Two men in a modern room prepare for an event; a smiling man in a light suit with round glasses is the main focus.

Groom surrounded by friends in lush outdoor setting, joyfully preparing for his wedding ceremony.

Joyful wedding celebration with five friends, including four men and a woman, dressed in formal attire, enjoying laughter and camaraderie outdoors.

Meanwhile, in the main house, Maddy and her bridal party were busy preparing in a space filled with soft light and an air of excitement. There’s something about the quiet buzz in the air when the bride is getting ready that always makes for beautiful moments to capture. Maddy’s dress hung elegantly, waiting for the moment it would transform her into a stunning bride. Her bridesmaids – and bridesman – helped her into it, and the smiles, happy tears, and heartfelt hugs made this time extra special.

The love and support surrounding Maddy were evident, and it was a joy to capture these emotional, pre-ceremony moments.

A joyful pre-wedding moment with friends in matching pajamas, as the bride stands out with a floral crown and lace robe, celebrating love and unity.

Two joyful girls in pink fairy dresses and tulle wings hold hands on a sunlit porch, surrounded by natures beauty.

Warm reflection of a couple in a bohemian mirror, with red-haired woman smiling as a man gently attends to her hair.

Radiant bride in lace gown and floral headpiece beams with joy by a sunlit window, holding a vibrant bouquet.

Bride shares a touching moment with her bridal party on a scenic porch, surrounded by lush greenery and elegant mauve attire.

Bride in an elegant lace gown and floral crown stands in a softly lit hallway, embodying romance and tranquility.

Bridal elegance: A bride gleams with joy, holding a vibrant bouquet in a softly lit hallway, ready to step into her special day.

First Look Photoshoot

Maddy and Jake opted for a “first look” before the ceremony, and wow, was it beautiful. They met on a hilltop that overlooked the scenic beauty surrounding the bed and breakfast. The wind was brisk, but it didn’t matter. When Jake turned to see Maddy for the first time, their faces lit up with pure joy. That moment when two people see each other for the first time, fully dressed for their wedding day, is electric, and Maddy and Jake’s first look was no exception. The love in their eyes was undeniable, and it felt like the world stood still for just a moment.

After that sweet first look, we took advantage of the gorgeous surroundings with a mini photoshoot. The orchard nearby was in full bloom, and we even had a few local giant kangaroos hopping around in the background – quintessentially Australian, right? Despite the chill in the air, the two of them were so wrapped up in the moment, you’d never know it. Their smiles and laughter made the session a joy to shoot, and those candid shots of them together in the orchard were some of my favorites from the day.

A bride approaches her groom in a tranquil countryside setting, surrounded by lush fields and misty hills.

Bride and groom stand in a misty countryside field, celebrating love amidst lush greenery and natural elegance.

A couple shares a serene and intimate moment amid nature, beautifully captured in timeless black and white.

Bride and groom share a tender moment in a serene meadow surrounded by natures beauty.

A joyful couple shares an intimate moment in a lush outdoor setting on their wedding day.

Joyful couple in wedding attire strolls through a park, bride in sneakers, embracing a relaxed, natural vibe amidst lush greenery.

A couple embraces under a canopy of trees in an enchanting Australian setting, with a kangaroo in the background adding a touch of wildlife charm.

Bride and groom share a joyful embrace amidst lush greenery during their forest wedding ceremony.

Joyful couple on their wedding day, laughing in a lush forest setting with vibrant floral attire, capturing love and natures beauty.

A couple shares a tender embrace next to a tree, surrounded by natures tranquility.

Bride and groom embrace joyfully in a lush, sunlit garden setting.

Bride and groom share a kiss amidst their happy wedding party on scenic Buchanan Road.

Bride and groom share a joyful embrace on serene Buchanan Road, framed by lush trees under dappled sunlight, embodying rustic romance.

Bride and groom lead a joyful wedding party down a scenic tree-lined country road, celebrating love and togetherness in a serene rural setting.

Newlyweds embrace in a serene countryside with grazing black cows, lush greenery, and a harmonious blend of nature and celebration.

Rustic outdoor wedding scene with bride and groom dancing joyfully, surrounded by bridal party in serene, lush setting.

Elegant woodland wedding: bride and groom shine in nature-inspired attire with joyful attendants amid lush forest setting.

Bride and groom with bridal party take joyful forest selfie in elegant green attire.

A couple in formal attire shares a tender moment in a sunlit, enchanting pine forest.

Burbrook Wedding Ceremony

Burbrook Forest is famous for its breathtaking “Wedding Tree,” and Maddy and Jake couldn’t have picked a more iconic spot for their ceremony. The towering tree stands proud, its branches reaching out like a protective canopy over the couple and their guests. The soft sunlight filtering through the leaves created a magical atmosphere, making the ceremony feel almost otherworldly. Surrounded by nature, with the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze, it was the perfect backdrop for Maddy and Jake’s heartfelt vows.

Their ceremony was filled with personal touches, including a “tying the knot” tradition that added a meaningful layer to the day. All the while, the children in attendance were having the time of their lives, running around and playing in the background, adding a touch of playful innocence to the proceedings. There’s something so special about kids being part of the ceremony, bringing extra joy and laughter to the moment. By the time Maddy and Jake exchanged their vows and sealed their marriage with a kiss, the entire crowd was beaming.

An enchanted forest ceremony setup with rustic benches, colorful rugs, and ornate chairs under a canopy of tall pine trees.

A young girl in a floral dress and pink sneakers holds hands with an adult in a suit at a festive woodland gathering.

Serene forest wedding with couple exchanging vows under a natural tree arch, surrounded by guests and bathed in soft sunlight.

Woodland wedding captures bride, groom, and child walking hand in hand under sunlit trees, with joyful attendants in harmonious forest colors.

A joyful family strolls through a sunlit forest, with children in floral dresses leading the way, spreading happiness and warmth.

A couple and child walk a forest path, embracing nature and celebrating unity.

A joyful woodland wedding scene featuring a smiling couple and child, surrounded by a forest ambiance, celebrating love and family unity.

Joyful outdoor wedding ceremony in a forest setting with smiling groom, bride with floral crown, and delighted wedding party in elegant attire.

A bride and groom exchange vows amidst towering trees in a heartfelt forest wedding ceremony.

Enchanted forest wedding: Bride and groom share vows amidst natures embrace, accompanied by loved ones, flowers, and serene beauty.

A couple shares vows at a rustic wedding in a serene forest, with the bride in a lace gown and the groom in a forest green suit, united in natures embrace.

Elegant forest wedding with attendees in coordinated pink outfits and vibrant bouquets.

Joyful forest wedding with couple handfasting, embracing love and natures beauty.

Newlyweds share a tender moment as the groom signs their marriage certificate in a picturesque forest setting.

Bride and groom share a kiss under an ancient tree, blending elegance and nature in a woodland wedding.

A joyful couple walks down the forest aisle in a serene, rustic wedding, surrounded by guests and nature’s beauty.

Burbrook Forest Glamour Photos

After the ceremony, it was time to explore the stunning beauty of Burbrook Forest for the glamour photos. I always love this part of the day, when the newlyweds can take a moment to breathe and simply enjoy each other’s company, away from the hustle and bustle. Maddy and Jake were naturals in front of the camera, their connection shining through in every shot. Burbrook Forest’s tall, majestic trees provided the most breathtaking backdrop – a forest that seems tailor-made for romantic photos.

We wandered through to some of my favorite spots in the forest, capturing the couple as they laughed, embraced, and soaked in the magic of their wedding day. The light was perfect, and the forest was calm and quiet, allowing us to focus entirely on Maddy and Jake’s love story. Every photo we captured in the forest had a magical, ethereal quality to it – the kind of timeless beauty that will take them right back to this special day every time they look at them.

A couple in wedding attire strolls hand in hand through a tranquil forest, embraced by natures beauty and soft sunlight.

A couple embraces under a gnarled tree amidst a serene pine forest, capturing a moment of love and tranquility in nature.

A couple embraces in a romantic, fairy tale-like forest setting, bathed in warm, magical sunlight.

Bride and groom share an intimate embrace beneath a majestic, gnarled tree in a sun-dappled forest.

Bride and groom share a joyful moment in a serene forest, embracing beside a textured tree with a beautiful bouquet, reflecting love and natures beauty.

A joyful couple celebrates their love in a serene forest, with the bride in lace and the groom leaping, under a warm cascade of sunlight.

A couple embraces in a serene forest, the bride in a flowing white gown and the groom in a dark suit, surrounded by the natural beauty of towering pine trees.

Newlyweds embrace on a fallen tree, surrounded by the enchanting beauty of a forest.

Bride and groom embrace on a fallen tree in a misty forest, surrounded by lush greenery and romance.

Bride and groom share a tender moment amidst a sun-dappled forest, surrounded by natures serene beauty.

Bride and groom share a tender embrace in a tranquil forest, surrounded by natural beauty and gentle sunlight.

A bride and groom share a romantic moment on a sunlit forest pathway, surrounded by towering trees and natures beauty.

Newlywed couple celebrating their union in an elegant outdoor forest setting.

A couple shares a magical moment in a misty, illuminated forest.

Silhouetted couple shares a romantic embrace under soft glowing light, emphasizing tenderness and connection in a dreamy night setting.

Kuitpo Hall Wedding Reception

As the day drew to a close, the celebration moved to Kuitpo Hall for the reception. Originally set up for an outdoor event, the unpredictable Adelaide weather decided otherwise. But that didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits! Guests cozied up inside the hall, which was decorated with rustic charm, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere. The cold might have kept everyone indoors, but it also brought everyone closer together, creating a cozy, communal vibe that felt perfect for the evening.

One of the highlights of the reception was when Maddy and Jake serenaded each other with a beautiful duet – a moment that left everyone teary-eyed. Their voices blended beautifully, and you could see the love and admiration they had for each other as they sang. It was such a personal, heartfelt moment, and it felt like the perfect way to kick off the evening’s festivities. Later, the couple’s first dance got everyone out of their seats and onto the dance floor, where the fun really began. The warmth of the music and dancing was the perfect antidote to the chilly evening, and the dance floor was packed with joyful energy as the night went on.

Couple celebrates their wedding day in style at the historic Kuitpo Hall, capturing a timeless moment with elegance and charm.

Bride and groom celebrate indoors with joyful children, rustic decor, and a warm, inviting ambiance.

Casual outdoor gathering with friends in semi-formal attire, enjoying drinks and conversation in a rustic setting.

Elegant couple radiates joy amid lush greenery at an outdoor celebration.

Rustic semi-naked wedding cake with succulents and Mr & Mrs topper on a wooden barrel at an outdoor venue.

Grandfather shares a joyful day with his granddaughter in a scenic park with trees and string lights.

A groom serenades his bride with a guitar at a rustic outdoor wedding, surrounded by joyful guests and greenery.

A couple celebrates outdoors with serene elegance, enjoying a special occasion with cake and champagne surrounded by lush greenery and warm lighting.

Bride and groom share a romantic dance under twinkling lights at a charming countryside wedding, surrounded by joyful guests and rustic beauty.

A couple shares a loving embrace at an outdoor wedding, surrounded by festive guests and glowing string lights.

Maddy and Jake’s Burbrook wedding was truly a day to remember. From the stunning natural beauty of the forest to the warmth of their reception at Kuitpo Hall, it was a celebration filled with love, laughter, and so many beautiful moments.