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AlRu Farm Wedding – Emma & Brad

July 7, 2021/0 Comments/in Wedding, Wedding preview /by Steven Duncan

Emma & Brad
AlRu Farm Wedding

I was priviledged anough to have been asked to be Emma and Brad’s Wedding photographer at their stunning AlRu Farm wedding towards the end of May!

The setting, the atmosphere, the weather and just about everything came together to form the most perfect day for these two newly weds, and it was an absolute joy to be a part of!

Preparation

I began the day with Brad and his groomsmen getting prepared in the on-site International Suite accomodation which boasts a large living area lots of beautiful natural light streaming in throught he rustic windows that line the rooms. The setting is delightful for preparation photos with such a lovely, rustic backdrop.

We also made a point of walking about the grounds a little but – without sneaking a peek of Emma as she was also being prepared on site in a different area.

Groom’s shoes

Wedding rings on tie 2

Groom reading letter

Groom putting on tie in window

groom pacing AlRu Farm

Suit Jacket hanging on windowsill

Groomsman looking in mirror at AlRu Farm

Groom looking out doorway

groom and groomsmen having fun on driveway

groomsmen shot

groom and groomsmen lost shot

Groomsmen together

Emma was being prepared also on-site in the Garden Pavillion, which is in my experience the best place for the bridal party to get ready due to it’s wonderfully huge windows lining the entire length of the cottage making for a stunning backdrop for bridal portraits and shots of the dress. AlRu Farm has such a wonderful set up in regards to accomodation, providing 3 separate, wonderful spots for preparation photos on a wedding day – which makes it one of my favourite wedding venues in Adelaide.

Emma and her bridesmaids were really relaxed all morning leadning up to the moment where we head out for Emma and Brad’s ‘first look’ amongst the gardens of Alru Farm. We even had a bit of fun tryign to get the cork to fly off a champaign bottle! Lucky we had 2 to get it right!

Bridal shoes

Putting makeup on

Wedding dress hanging at Alru Farm

Helping with brides hair

Engagement ring in amonst the flowers

bridal party with champaigne

Bride and bridesmaids in gowns

Wedding dress hanging above bridal party

Wedding dress hanging At Alru Farm wedding

bridesmaids helping put on bridal gown

bride having a wine while getting dressed

Buttoning up bridal gown

Smiling bride in windwo at Alru Farm wedding

Alru Farm wedding bride

First Look

Emma and Brad opted to have a first look done before the ceremony, having the nerves and pent up energy of the day shared with their bridal party rather than the entirety of their guests at the ceremony itself.

We also made use of the time before the ceremony to walk around the grounds a bit to take some glamour phtoos with the bridal party with the idea that they will have more time after the ceremony to spend with their guests rather than taking phtoos all day.

Groom waiting patiently for his first look

bride approaching groom for first look

nervous groom waiting for first look

grooms first look at Alru Farm wedding

Smiling bride during first look

Glamour Photos

We walked around the grounds of Alru Farm making use of the overcast day to really allow the yellows for the dying autumnal leaves to come through as much as possible in their photos. We also made friends with the local wildlife while walking about!

bride and groom amongst the long grass at Alru

Guinea Fowl

bridal party on the driveway at their AlRu Farm Wedding

bridal party looking at bride and groom on bench

bride and groom on bench

Groomsmen sneaking up on bride and groom

Bridal party Charlies angels

bride and groom sharing a kiss in the gardens

bride and groom under veil before their ceremony

Laughing bride and groom amongst ivy

AlRu Farm Wedding Ceremony

Emma and Brad’s AlRu Farm wedding ceremony took place in the shaded grassy area nearby the on-site pond, allowing the bridal procession to walk through the famous romanesque pillars as they approached the wedding ceremony.

The area allows for the bridal party to be elevated in front of their guests on the stairs, while having the pond and parts of the pillars as a backdrop.

The weather was just perfect for their ceremony, with the sun making an appearance right towards the end, allowing for some awesome group photos at the end!

bride approaching her wedding ceremony

Happy bride and groom during ceremony

Groom glancing at celebrant

Alru farm wedding ceremony on steps

smiling bride listing to vows

Alru farm wedding ceremony on steps 3

Exchanging wedding rings in front of celebrant

Wedding ceremony at AlRu Farm

First kiss on the steps at Alru Farm

Signing documents over the pond

Bride and groom with signed wedding documents

Bridal exit from their ceremony

group photo at Alru Farm wedding

Alru farm wedding ceremony on steps 2

More Glamour Photos

After the group shots – which Emma specifially requested we do while moving, allowing for different backdrops in a majority of their group photos. I was keen to make use fo the dying sunlight that was making a beautiful specticle of itself shining through the foliage at AlRu Farm.

This is the best thing about having an AlRu Farm wedding – the whole place seems to be geared towards precisely this time of day, with the sun dropping down over the horizon, and it’s beams shining through the trees like it does – just makes for an amazing time as a wedding photographer!

At night time too! An Alru Farm wedding would not be complete if I diddnt fill the on-site greenhouse with a bit of smoke and create some amazing silhouettes!

Alru farm wedding photo

Fliying veil at Alru farm wedding

bride and groom walking along driveway

bride and groom hugging on driveway

bride and groom hugging on Alru farm driveway

Bride leading groom holding hands

bride and groom amongst the gum trees at Alru Farm

Smiles all round in the gum trees

Bride and groom leaning against big gum tree

bride and groom on the driveway at Alru Farm wedding

bridal party in the Alru Farm pillars

Dancing in the pillars

Alru Farm greenshouse wedding photo

Wedding photo in the alru farm greenshouse with stars

Wedding photo in the alru farm greenshouse

AlRu Farm Wedding Reception

Emma and Brad’s Alru Farm wedding reception took place in the old barn house that’s on site. It’s a rustic space, lined with floor to ceiling mirrors that accomodates more guests than you would expect!

Emma and Brad’s love for animals was on display all night, with multiple references among the speeches which sometimes made for some fun listening hearing about the exploits they get up to in regards to adopting too many furry friends!

The night was full of fun, dancing and interesting customs, including shuffling along the dance floor duing one’s head like a broom. It was a really fun night that I was super glad to have been a part of!

Wedding cake on display 2

Table place settings

Speech giver

Smiling bride during speech

Toasting best man

Bride thanking her wedding planner

Cutting the wedding cake

Guests being silly

First dance together

First dance together closeup

First dance together at ALru Farm wedding

Dessert

Dacning bride on the dancefloor

boys group shot

Dancing guest

Head dragging along the dance floor

Thankyou Emma and Brad for having me capture your AlRu Farm wedding day!

IvyBrook Farm Wedding – Carly & Josh

January 25, 2021/0 Comments/in Wedding preview, Wedding /by Steven Duncan

Carly & Josh
Ivybrook Farm Wedding

I was delighted to have been asked to be Carly and Josh’s wedding photographer at their Ivybrook Farm wedding at the beginning of November!

Their day was one full of fun and family, and was certainly a relaxing day out with a lunch time reception and ample time to mingle with guests. The time mingling with their guests was foremost in Carly and Josh’s mind when planning their day with only a small portion dedicated to having glamour photos done, which I feel is a really nice way to look at your day.

Still, I was keen to make fulluse of the incredible scenery Ivybrook Farm has to offer!

Ivybrook Farm Wedding Ceremony

My coverage began with Carly and Josh’s Ivybrook Farm wedding ceremony under the large tree nearby the main building of the venue. Their guests were set up facing the tree on the grass, as Carly and Josh both approached the wedding arbour together from the on site bed and breakfast.

The highlight of their ceremony in my opinion was the delightful readings from a family member which detailed the love story of Carly and Josh coming together intermingled with inside jokes and fun stories that had everyone giggling.

IvyBrook Farm Wedding Ceremony

under the IvyBrook Farm Arbour

groom smiling at his bride at Ivybrook Farm

Smiling bridal couple under arbour

Bridal couple laughing during ceremony at Ivybrook farm

Bridal couple listening to reading during ceremony

Bride smiling during ceremony 2

bride and groom closeup of hands

Ivybrook farm wedding ceremony under tree

Bride and groom during wedding ceremony

Exchanging wedding rings during ceremony

First kiss at Ivybrook farm wedding

Bride laughing signing marriage documents

Wedding bands on hands closeup

bride and groom exiting under confetti

Kiss after exiting wedding ceremony

Ivybrook Farm Wedding Reception

Carly and Josh opted to hold a lunchtime reception so as to maximise the time they could spend with the firends and family. The settig at Ivybrook Farm was set up in a delightfully rustic way, complete with Australian fauna and a stunning semi-nude wedding cake set atop a barrel which just made the whole setting pop.

Guests were treated to lawn games, food platters and games for the kids while everyone enjoyed the warm weather before settling down for a pizza lunch.

Lunch was eaten, and speeches were told before we had some time to head out around the grounds to shoot some glamour photos of Carly and Josh. After which we returned for the first dance!

Wedding cake on display at Ivybrook Farm

Sloth wedding cake toppers

Ivybrook farm wedding cake display

Guests enjoying themselves at Ivybrook farm

Smiling guests at wedding

Guests talking at wedding reception

Eating the food

Talking to the bride

Simpsons pig wedding cufflinks

Boys group photo

Girls group photo

Bride and groom entrance to Ivybrook farm wedding reception

Cutting the cake

Ivybrook farm wedding reception

Carly and Josh

Wedding Pizzas

Having fun with the polaroid cameras

bride and groom speech 2

First dance at the reception

Ivybrook Farm wedding first dance

Smiles all round dancing

Glamour Photos

The great thing about hosting an Ivybrook farm wedding is the variety of spots you can head to have your photos done. The area boasts fields of long unkempt grass, or well kept grass depending on what you feel would work best. There are also lines of trees, vineyards and rustic buildings which I certainly made the most of!

Ivybrook Farm group photo

bride with groom in background

Bride and groom under gum trees

Bride and groom in the long grass

Bride and groom in the long grass together

bride and groom walking along the farm track

Bride and groom in the Ivybrook Farm vineyards

Wedding rings on fence post

Engagement ring in rose

Smiling bride through vines

Bride and groom in the Ivybrook Farm vines

Under a big tree together

Smiling for the camera

Bride and groom moody portrait

Ivybrook farm wedding photo

Ivybrook farm wedding photo 2

Sitting on a bench together

Wedding rings on hands close

Thanks so much to Carly and Josh for having me at their delightful wedding!

One Tree Hill Engagement Shoot – Thalia & Josiah

August 14, 2019/0 Comments/in Engagement, PhotoShoot /by Steven Duncan

Thalia & Josiah
One Tree Hill Engagement Shoot

One Tree Hill Engagement Shoot

I’m not sure why, but whenever someone mentions ‘One Tree Hill’ I just imagine a single tree on a beautifully landscaped green hill, similar to the famous Windows XP wallpaper. Perhaps it has something to do with the town’s name? 😛 Anyway when I arrived on Josiah’s family farm for Thalia and Josiah’s Engagement shoot, One Tree Hill pretty much lived up to it’s name sake. There were rolling green hills that made for beautioful vistas, and even an incredible flowering (cherry?) tree that would not have look out of place in a Harry Potter film! The only thing better would have been if the tree was on top of the hill!

We used this area for their engagement shoot as Thalia and Josiah shared one of their first dates here, in amongst the bushes, which were unfortunately a little sparce due to it being winter, but still made for an awesome spot for a little picnic. This little corner of Adelaide was a stunning spot to visit and I mentioned it to Josiah that they could probably rent out the space for wedding photography 🙂 I had a bunch of fun and captured some really unique shots!

Ruins

Walking

Amongst the ruins

Under the branberry

One Tree Hill Engagement shoot

Under a beautiful tree

Engagement photo poses

Under a tree

Smelling the flowers

Amongst the ruins

On top of ruins

Under a beautiful tree

Smiles

Ruins

Under a beautiful tree

Amongst the greenery

Under a tree

On top of the hill

Engagement rings

On top of the hill

Walking up the hill

AlRu Farm Wedding – Rachael & Jason

December 13, 2019/0 Comments/in Wedding preview, Wedding /by Steven Duncan

Rachael & Jason
AlRu Farm Wedding

Rachael and Jason went on a week long road trip from Perth with their little fur babies in order to hold their wedding at the stunning AlRu Farm in Northern Adelaide. It’s little wonder why as, combined witht he stunning surrounds fo AlRu Farm and the amazing weather they enjoyed on their day – the whole setting was stunning and made for a wonderful day! I was asked to be their wedding photographer for their day, along with providing my photobooth that was set up for their reception.

Preparation

Both Rachael and Jason were prepared on site at AlRu farm, in the cute little self-contained cottage on site, nestled in amongst the wonderful gardens and wild flowers that were sprouting this time of year. Jason and his groomsmen however had a much shorter amount of time to get ready as they had to juggle puttin finishing touches on their decorations around the venue, and the fact that Rachael and her bridal party were expecting to find the cottage unused and ready for them to get ready.

groomsman getting ready

Closeup on suit

Button holes

Groomsmen standing together

Grooms getting ready in window

Grooms getting ready

Groom putting on tie

As I mentioned previously, Rachael andJason brought their little fur babies along with them for their day, so they were present while Rachael was getting ready, trying to catch the ducks and generally just being little puppies. They were an integral part of Rachael and Jason’s day being their ring bearers during their ceremony, along with taking pride of place as a large printed photo near their head table during the reception.

Rachael and her bridal party had a very relaxing preparation, with little to no nerves showing, and everyone just laughing and having a great time right up until the ceremony.

Bridal party

bride getting ready at AlRu Farm

Engagement ring

Bridal party cheers

Bride looking pretty at AlRu Farm

Wedding dress in windows

Bridal party helping bride get ready

Putting on Mum’s flower

Doggies

AlRu Farm Wedding Ceremony

AlRu farm has a small, purpose built little grassed area, flanked on all sides by lush vegetation suitable for wedding ceremonies, which is where Rachale and Jason chose to hold their own ceremony. The sun was floating in and out of cloud cover all the while during the ceremony, which made it tricky for me – but made for quite a diverse range of photos.

Their cermeony was short and sweet, punctuated by heartfelt personalised vows, and of course their little puppies running in and being cute while carrying their wedding rings.

Holding hands

AlRu Farm wedding ceremony through arch

Groom waiting patiently

Hand fasting

Groom’s first look

Wedding exit

Close up of groom’s Buttionaire

AlRu Farm wedding ceremony

Bridal approach

Holding hands

Doggies

Smiling groom

Glamour Photos

For glamour photos, as one might expect when having a wedding at the stunning AlRu farm, we utilised the beautiful gardens for their glamour photos! The gardens on site are pretty much purpose built for wedding photos, with a range of different scenery that just makes taking wedding photography a breeze. Was just a shame we head out a little too late in the evening to catch the sunset over the lake, but we certainly made use of the greenhouse at night, where I lit it up with portable lights and made a stunning scene!

Together in the AlRu Farm gardens

Closeup of wedding bands

Amongst the gardens

Under the archway

Walking under the famed AlRu Farm Pillars

Bridal Party under the AlR Farm pillars

Bridal party together

AlRu Farm Driveway

Together on the driveway

Together in the long grass

Hugs in the long grass

AlRu Farm sunset

AlRu Farm Greenhouse

AlRu Farm Wedding Reception

The AlRu farm reception hall on site was where Rachael and Jason chose to hold their wedding reception, decorated all over by personal touches put there by Jason and his groomsmen prior to the day beginning. The hall itself is an old barn-type building, probably used back in the day for storing hay, or processing something, but these days it’s lined with mirrors and makes for a beautifully rustic backdrop for a wedding reception.

The highlight of the night for me was certainly witnessing what would have to be the best coreographed first dance I had seen in a while, which I’m sure Rachel and Jason practiced for months beforehand! They also held a shoe game, and the dance floor was filled all night by guests all having a great time!

Bride and Groom entrance

Bride Groom and Baby

Food

Tardis Wishing well

guest

Speech

Maid of honour speech

Shoe game

First dance

Grinning during the first dance

AlRus Farm first dance

Dancing guest

Dancing guests

Having fun

guests having fun

Conga line

Rachel and Jason’s AlRu Farm wedding was a blast to be a part of, I had a great time and I hope they enjoy their photos! 😀

Heartfelt Asatru wedding on a farm – Astrid & Corey

January 13, 2020/1 Comment/in Wedding preview, Wedding /by Steven Duncan

Astrid & Corey
Asatru Wedding on private farm

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!

Decor

Bride standing in doorway playing with flowers

Groomsmen setting up asatru wedding altar

Groom about to get ready

Bridal bouquet in tree

Asatru wedding circle

Bridesmaids getting ready

Corey putting on tie

Bride standing in doorway

Bride with Mum

Bride playing with flowers

Wedding dress hanging in tree

Wedding rings on box

smiling bride while getting ready

bride putting on makeup

Looking at bear

bridal prep

bridesmaid helping out

Groom getting ready near door

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!