Tag Archive for: photography

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Ayers House Wedding – Mona & Lester

Mona and Lester held their Ayers House wedding mid-week which meant that we had the run of their entire estate for their wedding photos!

Their Ayers House wedding ceremony and reception took place in the main grand ballroom, flanked by large TVs on which relatives who could not attend watched on via live stream – which Lester seemed to have a lot of fun setting up before the ceremony began!.

Ayers House Wedding Ceremony

Prior to their Ayers House wedding ceremony, amongst the running about that Lester was doing trying to get the live stream to work correctly, Mona was waiting in a small room down the hall, as their guests milled about thir wedding sign – so we took a few group shots while we were waiting.

Mona and Lester’s ceremony began with a precession of almost all of their guests who took their places at the front of their chairs in order to watch the ceremony.

The Ballroom is a grand old space to hold a wedding ceremony with a huge arched window space at the head of the room where Mona and Lester had an arbour set up to frame the head of the ceremony. To the right of their set up were some custom candles with their names which symbolised the coming together of the families.

The only unfortunate thing about holding an Ayres Hourse Wedding ceremony in this space is the bright sun shinging through one of the windows – in this case the left – just behind where Mona was standing. This caused her white dress to become quite bright int he dark room, but she certainly stood out!

After the ceremony had ended we had all their guests congregate on the lawns out the front of the house in order to get some shots of them walking under thrown flower petals!

Glamour Photos

Ayers House is one of those Adelaide wedding venues which have been around forever and have become quite an institution within the city. The manor was built all the way back in 1871 after the land having changed hands a few times right after South Australia was founded!

As Mona and Lester’s wedding took palce on a Wednesday – there were no other functions occuring at the venue, so we had the run of the grounds for glamour photos – which we took advantage of so that we diddn’t spend too long away from family and friends.

Ayers House Wedding Reception

Mona and Lester’s wedding reception took place in the same room their ceremony had been held, after being cleared of their seating and tables set up for their sit-down reception dinner.

During the evening many speeches were held by family, friends and well wishes – even from guests overseas both pre-recorded and live, which again were played on the large TVs placed at the front of the ballroom. The whole night was a lovely, simple affair and lovely to be a part of!

My thanks go out to Mona and Lester for having me both photograph and put together a simle little highlight video for you, and I hope you enjoy your life together as husband and wife!

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Burbrook Kuitpo Forest Wedding – Chelsea & James

I had been looking forward to Chelsea and James’ Kuitpo Forest wedding at the famed Burbrook ‘wedding tree’ as I feel as though this may well be my favourite wedding venue in all of South Australia.

My love for the forest and the wonderful lines the tree make was put on top of the perfect wedding for me as a wedding photographer as the weather was overcast (perfect for a forest setting) The people involved were amazing and everyone was super keen on any idea I had! Not to mention that Chelsea and James had some great ideas for themselves!

Preparation

Chelsea and James’ day was certainly a tour around the world! James and his groomsmen were all being prepared in a hotel room in the city, while also getting over what sounded like a big night on the Casino.

There were casino chips on the bench, and stories galore on what the boys got up to the night previously!

Chelsea and her bridesmaids were getting ready in a much more subdued manner in a delightful little cottage all the way out at Mt Barker. I arrvied as the last of the makeup and hair was being finalised and everyone was cooing over the cute little man as he was dressed up in a little sailor outfit.

The atmosphere was lovely and laid back right up until Chelsea really had to get going, as the drive from Mt Barker to her Kuitpo forest wedding was going to take a little longer than expected.

Burbrook Kuitpo Forest Wedding

Having a look around the city during and after Chelsea and James’ big day, I noticed that quite a few other wedding suppliers were posting about what a terrible downpour they had/were experiencing around Adelaide. However the Burbrook wedding tree for Chelsea and Jame’s Kuitpo forest wedding stayed dry and beautiful! At least long enough for their ceremony and glamour photos after.

The draw of having a Burbrook forest wedding is making use of the gnarley old tree that has found itself in a small clearing, surrounded by ruler-straight pine trees which makes for quite an impressve backdrop. The tree itself would not look out of place in a Harry Potter movie, and the landscape photographer in me just loves it.

Might be part of the reason why I chose this venue as my own wedding location!

Chelsea and James’ ceremony was a nice simple affair, with heartfelt vows full of personal jokes and anecdotes which ceratinly made the two of them giggle throughout. One nice touch I felt was as they exchanged their wedding bands, the celebrant had them whisper something funny into each other’s ears – which was quite entertaining!

Of course I would be remiss not to mention their spotted fur baby who also made an appearance, running down the aisle!

Glamour Photos

As I mentioned earlier the weather and the setting of the straight pine trees with forest undergrowth is really what i feel is the perfect wedding venue for wedding photography! I love the epic nature of photos that one can achieve when walking through a place like this, and drawing attention to the bride and groom using the lines available can be amazing at a Kuitpo forest wedding.

I busted out a bit of a smoke bomb for a bit of atmosphere, and made sure to make use of Chelsea’s stunningly long veil!

After the glamour photos in and around the Burbrook forest, the bridal party hopped into their limo and drove all the way down to Port Adelaide to make use of the SA Aviation Museum – which is a short drive away from their reception venue – the Kyrstal Function Centre.

Heading to the SA Aviation Museum for photos was certainly a first for me, and what a unique photographic experience it was! James is an avid aviator and knew people who worked at the museum, so was able to have the museum open up after hours for them – even though we were running quite a bit later than expected by this time.

Krystal Function Centre Wedding Reception

So to end the tour of SA, from Adelaide, to Mt Barker, their Kuitpo forest wedding ceremony to Port Adelaide, we ended up at the Krystal Function center for Chelsea and James’ reception. It’s a function venue I had not had the pleasure of visiting before, and I was quite impressed!

They have situational lighting, tailor-made to get into their photographer’s good books and an opulent surrounds, spearheaded by the head table surrounded by floor to ceiling white curtains.

Chelsea and James’ first dance was acentuated by dry ice and fireworks, while guests were certainly entertained by the MC’s games including the shoe game and a scavenger hunt – with a prize well worth winning! That prize really made for a bit of a contest.

My thanks go out to Chelsea and James for having me as their wedding photographer! And I commend them for their taste in venues! Certainly made my job that much easier!

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Mclaren Vale Ekhidna Winery Wedding – Claire & Nathan

Claire and Nathen really had the pick of the weather at their Mclaren Vale Ekhidna Winery Wedding! The day was sunny, warm – but not too hot and made even more special by the beaming smiles and well wishes from their friends and family who really made the most of the day!

I was with them all day, while also having my photobooth set up for the reception, and it was an absolute blast!

Preparation

The day began with Nathan and his groomsmen being prepared at a bed and breakfast nearby in the town of Mclaren Vale along side his parents. As is often the case as I arrived for preparation photos with the boys – they were all huddled around a game they were playing on their switch and having a nice laid-back morning.

Everyone was super keen on having a fun time throughout the morning, with nathan’s parents happy to jump in for some nice photos in front of the main bedroom’s window, then a little walk to a nearby park for portraits.

Claire and her bridal party were just finishing up their makeup as I arrived at their bed and breakfast, just a few streets over. Again the amosphere was quite laid back with the bridesmaids keen on keeping Claire nice and calm.

We had a bit of fun out in the backyard while still in their gowns, oepning and spraying a bottle of bubbly 🙂

Mclaren Vale Ekhidna Winery Wedding Ceremony

Claire and Nathan’s Mclaren Vale Ekhidna Winery Wedding ceremony was set up so that the picturesque hills of the famed Mclaren Vale wine region was in the background – which is lovely, but unfortunately due to the perfect, sunny weather a lot of sun was thrown into the bridal party’s faces! You can also view Natural Mclaren Vale Wedding Photography.

On one hand you really want that backdrop for your wedding ceremony, but on the other you unfortunately have the sun to contend with on days like this!

Diddnt have any bearing on this happy couple’s big moment though as the ceremony took palce without a hitch, and even did a bit of a lap of their guests before heading over to sign their marriage documents.

Glamour Photos

For glamour photos, after using the nice little road out the front of the winery, we head into town to the Olive Grove, nearby the Mclaren Vale RSL to make use of what might be my favourite spot to head to while in town.

This olive grove makes for some stunning scenes when the light it just right and mixes up the backdrops from a winery wedding nicely without having to rely soley on vineyards in every photo.

There was also a fun little detour onto the play equipment for this fun loving group!

As sunset rolled around, we certainly made use of the well-aligned Ekhidna wiery vineyards! I say well aligned as they point straight into the sunset, allowing for some beautiful scenes to be captured, both on the ground and from the air with a drone.

Finally, as night begane to fall, we head out into the vines again to use a bit of smoke and lights to have a bit of fun with them!

Mclaren Vale Ekhidna Winery Wedding Reception

Claire and Nathan’s Mclaren Vale Ekhidna Winery Wedding reception took place out in the semi-outdoor space available on site, allowing for a sit down dinner of this many people without having to worry about pesky indoor COVID restrictions. The weather was fantastic all night – so why not make the use of it anyway!

Thanks so much to Claire and Nathan for having me as your wedding photographer! I do love shooting weddings in Mclaren Vale!

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Pt Willunga Beach Wedding – Georgia & Chris

I was super excited to cover Georgia and Chris’ Pt Willunga Beach Wedding in front of the famed Pt Willunga Jetty ruins as I knew they were a couple that were keen on doing anything for the best possible photo opportunity – and boy did we managed to get some wonderful photos!

More of an elopement than a wedding – Georgia and Chris had me cover their short Pt Willunga Beach wedding ceremony as both their photogrpaher and videographer, before heading over to Mclaren Vale, and finally Blanche Point for their glamour photos.

Preparation

Both Georgia and Chris got prepared at the same bed and breakfast nearby at Sellicks beach. Georgia and her bridesmaid tried to keep away from Chris and his groomsman as much as possible while being prepared, but despite the plan being just to have photos done of Georgia beign prepared, it enabled me to also grab a quick few shots of Chris too.

Pt Willunga Beach Wedding Ceremony

I arrived at the beach only to notice that there were a few other weddings having their shoot done in front of the jetty ruins – momentarily being worried that Georgia and Chris may not be able to use the vista as their ceremony backdrop – but they moved on before they arrived.

Having a Pt Willunga Beach wedding ceremony is quite special in that not many people know this but this beach has a reputation of being the most photographed beach in all of South Australia – the unique forms of the sticks from the ruined jetty make for a stunning contrast to the serene waters that surround them.

Georgia and Chris’ Pt Willunga Beach wedding ceremony was beautifully intimate with both members of their bridal party also making a contribution in the way of a heartfelt speech – which was quite unique, before Georgia and Chris also reciting their own vows for one another.

Glamour Photos

After the marriage documents had been signed within the famed beachside cliffs, it was time to make use of the dying sun for some glamour photos! The beach was rather busy at this time, so it was rather tricky to keep the beach loking pristine for Geaorgia and Chris, but I think I managed with clever angles – and of course that ol’ Photoshop chestnut.

Chris was quite adament on having a variety of backdrops in their wedding photos, so we head into the center of Mclaren vale to make use of the delightful Olive Grove set up for anyone to use. It’s one of my favourite spots in Mclaren Vale to photograph at this time of day due to the amazing light that filters through the trees!

We also found a quick spot to stop at to make use of some vineyards.

Heading out to Blanche point at sunset for a wedding shoot was always a dream of mine – I’ve been shooting weddings for 10 years now and within the last few months I have head here twice now, but only once at sunset. This spot really allows my landscape photographer head come into play to create some stunning vistas for my couples!

Helps too that the sun set was absolutely spectacular! We had to squeeze through no less than 3 other weddings also using the location, but we found our own little spot and it turned out fantastically!

It’s honestly not common to manage having a bride climbing over rocks and cliffs in heels and a dress – so I thank Georgia for being such a trooper and I hope you enjoy your photos!

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Rivers End Retreat Wedding – Skye & Brandon

 

At the end of January, I was down at Goolwa for Skye and Brandon’s Rivers End Retreat wedding in the shadow of the impressive Randell rd bridge, and withing a stone’s throw of the Goolwa warf and Cockle Train station!

The Rivers End Retreat is a large, well presented bed and breakfast that usually caters for large group tour bookings, and not weddings overly often – so it was a delight to head to a new, and rare venue like this one!

Preparation

Brandon and his groomsmen were being prepared nearby at a separate bed and breakfast – with the highlight being the box and scrap book that Skye had prepared for him as a morning gift. Tears were flowing and Brandon’s groomsmen certainly played it up nicely!

Skye was being prepared with her bridal party at the main bed and breakfast on site, which allowed them to spread out quite a bit as the main living space is huge!

Skye also recieved a gift from Brandon, but could not open it before heading out for the cermeony, so we made sure we opened that a bit later.

Rivers End Retreat Wedding Ceremony

Skye and Brandon’s Rivers End retreat wedding ceremony took palce on a strip of grass, leading into the rustic brick wall that surrounds the property making for the Goolwa stretch of the end of the river Murray their backdrop.

Their ceremonyt was lovely and simple, with vows being exchanged defore the mandatory kiss and walk back down the aisle!

Brandon was an absolute trooper throughout the ceremony as apparently he was not feeling overly well throughout, and soon after the ceremony retreated to his room for a bit of a lay down before emorging again later in the day.

Afternoon Glamour shoots

Directly after their ceremony and drone group photo in front of the homestead, the bridal party and I quickly head down to the nearby train tracks where we knew a scheduled Cockle Train was about to set off on it’s short trip to Victor Harbor.

It was quite exciting as Skye and Brandon’s Rivers End Retreat Wedding Ceremony took place right in front of the beginning of the railway, so we managed to get in front of the train just as it began it’s journey!

Poor Brandon wasn’t feeling the best just prior to this, so the shot we got of the train heading past was taken only moments after he had been a bit sick on the ground behind – hats off to Skye for putting up with it for a kiss!

I’d just like to draw attention here to their little flower girl – who just so happens to be my daughter, Chloe – she was such a good girl all day!

Later in the day, as the light was fading, and Brandon was feeling for up to it, we head out along the Goolwa piers, on the other side of the Goolwa railway station for a few photos with the bridal party and the nice colours the sun was making on the clouds above! For more wedding photography, explore Adelaide wedding photographers.

Reception

Skye and Brandon’s Rivers End Retreat Wedding reception took place pretty much all afternoon, with lawn games, furry friends and delightful surrounds to keep their guests occupied and having a good time right through to the late hours of the evening.

The lawns surrounding the old homestead was the main area for mingling along side the rustic old stables which have been converted to a lovely space suited as a small undercover dance floor, or just a place to chill.

Skye and Brandon’s Rivers End Retreat wedding was a delightful escape down to Goolwa for a beautiful wedding, surrounded by beautiful people – thankyou for having me Skye and Brandon, and I hope you enjoy your photos!

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