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Doubletree by Hilton Darwin Wedding – Kelly & Ben

July 4, 2021/0 Comments/in Wedding preview, Wedding /by Steven Duncan

Kelly & Ben
Doubletree by Hilton Darwin Wedding

I was right in the middle of the Darwin CBD for Kelly and ben’s Doubletree by Hilton Darwin wedding that took place on the lawns nearby the hotel’s pool, with glamour photos just across the round in Darwin’s Bicentennial park, and reception in the Doubletree by Hilton Darwin reception center a few doors down from the actual hotel!

The weather was absolutely fantactic, as you’d expect from this time of year in Darwin – while perhaps on the warmer side, but that was ok as Kelly and ben were keen to get back to their friends and family sooner rather than later for their reception, instead of spedning took long taking photos!

Doubletree by Hilton Darwin Wedding Ceremony

Kelly and Ben’s Doubletree by Hilton Darwin wedding ceremony took place on the lawned area alongside the hotel’s pool area. The grassy lot has ample room for small to medium sized wedding ceongregations and is a private little space, surrounded by tall buildings, fences and greenery.

The ceremony itself was a short, simple affair, with Kelly of course being a tad late – which is of course tradition – but once she was there, it was smiles all around as these two lovely people said their vows and tied the knot.

Groom waiting at his Doubletree by Hilton wedding ceremony

Bride arriving at Doubletree by Hilton

Smiling bride in the Doubletree by Hilton lobby

Bridal entrance at the Doubletree by Hilton

Grooms first look at doubletree by hilton wedding

Doubletree by hilton wedding ceremony

Holding hands at wedding ceremony

Bride and groom holding hands on the grass at doubletree

Wedding ceremony on the grass at Doubletree by hilton

Doubletree by Hilton Darwin wedding ceremony

Groom during his wedding ceremony

Page boy bringing the rings

Vows at a wedding ceremony

First kiss at Doubletree by Hilton Darwin wedding

bride and groom exit their Doubletree by Hilton wedding ceremony

Glamour Photos

After holding the family group shots over the water of the pool, using the small patch of greenery as the backdrop – we head over the road to Darwin’s Bicentennial park for glamour photos. It kelly and ben weren’t overly keen to travel too far away for their glamour photos, opting instead to have a few done close by, allowing them to spend more time with their family and friends back at their reception. It was also quite a warm day, so moving too far wasn’t on the top of most people’s lists of things to do 🙂

The sunny day meant that I was presented by quite a bit of sun glare shining through the foliage of trees, so I made good use of the light bathing the bridal party in it’s glow. We managed to walk around the park a bit, all the way down to the rocky shoreline and back before retiring to get ready for the reception.

bride and groom on the pool edge

Bridal party in Darwins Bicentenniel park

Bride and groom in Bicentennialpark

Ring in flowers

bridal party in Bicentennial Park Darwin

bride and groom amongst thin trees in Darwin

Bride and groom in thin trees in Bicentennial Park

bride and groom on the Darwin bay lookout

Bride and groom on the Darwin foreshore

bride and groom amongst the Darwin Foliage

Smiling bride and groom surrounded by green

Darwin Bicentennial Park Wedding Photo

Darwin Bicentennial Park Wedding Photography

Doubletree by Hilton Darwin Wedding Reception

It was the second time I had covered a wedding in this Doubletree by Hilton Darwin reception hall – as there are a number to choose from, but I think this hall is quite popular due to it’s size and ease of access from the road. The area boasts ample room for a medium sizes wedding party, with dance, while the kids were keen on using the spare space for games and running around.

The atmosphere was fun and laid back, with a number of speeches and plenty of dancing later in the evening. I;d like to thank Kelly and Ben for seating me at a table! I had a lovely chat with the people at the table who clued me on some places to visit for the next time I was in Darwin – which happened to be only last week. Unfortunately though my trip was cut short due to COVID 🙁

It was a lovely night to be a part of!

wedding sign in Hotel

Wedding favour jelly beans

Doubletree by Hilton Wedding Reception

bride and groom arriving at their reception

Wedding reception food

bride and groom outside the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Darwin

Groomsman announcing himself

Laughing groom during speeches

Wedding cake on display

Cutting the wedding cake together

Daddy daughter dance

On the dancefloor as a family

First dance at Doubletree by Hilton wedding

Guests dancing at Doubletree by Hilton Darwin

Adelaide Hills Inglewood Inn Wedding – Belinda & Andrew

July 16, 2021/0 Comments/in Wedding, Wedding preview /by Steven Duncan

Belinda & Andrew
Adelaide Hills Inglewood Inn Wedding

The Adelaide Hills Inglewood Inn was the chosen backdrop to Belinda and Andrew’s wonderful wedding on a sunny day in late May. The Autumnal colours were fading on the surrounding elm trees which made for some stunning, subtle highlights to some of their wedding photos.

The setting was lovely, the weather was great and the people involved wanted to have a good time – was the setting for a memorable day!

Preparation

As I arrived at Andrew’s place of preparation, I was surprised to see that he and his groomsmen were already mostly dressed! I had to ask for some of the button fitting and jacket pulling to be saved for some photos, such was Andrew’s anticipation for his big day!

Andrew was being prepared in a relatives house not too far was from the Inglewood Inn, and the main cause of excitement throughout the house was not just the fact that Andrew was being married today, but also the arrival of the red Ford Mustang Belinda and Andrew had as their motorcade! It was a source of playful jibes all morning as Andrew’s best man was apparently a Holden guy. 🙂

Wedding rings in white box

Groom trying to tie up tie

Best man Helping tie up the grooms tie

Helping tie up the grooms tie

Groom tieing tie alone in room

Groom standing in hallway

Help putting on flower

Groom walking along walkway

groomsmen receiving help with tie

Groom walking out the door

Groom in red car

Belinda was being prepared at another relative’s house along with many of her family. The front room of the house provided for plenty of wonderful light for the preparation so we stayed primarily in this room.

The highlight of the morning was the delightful way that Belinda’s Mother and Father were obviously overjoyed at the occasion and the touching ‘first look’ of Belinda in her dress.

Engagement ring poised in bouquet

makeup time with bride

bridesmaid getting ready through door

Bridal affects laid out on tabletop

Wedding dress hanging on front door

brides parents

Bridesmaid helping out with wedding gown

Smiling bride as she gets ready

bride playing with bouquert in front of window

Dads first look at his daughter

Bride and proud parents

Bride in mirror

Bride looking back at camera in hallway

Adelaide Hills Inglewood Inn Wedding Ceremony

When holding a wedding ceremony at the historic Inglewood Inn, you make use of the large green, grassy area lined by 100 year old elm trees at the foot of the estate. The area is surrounded by a lovely creek bed and makes for a super intimate space for any sized wedding, complete with a scenic driveway for the bridal motorcade to enter by.

Belinda and Andrew’s wedding was no different, making use of the sunny day to provide some beautiful dappled light streaming through the foliage while allowing for the Inglewood Inn itself to shine like a beacon atop of the hill.

Adelaide Hills Inglewood Inn Sign

Laughing groom waiting patiently

Bridal car driving down Inglewood Inn driveway

Bride and father in back of car together

Bride being escorted by Dad towards wedding ceremony

grooms first look of bride at Inglewood inn

Adelaide Hills Inglewood Inn wedding ceremony

bride listening to celebrant at Inglewood Inn

Bare trees at Inglewood Inn wedding ceremony

Looking at Inglewood Inn

Holding hands during their Inglewood Inn Wedding ceremony

Smiling bride during her ceremony

Smiling groom during his cermeony

Sun shining through the trees at Inglewood Inn wedding ceremony

Laughing bride during her ceremony

Exchanging wedding bands at wedding

Adelaide Hills Inglewood Inn Wedding Ceremony in May

First kiss at Adelaide Hills Inglewood Inn

Signing the wedding register

After the wedding ceremony

Glamour Photos

I always think of the historic Gollop Bridge as the ‘must have’ money shot when holding a wedding at the Adelaide Hills’ Inglewood Inn. Gollop’s Bridge is the oldest bridge still in use in SA which is an interesting tidbit of information I’d just like to throw out there! So often after all the family photos and whatnot, I like to first use the dying light that filters through the trees in the background of the cermeony location, then head straight to the bridge.

It’s always interesting to see what we get from the bridge, as over the years the ivy surrounding the bridge gets pruned, the water under the bridge is low or high, and the next door neighbours like to place their boundry fence right where the photographer would like to stand for the best angle. In belinda and Andrew’s case, the ivy surrounding the bridge had been pruned quite heavily allowing the historic brick work to be on full display.

We also head up over the driveway to the old ruined cottage for some photos, although it seems as thought he owners of the land are looking to discourage the use of the space for photos anymore having cut down all the beautiful trees surrounding it.

On the Inglewood Inn driveway

Bride and groom leaning against a tree

Bride and groom in the Inglewood Inn creek

Under the autumnal colours at Inglewood Inn

Gallop bridge Wedding photo

bride and groom under Gallops bridge

bridal party on the wooden bridge

Sharing a kiss on the wooden bridge

bridal party at the nearby ruin at inglewood Inn

Bride and groom at the ruin

Bride and groom paying around

Bride and groom under the gum trees

Draw me like your french girls

Adelaide Hills Inglewood Inn Wedding Reception

Belinda and Andrew’s wedding reception was a boisterous one, with the drinks being knocked back at quite a rate – even before Belinda and Andrew had been announced! This meant that the entire night was full of jovial people, keen to make sure that everyone had a good time and doubly sure that everyone joined in on events like the bouquet and garter tosses!

Wedding Cake with red roses

bride and groom cutting their cake

Happy guests

Guests table group shot

Group of guests

Inglewood Inn wedding food

Speech giver at inglewood Inn

Groom speech

First dance at Inglewood Inn wedding

First dance with light

Happy married couple

Bride dancing with guest

Bouquet toss at Inglewood Inn

Bouquet toss at Inglewood Inn 2

Night wedding photo at inglewood Inn

Thanks so much to Belinda and Andrew for having me as their wedding photographer at their Adelaide Hills Inglewood Inn wedding!

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!

Second Valley Wedding – Rebecca & Martin

February 2, 2015/0 Comments/in Wedding, Wedding preview /by Steven Duncan

Early in December 2014 I was chosen as Rebecca and Martin’s wedding photographer at their wedding taking place at Leonard’s Mill in Second Valley, to the South of Adelaide. Rebecca and Martin took advantage of my flexible hourly rates and had me cover 6 hours of their wedding. Their preparation venues were very close to one another or their Second Valley wedding, so I was able to cover a bit of both of their preparations as well as their ceremony and beginning of their reception. They chose to head down to the Second Valley beach for their glamour shots which I must say was a fantastic choice. I had never been down to the Second Valley jetty, and now I can’t wait to get back there.

Grooms men Preparation at Leonard’s Mill

The Grooms men were getting ready at the picturesque Leonard’s Mill in Second Valley. Leonard’s Mill was also going to be the location for Rebecca and Martin’s Ceremony and Reception. Leonard s Mill in Second Valley is a 150 year old heritage listed building that has been restored as a restaurant and the surrounds have been developed to include a range of accommodation units, some in restored stone settlers cottages which was where they were getting ready.

Groomsmen

Groom cufflinks and Tie

Goormsmen at Leonard’s Mill Second Valley

Groomsmen getting ready

Goormsmen at Leonard’s Mill Second Valley

Groomsmen getting ready

Gettning help with flowers

Bridal Preparation in Second Valley

The girls were getting ready in a family owned beach house in the Second Valley town near the beach. Eager for photos the girls were always smiling and practicing their dancing for the night ahead. The whole day was very laid back and I had a lot of fun with Rebecca and Martin because of it.

Bride putting on dress

Bridal Party in mirror

Proud Dad

Bride putting on dress

Happy Bride

Bride putting on dress

Bridal affects

Closeup of Wedding Dress

Leonard’s Mill, Second Valley Wedding Ceremony

The sun was very bright during the day, and the location that the wedding ceremony was set up in was not the most fantastic spot, both for photos nor the comfort of Rebecca and martin due to the heat and sun in their eyes from where they were standing.

Wedding at leonards Mill Second Valley

Leonards Mill Second Valley Wedding

Wedding at leonards Mill Second Valley

Leonards Mill Second Valley

Second Valley Wedding Photography

The Second Valley beach has so many awesome nooks and crannies to use in wedding photos, the beach with white sand and wonderful rocks are nearby and an epic walk along a cliff is right next to a beautiful jetty. I really hope to get back to Second Valley soon!

Second Valley Beach Wedding

The grooms men in rocks at Second Valley

Bridal Party in Second Balley

Second Valley Beach Wedding

The grooms men in rocks at Second Valley

Leonard’s Mill, Second Valley Wedding Reception

Like I said before, Rebecca and Martin held their wedding reception at Leonard’s Mill, Second Valley. The same location as their wedding ceremony. All their locations were very close and very little travel was needed. Was good for their guests too as they could stay at Leonard’s Mill while we went off to take photos.

Leonards Mill

I’d like to thank Rebecca and Martin for having me as their wedding photographer for their Second Valley Wedding and I hope they enjoy their photographs as much as I enjoyed taking them.

Watershed Wedding – Kate & Stuart

July 28, 2021/0 Comments/in Wedding preview, Wedding /by Steven Duncan

Kate & Stuart
Watershed Wedding

I was out in Mawson Lakes, north of Adelaide city for Kate and Stuart’s Watershed Wedding on a fine June evening. Family and friends had travelled far and wide to attend, and that’s always lovely to see!

The watershed cafe, on the outskirts of Mawson Lakes was a wedding venue I had not visited before, so I was excited to shoot a wedding there as I always am!

Before the Ceremony

Before the ceremony, Kate and Stuart had be capture the short preparation that Stuart and his family went through in order to prepare for Kate and their guests’ arrival. Kate through proxy of her wedding planner made it clear that it was important to capture Stuart and his family help out place flowers on lapels, and helping out the boys get ready – much to the bemusement of Stuart who dutifully did his thing!

The rest of the family was fussing about layout out decorations in the reception hall, and making sure everyone looked fantastic prior to the ceremony.