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Halloween Themed Wedding at St Francis – Leticha & Carrie

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  • Leticha & Carrie

    St Francis Winery Wedding

    Brides sharing a moment

Leticha and Carrie held their Halloween themed wedding at the delightful St Francis winery on October 31st last year, and what a delightful day it was! Surrounded by supportive friends and family, they also included guests that could not attend due to COVID by using my livestream service which made it all the more inclusive.

Leticha and Carrie’s Halloween themed wedding included pumpkins lining their aisle, suitibly coloured bouquets and bridal party, and even my greenscreen photo booth complete with a Halloween themed backdrop!

Preparation

I began the day with Carrie and her family being prepared at her parent’s place nearby. Her bouquet was orange in colour, to suit the Halloween theme, and everyone there was wearing a matching orange item. Her entourage were wearing orange vests, while Dad was wearing an orange tie. It was a really nifty detail to add!

Engagement ring in a rose
Bridal high heels
Helping out with bridal party
Putting on Dad’s flower
Mum helping put on wedding dress 2
Mum helping out with buttons
Bouquet closeup
Bride holding her bouquet
bride looking pensive in hallway

Leticha’s colour scheme was green, complete with an impressive green stoned engagement ring. Her entourage and bouquet was also green – contrasting the orange of Carrie, and also following the halloween theme.

One small detail I really enjoyed though was that Letich and Carrie also made sure their own personalities and interests was really put on display throughout the day. They obviously love boardgames and other ‘nerdy’ things by having their invites UNO themed, Harry Potter items were strewn about the place, and later on their wedding cake was based on Cluedo!

Emerald engagement ring
Wedding band in box
Wedding invites based on uno
reaching for the dress
Dad helping put on shoes
Hugs with Dad
bride looking pretty in bright room
bride walking towards doorway

Halloween Themed Wedding Ceremony at St Francis Winery

Leticha and Carrie’s Halloween Themed Wedding Ceremony took place on the grassy area in front of the St Francis winery pond. Their aisle betwenen guests were decorated with pumpkins and ivy, perfectly complementing the Orange and Green theme that the bridal couple had chosen.

As this was a same sex wedding, both leticha and Carrie were walked down the aisle together at the same time, flanked by their fathers which was a really nice touch.

Bride looking out car window
bride about to hop out of car
Flower girls approach
Brides entrance with fathers
St Francis Winery wedding ceremony
Holding hands during wedding ceremony 2
Smiling at her bride
bridal couple out the front of the wedding ceremony
bride smiling at her bride
Gathering the wedding rings
Waiting for the paperwork to be completed
First kiss at St Francis winery
St Francis winery wedding ceremony exit
Hugs after the ceremony
Heart group photo at St Francis winery

Glamour Photos

After the group photos, we made use of the St Francis Winery gardens and lovely weeping willows to take a few glamour shots, before heading off to a bike track with some rather spooky, dark trees which I thought would suit the Halloween theme nicely.

Along that same vein of thought, I also took Letchia and Carrie outside once it got dark with some smoke in a can to try and create a moody shoot under the lit weeping willows.

It was a little bit of fun thinking about how to create some moody, creepy wedding photos while still making them ‘weddingy’.

group photo with flower girls
Looking into each other eyes
Standing under the St Francis Winery weeping willows
Group photo with the bridal party
Kiss on the cheek
Walking together under the willows
Group shot on the old cart
Another kiss on the cheek
Looking at each under under the tree
Together amongst the foliage
brides under the willows
Togther under the weeping willows
Brides under creepy trees
Wedding photo under dark trees
bridal party photo under the dark trees
Brides sharing a moment
brides under a canopy of trees
brides in a tunnel of dark trees
night wedding photo at St Francis Winery
Wedding photo at St Francis winery

Halloween Themed Wedding Reception

The St Francis winery wedding reception area naturally has a neat, dark vibe to it due to it being an older building and built as a storage area for wine it’s aesthetic is rustically bare bones – making it quite a nice choice for a halloween themed wedding.

Their guests enjoyed making use of the green screen backdrop with a Halloween image superimposed behind them in each shot, while the dancefloor also got quite a workout by Letchia and Carrie’s guests. I was also in character whiole wearing my Jason hockey mask that I have as a photobooth prop while taking photos 😀

The personal touches that they had spent time in preparing really made the whole night come alive!

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Cluedo themed wedding cake details
Brides cutting their Cluedo themed wedding cake
Cluedo themed wedding cake
brides first dance
Dancing bride at St Francis
Lego brides
bride listening to guests
Flower girls drawings
Brides dancing on the dancefloor
bridal hugs

Thanks a bunch Leticha and Carrie for having me as your wedding photographer!

St Francis Winery Wedding – Chelsea & Nathan

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  • Chelsea & Nathan

    St Francis Winery Wedding

    under the weeping willow

It was a stunning day in amongst some rather ordinary weather for Chelsea and Nathan’s St Francis Winery Wedding at the beginning of September. It’s rather exciting to head to weddings like ths as I knew form the outset that Chelsea and Nathan were excellent dancers so I knew their reception was going to be a blast! I was lucky enough to be asked to be their wedding photographer all day and we managed to make most use of the time without the day seeming too rushed.

Preparation Photos

I was asked to begin the day with Chelsea’s preparation photos at the St Francis Winery room where she was being prepared, but I felt as though Nathan was missing out a bit so I head around to the nearby house he was getting ready at for about 10 minutes also – just to grab a shot of the rings and other small things lying about the place.

Through the makeup light
Getting ready
Wedding rings
Getting ready
Getting ready
Engagement ring
Wedding dress

First Look

The preparation phtos wasn’t a huge deal to Chelsea and Nathan, but what was exciting was they opted to have their main ‘glamour’ photo shoot done before their wedding ceremony in what’s known as a ‘first look’ where the groom and bride meet each other before the ceremony away from prying eyes and the nerves that would otherwise accompany the usual tradtional ‘first look’ as the bride walks down the aisle.

One of the Nathan’s groomsmen was a good sport here as Chelsea had secretly dressed him up in a stunning dress to play a bit of a prank on Nathan before she arrived for the real first look! 🙂

Groom walking about
Groom and groomsmen
The beautiful bride approaches
Surprise
Hugs
The actual bride approaches
The actual bride approaches
Hugs

Glamour Photos

After the first look we had a good amount of time to use the St Francis Winery grounds and surrounds for some glamour photos. This time of year the weeping willows surrounding the pond on the grounds was just starting to turn green again which always makes for a lovely backdrop – particularly on sunny days where the sun flares through the foliage. We also head out for a bit to the nearby bike track which I knew – having lived in the area for quite a while – made for a lovely backdrop wth it’s arching tall trees either side. This made for a little diversity in their photos.

Chilling on the cart
On the bike path
walking together
inside the St Francis winery wedding reception area
under the weeping willow
Under the trees
Under a tree
Walking together
inside
Walking amongst the forest
Together in front of the flowers
Near the cart
under the weeping willow
Holding bouquet
Standing together
On the bike path
Wedding rings
Under a tree
Smiles under the trees
inside the St Francis winery wedding reception area
Bridal party
Walking amongst the forest
In front of the cellar doors

St Francis Winery Wedding Ceremony

Chelsea and Nathan’s actual wedding ceremony was a lovely simple affair which, after the music had been fixed at the begining went off quite well 🙂 Unfortunately their music had been set up with the bridal party walking down together holding flash cards as a bit of an inside joke, but diddnt work out so well 😛 Diddnt put a dampener on anyone’s mood though!

wedding sign
Groom waiting patiently
Bridal approach
Bridal approach
Smiling groom
Smiling father of bride
St Francis winery wedding ceremony
Smiling bride
St Francis winery wedding ceremony
together out the front
Nerves
Vows
Listening
Smiles
Celebrant
Exchanging wedding rings
Exchanging wedding rings
First kiss
Celebrate!
Checking out ring
Congregation

St Francis Winery Wedding Reception

As I mentioned before I knew Chalsea ad Nathan were pretty good dancers as their circle of friends happened to be the same as a wedding I covered several years ago where the bride and groom attended the same dance club. I also knew that many of the same dance club would be there than night, so the dance floor was always in action this night, and not just with people swaying and bopping, actual proper dancing! It was great to witness 🙂

First dance
First dance
First dance
First dance
Daddy daughter dance
under the trees at night
bonbonerie
talking
Main
Speech
reaction
reaction
Dancing
Dancing
Dancing

Thanks so much to Chelsea and Nathan for having me as your wedding photographer on your big day!

St Francis Winery Wedding – Jess & Chris

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  • Jess & Chris

    St Francis Winery Wedding

    veil flowing amongst the trees

Jess and Chris held their lovely St Francis Winery wedding on a lovely day in early October. While the sun wasn’t out, the temperature was warm and everyone had a wonderful time. I was asked to be Jess and Chris’ wedding photographer after having covered Kate and Callan’s wedding at Peacock Farm a few years prior. Callan happened to be one of the groom’s men for Chris 🙂 It’s always nice to be recommended by previous bridal couples, makes me feel that I’m doing something right! haha

Preparation

I started the day at Jess and Chris’ house, south of Adelaide which was where Chris and his groomsmen were getting ready. I arrived just as an incredible breakfast was being served to each of the boys, a full stack of wonderful looking pancakes that make me want to sit down and join them! They looked pretty good… Callan then got onto the ironing, as was tradition, and the boys got dressed. It was nice that Chris’ mother came to join them just before I was to leave to visit Jess and her girls getting ready at St Francis winery.

putting on tie
groom almost ready
getting ready
putting on flower
groom ironing

The girls were getting ready in the usual room that is generally reserved for brides getting ready on wedding days at St Francis winery. The room is usually used as it has some nice natural light and large windows available for some nice shots. The girsl were fairly laid back while they were being prepared, and they even had enough time to wander through the reception area and view the ceremony spot on the St Francis winery lawn before putting on the wedding dress and heading out.

bride looking in mirror
pretty bride
putting on dress
bride getting ready
bride looking at bouquet

St Francis Winery Wedding Ceremony

St Francis winery has several different spots where a wedding ceremony can be set up. The majority of ceremonies I’ve covered here have overlooked the pond, however Jess was concerned with the possibility of it being a sunny day and the sun shing in their eyes while they stood there, she also diddn’t like the idea of having the nearby supermarket in the background of her photos. So to avoid these issues, Jess set up her ceremony facing the St Francis Winery buildings, which allowed for the lovely foliage from the trees and interesting architecture from the buildings to be in the backdrop. As the day was fairly overcast, the guests were pretty comfortable out on the grassy area and the ceremony worked out quite well.

waiting groom
grooms first look
best man
together
smiling groom
wedding sign
bride waiting
bridal exit at st francis winery
st francis winery wedding ceremony
proud mumma
st francis winery wedding ceremony
st francis winery wedding ceremony

Glamour photos

After the ceremony, I got out the drone and had a big group photo done on the grassy area in front of the lake, and had smaller group photos done in front of the weeping willows and love sign. Jess, Chris and their bridal party then went for a little walk around the St Francis winery lake to make use of the broken down carts, and wonderful weeping willow trees for photos. We then had a little break to grab a drink before going for a short drive to the nearby bike track which I knew had some awesome arching trees that I could use as a backdrop. The lack of sun really worked to my advantage, limiting the amount of harsh shadows and made for some awesome shots!

bridal party near cart
bridal party amongst trees
passion
kisses
veil flowing amongst the trees
flowing veil
floating veil

St Francis Winery Wedding Reception

Jess and Chris’ reception was a fun little party, punctuated by heading out for some photos under the lit up willow trees at night, and in front of the lit love sign which I believe Jess had won in a competition leading up to her big day. They had the reception hall decked out really nicely with floral arrangements and a beautiful abckdrop behind the bridal table, and their first dance was complete with smoke machine. It was all pretty neat!

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wedding cake
looking at rings
dancing guests
st francis winery wedding reception
guests having fun
first dance at st francis winery
cutting wedding cake
st francis winery decor
under the st francis winery trees at night
pretty at night
first dance
entrance
dancing guests
hugs
dancing in front of love sign

Thanks so much to Jess and Chris for having me as your wedding photographer! I had a great time and I hope you enjoy your photos!

Saint Francis Winery Wedding – Lucy & James

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  • Lucy & James

    Saint Francis Winery Wedding

    Saint Francis Winery Wedding

Lucy & James held their surprise wedding at the Saint Francis Winery in Old Reynella. If you aren’t aware of the dynamics of surprise weddings, they can be a lot of fun to be a part of, particularly as a wedding photographer. It’s fun as you generally turn up to a party that is otherwise going swimmingly, when a photographer with a giant camera shows up and starts taking your picture 🙂 Now obviously it’s not often you attend a small party, even an engagement party – as is what Lucy and James’ guest thought they were attending, where there is a professional photographer in attendance. So there was a bit of surprise.

Before Party

Lucy & James’ guests were invited to their engagement party and were treated to a lovely spread put out by the Saint Francis Winery, including cheeses, fruits and meat platters, including an open bar. The congregation was located out the front of the Winery, near the famed pond next to South road when I arrived amd all were having a great time 🙂 Not many even noticed Lucy and James slink off to change into their wedding finery.

Engagement party
Boys and gran
Food
Lucy and James engagement sign

Lucy & James’ Saint Francis Winery Wedding Ceremony

The wedding ceremony was set up within around 30 minutes, before the ceremony, but after everyone had arrived so that the secret was not blown. In past weddings I have covered at the Saint Francis Winery, the ceremony itself has taken place next to the lake, out the front of the winery, however as this one needed to be ‘hidden’, the ceremony took place in the grassy courtyard area surrounded by hotel rooms.

Saint Francis Winery Wedding
First kiss
Wedding setting
Saint Francis Winery Wedding
Wedding setting
Bride and groom
Wedding setting
Bride and groom holing hands
Saint Francis Winery Wedding
Bride and groom

Glamour photos

Between their ceremony and their reception, Lucy and James had barely 40 minutes of sunlight in order to walk around the winery grounds for their glamour photos. But we made good use of the available light and took some crackers.

Saint Francis Winery Wedding
Saint Francis Winery Wedding
Francis Winery Wedding
Francis Winery Wedding
Saint Francis Winery Wedding
Saint Francis Winery Wedding

Wedding reception

I was only able to stay for a portion of Lucy and James’ reception as they had opted for having me at their wedding using my very affordable 3 hour package. In the limited amount of time I was there for, I was able to cover their first dance, speeches and even their wedding cake cutting.

Wedding cake
Signing guest book
First dance
First dance
Through the doors
Bride groom and little one
Little dancer

Thankyou Lucy and James for having me at your lovely surprise wedding, it was a lot of fun to be a part of!

St Francis Winery Wedding – Paula & Jason

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  • Paula & Jason

    St Francis Winery Wedding

    Wedding couple under willow tree

Paula and Jason were wed at their St Francis winery wedding  on the 9th of January 2016. It was a beautiful day, very sunny but not too hot and the day was made doubly delightful by the wonderful personalities of all involved. Paula and Jason really enjoyed having some good clean fun during their wedding photo shoot and I feel as though the smiles speak for themselves when you see the outcome. Paula and Jason took advantage of my flexible customisable wedding package for their St Francis winery wedding which saw me with Paula for her preparation through till the first 30 minutes or so of their reception. It was the second time within a month I had covered a St Francis winery wedding  which is nice considering I live within walking distance of the venue 🙂

Preparation

Due to time constraints, I was only able to cover Paula’s preparation for about 30-40 minutes, which was plenty of time to photograph Paula and her organised bridesmaids. They were prepared in the hotel portion of the St Francis winery before heading out to the grassy area near the winery’s lake for the wedding ceremony.

Bride preparation st francis winery wedding
Bridal affects
Bride preparation st francis winery wedding
Bridal party preparation
Wedding dress

St Francis winery wedding ceremony

The St Francis winery in Old Reynella is quite noticeable while heading south along main South road, as the winery’s lake and main location to set up their wedding ceremonies are visible from your car. The venue boasts enough rooms to house a large congregation, and two large conference rooms, one equipped with a bar. The decor is rustic but still modern in a way that doesn’t diminish the feeling of an old winery.

First kiss
St Francis winery wedding
Bridal procession
Wedding ring exchange
At the altar

My favourite part of  covering a  St Francis winery wedding are it’s wonderful weeping willow trees surrounding the lake. They happen to be occupied by some very large geese and ducks who like to say hello whilst walking along the footpath. The weeping willow trees provide some wonderful backdrops for wedding photography. The winery itself is also located as such that the surrounding hills block some of the light later in the day creating a lovely soft effect through the gardens.

Groom and bridal party
Wedding under the willow trees
Wedding couple under willow tree
Wedding couple under willow tree
Bride and groom under willow trees
Bridal party having fun
Bride and groom under willows
Wedding couple under willow tree

St Francis winery wedding reception

Paula and Jason’s wedding reception took place in the function room located nearest the lake. This function room has a bar and easy access outside in case you’d like some fresh air. It’s a nice cosy room, with wooden beamed ceiling and old painted brick walls, it has a nice atmosphere.

Selfie
Signing the guest book
St Francis winery wedding
Bridal party table
Wedding cake
Signing the guest book
Talking

I’d like to thank Paula and Jason for having me be their wedding photographer on their special day, and I hope they enjoy their wedding photography!