An Adelaide Hills wedding at The Manor Basket Range is always a stunning experience, and Shae and Dion’s celebration perfectly captured the venue’s charm, history, and rustic elegance. Surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, their wedding felt like a fairytale come to life. The soft cloud cover added a magical glow, making each moment of their Adelaide Hills wedding at The Manor feel even more romantic and unforgettable.
I’ve been fortunate enough to capture countless weddings at The Manor Basket Range, but Shae and Dion’s celebration was a unique experience for me. Their ceremony took place in the venue’s lower event area, a more intimate space filled with character and warmth. It felt cozy and inviting, perfect for the personal, heartfelt ceremony they had planned. The atmosphere was full of excitement, love, and just the right amount of nerves, creating an energy that carried throughout the day.
Preparation
Dion and his groomsmen had a lively start to their day. Located at one end of The Manor’s grand castle complex, the boys took full advantage of the relaxed vibes in the air. Laughter echoed through the stone walls as they dressed and shared jokes, keeping the mood light. The star of the show, however, was the couple’s page boy, who stole everyone’s heart with his adorable antics. The groomsmen were utterly charmed, making sure he was entertained with phone snippets and plenty of attention while they finished preparing.
Ready to meet the love of his life at the aisle, Dion’s excitement was palpable. Even with all the playful banter, there was an undercurrent of emotion, adding depth to an already incredible start.
Meanwhile, Shae’s preparation had its share of excitement and little hiccups. In the main keep, the bridal suite buzzed with activity. The stunning room provided the perfect backdrop for Shae and her bridal party to get ready, but not without a few twists. At one point, there was a slight panic when the rings couldn’t be located. Thankfully, they were found in time, but it added a bit of drama to the morning. And let’s not forget the flower girl, who had her own opinion on getting dressed! A tiny bit of stress crept in, but Shae’s bridal party was incredible, rallying around her to keep her spirits high.
As the morning unfolded, everything came together beautifully. Shae looked absolutely radiant in her gown, and with a little liquid courage and the thought of walking down the aisle to Dion, any worries melted away. The energy shifted to excitement, with smiles and laughter filling the room. With her hair perfectly styled and makeup set, Shae was more than ready for the day. The warmth and love from her bridal party helped set the tone for the beautiful ceremony ahead.
First Touch and Look
One of the sweetest moments of the day was the first touch between Shae and Dion. Standing abreast of the main keep’s grand door, the two held hands while sharing a shot of tequila. It was a playful, fun twist on the classic ‘first look‘ without actually seeing one another. Dion whispered sweet words, careful not to mess up Shae’s makeup as emotions brimmed just beneath the surface. That simple gesture set the tone for the ceremony that was to follow—one filled with love, connection, and shared memories.
Shae’s first look with her dad was equally touching. As she stepped out of the front door, her dad’s eyes welled with emotion. It was a moment of pure love, and the hug they shared spoke volumes about the bond between them. You could feel the depth of their relationship, the pride in his eyes as he saw his daughter in her stunning bridal gown. These personal moments are the ones that truly make a wedding day unforgettable.
Adelaide Hills Wedding at the Manor Wedding Ceremony
The ceremony itself was held indoors, a decision made due to the slight threat of rain. The rustic charm of the space only enhanced the atmosphere, with the stone walls and wooden accents creating a cozy, intimate environment. Their celebrant had everyone smiling, keeping the mood light while Shae and Dion shared their deeply personal vows. The emotions were raw and real, with not a dry eye in sight. The beauty of The Manor in Basket Range shone through, adding a historic, almost fairytale-like quality to the day.
Shae and Dion’s connection was undeniable. As they exchanged rings, there was an overwhelming sense of joy and love that filled the room. The lower event space, with its rustic elegance, provided the perfect setting for their heartfelt ceremony. The beauty of an Adelaide Hills wedding at The Manor is how effortlessly it blends sophistication with natural beauty, and this ceremony captured that essence perfectly.
Glamour Photos
After the ceremony, the couple took a short break to visit their reception space upstairs. It gave them a moment to breathe, to take in the day so far, and to soak in the fact that they were now officially married. The reception area was elegantly set up, with a mix of rustic touches and modern sophistication, ready to welcome their guests.
After the group phtos, and as the day’s light began to fade, we whisked Shae, Dion, and their bridal party outside for some glamour photos. The stunning grounds of The Manor provided the perfect backdrop. From the castle-like architecture to the rolling hills surrounding the property, every shot captured the timeless beauty of the Adelaide Hills. The sun setting behind the grand estate added a golden glow, highlighting the joy and love radiating from the newlyweds. It was the perfect setting for capturing the elegance and fun of their day.
Reception
The reception was held upstairs, where the celebration truly kicked off. The space was warm and inviting, with soft lighting and elegant table settings. Shae and Dion entered to the sound of cheers and applause, ready to dance the night away. Their first dance was a true showstopper, with a dry ice machine creating a cloud-like effect on the dancefloor. It was pure magic, with the couple spinning and swaying in what seemed like a dream.
The speeches that followed were heartfelt and filled with laughter, as friends and family shared stories and well-wishes for the happy couple. The dancefloor was rarely empty, with everyone getting in on the fun. One of the most touching moments came during Shae and Dion’s last dance. Joined by their parents, they shared a beautiful moment together on the dancefloor, surrounded by love. As their guests waited outside for the sparkler send-off, the couple soaked in the final moments of their special day.
In the end, the day was nothing short of perfect. Shae and Dion’s Adelaide Hills wedding at The Manor was a beautiful celebration of love, family, and friendship. The venue provided the perfect backdrop for their love story, and every moment was filled with joy and laughter. It was an honor to capture such a special day, and I can’t wait to return to The Manor for future weddings in this stunning location.