Erin and Phil were the bridal couple at one of the first ever weddings I covered as a wedding photographer all the way back in 2011, so it’s always nice to see how families are progressing when they ask me to come out again and produce some updated family portraits! I’ve also known Erin and her family since I was very little so it’s doubly nice to reconnect and have a bit of a chat. 🙂
We head out to the lovely Veale Gardens on South terrace in the city early in the morning so that we avoided the majority of walkers and have the gardens to ourselves. The sun is also at a nice height in the sky at this time in the morning so as to avoid most of the harsh shadows that can otherwise creep across faces in an unflattering way.
We began in the carpark behind the Pavillian restaurant and made use of the gum trees behind Veale gardens to create a bit of diversity in the colours of the final photos – as otherewise every photo has the emerald green colours of the curated grass within the gardens. it’s good to have some variety! We then walked up the rolling grassy hills towards the last rock pool, then looped back via the man made river meandering through the space.
As a result, I think The Kennedy’s Veale Gardens Family Shoot produced some lovely keepsake moments and nice family portraits for them to treasure forever more! helps a bunch when the kids are as well behaved as these were! Turned out to be a lovely morning.
Family walking through gum trees
Veale Gardens Family Photo
Children sitting together in Veale Gardens
Girl chasing duck
Family photography in Veale Gardens on bridge
Family looking through the bushes
Girl climbing tree
Family sitting together on rock
Girl on top of hill
Rolly Poly
Baby sitting on grass
Family photo in Veale Gardens
Children walking together in Veale Gardens
https://i0.wp.com/svenstudios.com/dir/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Veale-Gardens-Family-Shoot.jpg?fit=400%2C400&ssl=1400400Steven Duncanhttps://svenstudios.com/dir/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/svenstudios-logo.jpgSteven Duncan2021-01-07 11:45:332021-01-05 10:02:13Veale Gardens Family Shoot – Kennedy Family
Jacqui and Dion’s Veale Gardens Wedding on South Terrace in the Adelaide CBD was an epic affair, full of fun, dancing, fireworks and lovely people! The COVID Pandemic had unfortunately threw Jacqui and Dion’s plans a little bit but they made very good use of the (then) lesser restrictions in place that allowed for dancing and ‘vertical’ drinking!
Preparation
Preparation in the morning was a jovial affair with dancing, making alot of nose and plenty of proud parents looking on at their sons and daughters! We were tasked with producing some videography along with the photography for the day so my wife also came along to help out with producing some footage.
I started out the day with Jacqui’s house of preparation to begin the documentation, before heaing over to Dion’s place of preparation while my wife stayed at Jacqui’s house for the dancing and merry making.
Engagement ring in flowers
Wedding bands on wood
Putting on makeup surrounded
Fur Baby in dress
Pinching Dads cheek
Mum helping out with jewellery
Bride putting on wedding shoes
Bride looking pretty in front room
Macedonian wedding dance
Posing with Macedonian flag
Macedonian wedding dancing
Dion and his family were being prepared in a more subdued mannor, with not so much dancing, but still making a bit of noise with the suped up cars they had parked out the front! There were smiles all round as everyone was helping each other get ready by tieing ties and fitting flowers to suits.
Suit jacket hanging in window
Groom getting ready in natural light
Fluffing up the hair
Best man helping with tie
Putting on ties
Mum looking on as Dad puts on tie
Groomsman putting on flower
Flower being put on suit
groomsmen ready
Hugs from Mum
Veale Gardens Wedding Ceremony
it was a bit of a running joke with Dion and his family that 2020 kept throwing a few curve balls Jacqui and Dion’s way right up to the beginning of their ceremony! Unfortunately their celebrant had a bit of a family emergency just prior to their wedding so ended up being a little late for the party – but it all worked out in the end! In fact the entire day worked out very well.
Jacqui and Dion’s veale Gardens wedding ceremony was held at rock pool 7, which is perfectly suited for cars to drive in to the nearby carpark for the pavilion restaurant and then walk through the lovely manicured gardens and grass to reach it.
Their ceremony was highlighted by two readings while their wedding rings were held by a member of the family which was a nice way to include as many people as possible.
Wedding sign at ceremony
Guests waiting in Veale Gardens
Bridal motorcade arriving
Smiling bride in veale Gardens
Smiling groom in veale Gardens
Bridal and Dad approaching
Grooms first lok as bride walks down aisle
Smiling bride looking at groom
Speech giver
Veale Gardens wedding ceremony
Veale Gardens wedding ceremony 2
Smiling Mum handing rings
Smiling groom looking at his bride
Exchanging wedding bands 3
Veale Gardens wedding ceremony under trees
Veale Gardens wedding ceremony near pavilion
Bridal exit 2
Veale Gardens Wedding Photos
We did not linger long for Veale Gardens wedding photos, but rather zoomed off for a few after ceremony drinks in a small cocktail bar in Peel St. However i did manage to convince Jacqui and Dion to walk about in the nearby Gums trees for a bit of variety in their wedding photos!
Bridal party in front of motorcade
Walking through trees together
Smiling hugs
Veale Gardens wedding photo in trees
Veale Gardens wedding photo looking at camera
Afternoon tea
In peel st we made use of the older architecture for some more photos before heading into the cocktail bar for a few drinks with family. During what is usually a hectic time of a wedding day, Jacui and Dion opted to take it easy and spend the time with family and friends rather than spending their entire day taking photos – which I totally understand and respect!
Peel st wedding photo
Peel st wedding photo in archway
Peel st Adelaide wedding photo in archway
Guests having a drink on peel st
Bridal couple overlooking peel st
Cheers 2
bridal party leaning in on bridal couple
Last supper mock wedding photo
JDF Function Center Wedding Reception
The main event – sos to speak was Jacui and Dion’s epic party they had planned at the JDF Reception center in Windsor Gardens. Their reception was decked out with almost everything you could imagine at a wedding party – from my Photobooth to dry ice and indoor fireworks! It certainly was a party to remember, and it was midnight before anyone knew it! The night was just such a blast that the time flew.
Head table at JDF Reception center
Wedding place holder
Wedding cake on display
Bridal entrance at JDF Receptions
Bridal entrance at JDF Reception Center
Cutting of the wedding cake
First dance at JDF Function cernter
First dance at JDF reception cernter
JDF Reception Center Wedding Photo
JDF Function Center Wedding Photo
JDF Reception Center
Bride and groom dancing on dry ice
Parents having fun
bride tearing up the dance floor
Macedonian dance at JDF
Nutbush dancers
Best man speech at head table
Groom’s speech at head table
Son Mum dance
Bouquet toss went too far
Confettii cannon
Thankyou Jacqui and Dion for having myself and my wife photography and produce the videography for your Veale Gardens wedding day!
On a beautiful, sunny day, just prior to the recent CIVID-19 related full lockdown we’ve endured in South Australia, I was asked by Nadia to head out with her family for a bit of a family shoot!
Nadia and her husband were in Adelaide, from Perth and decided to make the most of their time with their family while here, considering the recent troubles in the world, times like this are precious and what better idea is there than to refresh their family portraits?
Himeji Gardens Family Shoot
We began our little family shoot by heading to the lovely, manicured surrounds you can find within the Adelaide Himeji Gardens. Giften to Adelaide by our Japanese sister city, Himeji the gardens provide a stunning backdrop to photography all year round.
And the best thing is that the gardens are free to roam about in, and they cannot be booked as a wedding venue, or for other such private events, meaning they are always available during opening hours.
The lovely light shining through the leaves of the beautiful weeping willows at this time of day are always the biggest drawcard of the Himeji Gardens – they make for the best background for any Himeji gardens family shoot.
Himeji Gardens Family Shoot 2
Couple in Himeji Gardens
Couple under weeping willow tree
Family finding fish
Touching fingers under a tree
Couple portrait in Himeji Gardens
Couple portrait in Adelaide Himeji Garden
Family portrait
Sitting on the bench together in Himeji Gardens
Family portrait under tree
Veale Gardens Family Shoot
Whenever I head to south Terrace for a photoshoot, I tend to use both Himeji gardens and Veale Gardens to provide a bit of variety in the colours of the images I provide. Himeji Gardens – at this time of year – is lush and green, and well manicured, while Veale gardens just up the road also provides this, but also a bit of an Australian twist with a small Gum tree forest behind.
This allowsfor a bit more yellow and warmth in photos, while also having different trees in the background.
While walking about we made sure to take photos of both the full family together, and also couples shots, and individual portraits alklowing me to provide a huge amount of photos for Nadia’s family to use in many different ways – hopefully to fill their walls with beautiful physical prints!
family shot under veale Gardens Gum Trees
Family portrait under gum trees
Couple photo on log
Veale Gardens photo
Adelaide Veale Gardens Photography
I’d like to thank nadia for having me photograph her beautiful family, and I’m super glad she and her husband were able to get back into Perth before the big Adelaide shutdown!
https://i0.wp.com/svenstudios.com/dir/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Himeji-Gardens-Family-Shoot-3.jpg?fit=400%2C400&ssl=1400400Steven Duncanhttps://svenstudios.com/dir/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/svenstudios-logo.jpgSteven Duncan2020-11-23 11:57:062020-11-21 12:14:19Veale & Himeji Gardens Family Shoot
I was priviledged to witness the St Laurences Church High Mass Wedding of Alison and Josh in mid November as their wedding photographer. it was quite the spectical with no less than 3 priests and a multitude of altar boys conducting the very traditional latin high mass at the fore of the stunning church that is St Laurence’s. While the ceremony was wonderful, it was also fantastic to cover the first wedding reception that has been held at the new venue of Tatachilla estate!
Preparation
I began the day as I usually do at the place where Josh and his groomsmen were being prepared. The morning was quite laid back with some funny moments where someone had given Josh some booklets titled ‘don’ts for weddings, and husbands‘ while also reminicing about other weddings the groomsmen had been a part of.
groom affects
cufflinks detail shot
putting on shirt
helping out with tie
Putting on jacket
Groom Putting on jacket
smiles on the groom
Groom and groomsmen standing about
Groom and groomsmen standing under tree
I arrived at the house were Alison was being prepared just as their make-up was being completed, which is great as I’m then able to flit about taking detail shots of the dress, shoes, etc. The bridal party all had matching kimonos on during the morning, and two little girls were running about causing havok – which was kind of a good thing as it distracted from any nerves Alison may have been feeling. 🙂
engagement ring in bouquet
Bridal shoes
whispering flower girls
bride putting on makeup
girls looking up at wedding dress
bridesmaid smiles
looking in mirror while getting ready
bridesmaids in kimonos
Dad’s first look of bride
Bride with dress on
Bride standing with bouquet
bridesmaids looking on
St Laurences Church High Mass Wedding Ceremony
As some of you may know, I worked at a Catholic primary school for almost a decade as a Japanese teacher, so I was fairly knowledgeable of the procession of mass, and wedding masses. However, Alison and Josh’s High Mass wedding was something I had yet to witness. The entire procession was quite awe inspiring, with no less than 3 priests and several altar boys conducting the service, all while a 4-strong gregorian chior chanted in the background. The High Mass itself took around 90 minutes to complete, as it followed a strict procession, concluding whith all the guests joining in with communion. The stunning surrounds of St Laurences Church made for a stunning backdrop for the entire ceremony, and it was certainly a ceremony to remember!
St Laurences Church
priest getting ready
High Mass wedding procession
grooms first look
Bridal entrance
inside st laurences church
Together at the altar
exchanging wedding rings
wedding ceremony in st laurences church
inside st laurences church landscape
sitting together catholic high mass wedding
catholic high mass wedding
Priest holding the bible
catholic mass wedding
bridal party kneeling
crucifix at St Laurences church
Bridal exit
Glamour Photos
For glamour photos, we first utilised the wonderful interior of St Laurences, after having the group photo done out the front of the church. We then went for a short drive to South Terrace to Veale Gardens where we made use of the lovely diversity available there. From Australian gum trees out the back, to highly manicured rose gardens, it’s a nice spot to capture a variety of wedding photos. We then head towards Mclaren Vale as a short stop off before heading to Tatachilla Estate for the reception. We usued the wonderful olive tree grove located right off the main street to get a few shots in amongst the trees. Our final spot for glamour photos was the vineyards located out the front of Tatachilla estate. We used the dying light as the sun went down for a few nice shots of just Alison and Josh together amongst the vines.
bridal couple inside st laurences church
Wedding bands on hands
bridal couple kissing in St Laurences church
bride and groom in bridal car
bride and groom under gum trees
bride and groom under gum trees in veale gardens
bridal party in veale gardens
bride and groom above pool in veale gardens
Veale Gardens pool
walking along the bridge in veale gardens
bride and groom amongst roses
closeup of bridal bouquet
bride and groom under olive trees
Holding one another
bride and groom in Mclaren vale’s olive trees
smiles all round
bride and groom at Tatachilla estate
bride and groom amongst the vineyards
looking through the vineyards
behind the bride amongst vineyards
holding one another in vines
Tatachilla Estate Wedding Reception
I was told that Alison and Josh’s wedding reception was the first that has been held at the new venue at Tatachilla Estate. Apparently the venue had been recently purchased from the nearby Tatachilla Lutheran School in order to ransform it into a new, large wedding and event venue, and I must say it certainly has potential! It’s a huge space, suitable for gigantic functions, but as it is right now it’s fairly rustic as it had been used as a school camp space for decades.
Alison and Josh’s reception was punctuated by loving speeches, plenty of dancing and scores of people all having a great time!
wedding cake
bridal entrance at Tatachilla Estate
bridal party at head table
laughter
tatachilla estate wedding
Hold on to what is good
speech
children dancing
grooms speech
holding one another during first dance
first dance
first dance at tatachilla estate
guests having fun
guests
dancing nan
dancing together
wedding guests dancing the macarenea
bouquet toss at tatachilla estate
bride and groom exit arch
I’d like to thank Alison and Josh for having me as their wedding photographer, it was a wonderful day and certainly a wedding I’ll not soon forget! 😀
https://i0.wp.com/svenstudios.com/dir/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/st-laurences-church-high-mass-wedding.jpg?fit=400%2C400&ssl=1400400Steven Duncanhttps://svenstudios.com/dir/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/svenstudios-logo.jpgSteven Duncan2019-12-24 10:59:122020-06-26 09:16:21St Laurences Church High Mass Wedding – Alison & Josh
It was super fun to be the wedding photographer at Katie and Stairs’ wedding at Adelaide’s St Patricks Church on Grote st as the entire day was super laid back and simple but still full of fun and laughter all day.
I was asked to be their photographer all day from preparation through to the end of their reception at the Jade pub in the city. We travelled to the South Terrace Veale and Himeji gardens for their glamour photos directly after their ceremony
<h3>Preparation</h3>
The day started as it usually does with the preparation of Stairs’ and his entourage at his parents house just outside of the city. Much of the morning was spent placing ribbons on his prized VW wagon before starting to get dressed.
Car
Putting ribbon on car
Shaking hands
Walking down stairs
Shoes
Helping with tie
Wedding rings
Cool dude
Helping with tie
Putting on shoes
Putting on shirt
Katie and her bridal party were being prepared in a beautiful house just to the south of the city, complete with stunning atrium and wood work all throughout the house, was an awesome spot for bridal preparation photos! The big surprise of a VW combi was a lot of fun for Katie and everyone there – apparently Stairs had organised the bridal car unbeknownst to anyone else.
Bridal Party
Looking in mirror
Helping with flower
Putting in earrings
Putting in earrings
Putting on dress
Wedding dress
In gowns
Helping with flower
Dad’s first look
Ladies walking together
<h3>St Patricks Church Wedding Ceremony</h3>
The St Patricks Church on Grote street in Adelaide has been described as one of the most impressive churches in the Archdiocese of Adelaide, having celebrated it’s centenary in 2014, this old church certainly lives up to it’s reputation in grandeur. With it’s tall central ceiling decorated in gold leaf and huge roman columns either side of the congregation pews it certainly make for an impressive view once walking in it’s doors.
Katie and Stair’s modest guest list barely filled the first half of the available seating within the church, but this only made the ceremony that much more intimate while their harpist strummed a delightful melody throughout the ceremony.
Holding hands
Exit
Groom waiting
Wedding planners
Standing together
Inside Church
Inside St Patricks Church Adelaide
Bridal entrance
Holding hands
Bride and father
Smiling groom
First kiss
Sitting together
Smiles
Priest
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<h3>Glamour Photos</h3>
After the mandatory family photos were finished out the front of St Patricks Church, we head over to the Himeji and Veale gardens on South Terrace to make use of the greenery for their glamour photos. It was very important to take it slow and have fun with the whole bridal party all throughout which made the whole experience super laid back and enjoyable.
Under the weeping willow in the Himeji Gardens
Under the Japanese Maple trees
Under my favourite tree in Veal Gardens
Under my favourite tree in Veal Gardens
Exiting the church
On a bridge
Leaning on a tree
In Front of a door
Together
Walking amongst the gum trees
Bridal party walking
Next to a hedge
<h3>The Jade Wedding Reception</h3>
We arrived at The Jade pub a little late for the reception party, but this really wasn’t much of an issue as one of the only traditional parts of their night was speeches and cutting their cake – the rest was just sitting back and enjoying themselves while surrounded by family and friends – which I think is an awesome way to spend your wedding night!
Love
Out the front of The Jade
Entrance smiles
Smiling guests
Cutting the cake
Wedding Cake
Having fun with the glasses
Inside the Jade pub
On the road
Announcement
Groom speech
Pastry anyone?
Hugs
Cheers
Smiling guests
Thanks so much to Katie and Stairs for having me as your wedding photographer! I hope you enjoy your photos.
