Tag Archive for: winery

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Sinclairs Gully Winery Wedding – Suzanne & Karen

It had certainly been a while since I covered a Sinclairs Gully Winery, so I was super excited to head back to this secret little spot in amongst the Adelaide Hills!

The weather unfortunately wasnt the best for their big day, but it certainly diddnt seem to phase Suzanne and Karen with their own sense of quirkyness and fun, they had smiles on their faces all day!

Sinclairs Gully Winery Wedding Ceremony

The Sinclairs Gully Winery at Norton’s Summit is a delightful little Adelaide Hills wedding venue hidden amongst very dense bushland. The whole area feels like a campground in that you wouldn’t know you were anywhere near civilisation – it’s a beautiful spot boasting huge white gum trees and quite a bit of native flaura and fauna about the place!

Suzanne and Karen’s wedding ceremony took place on the small grassy clearing set up just off the driveway into the cellar door. Hidden amongst the trees, the setting is very intimate and suited for small ceremonies like theirs. The unfortunate thing about being such a ruggen location however is that on a rainy day such as this one – there was quite a bit of water underfoot to contend with!

The personality of these two shone through the entire ceremony, beginning with a rugged ‘flower man’, a dancing number performed by Suzanne and Karen and delightful quirky touches such as a broccoli bouquet and bubbles all over the place!

Glamour Photos

After the ceremony, we took a quick drone photo of the group just as it started to rain – so we got plenty of umbrellas in the shot! Thankfully the weather cleared up a bit more after though!

We made sure to use the stunning tall, white gum trees nearby for some bush shots, and also the beautifully curvy driveway leading into the Sinclair Gully Winery cellar door.

One neat reason why Suzanne and Karen chose me as their wedding photographer was my affinity for landscape work, so I made sure to work in the surrounds as much as possible! Not that I dont do this anyway – it’s just how I approach my weddings!

Sinclairs Gully Winery Wedding Reception

Suzanne and Karen’s reception was a simple affair taking place under the porch area of the cellar door. We made time for some group photos of guests and simply had a bit of fun enjoying each other’s company!

Thanks go out to Suzanne and Karen for having me cover their Sinclairs Gully Winery wedding, and I sure do hope you enjoy your phtos as much as I enjoyed taking them!

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Chateau Yaldara Wedding – Clare & Craig

After having to hold an ‘official’ wedding ceremony a year earlier with a lot fewer guests at the Mt Torrens Hotel due to the COVID pandemic. Clare and Craig were finally able to host their dream Chateau Yaldara Wedding on an amazing winter day!

Clare and Craig went to great lengths to produce a most amazing day for their guests who many travelled, including hosting a screening of their offical ceremony a year earlier, and then also recreating the ceremony in front of the impressive Chateau Yaldara cellar door!

Preparation

The day began at Clare and Craig’s house nearby as the two of them were being prepared at the same house surrounded by lush Australian bush and sweeping paddocks belonging to neighbouring farms.

It was definitely a display of the personalities of both Clare and Craig – with broadswords and metal bouquets on display due to Clare’s affinity for the medieval, while their dirtbikes played a central role in some of their group photos a bit later.

Pre Ceremony Photoshoot

We made sure to use the surrounding scenery of Clare and Craig’s house for some photos before heading to their Chateau Yaldara wedding ceremony.

As Clare and Craig had already spent a bit of time having photos together at their wedding at Mt Torrens, a focus was put on trying to get group photos at every opportunity throughout the day. We first used the gum trees and nearby dam on Clare and Craig’s property, along with their dirtbikes before heading to a pine forest.

Before the ceremony took place, Clare and Craig held a bit of a screening of their last wedding ceremony using a projector for all theguests who could not attend the first time. During which Clare and her bridal party hid in the cellar door area of Chateau Yaldara waiting for their recreation ceremony to begin.

Chateau Yaldara Wedding Ceremony

Taking place on the lawns in front of the cellar door, Clare and Craig’s Chateau Yaldara wedding ceremony was set up so that the backdrop fo the main building was framed nicely by the tree on the grounds, while also having the rest of the estate in the background. The time of day was also great for me due to the sun hitting the building nicely.

A bit of photoshop was needed to remove a few overly zealous members of the public and their phones taking phtos of Clare as she walked down the stairs, but it all worked out well.

Their recreated wedding ceremony was a short, sharp affair, simply put together just so that their guests could attend in person – which I thought was a delightful way to forget the past few years of annoyign COVID restrictions.

Glamour Photoshoot

After the ceremony, and the family photos which we took on the steps of the cellar door, we head inside to the back room which Clare quite enjoyed sipping port amopngst the rustic wooden walled room.

We then used the balcony overlooking the front lawned area, and finally the staff-only cellar area which had some incredible opportunities – despite Clare and Craig’s dislike of ‘silhouette shots’ :D.

A fun thing about hosting a Chateau Yaldara wedding is not just the winery grounds, but also the nearby dam and natural rocky ground on which some epic scenes can be had – particulary at sunset!

At night we also head out again with some lights and smoke to make use of the steps again in a grand night shoot!

Chateau Yaldara Wedding Reception

Clare and Craig’s reception was put on specifically to celebrate with family and friends who mostly travelled to be with the ‘newly wed’ couple. The night was full of heartfelt speeches, fun games and a photobooth set up to capture their guests whenever I diddnt!

Thanks so much Clare and Craig for having me as your Barossa photographer at your amazing Chateau Yaldara wedding day!

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Chapel Hill Winery Wedding – Sandi & Daniel

Sandi and Daniel’s Chapel Hill WInery wedding took place on a gloriously sunny day overlooking the vineyards of this picturesque winery nestled amongst the Mclaren Vale wine district. It’s a wedding venue I had not ventured to before Sandi and Daniel’s wedding, despite being very familiar with Mclaren Vale wedding venues, and I certainly enjoyed the experience!

 

Preparation

After having set up the photobooth for later, I met with Daniel and his best man who had opted to make use of a rather convenient little room at the Chapel Hill Winery restreat area – which is also where their wedding ceremony and reception were to take place. It was quite a surprise finding a little self contained unit attached to the main reception hall – but all the more convenient for Daniel!

While Daniela nd his best man were being prepared, they were also able to over see the finishing touches of the florist and other suppliers who were buzzing about setting everything up.

Sandi, along with her mother and maid of honour were being prepared a short walk away at the guest house. It’s neat little set up actually as the bride can walk straght up the walkway and begin the wedding ceremony later on – all very convenient.

The guest house is a large, wooden clad cabin which made for some lovely ambient light bouncing about the place off the wood, while there are some fun spots for photos like the stained glass window within the dining room and the long, dark corridoor where the bedrooms are.

The highlight of the morning was the father’s first look of Sandi as she walked down the stairs!

Chapel Hill Winery Wedding Ceremony

Sandi and Daniel’s Chapel Hill Winery wedding ceremony took place on the grassy area just below the Chapel Hill retreat building, which allowed for sweeping views of the vineyards stretched out over the rolling Mclaren vale hills.

As the day was a very warm, and sunny day – it was a little unfortunate that their celebrant’s PA system overheated shortly after beginning causing some broken audio – thankfully I always have a backup microphone system handy to capture clear audio whenever I can for the video!

Glamour Photos

Once the mandatory groiup photos were complete, we head out to make the most of the Chapel Hill Winery Wedding photo locations!

I was made aware that we were not able to make use of the vineyards proper – but thanks to some creative angles – nearby the vineyards we can make it looks like the bridal couple are standing amongst them. But I think the killer shot of the entire day was when I brought out the ol’ smoke in a can in front of the Guest House’s window for a bit of a bridal silhouette shot!

We also made the effort to find our way back to the winery cellar door for the proper chapel’s stained glass window area – however unfortunately due to communication errors, we could not find a way in, so we used the outside areas a bit, and also the wine making area.

Chapel Hill Winery Wedding Reception

Sandi and Daniel’s Chapel Hill Winery wedding reception was spear headed by what might be my favourite guest entertainment – which is an on site caricature artist who sits there drawing everyone all night! it’s so much fun to see! Once he left then it was my photobooth’s time to shine!

The night was a blast to be a part of, surrounded by lovely people who just wanted to see Sandi and Daniel have the night of their lives!

Thanks so much to Sandi and Daniel for having me as your wedding photographer! I hope you enjoy your photos!

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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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Big Easy Radio Wedding – Leanne & Evan

Leanne and Evan’s Big Easy Radio wedding is the type of wedding you look forward to for weeks as a wedding photographer! Here was a couple who value entertainment, are not afraid to get a bit risky with photo locations and certainly had a flair for the dramatic!

Their wedding, just out of Aldinga at the delightfully rustic wedding venue, Big Easy Radio had it all! From cliff side photoshoot, to helicopter rides, even circus performers and a doughnut and milkshake stand! Absolutely brilliant!

Preparation

This amazing day started out at a bed and breakfast overlooking the Port Willunga Bay where Leanne and her entourage were being prepared. Leanne did not have any formal ‘bridal party’ but some friends and family were all there to see her through the morning.

First Look

One of my favourite modern wedding traditions is what’s known as the ‘first look‘ where wither the father of the bride, or the groom – or in this case both – sees the bride for the first time in all of her bridal finery. Some of the reactions you can apture is absolutely priceless!

Leanne’s fathe rwas first to see her walk out of the bed and breakfast, before hopping into their delightful bridal car to head over to Blanche Point for a first look with Evan.

Beach Photoshoot

After Leanne and Evan’s first look, we made use of the stunning beach nearby whilst bathed with the incredible weather we were blessed with all throughout the day!

Before heading directly to their Big Easy Radio wedding ceremony, Leanne and Evan wanted to make a bit of an entrance where they decided to splash out on a bit of a helicopter ride with Helivista. No one but their closest family knew they were going to arrive via helicopter, so it was a fun surprise for their guests!

Big Easy Radio Wedding Ceremony

After flying low over their guests, waiting for the bride and groom to arrive, Leanne and Evan’s Big Easy Radio wedding ceremony took palce on the small grassy area surrounded by the homestead. Their ceremony was a nice simple affair, with short speeches made by friends and family before signing the certificate.

it was slightly unfortunate that the weather had really heated up by the time their ceremony had fninished meaning that Leanne and Evan, along with their guests had been sitting in the sun for quite a bit. Unfortunately my livestream that I had set up for them malfunctioned due to the heat – sorry about that guests that couldn’t attend!

Lunchtime Reception

In between the ceremony and their Big Easy Radio wedding reception, Leanne and Evan’s guests were kept entertained with lawn games, live music, astonishing food platters with doughnuts and milkshakes(!) galore – and even silk dancers!

The silk dancers had set up their performance platform on the open grassy area nearby where thehelicopter had landed – this made for quite a unique wedding experience!

Golden Hour Photoshoot

As the weather was hot and dry all day, the golden hour period of the day emitted some spectacular orange light which I was keen to make use of in the grounds surrounding Big Easy Radio. First we head over to the old wagon ruin, then went off road a bit to use the long grass bearby, then finally making use of the vine yards on site.

Once we arrived back for the reception, I noticed that the full moon was quite low in the sky and after having Leanne and Evan stand on top of a small raised garden bed, I was able to make full use of it!

Big Easy Radio Wedding Reception

Finally, as a cherry on the top of such a spectacular day, Leanne and Evan’s reception was full of fun dancing, drinking and making merry with some absolutely wonderful people in attendance!

Again leanne and Evan’s guests were entertained by another unique addition to their wedding – some fire twirlers! I certainly think this whole concept of entertainers attending weddings like this should be more common.

I’d like to thank Leanne and Evan for having me at their most amazing day!

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Tag Archive for: winery