With a cyclone up north the weather forecast was for rain and thunder and lightning. Thankfully none of these came to pass and it was a hot and humid but otherwise dry day for Sarah and Ben to celebrate their marriage. They chose the gorgeous grounds of Brookleigh Estate in the Swan Valley http://www.brookleigh.com.au/ for their ceremony. Stewarts Restaurant is part of the Brookleigh Estate and a delicious cocktail party was enjoyed by the newlyweds and their family and friends.
As promised here is the second installment of my winter trip to New Zealand. What an amazing country. So much variety in such a small place. I can’t wait to add a North Island photographic trip to the agenda. Maybe in a year or two.
The day was pretty hot but Rebecca and Paul breezed through their wedding. A beautiful ceremony was followed by a fun photo shoot and then a glamorous wedding reception at the always beautiful Belvoir in the Swan Valley. http://www.belvoir.net.au/
Photography has been my full time profession since 1997. More than 600 weddings and many portrait sessions keep me very busy. Photography is also my passion and winter 2011 saw me enjoying an amazing (and cold) 3 weeks in the stunning South Island of New Zealand. I travelled with my lovely friend Dianne who is as passionate as I am when it comes to landscape photography. When I get the chance I am slowly editing my favourites and I shall share them in my BLOG. This is the first installment. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did taking them.
Leah and Dion chose a relaxed garden wedding to celebrate their marriage. Sandalford Winery http://www.sandalford.com/ was the perfect choice with drinks and nibblies enjoyed in the parkland setting. Their children played a very important part of the day. Leah’s son, Nathan joined her father in walking her down the aisle. Her daughter Jazmin joing Dion’s daughters Laila & Lily as flowergirls.
Kerryn and Aaron celebrated their marriage and reception at Bridgeleigh Reception Centre http://www.bridgeleigh.com.au/. A delightful couple and a fun bridal party made for a great day. Congratulations to you both.
Claire & Guttorm celebrated their ceremony and reception at Oakover Winery in the beautiful Swan Valley. http://www.oakoverwines.com.au/ The bride got ready at The Rose & Crown in Guildford http://www.rosecrown.com.au/ It would have been lovely to explore the hidden treasures of this historic hotel. But with time running out I was happy to act as chauffeur and transport the bride and her three bridesmaids to the location where she met up with her beautiful horse and carriage so that she arrived at the ceremony in style. I have to congratulate the girls as, during the photo shoot, they bravely ventured into the bush via a rough track. The backlit Aussie bush was the perfect fit for their rural wedding. And I do have to make special mention of the best man, Gjermund. Without doubt one of the best speeches I have witnessed in more than 600 weddings. Humour, a strip, the parents joining in on a singalong and then all the 100 guests serenading the couple – I do believe in Norwegian. It was a surprise for the delighted couple and amazing to witness.
I had the pleasure of photographing Ebony and Matt’s wedding two years ago. This time it was with their “family” Milko and Mo. Their “boys” are an energetic duo but were on their almost best behaviour for their first official photo shoot.
Bulgarian Petya was determined that she have a beach wedding and the threatening weather forecast was no obstacle. She and Ian shared their vowes as the strong winds gusted and rain fell on them and their family and friends who braved the elements with them. The rain eased a little and allowed for the planned beach photos before heading off to the relative shelter of a nearby bush park. Most couples would have headed indoors but Ian and Petya relished the wild weather and constantly shared laughter and their obvious love for one another.
The weather gods were kind to Bonnie and Justin. Rain had been forecast all week but the day couldn’t have been more perfect. They were able to make the most of the beautiful grounds at Bridgeleigh Reception Centre http://www.bridgeleigh.com.au/ Bonnie and Justin were such a fun couple to photograph and the love they share was so obvious. Congratulations and all the best for a wonderful future together.
