“As a completely clueless bride-to-be, I’m excited to be getting married but don’t get all the hype/drama/must haves etc. that many brides can find themselves caught up in. “
Kate & Rohan - Glen Ewin Estate
Tommie & Josh - Adelaide Botanic Garden
Tommie and Josh's celebration at Botanic Garden Weddings in January was quite extraordinary.
Apart from how it looked (freaking incredible, right Kiera Blanden Events + Styling?), it FELT awesome too. It's so wonderful when a couple is completely at ease and can express themselves with a little self-deprecating humour.
Lucy & Duncan - Longview Vineyard
When I first sat down with Duncan and Lucy, I didn't know at the time that they are both immensely musically talented (Lucy is a classical double bassist and Duncan a multi-instrumentalist), but we just clicked.
There is soooo much to love about their December wedding day and I literally could not cull down the number their photos that I wanted to share with you any further than I already have. Simon Bills is just amazing and the story he has captured here is incredible.
Seriously, just have a scroll through these and you will feel as if you know the Bride and Groom.
Abby & Will - Longview Vineyard
For Will and Abby, their search for the perfect wedding venue was a pretty short one. Longview Vineyard in Macclesfield was the place where they first said 'I love you' and so, combined with efforts of their award-winning event manager, Jess, they felt quite at home on their wedding day.
All of this would have been like a wonderful, colourful dream should the lovely Rachael Farmer of Rachael Elizabeth Photography (Rachael's Insta and Facebook) have not captured it all in such a spectacular way. The story of Will and Abby's day is brought to life in this series of photos. I tried to cull it down as much as I could (!), but really feel like each picture is an essential insight to their celebration.
Maddie & Matt at Golding Wines
The weather was near perfect, the scene set with modern decor and lush floral arrangements and Maddie and Matt's nearest and dearest had travelled from far and wide and were in a party mood. When you plan your wedding, this is the dream.
I felt so privileged to create and conduct Mr & Mrs Wigg's marriage ceremony and felt that their gracious and inclusive nature shone through in the many thanks, tributes and acknowledgements to their family, friends and bridal party. There were smiles and a fair few chuckles too, like when Matt promised to cheer on the Swans when they aren't playing the Crows 'to infinity and beyond'.
But when Maddie's good friend, Jess came forward to read a traditional Irish Wedding Blessing, a favourite of Maddie's late Nana Joan, most guests were a little misty-eyed.
Matt and Maddie's incredible supplier list included some of my absolute favourite Adelaide wedding professionals including the incredible floral artistry of Sam Burnell from Fabulous Functions and Luke Simon Photography, who kindly supplied these divine photos.
Shelli and Brayden - K1 by Geoff Hardy
Living in Victoria and trying to organise a wedding in South Australia could pose a bit of a logistical challenge for some couples. But for Shelli and Brayden, they took it all in their stride.
Shelli has since told me that all of their suppliers (see detailed list at end of this post) were "absolutely fantastic throughout the planning and made the day so easy and relaxing for us."
That's just how Brayden and Shelli roll.
Rita and Tom - Mandalay House & Garden
If you haven't had the opportunity to see Mandalay House and Garden in action, then you're missing out. With its stately, French-inspired home nestled in the centre of seemingly endless manicured gardens, criss-crossed with little pathways, it is an original and constantly surprising venue at every turn.
For Rita and Tom, it provided the perfect backdrop for their elegant, yet relaxed, wedding garden party. Living in the U.K. and trying to coordinate their big day from overseas, they employed the ever-lovely and experienced Alice Mary Events to bring it all to life for them.
Brianna and Chris - Elegant Garden Party Wedding
Chris and Brianna absolutely adore their family and friends and really wanted their wedding day to be just as much fun for their guests as it was going to be them.
Brianna rocked her fitted and romantic, lace Alexis George gown and Chris was decked out in a modern navy Joseph Uzumcu suit.
After their inclusive and moving ceremony in the rose garden, guests made their way through the sumptuous gardens of Al-Ru Farm to the main lawn where they enjoyed pre-reception drinks, canapés. Lawn games and acoustic guitarist, Israel Amoy, provided the entertainment until the guests were ushered into the regal and elegant reception.
Photos are courtesy of the bubbly and talented Maraya Verdonk Photography.
Enjoy!
London calling - Leonie and Lee
Lee and Leonie value their families and close friendships above everything else; in fact, this was one of the qualities that first attracted them to each other. With all of Lee's family in England and all of Leonie's family in Australia, they decided to chase this sunshine with an Adelaide hills winery wedding and timed it to maximise the number of friends and family who could make it from overseas.
It was imperative for them to be able to relax, laugh and truly enjoy their guests' company on their wedding day and Barrister's Block in Woodside was the perfect backdrop for their laidback celebration. So much love and warmth.
I hope you enjoy their photos from Leonie's very talented brother, Pete Thornton and Karina from What Pete Shot.
Festival of fun - Kat & Matt
After almost 8 years as a celebrant in Adelaide, it's rare that I get the chance to visit a new wedding venue. But when Kat and Matt first met with me and told me about their ideas for an outdoor extravaganza of activities and dancing at The Oaks in Hahndorf (2202 Mt Barker Road), I was excited to check it out.
It's a beautiful, undulating property with lots of trees, a little stream and several open grassed spaces for marquees. The owners are lovely and accommodating too which just added even more ease and goodwill into Kat and Matt's unconventional celebration. I mean, the confetti cannon fist bump when Matt collected Kat from the top of the aisle was just the beginning!
I could try describing their wedding to you, let alone the beautiful and generous people they are, but I think these shots by Akil Madan Photography do the job so much better than I ever could. Congratulations again, Kat and Matt ox.
Enjoy!