Steph, Andy and their wedding party strolling down the grounds at Lovedale Wedding Chapel and Reception with a backdrop of dramatic dark clouds
Steph said to one of her wedding guests: "Sarah likes candid!" When they realised I was taking their photo. Steph and Andy are my kind of couple!
Steph and Andy met at uni. "We were both in the same course and classes but never actually talked until one day I added the wrong person on Facebook and it turned out to be Andy. I was looking for my group assignment buddy." Sure... At their wedding reception this story was brought into question by the groom. Never-the-less they have been together for over 7 years!
Steph said after their big day "my biggest fear was booking a photographer who didn't get us as a couple. I really was afraid of getting someone who would come in and completely take over everything and not go with the flow. I was also really nervous about not liking the photos and being stuck with them for life. They were my two biggest fears. It definitely did not come true! Sarah was amazing and got to know us on a deeper level and her photos were spot on!"
Both teachers, the couple were married at the country, relaxed Lovedale Wedding Chapel and Reception venue in the wine-infused Hunter Valley. They didn't let rain ruin their wedding day and thankfully the wet weather stayed away during the outdoor moments.
Of their authentic wedding style, Steph says she "always wanted some natural. I knew I always wanted to be married in the country. I also wanted to do a lot of DIY and being that 'rustic theme' was easy to do. I chose my florist because I heard about her work through a friend. I really liked her natural approach and how she used native flowers throughout. It also really suited my winter country themed wedding."
Steph's gorgeous dress is by Stella York Gowns, from Brides To Be in Somersby. "I have always loved lace and been a lil old fashioned, therefore I wanted a beautiful lacy dress." The delicate floral motifs contributed to the romantic, princess-ness that Steph radiated all day.
Steph has some wise words of advise for brides-to-be: "Look around at different companies and find the people that really connect with you... Enjoy every moment of the journey. No matter what, you are marrying the person you want to spend forever with."
Wonderful Wedding Vendors
Photographer Lucalia Photography
Celebrant Julie Muir
Wedding dress Stella York, Brides to Be at Somersby Guys Suits Taro Cash
Bridesmaid Dresses Review Hair and Make Up Silk Hair and Beauty Bar
Florist True Love Wedding Florist Cake Cakes-by-Sue Ladies Jewellery Lovisa (earrings) Bride's Jewellery Prouds (bracelet and necklace); family heirloom (earrings) Car hire Princess Classic Cars Reception styling/set up DIY by Bride
You may like to discover more Lucalia Photography wedding photos on my website.
Enjoying a quiet moment getting ready surrounded by her treasured memories at home
Being assisted by her lovely bridesmaids
Checking the finished look
Steph's stunning wedding dress by Stella York
Steph put a lot of time and effort in to finding details that were perfect for the love she and Andy shared. Just like this cute timber ring box
I love the contrast of the soft tulle of the veil, with the timber grain in the floor
Steph has a special bond with her mother, who didn't stop smiling the whole day
Special pieces from family and Andy completed the bridal look
Leaving the house going to the chapel!
The team at Lovedale Wedding Chapel and Reception; and Princess Classic Cars working hard to keep the bride dry
Steph chose to be walked down the aisle by her extremely proud dad. Her cathedral length veil looked stunning
One of the reasons Steph and Andy chose their wedding celebrant Julie Muir was because of her lilting Irish accent
Andy being, well, Andy during the many laughs at the wedding ceremony
Exchanging of rings was a special moment
"You may now kiss your bride"
The rustic exposed timber arched ceiling and beams of the Lovedale Wedding Chapel
So many smiles were shared with the favourite people who attended their wedding, whilst walking back up the aisle
The rain held off in between the ceremony and reception, phew!
Andy loved his gift from Steph of a watch which will be treasured for years to come. Special family was with him throughout the day
The grey clouds off-set the white chapel and classic car beautifully
"Let me help you madam"
Stealing a kiss outside
Suits you sir!
The delicate hair clip was worn by previous generations of Steph's family
The ladies in the wedding party wore gorgeous little jackets to warm the cold evening
Formal portraits need not be boring and can bring out personalities
Andy asked his four cousins to join the wedding party, he may be regretting that invitation right now!
The radiant bride
This is actually Steph's favourite portrait of the day. Completely spontaneous, no direction or prompts needed, you guys rock this photography thing!
Steph and Andy enjoy dancing lessons together, hence their cake topper
Those cousins start them early!
Heartfelt speeches were made by family members
Mother-of-the-bride listens fondly as father speaks to his daughter in front of their nearest and dearest people
Andy's favourite Hillbilly Cider featured on the wedding reception drinks list
As teachers, children are super important to Steph and Andy. They gave speeches of their own and provided plenty of entertainment!
Stealing a kiss from his beaming bride
Those children creating a "blended surname"
The detail in Steph's wedding dress was absolutely breathtaking, and most important, suited her personality perfectly
Fun times during their dinner and dancing, outside at Lovedale Wedding Chapel and Reception
The dessert bar was indeed a hit with guests
Sharing their first dance as a married couple was an important moment to capture Steph told me...
...as was her dance with her father
The dance floor was filled throughout!
Down low!
Wonderful Wedding Vendors
Photographer Lucalia Photography
Celebrant Julie Muir
Wedding dress Stella York, Brides to Be at Somersby Guys Suits Taro Cash
Bridesmaid Dresses Review Hair and Make Up Silk Hair and Beauty Bar
Florist True Love Wedding Florist Cake Cakes-by-Sue Ladies Jewellery Lovisa (earrings) Bride's Jewellery Prouds (bracelet and necklace); family heirloom (earrings) Car hire Princess Classic Cars Reception styling/set up DIY by Bride
You may like to discover more Lucalia Photography wedding photos on my website.
Lots of love, Sarah x