SAMANTHA & RICHARD | STONEHURST CEDAR CREEK WEDDING

 

Samantha & Richard's Wedding - Stonehurst Cedar Creek - Hunter Valley

 
 

I will forever be in awe of Sam & Rich's wedding day. They two of the kindest, down to earth and funniest people I've ever met!
Their day was beautiful beyond words, straight from a Pinterest board. But more importantly they have a beautiful relationship. Sam & Rich have experienced so much together already.  Rich is from Bristol in the UK and Sam from here in Australia. They met on Instagram, started dating in London where Sam was working at the time, and have travelled to almost 30 different countries together since. It's easy to see when they are together that they are soul mates, share a deep connection and respect for each other and love for nature, travel and adventure.

They DIY-ed so much of their beautiful day.. and organised most of it from another state!  Rich made the gorgeous tree stump ring holder, turned an old bathtub into the coolest esky ever,  the welcome sign was all their handy work and Sam's epic writing skills. Those bouquets? Put together by Sam herself.

Stonehurst Cedar Creek boasts a 550 acre property, vineyards, deer, horses, open paddocks, stone cottages and winding dirt roads set against a backdrop of  mountains. It was easy to see why Sam & Rich fell in love with it!

We started the day at the cottages at Stonehurst. Dark clouds were rolling overhead. The air felt thick with a mix of excitement, purpose and anticipation....
 

 
 
 


As Sam made her walk from the cottages  the rain started, making everything that bit more magical. Surrounded by Rich's family (who had flown from the UK to Australia for the first time!) Sam's family and their closest friends, they said their vows in a beautiful intimate ceremony in the Poplar Grove at Stonehurst. As they signed their marriage certificate, a huge rumble of thunder rolled overhead - perfect timing.
 

 
 
 
 

"A marriage makes two fractional lives a whole. It gives to two questioning natures a renewed reason for living. It brings a new gladness to the sunshine, a new fragrance to the flowers, a new beauty to the earth, and a new mystery to life"
- Carl Sagan

 
 
 
 


Let me set the scene.. 


Tall trees, a long timber table decorated with willow branches foraged from Stonehurst's creek bank, and the best damn pizza I've ever eaten! Seriously.. Pizza as a wedding meal! As if this day wasn't perfect already! 

Sam & Rich's guests wined and dined their way through the most delicious all you can eat woodfired pizza (and dessert pizza!), then danced the night away under  a thousand twinkling fairly lights.

P.S Brides proud of their muddy gowns at the end of the best day ever are my favourite!
 

 
 
 
 


The beautiful people who contributed:
 

Venue - Stonehurst Cedar Creek

Styling - Crab Apple Vintage

Sam's Head Piece - Crystal Eclipse Crowns

Hair &  Make-up -  Glow Hair & Makeup

Celebrant - Spark Ceremonies

Pizza -  The Pizza Guys

Florals, Signage, Ring Holder, Setup - Sam & Rich!

Sam & Rich - I will be forever grateful that we crossed paths and  you invited me into your world! Thank you for trusting me to tell your story

Mel x

 
 
Check out Sam & Rich's Engagement Session

LAURA & JAY | GLEN INNES WEDDING

 

LAURA & JAY'S WEDDING - KENT FARM - GLEN INNES

 

Jay & Laura's story is so very special and one that I will never forget.

The week of Laura and Jay's wedding was very eventful to say the least. Laura had mentioned since we had started talking about her plans that she really wanted photos with her beloved horse, Secret. 
Secret had almost passed away while giving birth the week before the wedding and things were not looking good, but Secret miraculously managed to make a full recovery before the day (she is the beautiful horse in the photos below!)

Then the unthinkable happened... Laura's Dad (Howard) suffered a heart attack the week of her wedding and was transported from Glen Innes to John Hunter Hospital. Her family received the news that Howard was too unwell to travel back to Glen Innes for the wedding, which was absolutely heart breaking for Howard and for Laura and her family.  
Laura was devastated. She had told me how her Dad had organised over 10 minutes of fireworks to go off after their first dance, and he was so excited to see them.
I knew how important it was for me capture such an important moment so Laura would have the photos to show her Dad.
This whole experience changed me. It was so important for me to document the day, not only for their memories, but for Laura to show Howard.

Jay & Laura's wedding was held in their hometown of Glen Innes. Jay and Laura had told me so much about their hometown during their engagement session in the Hunter Valley and once I arrived there, it all made sense. I just couldn't believe how relaxed and friendly everyone was (and also how cold it was haha! More jumpers next time!). 

A quick trip down to the local Woolworths and it was easy to see that everyone really did know everyone! No one had their phones out, everyone said "G'day", everyone was present, people were talking to each other. It sounds silly but it was so refreshing.

Jay & Laura had spent most of the week by Howard's side in hospital, but while they were gone, their friends and family had  been busy setting up the marquee, decorations, tables, lights, organising food and drinks ready for their wedding. Laura's Aunty had foraged flowers from Yamba for the bouquets (which were put together by her best friend and sister!)  
I was just so overwhelmed by the small town's community spirit. As much as my heart broke for Laura, this little country town really warmed my heart. Everyone did what they could to help out to make the day come together.

I met up with Laura and Jay the night before their wedding so they could show me around their venue and family property so we could find some locations. I was in photographer heaven - paddocks, horses, long dirt roads, and clear open country skies, what a dream!
Laura told me she had spent her entire childhood playing, exploring, herding sheep and cattle, riding horses (the list goes on) all around her parents property and the neighbouring paddocks. I kept thinking how special is this, that we are back here, and tomorrow they are starting the next chapter of their lives in a place that means so much to them.

I was blown away by how much Laura and Jay just adore, support and respect each other. Their story starts way back when they were just 11 years old, going fishing together, kicking a football outside the basketball stadium and playing 'miniball'.  
At just 15 years old they started dating, and have been inseparable ever since!  They are each others first love and true love. It's easy to see that the way they look at each other after all their years together that they are soul mates. They have done so much and achieved so much together, include moving from their hometown to the city to chase Jay's professional football career.  But it's very clear their hearts belong  in Glen Innes, surrounded by dear family and friends, where they plan to own their own property and build a house to raise a family of their own.

The day was all about the things that really matter on a wedding day - their love for each other and those around them. It was one that tugged on my heart strings and yet, it was so breathtakingly beautiful in so many ways.
We were blessed with the most amazing afternoon light out on location (which is pretty much my favourite thing ever!).
And Jay and Laura sitting in a row boat in the middle of a dam on her parents property, while the sun set behind them (with and audience of cows that watched on right beside me)  was a moment I will never forget! 
I left Glen Innes with a very full heart, new friends and a greater appreciation for community spirit and the simple country life.  

Jay and Laura, I will be forever grateful you invited me into your world 

Mel x

 
 

Some kind words from Laura & Jay

 

"I do not even know where to begin with this amazing woman!! I can try, however words cannot describe how amazing she is.
We are just so stoked with the service and our photos it has been an unreal experience! The best we have ever had or dreamed of. Not only are the photos the most amazing photos you will ever see.. She is just such an amazing person to deal with she is so open to absolutely any ideas you may have even if they are crazy like mine were. Worth every cent of the money!

She is so relaxed and natural, you do not know she is there which brings out the best photos. Our community is still talking about her as well as all of our family. Everyone just cannot believe how amazing our photos are. The best investment we have ever made!! Not only that we have made a friend for life it has been months after our wedding and we still talk to Mel like we are best mates. She is not in it for the money she genuinely cares so much and wants it to be perfect for you.

She has the kindest heart. My father had a heart attack the week before our wedding.. Which was the hardest thing any little girl can ever go through is not having her dad there to walk her down the aisle. However, Mel found a way to add so much happiness back into my special day she was perfect always checking up to see if I was ok and comfortable. It was like she was one of my bridesmaids.
My dad was still in John Hunter hospital after the wedding and Mel drove in to the hospital and gave him a photo of us looking at the fireworks which my dad had organised for my wedding night. It was just so amazing what she did and we cannot get over it. Not only does she have such an amazing heart the photos are just incredible! Literally the best we have ever seen. I was so nervous about my photography I wanted the best of the best and that is what I got!!! So so happy with them!!!! They are just truly amazing! I have received so many messages even from magazines asking can they feature my photos! They are just so amazing! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY X 10000 RECOMMEND!!!! You will not be disappointed!! I am still kicking myself with how lucky we got having Mel as our photographer. I would recommend her to anybody!!!"

 
 

Laura & Jay's Fine Art Album

 

ELLIE & MICHAEL | PORT MACQUARIE WEDDING

 

ELLIE & MICHAEL WEDDING - YARRAS - PORT MACQUARIE
 

 

There's just something really honest and organic about country weddings.  I love the little stories behind each piece of decor and every bunch of flowers.  Most of the guests have usually travelled from far and wide to be there, and some have usually had a big hand in the months of preparing and setting up for the day. Everyone is always so relaxed and friendly.  There's no stuffy seating plans, no chicken or steak alternate dinners, no 5 tired cakes covered in diamantes, no hummers, there's ample room for prams and toddlers, and everyone is just relaxed, and having a damn good time outside under the stars. I bloody love it, that is my thing. Big parties out in the middle of nowhere, you just can't beat it. Throw in killer country light and I'm in heaven...

Ellie and Michael's wedding day was just that.  

We started the day with Ellie, getting ready at her Nana's house. In  honour of her Nana, Ellie had made the decision to wear her wedding dress for the ceremony (which she wore in 1945!) Her Nan's best friend Kaye (who also wore her wedding dress) was there, putting the girls bouquets together.

The celebrations took place on Ellie's family's property at Yarras. The property has seen 8 generations grow up, with Ellie spending many Christmases there playing with her cousins under the jacarandas and along the same river bank which they held their ceremony. While talking to Ellie about her plans she mentioned the Jacarandas and how she had planned a November date to ensure they were in bloom. Ellie shares my love for golden hour lighting (yes!!) and we managed to combine the Jacarandas and the perfect afternoon light for possibly my favourite photo of all time..!

So much of Ellie and Michael's wedding day was made possible by the help of their family and friends. Months of clearing the property, setting up marquees, all of the food preparation and homemade cakes. Even the car was donated by a very special new friend - Ellie had spotted this blue vintage pickup truck driving around town and fell in love with it. After putting the feelers out there and asking around town, she was able to get in contact with the owner Ron a.k.a 'Rocket' about the possibility of using it on her wedding day. Coming from a small town, Rocket was all too happy to lend a hand, driving Ellie and her maids to the ceremony. You could tell he was swelling with pride as he had a huge smile on his face the whole time. Ellie called in to see Rocket after the wedding to thank him, and she found out that his wife had helped deliver her mother & Aunty, and was one of the first to hold them the day they were born. Just amazing!

Michael's Aunty officiated their ceremony, Ellie's dad made the swing  and even the succulents on their cake were from their own backyard.

Every little detail had a story

Michael & Ellie are two of the kindest people I have ever met.  I met them both for the very first time on their wedding day, although it felt like we had know each other for a lot longer. They are both so honest, giving and humble. I really love that my 'job' means I get to meet so many amazing people and be invited into their lives. Thank you so much for allowing me to tell your story, it was so so special.

 

Celebrant: Anne Fitzgerald (Michael's Aunty!)

Hair & Makeup: All Made Up

 
 

JEMMA & KELLY | PORT STEPHENS WEDDING

 

JEMMA & KELLY'S WEDDING - WONGANELLA ESTATE - PORT STEPHENS

 

 

Jemma & Kelly's wedding day was all kinds of awesome. They both really know how to throw a super chill, super stylish party!

I first spoke to Jem over the phone when she was on the hunt for a wedding photographer. She gushed to me about how amazing the venue was that her and Kelly had booked. How it had such a relaxed vibe,  natural surroundings and it matched their vision for their day perfectly. Wonganella did not disappoint. Nestled in the Port Stephens bushland, a hidden 'jem' of a venue. A huge homestead, ample ceremony locations and a brand new decked outdoor reception area overlooking the breathtaking view of Bob's Farm.

Jem & Kelly's wedding day was them all over. Relaxed, creative, quirky, and trendy.
Kelly is an architect, and Jemma is a graphic designer, so I knew their day would be overflowing with details and homemade pieces. I spent the whole day in awe of how much Jemma & Kelly and their families had done themselves. Kelly and his groomsmen made the ceremony benches, Jemma's stepdad made their timber arbour, Kelly's sister created the 3 tiered cake, Jemma put together the bouquets, and the bridesmaids made their own hair pieces.

Jemma is the brainchild behind Elska Creative ( check them out!!) and designed and created so many of the little details - the laser cut plywood invitations, the hanger engravings, the recycled timber wedding schedule and the table decor pieces, just to name a few! I absolutely love that each and every part of their day was personal and has a unique story behind it.

Jemma and Kelly really hold a special place in my heart. After their engagement session (you can see it here) I knew we just clicked. We didn't stop talking and laughing and I wanted to know more about them. I am now lucky enough to call them my friends!

Relaxed (I know I've used that word a few times, but it really was) and fun vibe, super friendly guests that really made me feel so welcome, everyone having a damn good time, food to die for, listening to the epic voice of  Tim Rossington outside on a warm summer afternoon under a killer pink sunset. The kind of wedding I'd love to shoot every weekend.

Some of the brilliant folk that brought this day to life!

Venue: Wonganella Estate

Catering: Amanda Douglas Catering

Music: Tim Rossington

Celebrant: Beautiful Memories Marriage Celebrant

Decor and Invitations: Elska Creative

Hair & Makeup: Makeup By Bonnie Lee

Wedding Dress: Blanche Bridal

 
 

Jemma & Kelly were kind enough to leave these words for me!

 

"HOLY BALONEY! Mel is one of a kind!

Her photos are amazing... as anyone could see looking through her photos... but it is who she is as a person which is the real decider!
Mel, my husband and I have hit it off from day one. She is personable, relaxed, funny, energetic, thorough, attentive, silly, happy, curious, smart and full of great ideas!
She makes you feel so comfortable, makes you laugh and brings out the true personalities and relationships with a click of a button!
She was and still is the talk of the town from our wedding. She has captured the true essence of every being at our wedding... and I haven't even seen all the photos yet!!
Not only is she a big fan of photography... she would give you a whirl on her love for Harry Potter as well.

I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY X SQUARED X A MILLION CHOOSE MEL FOR YOU PRECIOUS DAY.... YOU DON'T GET MANY SPECIAL HUMANS LIKE HER!" 

 
Check out jemma & kelly's engagement session here

SAM & RICH | HUNTER VALLEY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

 

SAM & RICH'S ENGAGEMENT SESSION - WATAGANS PINE FOREST - HUNTER VALLEY

 

 

You know that feeling when you find your soul mate and you just.. click? There's a spark.
You can't stop talking, you want to know all about them and how their life has brought them to this moment? Well I kinda feel like Sam & Rich are my client soul mates... if that is even a thing?

I truly felt as though I was hanging out with old friends. We didn't stop talking, the whole trip up to the Watagans and back. Munching on Starburst, laughing about the heat, the bumpy road, how crazy big wombats are, and Rich's fascination with Australian birds and stories of their travels. They both share a love for nature and it seemed pretty perfect to make the trip together to the Watagans for their session. 

Sam & Rich have a pretty interesting story.. A real modern day love story...they met on Instagram.
Sam is originally from Newcastle and Rich is from the U.K. Rich took a huge leap of faith and met up with Sam in London where she was working at the time, and they've been inseparable - travelling to almost 30 different countries together since, and now relocating back to Australia to get married. Rich described it perfectly during their session when I asked what it was about Sam that made him know she was the one.. He said he had found the female version of himself. That she is his best friend. 

It was the kind of afternoon you wish you could have every weekend - you know you've got the best clients ever when you finish the session with a Maccas run!
I am pretty damn pumped for their wedding next year!

 
 

JEMMA & KELLY | HUNTER VALLEY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

 

JEMMA & KELLY'S ENGAGEMENT SESSION - MORPETH - HUNTER VALLEY

 

 

A few weeks ago, I met with Jemma and Kelly at Morpeth for their engagement session!
We started the afternoon at the Commercial Hotel, where we chatted about their wedding plans for later this year.
Jemma is a Graphic Designer, and Kelly an architect - so this wedding is seriously going to be a match made in design heaven!
It was so lovely listening to Jemma & Kelly talk about how so many special touches for the day are being handmade by their families.  That's what it's all about!

 
 

While walking down the main street of Morpeth, we stopped into Campbell's Store, only to discover an exhibition dedicated to Harry Potter. Jemma called out to me, to come and have a look.
We were both speechless. . . . . It only seemed appropriate that we all get sorted by the Sorting Hat. 

In the lead up to Kelly being sorted, he was convincing us that he would definitely be a Gryffindor, because he has red hair. . . the Sorting Hat had other ideas.

...This was the reaction when he was sorted in Slytherin!

 
 

After that was settled, we continued on our way down the main street and onto the lucerne paddocks for some frolicking in the afternoon light!

 
 

I had the best time with Jemma and Kelly and I am so excited for their wedding later this year. It will be an absolute blast!

Mel x

 

Jemma & Kelly's kind words:


"We just wanted to thank you so much for the day. Kelly and I had so much fun and it has definitely been a highlight of our relationship. It was so nice to capture what we have by someone we really feel comfortable with. You were awesome! I can't wait for our day knowing you will be there to capture it all for us, I have so much love for what you do and so excited to see all the photos!"