Margaret River Elopement

I love the accommodation that Bradley & Kirsten booked for their elopement in Margaret River. It’s just a twenty minute drive to Boranup Forest and ten minutes to town.

Getting ready shots have many benefits, you get comfortable with the camera being around. I photograph lots of pretty detail photos. It’s a nice way to start your wedding story with some natural candid pics of what it was like before you got married.

The garden at this property is absolutely epic for photos. The forest is literally just outside and there are heaps of different spots for really nice photos in the gardens.

Light plays a major part in where I choose to photograph. I am always scanning a property, a landscape or a beachscape for exciting light.

In these portraits I have used the direction of the light to naturally retouch any dark shadows, blemishes or unwanted lines.

Boranup forest is a gorgeous place for your wedding, it has a special feeling and no matter whether it is in the morning or afternoon the light is epic there.

After the ceremony we literally go for a walk, have a chat and laugh a lot. It’s so easy and relaxing that everyone loves their experience in front of the camera. It’s a major skill that I have worked on for many years. I believe when people are relaxed and enjoying themselves, they look awesome in their photos.

I love dramatic coastlines, the rocks and bumps add that sense of adventure to your wedding story. I plan your schedule so that we arrive at the beach in time for the most flattering natural light and beautiful soft colours.

Andre & Katrina's awesome experience in Margaret River

If you know someone that doesn’t like having their photo taken, you have to gift them a portrait experience with me, it will transform their mindset. The experience is everything!!

I have heard many clients claim that they are dreading photos on their wedding day, that is why I highly recommend booking a portrait experience with me months prior to your wedding. It totally changes everything. Commonly my clients become excited and look forward to their wedding photos, often contributing fantastic ideas that help me to create unforgettable memories for them.

The final product couldn’t be more different. The popular approach to professional wedding and portrait photography is to create a set of really nice photos. My approach is about memories that celebrate you. Memories that are incredibly personal and uplifting that everyday when you view them displayed on your walls, it makes you feel awesome.

If you are visiting Margaret River and you’d love to connect with your loved ones and share an awesome experience together, give me a shout and I’ll check my availability for you.

Elopement Hidden Valley Forest Retreat

Hidden Valley Forest retreat is an awesome elopement venue in Margaret River. Tucked away between Bussell Highway and Caves Road just twenty minutes drive from Margaret River town.

The Hidden Valley Forest Retreat elopement package includes a bright modern chalet with an outdoor spa and bbq to unwind and take in the beautiful forest views.

A two minute walk from your chalet and your ceremony is all set up for you on a decked ceremony island with enough space for an intimate wedding. Surrounded by water and forest this is an epic setting to exchange your vows.

It was so relaxing, everyone was totally in the moment and enjoying the experience and I was lucky enough to be there to capture all the joy.

Cake and champagne, what better way to kick off your celebrations. It was a really nice way to continue enjoying the moment with great friends and family without needing to rush for photos.

The property at Hidden Valley has beautiful natural bush areas for photos and you could very easily have all of your photos there at the venue.

I helped Sophie & Ash with the timings on their wedding day to work in with sunset, everything flowed so easily and after their little beach shoot they headed to a local restaurant in Yallingup to continue celebrating through the night.

Proposal Photos at Voyager Estate Margaret River

Rhys contacted me to help him plan his proposal to his childhood sweet heart Danni, they have been together since school so it was on the cards. It was just a matter of timing as Danni had just finished uni and has jumped headfirst into her dream job.

I received this lovely text after sharing their photos with them.

“Hey John,

You are a true artist. Your ability to capture the moment was above and beyond what we expected.

You'll be hearing from me in the future and i will be recommending you to everyone I know. Your a professional and a gentleman.

Many thanks,

Rhys and Danni”

Voyager Estate is a beautiful winery situated in the heart of Margaret River. Rhys had taken Danni out for lunch and proposed in the restaurant.

Danni loved the photography experience, so much so that Rhys joked, “I’m not sure which you are more excited about, the proposal or the photos”. They have a lot of fun together and they make an incredible couple. I found myself smiling a lot behind the camera.

I am looking forward to catching up with these guys some day soon.

Epic elopement in Boranup Forest Margaret River

Aaron & Amalia love getting out in nature, camping in their swag and taking their Ranger ute on some awesome trips throughout Australia. They have a motto that they follow which is to never waste a weekend. I love these guys.

Originally Aaron & Amalia were planning to elope overseas but they had to change their plans with Covid-19. They were then considering Exmouth but I chatted to them about the insane amount of flies and hot winds at this time of year up there and Margaret River became their preferred location.

Boranup Forest is an incredibly beautiful place with some fantastic clearings for a small or large wedding.

An Emu dropped in to check out what all the fuss was about.

Amalia’s family couldn’t travel over from Queensland so Aaron & Amalia organised a video camera on a tripod with an external microphone to capture all the atmosphere.

I love looking out for moments of emotion. A wedding is a significant highlight in our life story and I love to give my clients photos that will remind them of how amazing they felt and how special their day was together.

Aaron & Amalia love adventures together outdoors in nature, camping in their swag and finding hidden away camping spots to enjoy together.

There is some beautiful natural light to find in the forest, the really flattering light that takes away any skin blemishes or wrinkles. It’s how professional photographers photographed people before there was photoshop retouching. I use these traditional skills in camera all the time, it gives a really beautiful natural look.

I love this curvy section of Caves Road running through the forest.

Finding locations that have heaps of variety for photos in a close area really improves my clients experience. They want amazing photos but I feel that making the experience easy for them, so we have fun together and it’s relaxing is the so important. It does reflect in their photos.

Beer is one of many passions in Aaron & Amalia’s life, they love sampling and discovering new craft beers together.

After an adventure in the forest we headed to the beach for a champagne spray and watch the sunset.

Aaron & Amalia texted me after receiving their link to their personal wedding webpage.

“OMG John, the photos are absolutely AMAZING. We're on our drive home at the moment and Amalia's sitting in the passengers seat smiling from ear to ear and crying at how beautiful the photos are - thank you so much. Super keen to have a proper look on the computer when we get home later today, thanks again!”

Margaret River Elopements

Another epic elopement in Margaret River

It was awesome to meet Michael & Sammy for their Margaret River elopement. We got a massive helping of good fortune with the weather, it had been chucking it down all day but everything went to plan in our little spot on the beach.

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Experience is everything…

Wed, Sep 2, 3:46 PM (2 days ago)to me

Hi John Mike and Sammy here,

Just wanted to say thanks so much even without seeing the photos you were a fantastic you did an amazing job we were so happy to have you there and to guide us.

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Natural, fun stress free experience = epic pics!

11:12 AM (3 hours ago)to me

OMG thank you so much! The photos are amazing!!!!!

Sent from my iPhone

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BYO Wedding Venues Margaret River & Southwest of WA

BYO wedding venues in Margaret River and Southwest WA are available and there are plenty of awesome options. Some might not show up when you search for them so I thought I would help by popping a list together for you to check out.

You can find these BYO venues throughout Margaret River Region, Ferguson Valley and the Southern Forests.

BYO Wedding Venues Margaret River

Forest Rise Wedding Packages from $5500 - Beverages and Catering.

RAC Margaret River Nature Park - Wharncliffe Mill Weddings - Beverages and Catering.

Olio Bello Weddings in Margaret River cater for ten weddings per year. Offering a range of accommodation for your wedding guests from chalets to lakeside glamping on their spectacular three hundred and twenty acre olive farm. Focussing on celebrating rather than spending big.

Taunton Farm Holiday Park Newly restored school and church buildings and onsite accomodation. Beverages and Catering.

Silversprings Eco Tent & Cottages in Margaret River can accommodate one hundred and ten seated guests in their one hundred and ninety square metre eco tent. Accomodation is on site with a range of chalets to book for your wedding guests. Beverages and Catering.

BYO Wedding Venues Yallingup

Solitaire Homestead in Yallingup caters for BYO Large or small wedding and elopements. Wedding ceremonies and receptions. Beverages and Catering.

Chandeliers on Abbey in Yallingup offers a range of ceremony areas, cocktail receptions, sit down receptions and accommodation on site. Beverages and Catering.

Rivendell Winery Estate Weddings in Yallingup is a beautiful property with an abundance of fantastic areas for your wedding photos. Rivendell has accomodation onsite to cater for fifty six people. Catering.

Bina Maya Yallingup Escape BYO Intimate weddings, elopements and includes accomodation on site. Beverages and Catering.

BYO Wedding Venues Southern Forests

Fontys Pool In Manjumup BYO weddings allows you to create a wedding to suit you. Overlooking the beautiful Ponty’s Pool with rustic natural timber function venue. Includes camping and accommodation. Beverages and Catering.

Clover Cottages in Manjumup has accomodation on site and plenty of options for your reception next to the pretty lake. Beverages and Catering.

Dalmore Farm BYO weddings in Winnejup have a wide range of beautiful ceremony sites on their large rural property. Your wedding reception at the beautifully restored “The Shed”. Beverages and Catering.

The Berry Delightful on Brookhampton is just two and half hours drive from Perth. A beautiful garden style venue with all the facilities to host an amazing wedding in the country.

Donnely River Mill BYO weddings. Another stunning country wedding retreat with everything you could possibly need to design an awesome wedding to suit you. Beverages and Catering.

Linga Longa Estate Incredible lake views and surrounded by beautiful forest this is a gorgeous location near to Bridgetown. Beverages and Catering.

BYO Wedding Venues Ferguson Valley

Edith Valley Function Centre BYO weddings in Ferguson Valley. Offering cocktail or sit down style weddings and a breathtaking ceremony site overlooking the lake and surrounding forest. Beverages and Catering

Old Thomson Brook Church The cutest church ever! Could only find a Facebook page but it’s well worth researching some more about this awesome option for your boy wedding.

How to start wedding planning when recently engaged

Just Got Engaged? What to do now.

First up, Congrats!

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“Are you newly engaged? Mixed with your excitement you may feel a bit overwhelmed about what to do next. Don’ts stress, I’ll give you the first ‘just got hitched’ steps you need to know.”

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Engagements last up to eighteen months on average.

The average engagement length is between twelve to eighteen months which is tons of time, don’t worry, you’ve got this.

Wedding planning is done in an order that naturally flows one after the other. It’s not expected to be done all at once.

Eight things you need to do first.

1. Enjoy the moment of being newly engaged.

   Before you jump into expos, spreadsheets and extra hours on Insta, remember to celebrate this amazing moment together and with your mates.

   This moment is just as special as your wedding, so enjoy the exhilarating feeling of love-drunkness after your partner popped the question and you said “hell yes!”.

2. Make your announcements to family first and then all those amazing special friends.

   Hold off announcing on Instagram until you have shared this big life moment with your mum. Family comes first, so give them a call or even better pop around. Your parents are going to love this and be so excited.

   Next up start letting your besties know your news, the ones that you’d love to be in your bridal party.

   Then you can post a “we are engaged!!” social media post and await all of the awesome likes and comments.

3. Ring shopping & please insure it!

   If your fiancé gave you your engagement ring and it’s a perfect fit then wow! Amazing work mate. If not, it’s cool, just get down to the jeweller and have it resized. If it’s loose please down’t risk loosing it, better to wait till it’s perfect and you can start flashing it about.

   Insurance is a fantastic option to give you that peace of mind if something drastic did happen.

4. Engagement party planning.

   This is a great time to team up with your mates to plan your engagement party. They may already be dead certs for your bridal party or they may be in the not sure basket. At least by planning your engagement together you will soon see who is buzzing about it and wanting to help.
   

5. Choosing your wedding date.

   Don’t feel pressured to rush into choosing you wedding date. The moment that ring slides on your finger you could choose a date in a year or five years time ion that suits you.

   Everyone will ask “have you picked a date yet?” just after saying congrats! That’s just the thing you say, so don’t feel stressed by not knowing yet.

   You may want to get it all happening soon and set a one year from now date or you may prefer a couple of years to get sorted.

   One thing to consider is choosing a Friday wedding that falls on a long weekend, this is awesome if you have guests that have travelled far and wide to be at your wedding. It gives you longer to celebrate together.

6. Wedding inspiration is everywhere!

   Everyone loves shopping and who doesn't love planning a big party. You can start gathering ideas and wedding inspo on social media. Follow people you like on Instagram and create a Pinterest so you can save anything you like. This will be like creating a style scrapbook.

   Check out Wedding Fairs and Blogs to get an idea of the popular styles and themes

   The more ideas you consume the clearer your personal vision will become and by the time you need to start locking things in you will have a preferred never shortlist.

7. Choosing your wedding photographer.

   I’d advise not reading what the photographer tells you their photos are and see for yourself. Now, if you want more natural wedding photos, not staged and awkward, have a look at the facial expressions. They will tell you all you need to know.

   Who you choose will dramatically effect your experience on your wedding day. You need someone that is great at building a rapport with people so they are relaxed and comfortable around them.

   This will dramatically effect the quality of the memories created, whether they are amazing moments captured or not.

8. Start by booking your wedding venue.

   Once you have set your date and you have visited some of your preferred venues you can choose your favourite and secure your wedding date.

   Mark the date on your calendars and you start booking things in. Once you have booked your venue the next on your list is your photographer. The best ones book early and they are worth their weight in gold because they decide the memories that you will have to live with or enjoy forever.

Best Wedding Accommodation in Margaret River

Best Luxury Wedding Accommodation & AirBnB’s in Margaret River

I thought this would be a really helpful resource for you to get ideas about where to stay in Margaret River. There are plenty of fantastic options from smaller chalets to large holiday homes on AirBnB’s and Luxury Holiday Accommodation sites that cater for the South West WA.

AirBnB Margaret River

Important features to look for when booking wedding accomodation in Margaret River.

• CLOSE PROXIMITY TO YOUR WEDDING VENUE

• PARKING AND EASY ACCESS FOR WEDDING SUPPLIERS AND BRIDAL PARTY

• A PROPERTY THAT REFLECTS YOU

• CLEAN SIMPLISTIC SPACES THAT ARE NOT BUSY

• LARGE WINDOWS THAT CREATE FLATTERING NATURAL LIGHT FOR HAIR, MAKEUP AND PHOTOS (I can help and advise you with this)

• OPEN AREAS WITH LARGE TABLE FOR GETTING READY

• BEDS TO ACCOMODATE BRIDESMAIDS TO STAY OVER THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR WEDDING

• A SPACE THAT ALLOWS AN AFTER PARTY

• ROOM FOR AN AFTER PARTY

• OUTDOOR BARBECUE AREA FOR NEXT DAY CATCH UP

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MARGARET RIVER BEACH HOUSE

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GNARABUP LUXURY BEACH HOUSE

The Sea Horse is a beautiful beach front luxury holiday property in Gnarabup Margaret River. Located ten minutes drive from Margaret River town centre and a short walk to local beaches, White Elephant Cafe and world class surf breaks.

Large clean open spaces are flooded with flattering natural window light which is perfect for getting your hair and makeup done and also for photos. The outdoor deck area overlooks impressive views to the Indian Ocean.

An incredible luxury property with lap pool and deck for winding down watching the sunset the night before your wedding day.

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MARGARET RIVER HOTEL

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Basildene Manor

Located just two kilometres from Margaret River town centre, Basildene Manor has nineteen luxuriously appointed, newly refurbished rooms and suites, including the Champagne Bridal Suite which overlooks the beautiful tiered gardens and lake.

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MARGARET RIVER RESORT WEDDINGS

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Eight Willows Retreat

Situated in the heart of the Margaret River wine region Eight Willows Retreat provides brides and grooms with an all in one wedding day experience. Accomodation, ceremony, bridal photos and reception are all part of the package at Eight Willows Retreat

The retreat has a range of beautiful chalets and large houses to accomodate the largest wedding parties.

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MARGARET RIVER BEACH RESORT

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Pullman Bunker Bay Resort

Pullman Bunker Bay Resort has a large range of beautiful beach side chalets that can accommodate you and your wedding guests if you are hosting your wedding at there resort or at a nearby wedding venue.

If you are planning a wedding at Bunker Bay, Shelley Cove, Eagle Bay and Meelup, you should check out Pullman Bunker Bay Resort

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ACCOMODATION IN DUNSBOROUGH

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Regency Beach Club

A very popular accomodation option for elopements and weddings in the Dunsborough area. Plenty of chalets and apartments of all different sizes available at Regency Beach Club.

Lovely modern clean and bright spaces for getting ready for your wedding. The lovely large windows gives you beautiful flattering natural light for your getting ready photos. Check out these getting ready photos I took at Regency Beach Club.

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INJIDUP SPA RETREAT

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Injidup Spa Retreat offers one, two, three and four bedroom luxury villas with plunge pools, spectacular ocean views and close proximity to popular wedding venues.

I have photographed brides getting ready for large weddings and also couples seeking a quiet beach wedding or elopement.

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AMAZING PRIVATE PROPERTIES IN MARGARET RIVER, YALLINGUP AND DUNSBOROUGH.

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EXCLUSIVE ESCAPES HOLIDAY PROPERTIES FOR WEDDINGS

Exclusive Escapes is a wonderful resource to discover a beautiful private property to book for your wedding in Margaret River, Yallingup, Dunsborough, Eagle Bay, Bunker Bay and throughout South West WA.

PRIVATE PROPERTIES HOLIDAY HOMES

Contemporary luxury holiday homes in Margaret River, Gracetown, Yallingup, Dunsborough, Eagle Bay and Bunker Bay Private Properties has something to suit a wide variety off awesome properties to check out.

AirBnB

Hundreds of fantastic options. Start your search here.

MARGARET RIVER BRIDE AND GROOM

The best Margaret River wedding blog has an accommodation page specifically created for weddings.

MRBG

Best Wedding Venues in Margaret River

Best Wedding Venues in Margaret River.

Eloping or getting married in beautiful Margaret River?
This is a list of my favourite wedding ceremony and reception venues in Margaret River

CREDARO WINES WEDDINGS.

Sensational views overlooking Wildwood Valley. a Tuscan Style Cellar door this is an epic venue for medium to large weddings. Read more about Credaro Wines.

PULLMAN BUNKER BAY RESORT

Stunning beach wedding in South West WA. Read more about Pullman Bunker Bay Resort Weddings.

BASILDENE MANOR ELOPEMENTS

Epic hidden gem perfect for elopements or small intimate weddings. Situated in the hear of Margaret River, only two km’s from the town centre. Basildene Manor has everything to make your elopement, small wedding or medium sized wedding fun and stress free. Accomodation, Restaurant and large beautiful gardens offers you the opportunity to enjoy your special day on the property without the hassles of driving.

MARGARET RIVERS SECRET GARDEN

Exquisite garden weddings. Margaret River’s Secret Garden in one of South West WA most prestigious wedding venues.

Designed by leading landscape architect Paul Bangay, Margaret River’s Secret Garden is ca perfect combination of elegance and natural South West bushland.

BLACK BREWING CO WEDDINGS

Large luxury wedding venue with contemporary restaurant, traditional stonework and beautiful gardens overlooking a lake. Read more about this fantastic wedding venue.

EIGHT WILLOWS RETREAT WEDDINGS

Beautiful retreat with chalet accomodation, ceremony and reception available to make your wedding day an unforgettable experience. Read more about weddings at Eight Willows Retreat.

Margaret River Wedding Fairs + Blogs

Couples ask me where to find wedding inspiration in Margaret River. There is a lot of content out there and having to work through it can be confusing and exhausting. The really large wedding fairs are worth giving a miss in my opinion.

This blog should help you to get some wedding inspiration from awesome wedding fairs through to helpful content online and in print. Whichever way you love to consume content there is something for you.

“Trendy is the last stage before tacky.” – Karl Lagerfeld.

It’s advisable to style your wedding based on your tastes, personalities and what suits you. Try not to worry about what everyone is doing now because by the time your wedding comes around it may already be done.

I have created a wedding planning blog to help you with useful tips and awesome wedding content.

Margaret River Wedding inspiration.

Wedding Expos and Fairs in Margaret River

FESTIVAL of LOVE MARGARET RIVER

Margaret River wedding websites and in magazines.

MARGARET RIVER BRIDE AND GROOM

Awesome wedding websites and magazines.

HELLO MAY

NOUBA

RUFFLED

THE LANE

JUNEBUG WEDDINGS

Credaro Wines weddings in Margaret River

The Margaret River wine region has some fantastic wedding venues to choose from and Credaro Wines has to be on your list of venues to visit.

A popular choice for engaged couples seeking a luxury style wedding reception in Margaret River.

Credaro Wines is a highly sought after wedding venue that can host large luxury weddings and smaller intimate groups. Wedding ceremonies are down on a large terraced grassed area bordered by forest with beautiful views overlooking the vineyard and Wildwood Valley beyond.

Credaro Wines weddings are conveniently located close to Dunsborough.

Conveniently situated only ten minutes drive from Dunsborough along Caves Road, see driving directions here

This will give you the peace of mind that your guests can travel to and from Credaro safely.

Relaxed wedding day experience for you and your guests.

Credaro Family Estate can host your ceremony, bridal party photos and your reception. This benefits the experience of you and your guests because everything is close by and you can really settle into enjoying every single moment of your wedding day.

There is plenty of parking at the front and you walk a couple of hundred metres to get to your ceremony lawned area with gorgeous vineyard views. Once your bridal photos are completed your guests area awaiting your arrival on the terraced area next to the Tuscan styled cellar door. To keep things easy your large clear marquee is next to the cellar door to host your reception party.

All about Credaro Wines Wedding Ceremonies.

You approach the wedding ceremony site from the cellar door and down beautiful limestone stairs to a large lawned area suitable for large or smaller weddings. Bordered by beautiful natural South West forest and overlooking the vineyard and Wildwood valley.

Four fantastic wedding photo locations at Credaro Wines.

Keeping within the theme of convenient, easy and amazing, Credaro has four beautiful locations for wedding photos and they are all different. The late afternoon light filters through the forest to the west of the cellar door and a short stroll in the forest will provide plenty of fantastic natural bush photo options.

Next up is the cellar door itself which has a Mediterranean, Tuscan style with white washed walls and terracotta roof tiles. The front garden is stunning and private which makes a lovely romantic area for photos of the bride and groom together.

The rows of grape vines and views over Wildwood Valley are amazing in the last hour of light as your guests have pre dinner drinks. You and your bridal party can easily walk between the rows for photos or head up to the lawned area for some with the valley as your backdrop.

The terraced area is a great spot to head back to your wedding guests and get some nice natural photos of your relaxing with your guests. My clients love natural in the moment photos and it’s something that I also really value and love to photograph.

Wedding receptions in the Marquee at Credaro Family Estate.

Credaro Wines provides you with a large marquee that can host large wedding parties. It has easy access for suppliers to add your finishing touches.

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Read more about Weddings at Credaro Wines here. 

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Read about Steve & Emily’s Wedding at Credaro Wines.

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Black Brewing Co Wedding - Jedd & Kelsie

Black Brewing Co is one of my favourite wedding venues in Margaret River. This blog will outline why Black Brewing Co is such a popular choice for engaged couples planning their wedding.

Suppliers:

Getting ready - Regency Beach Club

Location Black Brewing Co
Furniture – Yallingup Event Hire
Celebrant – Celebrant Dunsborough
Flowers – Zest Flowers
Dress – Oxford Bridal
Suits – Institchu
Cake - Cheese Louise  
Hair – Diana Cheetham
Makeup - Diana Cheetham

Black Brewing Co is situated on the scenic Caves Road just sixteen minutes by car from Dunsborough and twenty five minutes from Margaret River town centre.

This makes it very convenient for your wedding guests to book accomodation locally.

Black Brewing Co has beautiful architectural features and landscaped gardens that make my life as a wedding photographer that much easier.

Built with locally sourced granite stonework Black Brewing Co has a unique contemporary architectural style that complements the surrounding landscape.

You approach the cellar door along thick jarrah decked walkways that border large native garden beds and beautifully simplistic ponds. The mirrored reflection of the waters surface further continues the beautiful pattern of the buildings stonework. A feature that I really love about the place.

A large feature wall with fifteen oak wine barrels gives a very unique Margaret River styled wedding backdrop that is used a lot for wedding photos.

This venue has an abundance of spectacular scenes to photograph the bride and groom and their wedding party. The best part is that they are all super close to each other which cuts out walking too far in high heels.

Jedd gets ready at The Regency Beach Club in Dunsborough.

Using the natural window light and art pieces on the walls to highlight Jedd’s amazing blue eyes!

Primarily the boys getting ready shots are about capturing the various stages of transforming from regular guy to Bondesque dude haha. There can be some funny moments as people get their heads around winchesters and fixing button holes. I often lend a hand on that front.

Jedd looking super cool and relaxed with a beer. The simple tree background allows Jedd to be the main feature without the distractions of the other properties in the background.

The girls have it sussed as they pop a bottle of bubbly before getting dressed. A nice reward for all the hours of work already gone into their hair and make up preparations. Kelsie booked her accomodation at Regency Beach Club as well so it was super convenient for wedding suppliers and friends and family on the day.

“The decisive moment” captured right there, Henri Cartier-Bresson would have been proud of this one.

A component of documentary photography is to use sequences of photographs to tell stories. This is a beautiful moment shared between Kelsie, sister and close friends who are her bridesmaids on her wedding day. By taking more than one photo, you get a sense of the fun and relaxed time they had together.

Photographing the details is a big part of photographing at the brides house. It’s important to capture all the memory triggers like the stunning wedding dress from Oxford Bridal which Kelsie purchased in Perth.

The main bedroom at Regency Beach Club has some beautiful natural light which I love to work with.

Getting closer to Kelsies beautiful wedding dress concentrates on all the wonderful fine details created by the talented Oxford Bridal.

Allowing the moment to happen naturally gives people a chance to be themselves and have fun together. I picked this spot at the house because it has really nice flattering light and a clean simple background with no distractions. I just asked the girls to have a chat, they have so many fun and natural photos from this moment to look back on.

Photographing a variety of natural and directed photographs means everyone is happy and nothing is ever missed. Notice how relaxed and happy everyone looks.

Beautiful bouquet from Zest Flowers in Dunsborough. I love their fantastic creations.

Documentary wedding photography is about photographing hundreds of tiny moments like these. Later on when you see them all together, it’s what you have to transport you back to what it was like. Or, perhaps show you some things you did not get to see.

A little direction again here to pop Kelsie into some nice natural flattering light. After a quick tidy up, closing a few doors etc the girls could get ready without direction as I moved about getting some different angles.

I really love this photo of Kelsie and her bridesmaids enjoying fanning out her veil. I always keep an eye out for little moments like this.

I spotted this couch with the mid grey wall behind and had it earmarked for a portait of Kelsie once she was dressed. The dark grey wall and beautiful window light makes Kelsie’s skin tones pop. I always use natural lighting, it gives a natural retouched look. Shadows, wrinkles etc are removed naturally with light and exposures I use.

Regency Beach Club in Dunsborough is a great pick for a wedding, the lighting and decor of the properties is so easy to work with when photographing the bride and groom getting ready before their big day.

Everyone is excited as we arrive at Black Brewing Co

Black Brewing Co has acres of stunning vineyards that make beautiful backdrops for wedding photography.

A fantastic example of a beautiful Margaret River wedding backdrop. The mid greens of the grape vines makes your skin tones look beautiful.

Ceremonies on the large deck at Black Brewing Co. I love the background views overlooking the lake and surrounding trees.

Sneaky photo of Jedd awaiting his bride to walk down the aisle at Black Brewing Co. The gardens look stunning.

I had a message from Kelsie’s mum leading up the wedding to try and capture the surprised look on Kelsie’s face when she notices her beloved fur baby at the altar alongside Jedd.

Using sequences of photos rather than just taking one allows the narrative to unfold. I love Kelsie’s various expressions but I also love her fathers reactions. Fantastic memories to have I reckon.

Black Brewing Co has a wonderful decked area for their wedding ceremonies which is overlooking a spectacular tree lined lake. The backdrop for photography during the ceremony includes the brewery where they host their wedding receptions.

Jedd and Kelsie ceremony at Black Brewing Co next to their beautiful arbour from Yallingup Event Hire and stunning flower arrangement from Zest Flowers

I love emotional wedding photos like this and I am amped to photograph as much emotion at every wedding ceremony. Just look at the mans expression in the second row, a reaction to a joke during the ceremony. It’s really nice for families to have photographs to remember like this, everyone being themselves and so happy.

Natural wedding photo of guests laughing during the ceremony at Black Brewing Co.

The tree line surrounding the lake at Black Brewing Co frames the property nicely. You feel like you are in the middle of no where.

Exchanging of the wedding vowels can be funny one minute, nerve racking the next and of course there are the tear jerking moments too.

Natural wedding photographs like this are a big part off my photography style. Having memories of the emotions of the day will be incredibly valuable to my clients in years to come.

By photographing the emotions for my clients they can look back through their day and get a feeling of what it was like to be their. Your day will go so quickly. There are so many people to catch up with and spend time with it can get full on for you. My job is to photograph hundreds of memories for you, as many different aspects, moments and details as I possibly can. This will give you a visual story to refer back to.

Wedding guest spontaneously laughs during the wedding ceremony at Black Brewing Co.

I love this portrait of Jedd and Kelsie just after their first kiss at Black Brewing Co. The excitement on their faces is beautiful to see. All that planning, conquering those nerves of being the centre of attention. Well done guys!

Walking back down the aisle and heaps of happy expressions, all off the cuff, wonderful spontaneous photographs that show all of the emotion of the day.

Jedd was literally getting pelters here as guests took aim with petals, pretty funny tradition I reckon. Love it!

I am hyper with my camera at this stage of a wedding, the wedding guests are always experiencing a spike in emotions right now and it’s my mission to photograph as many exchanges and interactions as possible. The bride and groom will just not get to see everything so it’s my job to get it all for them.

Brides sister banters best man as groom watches on. Theses are the type of exchanges which add to the directed photographs to complete the story of their day. Personality, character make awesome memories. I am naturally drawn towards characters in life and I have a knack of seeing theses moments before they happen.

Aww so cute!! Reunited. This was a fantastic idea to surprise Kelsie with her gorgeous boy!

These photographs were taken whilst photographing the family groups. I literally have eyes in the back of my head haha.

Love this photograph.

Dad playing with his son alongside me as I photograph the family groups. I took six awesome shots of this fun time as Dad thew his boy in the air.

Something new I am photographing more and more is the part between family groups. Whilst Jedd on the left is interacting with family, Kelsie is distracted with the cute baby boy while his Mum fixes up his shoes.

The gardens at Black Brewing Co are stunning. Lots of pretty scenes and all very close to one another which basically means you get to enjoy your experience of having photos taken without having to walk long distances and take so much time away from all of your wonderful guests.

This row of trees frame portraits really well and the lovely green background allows skin tones to stand out. The lighting is perfect, very natural and flattering.

How good is this! So happy so excited! Beautiful.

I am a sucker for a tree tunnel, natural framing, lovely light. This one is traditional and I also do some more natural ones in a nice spot like this to give my clients variety. Whilst the older generations might like the traditional portrait the bride and groom might want a more natural image.

This photo was taken with minimal direction. I wanted to wait and see what happened to not kill the moment. This is my reward.

Then I could add a “have a look this way” and because they are having a fantastic time their expressions are just that. People look beautiful when they are happy and relaxed.

I love these mixed level group shots.

A short walk from the ceremony area we are at the front of Black Brewing Co and there is a different feel to the photographs, more about architecture, the beautiful ponds, straight lines and sculptures. It is very funky and every way you turn there is a fantastic backdrop for a wedding photo.

This is my favourite out of a bunch of shots taken of the bridal party and the barrels. It looks fun!

Between the ponds at Black Brewing Co are decked boardwalks. I directed the bride and groom into a position to get a mirrored reflection of them in the water. The light off white colours of the stone walls reflects into the water, giving a lovely soft warm look.

Handy when one of your mates owns a Ferrari.

My clients choose me because they love how I photograph people being themselves. You might call me sneaky and I take that as a compliment haha.

The pre dinner drinks shots are wonderful at getting a sense of how much fun it was at your wedding. Some of my clients prefer more time allocated to these photos than bridal party ones. I help my clients get a realistic idea of how many bridal party photos I can supply in a certain time frame and we work from there. Planning is essential so we are all on the same page. It also means that on your wedding day you know I am the timekeeper keeping everything flowing as per your wishes and it allows you to be far more relaxed and present on your wedding day.

I was literally blown away when I walked into the wedding reception space at Black Brewing Co. The views overlooking the property are stunning. I love the lighting hanging from the ceiling, the wood panelling on the roof, those beautiful long dining tables and chairs supplied by Yallingup Event Hire and gorgeous flower displays from the talented crew at Zest Flowers

All the thought, time and talent that goes into creating this is why I photograph the hell out of the reception styling. Lots of different angles, close up and extreme wides all come together to help you remember when your dreams all slotted into place.

I love photographing speeches, I love the “banter” element that can cut close to the mark but they are delivered with that twinkle in the eye and love that makes it ok. The reactions I photograph are just priceless. Scroll through and you can sense the fun and joy it was to experience this special moment, I am really very privileged to share this special moment with families and loved ones.

Jedd and Kelsie go all in on the cutting of the cake. This was no ordinary cake though, this was a Cheese Louise stunning creation by Natalie, I photographed her wedding back in 2013 in Margaret River.

The incredibly talented Emily Joy Music can get any wedding pumping and soon as the first dance was over, wedding guests piled onto the dance floor to have a bit of fun.

Dancing with a near full pint takes skill, especially in a light coloured suit.

Letting rip with vocals while dancing at wedding at Black Brewing Co.