How to get to Eight Willows Retreat
Eight Willows Retreat is situated just north of Margaret River town on Metricup Road. The seventy five acre picturesque property is in the heart of the Margaret River wine region.
Eight Willows Retreat’s main features.
Using contemporary architectural design, traditional stonework and large glass windows overlooking their impressive lake views, this stylish function centre was built in 2014. It’s natural surrounds and romantic atmosphere, creates the perfect foundation for you to create your dream wedding.
Wedding reception facilities at Eight Willows Retreat
This large spacious modern venue can accommodate large wedding parties, seating up to one hundred and sixty guests. It’s large commercial kitchen, bar and friendly staff ensure that you and your wedding guests will have the night of their lives.
Convenience improves your wedding day experience
Accommodation chalets, wedding ceremony, bridal party photos and reception are all on the property and within close proximity. There is a real advantage to your wedding day experience when you book a venue like this.
This is one of my favourite venues for wedding photography. You can check in on the week of your wedding day and unwind at the retreat. When your wedding day arrives you will be relaxed and prepared for the time of your life.
Your support crew, friends and family can also book into the retreat which allows everyone to settle in and build up to the big day. You also will not have any concerns about people driving home after your wedding night.
Choose from three ceremony sites at Eight Willows
Eight Willows Retreat has three ceremony sites to choose from. The Bush Chapel, lake side or parkland area. All of which are uniquely beautiful, I’d probably say that the Bush Chapel would be my favourite to photograph wedding ceremonies.
Bush Chapel Wedding Ceremonies
Incredibly convenient for all guests and amazing natural scenery The Bush Chapel at Eight Willows Retreat in Margaret River is one of my favourite ceremony locations.
The Bush Chapel at Eight Willows Retreat is one of Margaret Rivers prettiest local native bushland outdoor areas for wedding ceremonies.
Hidden away along a short path you come across a clearer area with a bush pole arbour set up ready for your florist to weave their magic.
The ceremony times coincide with the light dipping beneath the surrounding tree line so you have gorgeous backlit foliage with beautiful soft sparkling greens in the background of your photographs.
This is the type of light that I look for in my work, so having it as standard for every ceremony is a real plus.
Lakeside Wedding Ceremonies
A beautiful pretty white gazebo nestles into a soft flowing weeping willow tree at the side of the lake. Picturesque views takes your eye across the lake to the forest tree line.
This is an incredibly picturesque location for your wedding ceremony, especially if you love the idea of having water in your wedding ceremony photos.
Sealed pathways offer an easy and convenient access for your guests. A large lawned area that has enough space to accommodate large numbers and still have room to move.
Parkland Wedding Ceremonies
Surrounded by natural bush and landscaped gardens, this is a beautiful natural environment for your ceremony. In every direction there is a beautiful backdrop for wedding photographs.
Congratulations photos after your ceremony
After your ceremony your excited guests will want to congratulate you and you can do that at your chosen ceremony site.
No need to hurry or rush this beautiful moment at your wedding. The advantage of having your wedding at Eight Willows Retreat is that you do not have to stress and rush for photos.
Your bridal party locations are close by, on the property, you don’t even need a car. This gives you more time to let your day flow and be present with your loved ones.
Wedding family group photos
Before your wedding day arrives, I would have helped you to organise a list of photos that you’d love to have. I also have a neat technique for halving the time that family photos take, It makes your experience far more enjoyable and guarantees no photos are ever missed.
Once the allocated time for congrats has finished I will start directing proceedings with your guests so you do not have to worry about anything
The best bridal party photo locations
What I love about photographing weddings at Eight Willows Retreat is the natural flow of the bridal shoot. Grab some drinks and nibbles and we are set for a really fun forty five minutes to an hour.
We chat during your planning stage about photography, directed versus natural and I get a feeling for what is going to work best for you. Not just concerning the photos themselves but importantly your experience on your wedding day.
If you read my reviews page you will get a sense of how enjoyable I make the photography experience for everyone. This isn’t by luck, planning and people skills allows me to build rapport fast and create an experience that is enjoyable. People look their best when they are photographed this way.
So, we literally take a walk around the lake, chat, laugh and get some epic wedding photos along the way. It’s that easy.
Reception weddings at Eight Willows Retreat
After your bridal party photos, it’s time to have a freshen up before you make your reception entrance. Your guests will be enjoying pre dinner drinks with lakeside views as the sun dips down.
Pre dinner drinks photos of your wedding guests.
This is when I can capture some beautiful natural photos of your friends and family. It’s a time when everyone has had time to relax and discuss your everything that loved about your ceremony. It’s also when I capture many natural photos of the joy and laughter.
Interior wedding styling photos
Once the staff have completed setting up, I can photograph the interior styling and decor. All those beautiful details that have taken you so much time and consideration are included in this. Your wedding will look and feel unique to you and what you dreamed your wedding night to look and feel like.
That’s why it’s important to gather as many photos that will remind you of the atmosphere of your wedding reception.
Photos of the wedding speeches
Another wonderful opportunity for me to photograph your loved ones in the moment, laughing, joking and enjoying your wedding night.
Conclusion
I photograph a lot of weddings at Eight Willows Retreat every year. I feel that the couples that book this venue gel well with my approach to weddings and photography. Typically they would be people that would love some amazing natural photos but not for a really long time. They prioritise their wedding day experience and being with their loved ones.
This venue is all about having a relaxed and fun day, everything is so close and convenient that it’s just so easy.