Lucy and Rob

This wedding was special for many reasons. Not least of which, Lucy and her family are dear friends of ours. In fact they’re more like family, than friends. When Lucy asked if I’d photograph her and Rob’s special day, she prefaced her request with, ‘It’s okay if you’d rather not, as you know how completely crazy we all are’. Indeed I do, Miss Lucy, but you’re all my kind of mental – not to mention kind, generous, thoughtful, funny, authentic, and low maintenance! Mission accepted.

Five bridesmaids and groomsmen, 17’ish flowergirls and pageboys, eleventy family members and friends later, it defied imagination about how incredible the day would be. The Old Redruth Methodist Church Burra (South Australia)  made for the perfect relaxed space for the bridal party to get ready in. The space was filled with happy chatter, excited kids, and emotional gasps at first glimpses of the dressed bride, and bouquet deliveries. (Speaking of, Marina Aucote is a flower magician.)

The dramatic St Aloysius church at Sevenhill made for an imposing backdrop on an unseasonably miserable summer sky. Yup, this is the church smack–bang in the Clare Valley where Jesuit priests have been making their famous holy wine, since Cocky was an egg.

I’ve been to a LOT of weddings, but safe to say this was the most beautifully poignant one. Ever. While demure, sweet happy tears were sighted throughout the ceremony, it was Caitlin Drew’s soul-wrenching live acoustic rendition of Hallelujah that had everyone weeping in their pews. Nay; actual sobbing. Me included – I had to make a quick dash back to my hanky and regroup so I could ensure the camera was in focus! Remember me when you're famous, Caitlin. Any minute now. Seriously…!

Formal nuptials exchanged and congratulations conveyed, we headed out to one magical place for the bridal party photos. I was secretly thrilled that they were up for the adventure back out to their station, despite the conditions. The weather had closed in, with visibility down to less than 50m due to fog and misty rain. It was about 15degrees, but with the fog (and wind!), it felt like about 10. You couldn’t Photoshop that kind of dramatic backdrop in if you tried!

This bridal party were just the very best that you could hope for. Super relaxed, low maintenance and very funny, it made for an amazing session to capture the essence of Lucy and Rob, and how special their friends and family are in their lives.

The reception was a hoot, and I couldn’t believe how beautiful the Burra Sporting Complex came up with the styling! The cake was made by the Very Clever Kelly Bavistock (one of Lucy’s sisters). I’ve seen Kel come up with some pretty amazing cakes, but this was the best yet. Catering was by local celebrity chefs Kareena Opperman and Michelle Haimes, and the food surpassed our usual expected high standards of them. Some serious grooving took place under the guidance of local expert DJ Tony Clarke. Not only can that guy spin, but man…can he move?! The love this guy has for what he does, is unquestionable.

Congratulations Lucy and Rob, and to baby Brady – unarguably the cutest pageboy in the history of cutest pageboys! Yes, you were the most mental bridal party. Ever. But this is one of the many reasons you are so adored. Thanks for giving this photographer the most amazing experience of shooting her first wedding, and for allowing us to witness such precious love.

Heidi x

Shameless and unsolicited plugs for our amazing local talent:

• Old Redruth Methodist Church http://www.burraaccommodation.com.au
• Marina Aucote Flowers https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marina-Aucote-Flowers
• Saint Aloysius Church (Sevenhill)  https://www.sevenhill.com.au
• Kareena Opperman and Michelle Haimes: event catering extraordinaires! Website coming soon...
• Caitlin Drew (Acoustic amazeballs, in my qualified opinion!)  https://www.triplejunearthed.com/artist/caitlin-drew