HELPFUL RESOURCES
Rain didn’t stop outdoor reception for Alisha and Luke
With spring in full swing, Alisha and Luke’s gorgeous outdoor wedding at Naked Apple Cider House in Pickering Brook in the Perth hills made everyone’s heart go pitter patter with joy. The newlyweds tied the knot on 27 September 2020 despite the day being quite overcast, but as a photographer, it worked to our advantage for beautiful shots.
Both Alisha and Luke got ready at the Hidden Valley Eco Lodges and Day Spa in Pickering Brook, a luxury adults-only retreat just 30 minutes north of Perth. Surrounded by Jarrah forest, it was the most green location that could truly provide a sense of calm for everyone involved in the bridal party. And with the couple being anime and manga enthusiasts, they even brought along their pet mice for photo opportunities! That was certainly a first for me!
Once both were readily dressed and proper, Alisha and Luke were more than obliging for stunning outdoor pre-wedding pictures in the surrounding greenery. The couple opted for the ‘first look’ trend, and it was genuinely one of the sweetest I’d ever witnessed with Alisha’s cheeky smile as she quietly walked up behind Luke to surprise him. We continued with pre-wedding photos, together with the bridal party and then more intimate bridal shots with just the bride and groom. Alisha’s laugh and happiness was incredibly infectious, and it was fun photographing the two of them – even when a herd of llamas came close to the gate, there was no way we could pass up that opportunity!
The ceremony was held in the beautiful gardens of the Naked Apple Cider House, the décor completely blending and flowing with nature’s backyard scapes. Rustic with Australian native flora symbolised almost everywhere, there were even succulent bowls on the tables for the guests to take home. As guests began to arrive, there was a lot of excitement and joy before Alisha began to walk down the aisle – there was a lot of emotion amongst their faces, and what made it even more special was that the newlyweds both changed their surnames to Maru, meaning ‘dark’, an indigenous word to honour Alisha’s indigenous heritage.
Following the ceremony, one of the locations we desperately wanted to capture with Alisha and Luke was an archway of wisterias as well as an old abandoned truck in the middle of the forest. Together with the bridal party, the lens snapped away as everyone finally relaxed, and then we headed off for more photos with just the bride and groom on a single dirt road and a secret lookout.
Unfortunately as soon as we started to make our way to the reception, the skies opened up for rainclouds and everyone made a mad dash to take all the stunning outdoor furniture and settings to the indoors. It didn’t stop the happy couple from celebrating though – rain or shine, their love for one another I feel was truly captured amongst their friends and family.
But it didn’t stop there. I made sure to get photos of Alisha and Luke’s first dance together as husband and wife – and wow, did they stun the crowd with their impressive routine of the Waltz! Some more dancing then continued before a good meal, speeches and cutting of the bridal cake.
Alisha and Luke, I wish you both happiness and good fortune as husband and wife in your new lives together, as you are so deserving of one another with your infectious personalities.
Vendors & Suppliers
- Celebrant: Ashley Truscott
- Wedding Dress: Helen @ Beautiful Day Wedding Boutique
- Groom Suit: M.J.Bale
- Make-up Artist(s): Melanie and Lesley @ Lush Hair and Makeup
- Florist: Flower Nation
- Wedding Hire: Black Label Events
- Venue: Naked Apple Cider House
- Jeweller: Rings by Nordhoff Jewellery Couture
