Buckland Estate Avon Valley Wedding Photography

Rustic heritage charm in Avon Valley

What made Gaby and Jarrad’s gorgeous wedding day so incredibly special? Besides the bride and groom, of course, it was the stunning personal touches and elements of closeness that really enchanted the bridal party and guests on October 24, 2020.

With the entire day held at Buckland Estate, the couple went through their preparations at the same venue – which made it quite easy for me to ensure giving each of them my undivided, individual attention.

Buckland Estate is absolutely beautiful. A grand Victorian Georgian manor established in 1836 and completed in 1872, it’s now a private estate and located 100km east of Perth in the Avon Valley. With so much history and charm, Gaby and Jarrad’s wedding was sure to have an eclectic element of grandeur added to it, and with two separate cottages to get ready in, those preparations could give both the bride and the groom their privacy without revealing themselves to one another.

Personally, I love travelling to the Avon Valley east of Perth. It’s surrounded by so many historic towns like Northam and York, and the area just speaks to my camera and lens with all the photographic opportunities.

My first stop was with the groom and his groomsmen, who were nervous with excitement as they got themselves organised for the day ahead. Their suits had a country-feel to them, with soft palette colours that matched the décor of their cottage and my eyes automatically started to find amazing angles and lighting that I could take advantage of for portrait pictures.

I made my way to Gaby’s cottage where there was plenty of laughter and smiles the minute I walked through the door. Champagne in hand, bride Gaby and her pyjama-matching bridesmaids looked like they were thoroughly enjoying the morning getting themselves ready for a day of nuptials and celebrations. But it was soon time to put the gown on, and Gaby looked a complete angel as she walked down the grand staircase. I revelled in the interior colour scheme of the building, and love how the backdrop provided a majestic feeling in Gaby’s portraits – almost like she was a painting.

What was adorable was that Gaby’s cousin was unable to attend and be a bridesmaid due to WA border closures, so the family created a cardboard cut-out and surprised her with it – the result was Gaby being able to ‘include’ her in the photos at least!

Gaby and Jarrad’s ceremony excited me – a simple and elegant observance by the lake, followed by an outdoor reception. But what really set their special day apart was the offer of ‘glamping’ at the venue! Luxurious tents had been set up for guests to spend the night, and they looked so incredibly comfortable and luxurious.

As family and friends began to arrive, I could see Jarrad’s nerves start to pick up a little, but with the sun beaming down on everyone, it was soon time for Gaby and her bridal party to walk down from the estate building and make their grand entrance through the farm gate and across the field. Even the cardboard cut-out made its way to the ceremony!

It was an intimate affair, and you just couldn’t wipe the smiles off the happy couple’s faces as they said their vows.

Following hugs and congratulations from family and friends, bridal photos were taken at the property with rustic farm and barnyard settings. Gaby’s floral arrangement completely suited the theme, with her natives in the bouquet, and we all brought along delicious champagne to pop for the camera.

Spotting some hay bales, we made a beeline for them as the laughs just kept coming. These types of locations are a wedding photographer’s dream, with all the opportunities for amazing backdrops – and with no clouds in the sky, sure I had to think about shadows, but Buckland Estate worked in my favour with all its props like trucks, gates, barns and the haybales.

But once the sun began to set and we had little time left before heading to the reception, Buckland Estate’s owner took us in his ute to a ‘secret’ lookout for golden hour pictures. Needless to say, these equate to some of my favourite photos – everything just ended up perfect.

The reception back outside at the estate building was a very chilled and low-key cocktail style event. With a dance floor, wedding cake, twinkling lights and a party under the West Australian stars in the Avon Valley, it was time for a good night of dancing and eating after the speeches. Love was truly in the air as everyone gushed over the bride and groom, and then hit the dance floor.

For Gaby and Jarrad, I wish you both the best marriage has to offer and hope for all the happiness this world can give. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your special day and helping save your memories.