An elegant wedding for Rebecca and Matt
Late spring in Perth, and the world really put it on for Rebecca and Matt, who said their vows on November 20, 2020. What a stunning day for the nature-loving couple, having chosen The Flour Factory in Perth for their nuptials and reception, and glorious outdoor bridal photos in the heart of the city – and I was lucky to be their official wedding photographer.
Their wedding day, which was originally scheduled for May but changed due to COVID-19, was full of perfection with lush florals and modern styles as Rebecca got herself and her bridesmaids ready in the morning at her sister’s house. Full of laughter, smiles and even some champagne, Rebecca’s family and friends took their time to see that their hair and make-up was done perfectly, and then helped the bride into her stunning gown. An elegant dress full of simplicity and class, Rebecca looked like a royal as she stepped out onto the top of the staircase and into the eyes of her bridal party.
This house in particular was full of large windows and bi-fold glass doors, so there was ample opportunity to have Rebecca featured in natural lighting whilst indoors. Some simple adjustments with increasing my camera’s exposure made for making the most of window light, and we embraced any and all shadowing that came along with Rebecca’s beautiful portraits. The result was a soft glow in this series of pictures, providing a dramatic and moody look that I absolutely love as a wedding photographer.
My associate photographer was at the groom’s father’s house, where Matt and his best mates were preparing for the day ahead. Taking images of the men at the finishing stages of getting ready shows more excitement and playfulness, even when nerves are at play, and I especially like the interaction, camaraderie and emotion at this time. There was plenty of all that here, with Matt and the groomsmen helping each other with ties, cufflinks and corsages before making their way outdoors for some more relaxed group shots.
The Flour Factory is part of an eclectic bar that sits across three floors of a historic 100-year-old flour mill in Perth. The unique venue is hidden quietly away on Queen Street – the perfect place for modern brides and grooms to celebrate their wedding. One look at the rustically modern venue and no doubt you’d agree it’s the place to be to say ‘I do’ – polished floorboards, exposed wooden beams, and ethereal windows, the nuptials room allowed for guests to enjoy a drink or two at the bar before making themselves comfortable in preparation of the ceremony. The Flour Factory in Perth indeed has everything for everyone.
Not long after, it was time for Rebecca to walk to her groom as he waited for her at the archway. Before he knew it, his elegant bride was by his side, both of them beaming from ear from ear, and ready to declare their vows in front of all their family and friends. After sentimental speeches from both Rebecca’s mother and Matt’s mother, the emotional day just got lovelier and lovelier with nuptials – and it didn’t stop there.
Intertwining Greek and Chinese culture put a unique spin on this wedding, and it was fascinating to witness and capture through the lens.
Matt’s Greek heritage meant the ceremony also consisted of marital crowns, or stefana – two beautiful headpieces joined together by a strand of ribbon and symbolising the union of two people. Both crowns are swapped back and forth three times to represent their journey through life together.
After the signing of the documents and the official announcement that Rebecca and Matt were husband and wife, it was onto a traditional tea ceremony where the couple served tea to their parents. As an expression of gratitude from the couple, and a symbol of acceptance by the parents, the tradition is also a sign of respect to the elders.
Before we left the venue for bridal photos, I wanted to take advantage of some amazing angles I’d been eyeing off inside the ceremony room, so Rebecca and Matt happily obliged and we started the session with romantic interior portraits. The day certainly called for photographs to be taken outside, and the bridal party headed off to Wolf Lane in Perth city, just off Murray and King streets. This area is known for its great backdrops in brick building walls, and is definitely one of Perth’s best kept secrets. There are plenty of cosmopolitan styles for wedding photography around this area of the city, and the bridal party clearly had a fantastic afternoon before the couple participated in an intimate photograph session on their own at Harold Boas Gardens.
Back at The Flour Factory, the nuptial room had been magically transformed into a reception hall, and the rustic feel of the event just soared through the roof. Beautifully laid out in all its glory, the candles were lit, the cake was on show, and the drinks were flowing as Rebecca and her new husband waltzed into the crowd, enthralled with each other and lapping up the celebratory cheers.
The evening rolled on with speeches, a good meal, cake cutting and the bridal dance – you could certainly feel love in the air. Matt surprised Rebecca with a cookie he had baked, a nostalgic symbol of how he had proposed to her – with a ring in a cookie. And before long it was time for everyone to hit the disco lights and boogey the night away.
A sincere thank you to the newlyweds for allowing me to be a part of their special day, and for sharing their cultural partnership with family and friends. A beautiful day for a beautiful couple, whom I wish a lifetime of love, joy and happiness.
Vendors & Suppliers
MUA: RP Artistry
Hair: Marchesi Coiffeur
Florist: Flower and Barrel
DJ: Envy Event Group
Venue: The Flour Factory
Wedding Hire: Heart Strings
Wedding Planner: Amy Molloy