Winery Wedding Photography | Sandalford Wines Swan Valley

Chic, metropolitan wedding day for Mel and Eric

What a way to start the new year, with a modern-style classy wedding on 2 January 2021 for high school sweethearts Mel and Eric!

It was The Crown in Perth, at the venue’s bridal suite, that was the location of preparations for the bride, which provided more than enough space for Mel and her five bridesmaids to get ready. When I had arrived, Mel was almost finished with hair and make-up, so before long it was time for the ladies to have some fun, quirky, bathrobe group shots together just in time for Mel to put her gown on.

The extra-long train was spectacular to see, and Mel provided some loving moments with her parents as she put on the finishing touches to their outfits for the day. With some teary eyes and a smile on their faces, we gathered by the window for special family portraits and other moments important to the bride, including help with putting on her veil and handing out gifts for all the bridesmaids.

My associate photographer was at Landsdalewhere the couple lived and got there in time for him to give all his groomsmen some well-deserved thank you presents. As the laughs began whilst they all got dressed, it was fantastic to capture such banter amongst friends – although the couple’s cat Benji didn’t quite agree to getting a tuxedo collar put on him!

Once all the fun was done at the house, including saying goodbye to Eric’s beloved car, it excitement continued in the limousine on the way to the church in Leederville where it was time to spread the message of love between the happy couple.

St Michael the Archangel Chapel is an impressively striking church set in the heart of West Leederville and sits atop a beautiful grassy bank with views up a central driveway. Guests were greeted with a string trio orchestra at the helm of the church, and everyone was eager to see the bride come walk down the aisle.

Finally it was Mel’s time to shine in front of beloved family and friends as she arrived in style. With the bridesmaids all taking the lead, Mel’s father took her by the arm and the pair made their way together down the church aisle to be greeted by the priest and of course, her husband-to-be.

Once the ceremony got underway, I took advantage of the chapel’s full architectural beauty. From psalms and readings to the vows and document signing, the backdrop with its gorgeous angles and natural light coming through the large windows really gave a lot to tell in the story of this wedding.

Outside the chapel Mel and Eric greeted and thanked their guests for coming along to witness their vows, but before we left for the bridal shoot, I encouraged the couple back inside to take pictures in front of the glass stained windows where I knew the impact would be magnificent.

Before long it was time to head to the University of Western Australia with the bridal party, and once everyone got themselves sorted (and we got some funny outtakes of the bride’s veil flying in the face of her new husband), the champagne was popped to get the party started – and to get everyone a bit more relaxed in front of the lens.

In Perth, UWA is quite popular amongst newlyweds because of its grand colonnades, soaring archways and luscious gardens. Mel and Eric looked absolutely grand at this location – it was the most fitting for their personalities, especially because the two of them are teachers!

I love taking photos at UWA. It really is full of history and intellect, and there are an incredible amount of places to take interesting pictures of a bride and groom – even the family tagged along and we got more family portraits.

Mel and Eric’s reception was held at one of Western Australia’s oldest, largest and most distinguished wineries in the Swan Valley – Sandalford Wines. Tying in seamlessly with their theme of historic venues, the couple made their way to the venue’s Oak Room where guests could take in the incredible interior filled with wine barrels, free standing candelabras and a wrought-iron chandelier.

Once the couple got to see the inside and inspect it all, we took a sneaky ‘bridal waltz’ photo before heading out to the vineyard where the day, it seemed, was carved out just for them. It was full throttle romanticism as the sun began to set, and we managed some gorgeous private photos before the champagne was popped yet again by the whole bridal party and it was on to their pictures – and boy did everyone have fun!

By the time the bridal shoot was finished, all the guests had arrived at the Oak Room and were seated, eagerly awaiting for the arrival of Mel and Eric. They certainly didn’t disappoint with the high energy entries by everyone involved in the bridal party, quite evident I think in all the images!

The backdrop for all the speeches was second-to-none, and the venue has become a favourite because of this – even the cake stood atop a wine barrel! I got the opportunity to stay for the real partying when everyone hit the dance floor after the proper bridal waltz, and what a fun night it was.

To Mel and Eric, it was an absolute pleasure being your wedding photographer for your special day. May all your marriage dreams and wishes come true in your lives together, and I hope you cherish every moment in one another’s arms. Thank you for entrusting me with your photography.