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Grandeur country wedding for Katie and Tom
Wedding days are not only festivities to celebrate the love between two people, but they’re also a day to let loose and have a bit of fun. Katie and Tom’s rustic-style wedding on 29 May 2021 was filled with grandeur, tradition and lots of celebration with close family and friends at the breathtaking Buckland Estate in the Avon Valley.
Rain was forecast for the day, but I’ve learned through my time as a wedding photographer that it can never really dampen a wedding; all it takes is a bit of extra preparation – making sure there are umbrellas and some protective gear for my camera equipment, as well as having a couple back up plans for locations in case showers turn to a torrential downpour.
I headed off to the Daisy Cottage at Buckland where Tom and his groomsmen were getting ready for the day ahead. Out of the two on-site buildings a bride and groom can prepare, Tom had secured the smaller Daisy Cottage, a fully self-contained cottage with gloriously large living space – perfect for indoor photos – and a huge verandah overlooking the estate’s rolling hills and farm paddock.
I arrived to find the groom’s party quite relaxed, chilling with some beers outside and just taking in the moments before the nerves really set in. But then the real preparations began, with Tom and the boys dressing into their suits and making all those final adjustments to cufflinks, ties and boutonnieres.
The dark lighting inside excited me in the lead up to Tom’s portrait photos, so after group shots on the verandah, I encouraged him back inside for final solo pictures near the door’s window.
Before too long, it was time for him and his groomsmen to head out so, in the meantime, I met with Katie and the bridesmaids, who were all getting ready at the estate’s Homestead, the main building. Final touches of hair and make-up were checked and Katie’s dad was ready in his traditional suit – proud as punch, everyone could see it as clear as day!
No one had seen Katie’s dress, so she surprised everyone when she put it on – with some help, of course! Her flowy gown suited her perfectly, and she had chosen a stunning soft pale pink palette for the bridesmaids and all their bouquets. With the abundant light shining through the clouds, it worked flawlessly together.
Following family and group photos – with a bit of champagne thrown in – it was time for bridal portraits inside the Homestead. And just like with Tom, the darker lighting made her appear to look like royalty in a painting. But soon it was time for the First Look, a trend that has only recently come on board with brides and grooms, where the couple can have a quiet, intimate 15 minutes or so before they see each other at the top of the aisle for their nuptials. It takes the pressure off, and they can exchange gifts if they want and give each other a final hug before going off with their bridal groups.
The Final Look for Katie and Tom actually ended up involving the family and bridesmaids in the end, so we took photos of everyone at the Homestead, away from the guests and away from the dark clouds that looked to be making their way over our way.
The ceremony was to be held at the front of the Homestead, nice and close, but the heavens opened up and the rain began to pour. Most guests gathered under the nearby verandah of the ‘open chapel’ and the location was quickly moved to there. It was still a beautiful spot though, and everyone remained dry, happy and ready to celebrate an everlasting love.
Just like that though, the rain stopped as soon as Katie and Tom’s ceremony finished, so after quick group photos, we headed off for bridal pictures to take advantage of the break-in the weather. With the sun and even a rainbow, to greet us it was time for the champagne to be popped (again!) and go for a walk around the estate.
Buckland Estate is full of magical locations for photos, and Katie and Tom’s bridal pictures didn’t fall short here by any means. Despite the dirt and mud, Katie actually came prepared with gumboots making it all that much easier to get around.
What makes Buckland Estate so perfect for a wedding is that everything can be done at one venue – from early morning preparations and First Looks, to the ceremony, bridal photos and reception. No need to book in a long day of car hire or worry about driving time to get from one location to another; the stress level diminishes with a spot like this – and it’s no wonder, with the way the reception is decorated to perfection.
Held at the Wedding Barn, the rustic theme continued and with guests already mingling, it was easy to walk around and take photos of everyone waiting for the bridal party. Once Katie and Tom made their resounding entrance, speeches soon began with plenty of laughs and smiles everywhere.
Before too long, the dance floor opened up and everyone kicked up their heels, swayed their hips, and sang along to songs everyone knew – what a party it was.
To Katie and Tom, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your special day. They say if it rains at a wedding, it means good luck, but the both of you don’t need luck for a long lasting marriage – I can see how perfect you are for each other. I wish you both all the happiness and joy for a beautiful future together, and hope you celebrate your lives in partnership every single day.
Vendors:
Venue: @bucklandestate
Hair: @lelaandco_
MUA: @_gmua
Dress: @littlebirdbridalstudio
Florist: @flowers.by.hart
Wedding Planner: @confettiandcoevents
Celebrant: @WoonyahKoort
Groom Suit: @tonybarlowfinetailoring
Catering: @flavourtowncatering
DJ & Photo Booth: @goldbassdj
Wedding Hire: @theeventmill
Drinks: @alfiethefarmbaa
