Brittany + Duncan – RAC Margaret River Nature Park Wedding

12/05/2022

It was a rustic and elegant wedding for Brittany and Duncan, who tied the knot on 2 April 2022 in the Southwest of WA – the perfect location for a couple who love the natural surroundings of peace and tranquillity.

Nestled amongst the tall timbers of Wooditjup National Park close to Margaret River township, Brittany and Duncan prepared for and celebrated their nuptials at the beautiful and most unique RAC Margaret River Nature Park. In separate cabins, the bride and groom got themselves ready with close friends and family by their side – seamless for the photography work with both cabins so close to one another!

With the gorgeous weather, we opted for the majority of photos to be taken of Duncan and his groomsmen outside on the verandah, which flowed beautifully into family portraits and a whiskey toast to the groom.

Brittany, along with her bridesmaids and family, took to getting ready inside their cabin for hair and makeup before the bride got into her stunning mermaid style gown. With all those final touches captured on film – pinning of the veil, strapping the shoes on, and buttoning her father’s boutonniere onto his jacket – it was time to get those all-important portraits, both individual and with loved ones, taking advantage of the soft light coming in through the glass doors and hitting Brittany oh-so-softly.

RAC Margaret River Nature Park provides an incredible option for wedding ceremonies, and Brittany and Duncan chose to say their “I Do’s” outside in the venue’s amphitheatre, surrounded by forest for an intimate and private event. The décor was minimalist and worked spectacularly with the rustic theme, but the flower arrangements on the side arches featured bright purples, pinks and some reds to break up the natural flora of the backdrop, indicating the spot where the bride and groom would stand.

As guests began to arrive, it was effortless for me to make my way around the area and take photos of everyone. I love outdoor venues when it comes to snapping away, because as a photographer I have the freedom to move around without interrupting conversations and the ceremony itself.

Before we knew it, while Duncan waited with his groomsmen and the celebrant, Brittany made her appearance with her father walking her down the aisle, bridesmaids leading the way. There were a few tears in the crowd, but they were all full of happiness as the bride and groom turned towards one another to recite their vows and make their commitment of ever-lasting love.

Following all the celebratory hugs and family portraits after the newlyweds were announced as husband and wife, it was time to head out a bit further down the path and take bridal photos at the Nature Park, where we started with shots on the secluded gravel road underneath the incredible giants of the forest, the Marri and Jarrah trees. Soon, it was time to hop in the cars and make our way to some open fields where the expanse grassland showed off the horizon perfectly, Brittany and Duncan’s bridal colours syncing in the most ideal way possible. With the world as their oyster, the open space of the fields showcased the best metaphor for their relationship, and shooting here was a whole lot of fun.

We also took some photos at the vineyard nearby before making our way to the Rockpools for sunset pictures – these were just for Brittany and Duncan, who enjoyed the privacy of the beach.

The bridal couple’s reception was held back at RAC Margaret River Nature Park’s Wharncliffe Mill, an old saw mill that was built back in 1967. Today, it’s a beautiful undercover function space for wedding guests, and Brittany and Duncan turned it into a glorious celebration venue with string lights as garlands and rustic décor all around.

After the newlyweds arrived and made their presence known to a crowd of happy cheers and applause, there was enough time for me to go around and take shots of all the guests before speeches started. Full of heartfelt emotion and raw detail, there were laughs, there were tears, there was love all around until finally Brittany and Duncan headed to the cake for an official cutting and then hit the dance floor.

Congratulations to you both on your wedding, and thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your day, to capture the moments that will be with you forever. I wish you nothing but a happy and joyous marriage, where love will always reign.