Megan + Dean – The Olive River Estate Swan Valley Wedding

09/02/2023

Rustic farmland, towering gums & an unbelievable sunset for Megan and Dean

For a mid-December wedding, you’re guaranteed a beautifully warm day, and the 16^th was no exception for bridal couple Megan and Dean who celebrated their nuptials at the stunning Olive River Estate in Caversham.

The newlyweds opted for a wedding photography package without all the fuss of preparations, so on the day I headed straight to the gorgeous outdoor location of the estate where Megan and Dean’s vows would take place. As a rural farm venue, there’s so much beauty right by the banks of the Swan River at Olive River Estate with the bridal party and guests surrounded by luscious green lawn and towering old Gum Trees.

Getting to know the couple, I learned that Megan and Dean met at work – at a car dealership – and Dean always knew when his future bride was in the office because of her sweet perfume. I love the back stories of how my couples meet, there are some super adorable meetings and get-togethers, that’s for sure!

Once I got to the venue the chairs, arch and white carpet were placed and ready, and a beautiful wedding sign welcomed guests as they made their way down to where the ceremony would be held. When Megan arrived, I made sure we got photos before the traditional walk-down-the-aisle, to take it all in and make sure she was ready.

The bride looked like a queen in her beautiful lace-style princess A-line gown, with contrasting red toned flowers in her bouquet. Dean stood at the archway, nervous but looking incredibly dapper, and Megan soon made her way down the aisle towards her groom.

With heartfelt vows recited, the signing of official documents and first kiss as husband and wife, Megan and Dean happily walked back up the aisle, hand-in-hand, much to the delight of a cheering and applauding crowd. It was all about the smiles, the laughter and the pure love shown between the newlyweds, celebrating happily in hugs of congratulations after the ceremony with loved ones.

Our bridal shoot took place on the grounds of Olive River Estate, so there was no need to drive anywhere or be somewhere on time. We could simply relax and take in the moments as Megan and Dean started their lives together in marital bliss. We found a beautiful gum tree to stand under as we begun the shoot, and then moved along for more variety with the estate’s abundant landscape, taking snaps as we walked to get a nice flow of images.

Megan and Dean had opted for an outdoor tent-style reception – the rustic package – at Olive River Estate, which included timber flooring, farmhouse furniture and festoon fairy lights to blow everyone away. Guests mingled outside for cocktails while the bridal couple freshened up and prepared for an evening of indulgence, and it was a great opportunity for me to go around ‘the room’, so to speak, and take photos of everyone attending.

But while the sun set impeccably over the landscape, I took Megan and Dean for a final shoot into the glorious fields, because let’s face it – the sun making its way down the horizon over farmland is irresistible. The framing, the lighting, the backdrop – it all came together perfectly for a stunning collection of wedding pictures.

And with the party starting shortly thereafter, it was time for everyone to boogie the night away and celebrate the coming together of Megan and Dean.

Thank you to both, Megan and Dean, for honouring me with being your wedding photographer of choice. I wish you both endless happiness and joy in your lives together.