Vineyard Spectacular for Kelsey and Sam
It’s only fitting that a pair of elite age group triathletes say their nuptials and celebrate their special day in the great outdoors!
This loved-up couple tied the knot on 27 January 2023 after meeting at a triathlon some time ago when Sam finally braved up enough courage to DM Kelsey on social media – and I’m 100% sure he was stoked and relieved he did it! Because now, they’re living happily ever after everyone dreams of.
Sam got ready with his groomsmen and family at his parents’ home in Dunsborough, where everyone could simply chill out and take their time preparing. It gave me a really good opportunity to absorb all the natural light coming through the windows and take shots of the blokes candidly – even the family dog Bel got in on the action!
Interestingly enough, Sam’s choice of tuxedo colour, as well as his mum’s dress, matched perfectly with the décor of the home. We got some fabulous group photos together, inside and out, and then we headed over to where bride Kelsey was getting ready with her squad and the couple’s border collie Ralph (I swear this dog is smiling in all the photos…!)
With some celebratory wine, and hair and makeup done, Kelsey stepped into her gown and let her mum complete those finishing touches. We got some lovely portraits of the bride, including a bit of a fun one with a fishing rod seeing as Sam is very much into fishing and indicating she’s ‘reeled in a big one!’ for the rest of her life!
It was soon time for me to drive ahead of the bridal couple and make my way to Wills Domain Winery in Yallingup, which is about 255km south of Perth and right along the coast. Their chosen ceremony location overlooked the spectacular vineyard, and it was the perfect time to capture as much of the view as possible.
With the groomsmen – and Ralph – standing by Sam, awaiting his bride, the guests also sat in anticipation until the moment she appeared. Kelsey, linked arm in arm with her dad, made her way along the lush lawn towards her husband-to-be at the top of the aisle, all eyes on her and then all eyes on the both of them.
Their vows were beautiful and intimate, not a dry eye in the house (or in the vineyard) was to be seen. Sealed with a kiss, Kelsey and Sam walked hand-in-hand back up the aisle to the cheers of family and friends, before getting group pictures together – and Ralph taking over as star of the show again (seriously, this dog is a vibe)!
The newlyweds opted for photos around the winery, so we took advantage of every possible backdrop available to us, including their wedding ‘car’, a stunningly soft blue VW Kombi. It was quite fun to use it in the photos, again the colours just matched perfectly with the bridal party’s fabrics, and utilising it as a prop got everyone much more relaxed.
Wills Domain Winery had an abundance of locations to accommodate Kelsey and Sam for their bridal shoot, from the simple tarmac road and the open fields, to the vineyard itself and their private jetty at the lake. With sunset at the right time too (the golden hour for us photographers) it made the lighting absolutely perfect, and we got such a wide variety of backgrounds for beautifully romantic images. But with bridal shoots, there always has to be a time to end, and we had to make our way back to the main reception building for the party!
An unforgettable entrance, speeches and games, there were a lot of hysterical moments, and Kelsey and Sam’s reception had everyone partying the night away!
To the newlyweds, I wish you both a marriage and lifetime of joy, love and happiness, and I truly thank you for allowing me to be your wedding photographer. Good luck with the next chapter in your lives (in Karratha) and all the best for a wonderful, glorious life together – with Ralph too.
Vendors:
Venue: @willsdomain
Wedding Dress: @dionforbrides
Groom Suit: @politixmenswear
Make-up Artist: Kelly Allen
Limo: @kombibuscruz
DJ: @the_weddingdj
