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A Traditional ‘Tying the Knot’ for Katie and Sean
Probably the best joke in the world, and it got a beautiful couple happily married on 28 January 2023.
Let me briefly explain, shall I?
During the height of the pandemic in 2020 (around May), Katie’s friend set up a tinder account for her as a joke, mainly to get a good laugh out of what ‘options’ were available for Katie. But incidentally, her perfect match suddenly appeared, and she swiped right.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Katie was temporarily located in Geraldton for two years before meeting Sean; she’s a brilliant doctor with a Ukrainian background, while he’s a high-demand car mechanic with an Irish background. What a match, right?!
Before long, the couple met and voila – engagement a year later!
Their wedding day hit the best day for wedding photography in January; we were all thrilled with the opportunity of no clouds and fantastic weather. Katie got herself prepared with the help of her bridesmaids and her Boston Terrier doggo Babette before we took some portrait shots and then headed out to the Fremantle Art Gallery for more outdoorsy and fun pictures.
Sean, on the other hand, with his Irish background, decked himself and his groomsmen out in formal kilt suits complete with a Sporran each.
I headed off ahead of the bridal party to Bicton Quarantine Park where the ceremony was to be held. A white carpet down the make-shift aisle really stood out from the lush lawn beneath, and guests were greeted with a personalised sign welcoming them to the nuptials.
There was much anticipation as Sean waited at the top of the aisle for his bride to walk down. And while the bridesmaids came down first, he nervously stood, unable to contain his joy when he finally set his sights on her.
The two looked absolutely regal together, standing hands cupped together with the world stopping just for them. The sun shone bright as they recited their vows, but sun umbrellas were shared amongst guests, which made for fabulous imagery when taking long shots of the ceremony.
Even Babette made herself comfortable in the front row!
As a wedding photographer I’ve been witness to an accolade of custom rituals – from Chinese Tea ceremonies to Zambian knife dances. Katie and Sean’s nuptials included an Irish Handfasting tradition, where the bride and groom’s hands are tied together, reciting words that express their commitment to one another.
It’s where the term ‘tying the knot’ originally comes from, an ancient Celtic tradition dating as far beyond as 7000 BC where the couple would clasp hands and a braided chord or ribbon was wrapped and tied around their hands.
With Babette the ringbearer, Katie and Sean happily did their Handfasting ceremony, followed by their first kiss and signing of the legal documents before making their way, hand in hand, back up the aisle. Guests applauded even louder with the newlyweds’ impromptu kiss on the white carpet before making their way for congratulatory hugs and family portraits.
We drove into Fremantle for the bridal shoot, and ensured pictures were taken with Sean’s brown Toyota, a very much loved restoration project he had been tirelessly working on, and used for their wedding day. It was the perfect background against Fremantle buildings, and we took the advantage of taking those photos first, before finding ourselves a whole collection of incredible backdrops in and around the port city.
Katie and Sean’s reception was held at Bathers Beach House in Fremantle, and with the beautiful views of the beach behind them, we made sure to get them outside again for a quick photoshoot amongst the boardwalk and on the sand – but not before an amazing announcement to all their guests that they’d be expecting their first baby in June! What a way to announce a new addition!
Thank you, Katie and Sean, for choosing me as your wedding photographer and for letting me capture all those special moments throughout your day. Wishing you all the happiness in the world, and all the best in anticipation of your new bundle of joy!
Vendors:
Celebrant: @juliemyerscelebrant
Wedding Dress: @moonstruckbride
Groom Suit: @the.house.of.tartan.perth
Hair and MUA : @amandagallowaymakeup
Florist: @bell_floral_design
Venue: @bathersbeachhouse
