This wedding is special for 2 reasons: (1) it’s Jess and Will’s big day and (2) it gave us a chance to visit Ella’s old stomping ground (more on that later). The lovely couple had their ceremony on the grounds of their reception venue, Squid’s Ink (Belmont, NSW) and we had the pictorials at Catherine Hill Bay and also Caves Beach. Timing was tight, cos of the short daylight with winter. But Jess and Will planned it to perfection. By the time we arrived at the last location, the light was just P-E-R-F-E-C-T! I squealed like a girl when Jess got out of the car! Gave her a “it’s perfect” sign and we even took our time to get set up cos we wanted to soak in the awesome-ness of the moment. Yes, after so many weddings, I still get excited by little things as simple as “the perfect sunset”.
Bit of background, Ella was born in Sydney (Paddington, actually… that would explain why she loves to shop), but spent some years growing up in Gunnedah and Swansea. When I mentioned that Jess and Will were getting married in Belmont and wanted some shots at the local beach, Ella jumped up and said, “Cave’s Beach?!” Who would have known…
In the days leading to the wedding, it had been raining on and off for abit. Will was slightly concerned….quite rightly so. I did my best to assure him that rain was not necessarily a bad thing, even if it rained till an hour before the ceremony. Cos with rain brings vibrant blue skies with patchy white clouds! I probably didn’t do a good enough job to assure him, but wow, did my our wish come true! It was a perfect Winter’s day! I do have a tip for all other brides-to-be: worry about rain no more, just get married in the catchment area. No joke. Ok, that wasn’t funny.
I must also point out that the Best Man ~ Mark, played it cool when he was asked for the rings during the ceremony and feigned ignorance, even huddling together (without showing the slightest signs of panic) with the other groomsmen, Dom and Ryan to ‘discuss’ and pad each other’s pockets down for the elusive rings! Nice work, guys! Never seen that one before. The bridesmaids ~ Heather, Nicky and Renae also did a fabulous job in looking after Jess! It’s nice to see bridesmaids in action for a change, always on hand to provide whatever Jess needed. Thank you ladies for braving the cold and that shaky broadwalk down the erm, rickety jetty and also protecting Jess from the Bluebottle…. sorry Jess, I am a city boy… I have never seen one before.
For those that have been patiently waiting for the pictures, ok, I know it’s been 24hours…. I was telling Jess that I might send her daily teasers while they’re on honeymoon in Fiji! Alas, I couldn’t do that to them… but the thought did cross my mind!
Here are some highlights from the day! [For those on iPads, click here for the slideshow]
I absolutely love these photos and can’t wait to see more!! You have superbly captured the joy of Jess and Will on the day. Amazing photography. Vanessa
Your wedding was so beautiful, I too had tears in my eyes, I will be able to play it back and back
Wonderful photos Dex! I loved the Cave’s Beach photos, so relaxed and fun! and what lovely light at sunset! i loved the colours!! Looked like a beautiful day! Great job!
Absolutely beautiful photo’s, a wonderful memory of your special day for us all.
Stunning!! You are the best – Love your description of the day
Wow, guys that looked like one fantastic wedding, venue and day. You guys were truly blessed.
I am soo sorry I couldnt be there for you, but we will make up for it on October when we see you in PE.
Roger and Es