Country Wedding Photographer – Here is Wedstock

If she could have described the day to me as it would be when we first talked about me shooting Sophie’s wedding I probably would have put the phone down and started riding my bike to Wagga Wagga then and there, but truthfully I don’t think even Sophie could have known how incredible her wedding would turn out to be. The décor and details, florals and scenery were breathtaking enough but add to that the glow of the day and the enthusiasm of the beautiful people who participated in this fabulous event and it was truly, truly my biggest wedding dream come true. I only wish we’d had another five hours of daylight to capture more and more and more and more…

The plan was a festival style event, and as such a tent village made up a portion of the grounds complete with on-site porta-facilities. There was even a ‘honeymoon’ tent/suite slightly further away from the main camp, just steps away from the reception area where our newlyweds would eventually collapse after their dancing feet could dance no more. The nature of this glamorous campsite certainly added to the community spirit of the day – that along with the countless guests who put hours and hours into helping prepare every detail for the celebration to come.  When Sophie took me with her to the local hairdresser she was stopped and congratulated by various townspeople who of course knew what was happening that day, and had no doubt known her since she was small. Upon returning from town Sophie’s Dad chauffeured me to a waiting neighbour who was ready to take me for a quick trip to get a great shot of the wedstock grounds. We landed just before an incredible thunderstorm would curse and rage before disappearing once again, allowing just enough time to dry everything off to get Sophie & Damian married at last. Then there were photos, and landscapes, and there was country goodness and love all around.

I lost count of the number of times I burst into tears – when Sophie’s Dad saw her for the first time – bawling; when Sophie walked down the aisle and waiting crowd greeted her with a very worthy applause – sobbing; throughout the ceremony; during the speeches – absolutely; the next day thanking Sophie’s beautiful Mum for having me – yup, choked up again.

Thank you Sophie & Damian! Thank you for allowing me to be your photographer! Thank you Sophie for showing me your big country sky – long after I’ve washed the red dirt from my feet I will be dreaming of that sky. Thank you to the many friends and family members who took the time to talk with me, to tell me about their world and ask me about mine; Thank you Beth & Tristan for taking such great care of me, thank you Margie for inviting me back again.

It probably sounds a bit over the top but I decided a while ago that if there’s a choice between truly loving the people who invite me into their world vs. just working for them I’d rather love them, so Sophie & Damian here is my love letter to you; here is wedstock through my eyes. I loved every minute.

#wedstock2016, #countrywedding